With a Mr. Scrape shop tour in this issue we couldn't think of having a bigger and better shout-out than slamming two of their freshly completed SUVs on the cover. These are two very different people with two very different rides, with one common goal: to clown and drag on all. Both Jarred and Stephen were bitten by the dragging bug after going to a few shows and watching drag sessions. Fortunately for them, this is their time to shine and for the world's eyes to be on them for their 15 seconds of mini-trucker fame.
Jared Franklin of Lexington, South Carolina, is not a stranger to building customs. He has had upwards of eight vehicles that have been tinkered with. Starting out when he was 15, his mind started simple and eventually worked its way up to the big-wheel craze. When he was at a couple of shows a few less-than-modest mini-truckers came dragging by him and from then on Jared knew the way in which his path would turn.
OWNER: Jared Franklin
RIDE: '02 Nissan Xterra
LOCATION: Lexington, South Carolina
CLUB: Xplicit Kreations ("XK")
In the midst of all of these feelings he had an Xterra that was rolling 22's, with fiberglass blanketing the interior. While in the ATL the worst possible thing happened: He was carjacked. If that's not enough to shake up your day, we don't know what is. Situations such as this don't seem to ever turn over a better page. Knowing Jared's persistence, this would be the starting point of something great. The greatness we speak of is Xterror.
Our call to Jared to wrap up this story was just as amusing as Stephen's. Sunday, midday, a random phone call was made, and what did we hear? Screaming and partying. Apparently Jarred and his friends were getting an early start on his birthday at the Hard Rock in Atlanta. After deciphering the few words we could hear, we had just enough to let you know what was going on with this one-of-a-kind SUV. For all the specs, check out the Lowdown.
The Lowdown
Rolling Attire
Wheels: 20x8-1/2-inch Bonspeed Intense 5
Tires: Nitto 245/35ZR20
Chassis Modifications
Suspension type: Air
Front suspension: Chrome BYC upper and lower control arms fitted with S-10 ball joints; S-10 drop spindles
Rear suspension: '94 Nissan 300ZX IRS
Airbag type and size: Front: 2600 Firestones
Control arms: Chrome BYC
Spindles: S-10 drop spindles
Valves: Eight GC 250s
Compressors: Viair 480
Air line: 1/2-inch hydraulic lines
Frame mods: 3/4 frame from firewall back, custom bridge and 'bag mounts
Frame material: 2x3-inch 1/4-inch-wall square tubing
Gas tank: 20-gallon fuel cell
Brakes: Chrome booster, all stainless steel lines
Performed by: Mr. Scrape
Body Modifications
Shaved: Door handles, gas door, wiper cowl rear wiper, emblems, roof rack, taillights; everything except rear hatch door handle
Body-dropped: 3-1/2-inch stock floor
Front end: T-Rex billet grille inserts in grille and bumper
Taillights: 8-inch LEDs in rear bumper
Performed by: Mr. Scrape
Paint
Brand and colors: Dupont Candy Green, Silver, Lime Green, and Yellow
Pinstriping: By Jason Perdue
Airbrushing: Evil stuff in the graphics done in-house by Billy Parker
Performed by: Scrappy the Prince
Interior
Seats: Custom-made rear seat
Material: Suede
Dash: All sheetmetal - dash, console, and top of all doors
Door panels: Suede with graphics
Headliner: Suede
Gauges: Gas, temp, and oil are hidden
Misc: Custom steering wheel by B.A.D.
Performed by: Take a guess
Stereo
Head unit: Pioneer AVIC-N2 in-dash
Mids & highs: Six 6-inch JL Audio
Amplifier for mids & highs: JL Audio 300-watt four-channel
Subwoofers: Two JL Audio 12-inch W7s
Amplifier for subwoofers: Two JL Audio 500-watt mono amps
Wiring/accessories: Stinger
Video: Five 7-inch Audiovox monitors and one 13-inch monitor behind amp rack
Custom fabrication: Fiberglass enclosures and a motorized amp rack
Performed by: Mr. Scrape
Engine/Performance
Driveshaft: Custom-made
Battery: Two Optima Yellow Tops
Location: Behind front bumper
Detail work: Misc. painted pieces, yellow vacuum lines
Special Thanks
Mike Lee, Robbie, Neil, Cory, Greg, Robert, Wild Bill, Shemaine, Mike Pool, and Keith Lowry. Big ups to Tommy Garcia, Braxton Raybon, and Chris Harris for getting him to Sumter. Also, Jason Perdue for the pinstriping, Viair, the crew at Scrape (including Jamie Fryer - RIP). Last but not least, special thanks to his family, including his grandma and fiance.