OWNER: David Haynes
RIDE: '90 Toyota HiLux
HOMETOWN: Phoenix, AZ
CLUB: No Regrets
In the world of minitruckin', there is an ongoing battle between two factions: those who believe in building a ride yourself, and those who pay to have a completed truck. Not being partial to either side, it is very easy to see the argument from both points of view. However, there is one trait that both have in common: passion. Minitruckers will argue about it all day, and for what reason? The fact is, there will always be someone who feels that building a truck should be done themselves and not by anyone else, and vice versa.
David Haynes of Phoenix, will be the first one to tell you that he didn't build his '90 Toyota HiLux. He will also tell you his fellow club member, Rick Cabrera, built it. And when Rick decided to sell it, David knew full well about the flack he might face for buying a "done truck," but he ponied up the dough to buy it. David couldn't sit idly by as the truck fell into the hands of someone who couldn't appreciate the work that went into building it, and watch the truck get destroyed.
Once the deal was done, David started on his 6-hour journey home, where he began to think about what he should do to it. On one hand, he really liked the truck just the way he bought it. On the other, there were thoughts about a makeover. All the way home he battled it out in his mind, until he finally came to the decision to change a few things that he didn't like.
The first part on David's mind was the rolling stock. The 17-inch Mondera Pyrus wheels were cool back in the day, but it was definitely time for a change. Instead of reshoeing the truck with 17s, David decided to step it up a notch, throw down some extra cash, and spring for some 18s and new Nitto Tire rubber. The second change he wanted to make was the front fascia of the truck. He didn't like having the whole front end chromed, so he swapped it out with a '94 4Runner front end, then had the valance painted to match, along with the rocker guards and the caps of the batteries. Adding that last little touch to the truck, David swapped out all the black handles with shiny chrome ones.
When we asked if David cared what people thought about having a truck that he didn't build, he simply said, "I could care less."
The Lowdown
Rolling Attire
Wheels (Front/Rear): 18x7-inch Niche Rhine
Tires (Front/Rear): 215/35R18 Nitto 555
Chassis Modifications
Suspension type: Hydraulics two pumps four dump setup
Suspension (Front/Rear): 8-inch cylinders, with accumulators, stainless steel triangulated four-link and bridge, 8-inch cylinders with coil springs
Airbag/cylinder type and size: (Front/Rear): Pro Hopper 8-inch cylinders
Air/hydro accessories: The whole system was hard-lined using stainless steel tubing
Frame mods: Step-notched
Misc.: Rear axle was painted to match the truck
Performed by: Rick Cabrera
City/state: Riverside, California
Body Modifications
Front end: '94 Toyota 4Runner with color-matched valance
Back end: Bolt-on roll pan
Taillights: Euro
Performed by: Rick Cabrera
City/state: Riverside, California
Paint
Brand and colors: Volkswagen Cyber Green
Style: Single color
Misc.: Tops of batteries were color-matched
Performed by: Josh
City/state: Menifee, California
Interior
Seats: Stock
Material: Gray tweed
Dash: Smoothed and color-matched
Door panels: Wrapped with charcoal vinyl and gray tweed
Flooring: Covered in gray tweed
Headliner: Covered in gray tweed
Performed by: Rick Cabrera
City/state: Riverside, California
Stereo
Head unit: Pioneer CD/MP3 player
Mids and highs: Pioneer 6.5-inch components
Wiring/accessories: Monster Cable
Performed by: Rick Cabrera
City/state: Riverside, California
Special Thanks By Owner:
I would like to thank Rick for creating a great truck. I would like to thank Bio Kustomz for doing one of the best body-drops ever, my uncle for helping me out with some of the custom work, Ryan Nelson for helping with the bodywork and other little things, Hoppos for sponsoring the hydros, and everyone else who had a hand in this project along the way.