Owner: Michael Raquedan
Ride: 1987 Toyota Pickup
Hometown: Walpahu, HI
Club: Imaginations C.C.
The custom-truck community in Hawaii looks to the Mainland for inspiration, but only to a certain extent. The guys building their projects on the islands definitely apply a unique spin to their trucks that can't be overlooked.
Mike Raquedan was lucky enough to be in the position to purchase an '87 Toyota pickup from a family member, and once in his possession, he planned on building it better than any other he'd seen cruising the Aloha State.
Come to find out, Mike's brother-in-law bought the Toyota from its previous owner in Ohio. The truck was already 'bagged and 'bodied before it was shipped out to the islands, and when Mike first took ownership of his Toyota the first thing he did was enter it into a few local shows. He took home a few trophies but really didn't feel too great about taking credit for someone else's work and ideas. As soon as Mike realized that he'd be more satisfied by adding his own personal touches, he tore the truck apart and started from scratch. A whole new 'bag setup and rear reverse four-link evolved, as did a whole new attitude that longed to outshine the truck's previous persona.
Next on the restyling agenda was a fresh coat of color, then an exotic ostrich-and-leather combo interior formed, which left Mike feeling more in tune with his truck. Exterior touches such as new chrome and a black chrome-plated set of Lexus RX330 wheels created a defining line between the Toyota and any other on the islands. As soon as the final project came together, Mike experienced the satisfaction of leaving his own fingerprints on the truck's redesign.
After three years of work, Mike is now reaping the benefits of being able to cruise Hawaii in style while representing his state to the fullest. Most don't think to look across the Pacific to the Aloha State for impressive minitrucks, but those who are building them on the islands are looking to change that.
For more info on Mike's Toyota, point your peepers at the Lowdown
The Lowdown
Rolling Attire
Wheels: 18-inch Lexus RX330 in black chrome
Tires: 205/35/18 Goodyear Eagle F1
Chassis Modifications
Suspension (front): CanDo tubular upper and lower control arms, 6-inch Slam Specialties 'bags
Suspension (rear): Reverse four-link with 13-inch Universal Air 'bags
Compressor(s): Two Viair 380s
Frame Mods: C-notch
Performed By: CanDo arms by DH Built
Body Modifications
Bodydrop: 4-inch traditional
Performed By: Previous owner
Paint
Brand & Colors: PPG Citrus Yellow metallic
Performed By: Paint and bodywork by Rhyan Salamat
Interior
Seats: Wrapped with leather and authentic alligator skin
Dash: Carbon-fiber vinyl-wrapped
Misc.: Door panel covered in leather with alligator print and carbon-fiber flames
Performed By: Al's Upholstery
Stereo
Head Unit: 7-inch, single-DIN NESA DVD monitor
Mids & Highs: Infinity Kappa
Performed By: Nu Image Car Audio
Engine/Performance
Engine: 22R
Camshaft: Crane Cam
Intake: Dual Weber 45 sidedraft
Header/exhaust: Doug Thorley headers, Flowmaster Super 40 exhaust
Transmission: Four-speed manual
Rearend type: 4.88
Detail Work: Chrome valve covers and headers
Performed By: Owner
Special Thanks From Owner
"Thanks to my parents, friends, Rowell Salamat, Rhyan Salamat, DH Built, Al's Upholstery, and Imaginations Car Club."