Wicked Nissan Hardbody Buildup on Hydraulics

10. This shot shows more of Aaron hard at work TIG welding the rest of the frame and mount details.

11. A hand-built hydraulic cylinder sleeve was built and mounted to the custom spindles. This creates optimum suspension performance, not to mention it looks killer.

12. Here's a look at the rear suspension at full lift and laid out. Yes, you still say laid out when using hydraulics.

14. Here's a good look at the rear setup with the bed on and all cleaned up.

15. Time to move onto some of the fun body mods. First thing cut off was the roof. Don't worry it's just a chop, it's going back on in no time.

16. See, nothing to fear, just giving this mini a little hot-rod feel and helping to make it one of the lowest Hardbodys around.

17. Next, came the sheetmetal bed work. Tubs were built and tacked into place.

18. The rest of the bed came along nicely as it was patiently cut, bead rolled, then tacked. Then, it was tacked some more, and then some more.

19. It sure cleans up well!

20. Moving inside the cab, a full sheetmetal firewall and tubs were built and welded in.

21. For a little rear update, Colorado taillights were grafted into place and look right at home with the lines of the Nissan.

22. A one-off crossmember was built to add a little strength, not to mention some great looks to the engine bay.

23. Last minute touches before the show: Aaron built a one-off front grille to fit the custom core support and Jeep headlights.

24. A few final late night touchups and this Hardbody was ready just in time to make it's debut at the Forbidden Show.

25. At the show, Patrick's Nissan drew huge crowds all day long. It also was awarded the coveted Best Engineered trophy making this the fourth year in a row that Chassis By Aaron Iha has taken home this honor, which began at FFF 2006 with Mike Alexander's Toyota buildup. Be on the lookout for more on this wicked Hardbody in an upcoming issue.