In August of 2002, James McKiddie Jr. and his wife took a trip to a little show known as Texas Heatwave in Austin, Texas. As many others before him, this was where James was bitten by the minitruckin' bug. As he stood there and admired the trucks, he realized he was particularly interested in the Ford Rangers at the event. So that, and a little persuasion from a buddy of his, and James soon after started building his '93 Ford Ranger.
Now all he needed to decide was what he would do to his truck. James began by doing some audio work to the truck, and then an assortment of products were put together to bring a nice sounding system to the truck. Along with this, he added what he could as far as bolt-ons were concerned. This was followed by a wheel and tire setup that suited the truck nicely. Of course, this meant that in order to look proper, the truck would need an altitude adjustment. But this was still a bit too plain looking to James, so he got to work on the body. He started by shaving the basics and adding a more aggressive look to the front end by adding a new valance and hood.
Sometime during the buildup, his brother, Vernon, who was an amateur motocross rider, landed a gig with a pro circuit team. This threw a curve ball at James, since his priority turned to help out his brother. However, this didn't stop James, and it didn't even slow him down. He still managed to paint his ride and have it 'bagged in less than 3 years. Not bad for a first timer. Although, James did have some help along the way from S.M. Artworks and his buddy, Kevin, who works there.
All in all, we think the first timer did a damn good job, and we're sure his second venture will only be better.
The Lowdown
Rolling Attire
Wheels (Front/Rear): 18x8 Boss 304
Tires (Front/Rear): 225/40R18
Chassis Modifications
Suspension type: Air Ride
Front suspension: I-Beams with 'bags mounted on top
Rear suspension: two-link with 'bags mounted on links
Airbag/cylinder type and size (Front/Rear): Slam Specialties 62
Shocks: Monroe
Frame mods: step notched
Frame material: 1/4-inch plate
Detail work: Painted rear end, step notch painted to match the graphics
Misc.: Under-coated frame
Performed by: James McKiddie Jr.
City/state: Huffman, Texas
Body Modifications
Shaved: Door handles, molded tailgate handle, molded in roll pan, and emblem holes
Front end: Replaced bumper with a smoothie bumper, added an air dam with fog lights
Taillights: Euro tails
Exterior bolt-ons: Crystal clear headlights, Trenz billet grille, and crystal corners
Misc.: Cowl induction hood, Trenz antenna and a cab light cover
Performed by: James McKiddie Jr.
City/state: Huffman, Texas
Paint
Brand and colors: House of Kolor (HOK) in Lime Time Green, Black, Yellow, Tangelo Orange, Silver with mini flake, and Magenta
Style: Custom graphics
Pinstriping: Fine line tape, not done by hand, multi-color HOK
Airbrushing: Mostly by hand, some stencil
Performed by: S.M. Artworks and James McKiddie Jr.
City/state: Huffman, Texas
Interior
Seats: Ford Splash
Material: Tweed, vinyl
Dash: smoothed and painted, House of Kolor (HOK) Lime Time Green
Door panels: Smoothed and painted HOK Lime Time Green
Center console: fiber glassed and painted Lime Time Green
Flooring: New black carpet
Gauges: APC white face gauges
Performed by: James McKiddie Jr.
City/state: Huffman, Texas
Stereo
Head unit: Kenwood Excelon X717
Mids and highs: Infinity components
Amplifier for mids and highs: Fusion
Subwoofers: Fusion
Amplifier for subwoofers: Fusion
Wiring/accessories: Phoenix Gold
Custom fabrication: Fiberglass enclosure
Misc.: Kenwood 6042A mounted in place of the ash tray
Performed by: James McKiddie Jr.
City/state: Huffman, Texas
Special Thanks (by owner):
Special thanks to my wife for putting up with all of the late nights spent working on my truck.