Things are finally starting to calm down as I settle into the new Associate Editor position. The time has come for me to start on the journey of writing my very own column, so welcome to "The Grind." Since this is my first column here at MT, I figure I might as well introduce myself. A couple months ago, Editor Mike Alexander somewhat introduced me as he said goodbye to Ernie Macias in the July Issue of MT, but I'm sure you would like to know more about who I am and what I am about.
I have been interested in the custom-truck scene since middle school. At the time, a friend of mine brought in an issue of Truckin' magazine that had Lee Bowers' convertible top Toyota on the cover. Flipping through the mag, I saw all the cool trucks decked out in 15-inch rims, heart-stopping stereo systems, and lip kits. I knew then that I wanted to be involved-someway, somehow-in this scene. I just didn't think I was going to be sitting behind a computer, writing stories, and taking photos about trucks; well maybe taking photos, because I have always enjoyed the art of photography as much as the sport of minitruckin.
Throughout the years, I have been a part of a few clubs-four to be exact-where I have had the opportunity to work and judge shows all over Southern California, such as Reso and West Coast Nationals, which were thrown by Sunset. I learned everything I could about what's involved in putting together a show and judging it. The knowledge given to me by Bob Hase and the members of Sunset is priceless; I could never thank them enough to equal all they have taught me, which I have been able to pass along to members in the club I am a part of, Forbidden Fantasy. I have been in FFF for the last 12 years, and honestly, I can't imagine going anywhere else. Without getting into too much detail, they have had my back from the day I began petitioning. I think that is the type of friendship that helps to build this sport.
As far as working here at Mini Truckin', I have several ideas that Mike and I have been kicking around and we have started implementing some of them. My goal for Mini Truckin' magazine is to help push it to the next level, to bring you the newest products and tricks so your mini will look the way you want it; whether you are new to the scene or a 10-year veteran; or if it is a 15-year-old truck or a brand-new truck.
Now you might see some tech in the book that you aren't used to, or think is hardcore enough. Well, you might be right, but remember back when you started building trucks: how much did you know? So, for all the young kids who are new to the sport, Mini Truckin' is the magazine that they will want to pick up to find out about simple tech. But don't worry, we are still going to bring it with the badass modifications that has made Mini Truckin' what it is today, along with the best show coverage and the baddest features.
I myself have four projects that I am working on. The first is my '07 Colorado Crew Cab. I started building it over at our sister magazine, Sport Truck, which is where I was an editor for the last two years. The second is my '95 Mitsubishi Macro Cab. (Yes, another editor with a Mitsu.) I won't go into the details about what I am doing to it, but I will show you the rendering of what the exterior will look like. The rest, you will just have to wait and see. My other two projects are my '95 Honda Civic and '89 Jeep Wrangler that will eventually get built. But right now, I don't have the money to build the other two.
Just to clear up something Mike said in his introduction of me, I do not like wet willies! Don't even think about slobbering up your finger and shoving it into my ear. Just remember who has the camera, keyboard, magazine, and no problem snapping a photo of you getting Tea-bagged by your friend after passing out.-Peace Out