Owner: Cody Clement
Ride: '90 Mazda B2200
Hometown: Houma, Louisiana
Club Affiliation: Unknown Destination
Scientists have found many ways to crossbreed certain types of animals and plants. Mini-truckers have taken this science by the reins and run with it. Often enough you see a vehicle with an updated front end from the same manufacturer, so as to aesthetically flow with the vehicle's lines. This standard way of thinking bores Cody Clement of Houma, Louisiana. As owner and operator of Final Destination Customs in Houma, Louisiana, his personal vehicle has to show his ability to make customers' dreams come true.
Starting with a '90 Mazda B2200 for most of us would be good enough - not for Cody. The $1,300 price tag unfortunately reflected the personality of the Mazda. Five years and $30,000 was enough to buy a new reflection.
No respectable mini-trucker would keep his vehicle at stock height. Cody grabbed a set of 20-inch Enkei ME2s in chrome dressing, and proceeded to lay the Mazda flat. A bridge-notch, chrome FBI four-link, Firestone airbags, Belltech suspension components, and Cody's mad skills were the only ingredients needed to make this happen. With the frame looking unfinished, Cody filled the holes and smoothed the undercarriage in preparation for a glossy finish.
As Cody was proud owner of an '03 Toyota Tacoma front end and it needed a new home, the Mazda graciously accepted the offering. With the conversion turning out flawlessly, the rest of the body was shaved smooth, including a tailgate-skin combo with an angled license plate box. Mike's Body Shop, also in Houma, was called into service to perform the final body preparation, as to not taint the House of Kolor's Cobalt Blue laid down by Mike Valdez.
With more time and money at the ready, the interior received its share of custom work. White leather, Gucci, and clear vinyl find solace together covering the interior. A smoothed dash was painted to match the white leather on the seats and custom center console. A six-pack of Boss 6x9-inch speakers blast into the back of Cody's head, powered by a 400-watt Eclipse amplifier. Two 15-inch Digital Audio subwoofers help complement the low side of the madness.
Next time you're building a ride, just remember what Cody has earned the right to know: You have to love to blow money and not be scared to do anything on your custom. Listen to the voices in your head that drive you to do the insane and unheard of. If all else fails, use Cody's motivation: Haters made him do it.
The Lowdown
Wheels/Tires 20-inch Enkei ME2s wrapped in Nitto 255s / 35ZR20 low-profile tires
Suspension/Chassis Bridge notch / Belltech Toyota 3-inch drop spindles / Belltech 2-inch drop control arms / 2,500-pound Firestone airbags / shaved frame / FBI chrome four-link / painted air tank / painted compressor / 1/2-inch Parker solenoids / all work by Final Destination Customs
Body Modifications '03 Toyota Tacoma front end / shaved gas door / gas door relocated to bed / smoothed-out bed floor / FBI tailgate skin combo with angled license plate box
Paint Painted House of Kolor Cobalt Blue / ghost emblem on hood by Mike Valdez / paint by Mike's Body Shop in Houma, Louisiana
Interior Shaved dash / working air conditioner / white leather, clear vinyl, and Gucci seats / flame foot pedals / billet rearview mirror / billet door handles / billet window cranks / custom door panels wrapped in leather and vinyl
Stereo JVC CD player / Pyle equalizer / 400-watt Eclipse amplifier / six 6x9-inch Boss Audio three-ways / 1,000-watt Autotech amplifier / two 15-inch Digital Audio subwoofers in custom enclosure by Joe Fox / 13-inch Pyle flip-down LCD monitor / PlayStation 2 installed in glovebox / 15-inch Colorado Custom flame steering wheel
Engine/Performance Chrome valve cover / polished-aluminum fender tubs / polished-aluminum radiator / driveshaft shortened 2 inches / driveshaft mated to four-speed Toyota rearend / Pacesetter header / Sonic Boom racing muffler / Optima battery / 8mm plug wires
Special Thanks Cody's boys in Unknown Destination / anyone else who helped; you know who you are