We’re not talking “hybrid” in the sense that has become recognized in today’s auto industry. This Mazda doesn’t have half a hippie-ass electric engine under the hood. What it does have is a combination air/hydro setup we think is way cooler, unless there’s been a neat development in the world of veggie oil fuel systems we haven’t heard about yet.
The truck’s owner, Andy Brown, credits the success of this, his only full-custom build, to his first exposure to a truck with an adjustable air suspension; “I remember seeing it at this small car show and it was sitting on the ground. The guy grabbed the switchbox and the truck lifted. That was the first time I had ever seen anything like that, and I knew I wanted my own.” Little did Andy know that he would one day have one of the most innovative minis in Eastern Canada. It did take a decade to get it where it’s at now, but judging from the pride in his eyes, it was worth every second. The truck was put on pause numerous times—most notably when he got married and when his first child arrived, but the motivation to press on was always there.
" We’re not talking “hybrid” in the sense that has become recognized in today’s auto industry.
"
So, why build a Mazda? And why go to the extent to which he did? “I’ve always loved Mazdas. I’ve also experienced my friend Curt Cox’s full Mazda build. My truck started off with a static drop years ago, and the rest is history. I learned that to build a truck from the ground up, the help of close friends is extremely helpful. I just wish I would’ve stuck to the original plan instead of changing things once they were already completed.”
But throughout the ten long years, the shape of this Canadian-crafted Mazda has been slowly evolving into what it is now. And that shape is something mean mixed with hearty helping of radical, blended together with subtle wood grain paint and accessory themed cues. All that comes together to equal one hell of a hybrid.
Andy “Downtown” Brown • Guelph, Ontario, Canada • Fallen Fantasies
The Lowdown
Rolling Attire
Wheels: 20-inch MSR-G87 with spoke inlay painted to match
Tires: 22/30/zr20 BF Goodrich G-Force
Chassis Modifications
Suspension (front): Hybrid setup with Slam Specialties RE7 ’bags, 8-inch cylinders
Suspension (rear): Cantilever with Slam Specialties RE6 ’bags made into an air strut
Compressor(s): Two Viair 480’s
Air/Hydro Accessories: 3/8 SMC valves, two five-gallon tanks custom mounted and airbrushed with wood grain graphics
Frame Mods: Full-custom 2x3 box frame front to back, custom tube crossmembers, frame extended to fit a regular cab bed
Performed By: 519 Kustomz
Body Modifications
Shaved: Doors, mirrors, wiper cowl, full rear skin, gas door and complete upper body line
Bodydrop: Stock-floored to the pinch molding
Body Mods: Regular cab bed swap, Ranger headlights, LED third brake light fully smoothed to bed
Suicide Doors: CHECK!
Performed By: 519 Kustomz
Paint
Brand & Colors: PPG Electric Lime Green
Misc.: Wood grain airbrushing by Mac Saberscrib
Performed By: Dirty Cox, Pete’s Auto Paint Ltd
Interior
Seats: Hyundai Accent seats wrapped in gray tweed
Dash: Smoothed and wrapped in gray tweed
Gauges: Air pressure gauge switches custom fiberglassed into dash
Misc.: Custom fiberglass center console
Performed By: Owner
Stereo
Head Unit: Kenwood double-DIN custom fiberglassed into dash
Mids & Highs: Soundstream
Subwoofers: JL Audio JL10W6
Amplifiers: Kenwood five-channel
Misc.: Custom fiberglass enclosure
Performed By: Owner
Engine/Performance
Engine: Stock 2.6L
Intake: Honda Civic intake cut to fit
Header/Exhaust: Custom header provided
Transmission: Stock
Misc.: Painted wheeltubs
Performed By: 519 Kustomz
Special Thanks From Owner:
“I would like to thank my wife and my son for putting up with late nights and weekends I spent in the garage, Dan from 519 Kustomz, Mike from Grays’ Custom Trim, Pete from Pete’s Autobody Ltd, Dirty Cox for all the help along the way, and everyone else in Fallen Fantasies.”