Laid Hardbody
David Hufford from Hartsville, Tennessee, is the proud owner of this '97 Nissan Hardbody. Just two months after he bought it, David was in a wreck that totaled the front end, so he instantly tore into the truck to make it better. David and a few friends got to work building a custom air-ride setup from scratch. Out back, they built a custom four-link and did a behind-the-axle setup with 'bags on the bars and a triangle C-notch out of 2x3-inch box tubing. Inside, David installed some bucket seats and a console with a custom-made panel for digital gauges. Then, he added a billet iron cross rear-view mirror and shift knob. A motorized CD player and a 7-inch flipout TV provide the entertainment, while a 12-inch subwoofer and a 1,600-watt amp add the bumps. The engine has been torn apart, powdercoated, and painted. While David was at it, he bolted up an intake system for better breathing. A new chrome bumper and grille with billet inserts and H-4 headlights keeps the front end looking fresh and clean. Out back, to make David's Hardbody stand out from others, he cut out the Nissan letters and angled them in the bottom of the tailgate. Future plans are to shave the doors, the third brake light, the gas door, the wiper cowl, and the hood squirters, and then suicide the doors, put in a fuel cell, add a roll pan, some custom paint, and maybe a body-drop. It's going to be one heck of a ride!
Snow White
Tony Caporale has been working on his '94 Chevy S-10 slow and steady as funds and time have permitted. Being from Chatham, Ontario, Canada, the weather and contacts aren't in Tony's favor, so he's been limited to doing a lot of stuff on his own with help from a few close friends. So far, they've added the '00 front-end conversion, chrome M-3 LED mirrors, and a smooth roll pan. It's been lowered via Belltech drop spindles, Eibach springs, and 3-inch lowering blocks, with 17-inch chrome wheels balancing out the low stance. The rumble under the hood is thanks to a custom built 4.3 high-output Vortec aided by a 4:10 posi rear end. A custom sound system, featuring Audiobahn 550-watt dub amps, power an F 10-inch sub. This is one bad cruiser!
Old Ghoul S-10
Steve and Bill Bond from Reelsville, Indiana, have built themselves one creepy '86 S-10, inspired by the Halloween spirit and the memory of their late nephew, Scott. The truck was rusting away in the driveway until the Bond brothers took charge. They started flipping through the pages of the LMC catalog, and clicking their way through eBay, in the search for cool truck parts. It's no wonder this first-generation Dime has been lovingly dubbed The UPS Special. New rocker and patch panels were added, as well as mirrors, rear fender extensions, a visor, and a spoiler. Steve and Bill handled their own bodywork and application of the sapphire-blue metallic paint. We here at Mini Truckin' are sure that Scott would have been proud of the love and effort that was poured into his truck!
Black Beauty
Andy Bolling of Marshal, Missouri, is the lucky owner of this 'bagged and beautiful '01 Chevy S-10. Andy's customizing process began with suspension work that includes 2-inch drop spindles, Thorbecke Brothers upper and lower control arms, and a custom three-link setup. This Dime has also been dipped in the finest exterior accessories, such as 18-inch Crager wheels by Dante Designs and a T-Rex full-face billet grille. The door handles, gas door, third brake light, tailgate, and taillights have all been nicely shaved. "My friends have been telling me for some time that I can get my truck shown in your magazine. I am hoping they're right," Andy writes. Mission accomplished! Future plans for this truck include a body-drop, new interior, and paint. We'll definitely be keeping an eye out for this slick S-10.
Editor's Note: Getting your truck into Ridin' Around is a snap-of the camera, that is. All it takes is a couple of good-quality photos of your ride that are in focus and well lit. Due to the volume of mail we receive, we regret that we cannot return photographs. Please shoot and send photos of your truck only (no people, pets, Polaroids, or printouts) to: Mini Truckin' magazine, Ridin' Around, 2400 E. Katella Ave., Ste. 700, Anaheim, CA 92806. It is important that you include a detailed description of the modifications you have made to your truck, including any interesting stories behind it. This can include information about the buildup or any special history on the truck.