Owner: Derrick Bruce
Ride: 2000 Chevy S-10
Hometown: Puyallup, WA
This S-10 was purchased for the sole purpose of being cut and customized. Derrick Bruce has always been intrigued with heavily modified rides, and he knew that by building something with his own hands, along with the help of a few close friends and family members, he could piece together a true showpiece without dropping a ton of money into the project.
Being a heavily practiced diesel mechanic, Derrick felt he was more than qualified to successfully 'bag his single-cab Dime in the comfort of his own garage. In no time at all, the Chevy was laying frame around 22s, which served as a major step in progression as well as a huge boost in confidence and sense of accomplishment. Derrick drove his first custom vehicle in this condition for a year to make sure his suspension work was sound and bulletproof enough to serve as a sturdy foundation for the upcoming renovation phases.
Deep down, Derrick wanted his truck to tuck the largest wheels he could make room for. At first, the set of twos was satisfying enough, but it wasn't until the firewall was retubbed, the entire bedfloor was cut out, and a whole list of adjustments were made to the suspension system before Derrick was able to acknowledge that he was gravitating closer to his ultimate goal. "I knew that 24s were definitely a must, and I still wanted the truck to drag frame. After long thought, the truck was parked yet again and another teardown session began." Josh Jones, of Jones Paint Innovations and cousin of Derrick's, contributed to the project at this point by performing a little metalwork magic.
The entire process was stretching out longer than Derrick had anticipated, but being that only a select number of individuals were involved, the idea of just busting out quick, quality work wasn't an option. As soon as every inch of metal was ironed flat, an idea for a paint scheme was swiftly devised of brilliant shades of orange, airbrushed skulls, and pinstriping. The finishing touches that went into preparing the Dime for its show debut came in the form of a whirlwind of chaotic thrashing from one corner of the truck to another, but it was a crazy time in Derrick's life that he will never forget. "There were numerous times during the second buildup of the truck when I had thought about just settling and going somewhat simple and subtle with the modifications, but you just can't do that if you want a minitruck that will make a lasting impression."
For further details on Mike's bright orange Dime, examine the Lowdown.
The Lowdown
Rolling Attire
Wheels: 24-inch KMC Mavens
Tires: 275/25/24 Nexen
Chassis Modifications
Suspension (front): Tubular upper and lower control arms, drop spindles, bent tie-rod ends
Suspension (rear): Triangulated four-link
Compressor(s): Sanden EDC
Air/hydro Accessories: Slam Specialties 'bags
Frame Mods: Step notch, tie-rod notches, trans crossmember
Brakes: Rear disc conversion, hydro-boost
Performed By: Owner and Wilbur Bruce
Body Modifications
Shaved: Door handles, gas door, antenna, cab seams, third brakelight
Body Mods: Full sheetmetal bed, Grant Kustoms full-skin combo, gas filler in bed floor
Bolt-ons: Envoy front clip, billet upper and lower grilles
Misc.: Air-actuated license plate from top of full-skin combo, taillights tinted body color
Performed By: Owner and Josh Jones/Jones Paint Innovations
Paint
Brand & Colors: PPG custom mix Bitchin' Orange (top color), 2009 Ford Edge Orange Crush (bottom color)
Misc.: Custom House of Kolor Kandy Orange graphics with airbrushed skulls and pinstriping
Performed By: Josh Jones/Jones Paint Innovations
Interior
Seats: Subaru WRX covered in black and orange suede
Dash: Fiberglassed and painted to match
Misc.: Custom center console painted to match; door panels and other panels covered in orange and black suede
Performed By: Owner and JW Kustomz
Stereo
Head Unit: Jensen double-DIN
Mids & Highs: Eclipse
Subwoofers: 10-inch JL W6
Amplifiers: JL 500.1
Misc.: Custom centerconsole enclosure
Performed By: Owner
Engine/Performance
Engine: 2.2L
Intake: Cold-air
Transmission: Auto
Misc.: Custom inner fenderwells painted and airbrushed to match
Performed By: Owner and Josh Jones/Jones Paint Innovations
Special Thanks From Owner
"Thanks to everyone involved with the buildup. Also, an extra special thanks to Dad, Josh Jones, JW Kustoms, Darbi, and PPG for the paint products."