Owner: Jose Torres
Ride: '94 Toyota
Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina
Club Affiliation: SubCulture World Wyd
Some people are truly blessed with an easygoing, carefree spirit. These people are the most fun to hang out with because they have a positive attitude about everything. It's like that time you were draggin' down the interstate for miles, and you finally wore a hole in your gas tank, dragged through parts of the frame, and busted up your control arms, only to have your buddy just look over at you with a huge grin and say, "Awesome. Now we can go get some tools, build a new frame, new control arms, and a fuel cell." When life hands you lemons, grab the salt and tequila.
Jose Torres is the perfect example of a diehard mini-trucker who's in this sport for all the right reasons. Although he worked hard to build a badass mini of his own, he didn't do it for the trophies, magazines, or glory. He built his truck for the love of the sport and for fun. He has been involved in this lifestyle for a little more than seven years and has enjoyed every minute of it, especially the three years it took to perfect his '94 Toyota pickup. During those three years, he spent every spare dollar and hour he had to transform his 'Yota into the super-clean truck you see here. The pictures don't even come close to showing you all the detail that went into Jose's buildup. Every nut and bolt has been painted or polished, the engine bay is spic and span, and the bed is so clean you could eat off it.
The 'Yota gets its extremely low stance thanks to a full air-suspension setup by Rich Hopkins at Sunset Creations and a 2-1/2-inch body drop performed by the Hack Shack in Charlotte, North Carolina. With the Rozzi 17-inch Wicked wheels bolted up, Jose's 'Yota began to give a whole new meaning to the phrase "simple and clean." With the truck's super-slammed stance, Jose was ready to really get to work. Rich at Sunset was also enlisted to bolt up a 4x4 front end, smooth over the exterior, and spray the entire truck PPG Honda Si Blue. After the exterior was handled, the interior, stereo, and engine bay received the same royal treatment.
Jose was able to accomplish a lifelong dream with the help of all the friends he's made along the way. To them, he would like to extend a very special thank you. Jose genuinely cares about the mini-truckin' community and lends a hand whenever and wherever he can. He's so close with all his buddies and club members that he considers each one of them a part of his family. This is the attitude and spirit that we could use a little more of all over the nation to help build the mini-truckin' community. If you know anyone like Jose, make sure you let them know how much they're appreciated. If you're someone like Jose, we really appreciate you. For more details on Jose's 'Yota, check out the Lowdown.
The Lowdown
Wheels/Tires 17x7.5-inch Rozzi Wickeds wrapped with 205/40R17-series rubber
Suspension/Chassis 'Bagged all the way around by Rich Hopkins at Sunset Creations / Firestone airbags / 2-inch drop spindles / Pete & Jake's chrome four-link and shocks / RCI 15-gallon fuel cell / hard-lined air setup / rear chassis and custom tubular bridge painted chameleon for an excellent contrast to the truck's blue hue
Body Modifications 2-1/2-inch body drop by Hack Shack / shaved cowl, antenna, third brake light, gas door, door handles, hood squirters, and rock guards / molded tailgate skin and roll pan combo / 4x4 hood / 4x4 grille, fenders, and bumper / composite headlamps
Paint Painted PPG Honda Si Blue by Rich Hopkins at Sunset Creations / color-matched spray-in bedliner
Interior/Stereo Wrapped dash with tan tweed and painted inserts / seats wrapped in tan tweed and flame-stitched / billet window cranks / custom center console / flamed billet steering wheel with tan-leather half-wrap / Alpine head unit / custom box behind passenger seat houses an MTX 10-inch subwoofer / Alpine Type R separates in custom kick panel pods / MTX five-channel amplifier
Engine/Performance Hot Shots chrome intake / chrome valvecover / various chrome pieces / McGregor 8.5mm plug wires
Special Thanks Jose's wife Marisol / Wally / Rich Hopkins / Audio Express / Auto Interiors / Jose's cousin Luis / SubCulture and everyone who helped with the project / everyone in the sport who helps make it what it is