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., 7th Floor, 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 the truck has.
CONGRATULATIONS TO MICHAEL CROTEAU, WINNER OF OUR ROUND 2 BANNER CONTEST!
One of Our Own
Our very own Monica Thompson (MT online editor) from Torrance, California, drove her truck stock for three months before she began the modifications. Her 17th birthday consisted of a 3/4 drop, and she celebrated high school graduation with a full air ride. Four years later, the modifications continued.
Now that the interior and bed have been completely wrapped in tweed by her brother Scott, she is looking forward to paint, rims, and to do more suspension work. She is proud that her truck has been her daily driver for over six years, and she enjoys rollin' to as many shows as possible with her club No Sympathy.
Her goal is to fully customize the truck while keeping it practical, driven daily, and reliable. After the original 'bag job by Sport Truck Specialties, she and her brother have done all of the work in the backyard, alongside her brother's 'bagged 'Yota and 'bagged Ranger. She would like to thank her brother Scott, for all of his hard work, time, and patience while working on her truck.
First Love
The first day Michael Croteau, of Newburyport, Massachusets, laid eyes on this '87 Dodge D-50 sitting in front of his ex-girlfriend's house, he knew it had potential even though he didn't know anything about minitruckin'. "I just saw a rust bucket with a regular cab and shortbed that would look cool restored," he said. After he talked his ex's sister into buying a Scion, she agreed to sell the truck to Mike for 150 bucks!
It ran, but the valve timing was off, and it had a hole in the block, so it smoked pretty badly. Mike rebuilt the engine, lowered it 5 inches in the front, and 6 in the rear by using spindles, springs, blocks, and a monoleaf. Next, he installed a rear leather seat from an Audi A4, and everything new, from headlights to taillights. For rollers, he bolted on some 17-inch bored-out hub chrome Caddy wheels. Inside, he installed a full Infinity/Audiobahn stereo system. Mike wanted the exterior to be just as smooth. He shaved the door handles, tailgate latch, rear bed lines, antenna, and windshield squirters. Having built everything himself, Mike said, "It's the most rewarding feeling."
He plans to do 'bags and body-drop it. He said, "I will never sell it, no matter what happens. It's my favorite thing in the world. After I dumped the girl, I didn't even care because she introduced me to my first love, my truck!"
New and Improved
Mike Barger from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, rolls his '04 Chevy Colorado Extra Cab proudly. He's recently bolted-on a set of BOSS 311 chrome wheels wrapped in Hankook 275/40R20 rubber. For entertainment on his many road trips, Mike rocks out with two Polk Momo Subs, that are powered by an Infinity 311a amplifier, and Infinity 6-1/2-inch components. Mike has big plans for his Rado, including shaved doors, a much lower stance, custom seats, and to really get things moving-an RKsport supercharger.