When traveling to Japan, it's very easy to lose things in translation. But one thing that is certain, is our love and commitment to the same lifestyle and hobby. When we met Tadaomi, or Omi as he's called by his buds, we could tell we had a minitrucker on our hands.
We had seen Omi's truck the previous year at Truck Masters, but because we were so pressed for time, and the weather was usually not on its best behavior, it was really tough to shoot all of the bitchin' trucks at the show, and unfortunately for us, his was one of them. This year, we wouldn't make the same mistake. We took the time to visit Omi at the shop, which he basically calls his home. This was where he had spent a lot of time working to get his truck to look how it does today.
How Omi got here in the first place is pretty funny, mainly because it's unusual. One day, while the truck was on a jack, it fell off causing some damage to his beloved ride. This little mishap lead Omi to take it to the next level. Omi was in for a hell of a ride.
What they decided was to go "American style" with the truck. Omi decided if he was going to build it, he was going to do it right, so he went nuts on the truck. He wanted everything painted, polished and chromed, but he also wanted to keep it a driver. This meant he wanted to drive it and keep it practical, as well. His inspirations came from reading Mini Truckin' magazine, as well as from his friend, Chiba, with the rear-motor Toyota you see here, as well. Omi is very satisfied with his truck, but he says he will never be done. He wants to customize his truck until he's just sick of it, but for now, he's full of ideas and we can't wait to see what he dishes up next.
THE LOWDOWN
Rolling Attire
Wheels (Front/Rear): MKW-35
Tires (Front/Rear): 225/30R20
Chassis Modifications
Suspension type: Air
Front suspension: Custom built
Rear suspension: Custom-made rear section with a custom-built four-link
Airbag/cylinder type and size:
(Front): 255c
(Rear): 255c
Shocks: Chromed DJM
Valves: SMC
Compressors: VIAIR 380c
Air line: 3/8 color hose
Air accessories: Three 2-1/2 gallon tanks
Frame mods: Air bags, set on the middle of four-link bars.
Frame material: Steel tubing
Performed by: Omi Auto Bodywork
City/state: Omitama City, Japan
Body Modifications
Shaved: Front apron, corner lamps, door knobs, gas door, tailgate, stock edge of back cabin
Body-dropped: 4 inches
Back end: Fully shaved
Taillights: Cadillac Escalade
Performed by: Omi Auto Bodywork
City/state: Omitama City, Japan
Paint
Brand and colors: Silver and Super Black with flame separation
Style: Two tone
Performed by: Omi Auto Bodywork
City/state: Omitama City, Japan
Engine/Performance
Displacement: 2000cc
Model/year: '99 RZN-147
Number of cylinders: Four
Performed by: Omi Auto Bodywork
City/state: Omitama City, Japan
Interior
Seats: Recaros
Material: Vinyl and leather
Dash: Smoothed and painted to match body
Door panels: Smoothed and painted
Center console: Custom made with tubing, and molded speakers
Headliner: Webasto sliding rag top
Performed by: Omi Auto Bodywork
City/state: Omitama City, Japan
Stereo
Headunit: Pioneer
Mids and highs: Alpine
Video: Pioneer DVD player
Performed by: Omi Auto Bodywork
Special Thanks (by Owner):
To Omi Auto Bodywork