Flashback
When you think about the minitruck scene in the 90s, it brings back memories of 17 or 18-inch wheels wrapped in either 40 or 50 series tires, and wild multi-color paint jobs. When Travis Stover built his truck the 90s had a big part to do with it. The suspension was treated to an airbag setup with drop control arms in front, a four-link in the rear, and the frame was fully boxed. The exterior received the fundamental shave job and a wild PPG paint job. Moving inside the truck, you find just as many mods as the outside. For starters, the stock seating has been replaced with buckets out of a '97 Dodge Stratus. The dash has also received its fair share of custom treatments. It has been shaved and painted and was fitted with aftermarket gauges. Overall, Travis has built himself a cool little throwback mini that everyone can have appreciation for.
Ridin B Style
Alex Missouri is the proud owner of this '90 B-series Mazda. Since taking ownership, he has lowered it three inches, added 15-inch American Racing wheels, and a chrome grille. Inside a Grant steering wheel replaces the factory unit and the fabric on the door panels was dyed black. However, for any 16 year old it is about being heard. Therefore, Alex decided to upgrade the factory stereo system that is older than he is. Alex replaced his factory tunes with a Pioneer head unit; a 600-watt MTX amplifier that drives two Kicker Competition subs, mounted in a custom enclosure. As young Alex gets older and wiser, he wants to customize his truck even further, with more suspension work and more bling. It won't be long before he is consumed by this sport and his truck is laying door.
Back On Track
Nineteen-year-old Justin Powell, from Hickory, North Carolina, has worked very hard to customize his truck the way he wanted it. The truck is a '93 Chevy S-10 with a 4.3L V-6, that his dad bought new in September of '93. However, as Justin puts it, his dad turned it into the ultimate "old man" truck. The first thing Justin did was bolt up a set of 17-inch Eagle Alloy 212 wheels, followed by the 5/6-inch Belltech drop. Next, he added a phantom billet grille and chrome front bumper, along with some Street Scene seamless mirrors, and a cowl-inducted hood from Goodmark. Inside the truck, Justin concentrated on the stereo. Signal starts out from the Kenwood head unit, which is then sent to the Crunch amplifier. After signal leaves the amplifier, it is diverted to a series of speakers, including the two 12-inch Pioneer subs mounted in a custom-made sub box. After a small mishap, the truck went to the body shop and while it was there, the door handles were shaved, along with the tailgate, and a roll pan was added to the truck. Once the bodywork was nice and smooth, the truck was two-toned in silver and green. Currently, Justin is working out the details on future modifications that include bagging the truck and a possible V-8 swap. Good luck and we cannot wait to see the truck when it is done.
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. 1100, Anaheim, CA 92806. It is important to include a detailed description of the modifications you have made to your truck, including any interesting stories behind it. This can include the buildup or any special history on the truck.