Owner: Michael W. Collins,...
Owner: Michael W. Collins, Jr.
Ride: '97 GMC Sonoma
Hometown: Danville, Virginia
Club Affiliation: Elite Innovations
When Mike's grandparents gave him a '97 Sonoma, he knew exactly what he wanted to do. Being a member of Elite Innovations, and having parents in the audio business, Mike wanted to build a badass GMC to take the East by storm. So, in mid 2005, he set out to do just that.
With the help of a small army, Mike and his family were able to build his truck at a small fortune, in a mere 14 months. The Collins' family happens to own a business called Mike's Performance Audio, which is where they took on the task of building the truck. They began modifying the body first, by installing aftermarket products throughout, including a cowl-inducted hood, aftermarket grilles, and a new bumper. Once a few more accessories and modifications made the list, it was time to move the project's focus to the interior.
Luckily, a list of sponsors came through and really got things bumping. Fiberglass work was done to the inside of the cab-and basically any stereo equipment that would fit was stuffed in tight. An arsenal of video equipment was added, and even more was expected to arrive at press time. Equipment such as Boson Acoustics, Nesa Vision, and Sony made their way into the cab of this truck.
Now that we were bumping and looking smooth, it was time to paint the truck. This was where Kenny's Body Shop came into the picture to lay out a smooth and cool paintjob. Last, but not least, were the air bags, which were added last and done at Mike's Performance Audio by Nathan Gustellum and Adam Keesee.
The plan had been to leave the best for last, I suppose, but Mike will tell you that it was backwards. Next time he's 'baggin' his truck first. Mike would like to add that none of this would have been possible without his family and the large support group he had building the truck, it has always been his dream to be in a mag with a minitruck.
THE LOWDOWN
Rolling Attire
Wheels (Front): 18x8.5 Alba Karma
Wheels (Rear): 20x8.5 Alba Karma
Tires (Front): 245/40R18 Nitto
Tires (Rear): 245/35R20 Nitto
Chassis Modifications
Suspension type: air bags
Front suspension: 2600 RE Slam Specialties, bolt on front cups
Rear suspension: 2800 RE Slam Specialties, with weld on brackets and KP bolt on four-link
Airbag/cylinder type and size: (Front) 2600 Slam Specialties, (Rear) 2800 Slam Specialties
Spindles/springs: Belltech drop spindles
Shocks: Gabriel's
Valves: Eight SMC 3/8-inch
Compressors: Two Thomas 337
Air line: 1/2-inch DOTAir/hydro
accessories: One 5-gallon tank and one 3-gallon tank, both chromed
Frame mods: Bolt-on 2-1/4-inch notch
Performed by: Mike's Performance Audio
City/state: Danville, Virginia
Body Modifications
Shaved: Taillights, antenna, and tailgate handle
Front end: '01 Chevy Envoy
Back end: Fiberglass roll pan
Taillights: Cadillac taillights
Exterior bolt-ons: Cowl inducted hood, billet front grilles, Gaylord bedcover.
Misc.: Relocated tailgate handle
Performed by: Mike's Performance Audio and Kenny's Body Shop
City/state: Danville, Virginia
Paint
Brand and colors: Candy Brandywine
Style: Flames
Airbrushing: House of Kolor's Orion Silver Candy, by Jimmy Presley
Misc.: Base by Kenny Richardson and Jason Pyrtle
Performed by: Kenny's Body Shop
City/state: Danville, Virginia
Interior
Material: Suede, in both gray and burgundy
Dash: Suede with fiberglassed and painted panels, and an 8-inch monitor in the dash
Door panels: Smoothed and painted, Boston Z's in each door, and a 7-inch monitor
Center console: Smoothed and painted
Flooring: Gray carpet
Headliner: Gray suede
Gauges: Nu Image gauge face, and Dakota Digital gauges
Misc.: Trenz flame rear view mirror, Inferno steering wheel, fiberglass by Mike's Performance Audio, airbrushing by Jimmy Presley
Performed by: Final Touch
City/state: Danville, Virginia
Stereo
Head unit: Sony XAV-A1
Mids and highs: Boston Acoustic 6-1/2-inch mids
Amplifier for mids and highs: Boston Acoustic 2-GT24
Subwoofers: Boston Acoustic 12-inch subs
Amplifier for subwoofers: Boston Acoustic 2-GT28
Wiring/accessories: Scosche Industries
Video: Nesa Vision, eight TVs that included three 15-inch, four 7-inch, and a 1-inch TV.
Custom fabrication: Fiberglass modifications throughout
Misc.: Heat and air panel were relocated
Performed by: Mike's Performance Audio
City/state: Danville, Virginia
Special Thanks (by owner):
To all of the people who have worked on the truck, and a special thanks to my mom and dad for making a dream become a reality. I would especially like to thank my grandpa and grandma for giving me the truck in the beginning.