To complete our real-world minitruck special, we've expanded our readers' rides Ridin' Around section to give more people the necessary motivation to keep on cruisin' low with their heads held high. Take a look at all of these badass minis that rule the streets in a neighborhood near you. From daily driven to show stoppers, these minitrucks are as real as it gets!
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.
Congratulations to this month's Banner Contest Winners, Joe Bachman and Jeff Beckley!!!
Laid Out
Chris Stone's '03 Toyota Tacoma is well on its way to stardom. For starters, the entire exterior has been color-matched white. Chris installed all-clear signals and corner lights. The super-slammed stance came courtesy of a stock-floor body-drop and a complete air suspension, which was performed by Rocky Fox and Chris. The bed was body-dropped 7 inches and a tan Street Beat ragtop opens up for some fresh air. Moving inside, comforts come from a set of '94 4Runner buckets and two MTX 10-inch subs. The dash was also color-matched and a Mooneyes shift knob pulls it all together. Tucking the 17-inch Boyd Coddingtons was no easy feat, Chris had to work hard to get his truck rolling in style. Keep a look out for more on this clean, laid-out Taco.
Built by Me
Erik Kocianski is the proud owner of this '97 Ford Ranger that he's been fixing up in his garage. All of the mods were performed by Erik, including the body kit that was molded in, shaved door handles, a flush-mounted bed cover, a shaved tailgate handle and body line. To add to the smooth exterior, Erik bolted up a billet grille and some clear corners. Inside of the interior, Erik updated his dash by swapping in a Ford Explorer dash that he needed for the wiring and a console. Next, a pair of Mustang seats were added comfort for when the V-8 pins him there. The motor swap came from a Mercury Mountaineer 5.0, with tons of custom-built parts. As soon as possible, Erik plans on installing 'bags and getting his truck ready for the show scene. Erik wishes to add that his wife will be really happy when it's done, so she might actually get to see him every now and then!
All In The Family
Joe Bachman has been reading MT for years, and has given the minitruckin' treatment to his first Gen S-10 ever since he was 15. This '92 S-10 has been through a lot, including two accidents. But with it's recent 'bag job, Joe says it's looking better than ever. Joe is from a small town, called Klamath Falls, Oregon, and his brother brought him into this lifestyle when they started building a '94 Geo Tracker that was 'bagged and body-dropped. Joe's brother formed a club in the Northwest, called Show 'N Low, which he also became a part of. So far, Joe has installed a phantom grille, a cowl hood, and he has shaved his door handles, wiper cowl, antenna, roll pan, and mirrors. The custom-flame graphics separating the black rocker panels from the white of the rest of the truck really helps Joe's truck to stand out in a crowd. Bryan Marshall of the Chop and Drop Shop in Medford, Oregon, 'bagged Joe's ride all the way around and set it up on a set of 18-inch Devino Road Concept wheels wrapped in 225/40R18 tires. Joe's future plans include a body-drop, a slight chop, custom paint, interior, LS1, and being featured in Mini Truckin'.
Like Father, Like Sons
This family build-up shows us just what sticking together can accomplish! It's extensive mods list includes a huge body-drop, four-link and 'bagged suspension, everything shaved, bright candy paint, a full-time steel convertible top, tweed interior, a 289hp motor with a 6-1/2-inch cowl hood, 10-inch subwoofers with 4,000 watts, and it's all rolling on 18-inch wheels. Big George, with the help from his friends and family, has built a one-of-a-kind ride that adds a little bit of new-skool flavor to an old-skool ride. We can't wait to see what they come up with next.
Suicide Ranger
Eric McClure, with the help of his friends and family, has done quite a bit to his '97 Ford Ranger that remains under construction with much more in store. So far, Eric has added a set of 17-inch Eagle Alloy Wheels, a billet grille, a painted lower valance, a rear roll pan, a custom cowl hood, and sport mirrors. It's been lowered 4 inches and despite the I-beams Eric will be 'bagging it ASAP! They just recently installed suicide doors and the stock 60/40 Ranger buckets have been ditched for Explorer bucket seats. Eric bought his truck in June of '05 and it was completely stock and is his very first vehicle. He loves to work on it and customize it in any way he can. Everything has been installed and/or fabricated by family, friends, and Eric. Eric would like to thank everyone for their support and help of the build so far. Eric also adds that "MT magazine has helped inspire me to personalize my truck!"
Clean as It Gets
Mike Mouland from Ontario, Canada, originally bought an '89 Blazer four years ago, and just did a standard air setup and traditional body-drop to it. Well, unfortunately, the truck had nothing but problems with the motor. Also, Mike couldn't stand not having the head and leg room so he sold it, then he started this '84 Jimmy project three years ago. First thing on the list was to yank the body, then build a new frame from the firewall back for a stock-floor body-drop. Next, Mike moved on to the motor, which was a 2.8L. Again, he had nothing but problems with it, so he decided to build up a 350 hp. After it was all put together, Mike fabbed up some brackets and modded the crossmember to let the motor sit lower for a little more hood clearance. For the suspension, a handmade four-link, and 'bags all around gave Mike the adjustability to drive anywhere.
Moving on to the body, Mike got a new radiator support, front fenders, rear quarters, a tailgate and a hood, and then proceeded to shave everything he could: bodylines, handles, gas lid, side mirrors, wiper cowl, roof rack, bumpers, and shaved the tails to put in all-clear Caddys. The interior is still in the works and it will include a Caviler dash with an Auto Meter cluster. Mike wants to thank all of his friends and family whom have helped with the build.