Much like an artist that combines different colors to create one unique color, Chris Gaddie of Tampa, Florida, combined several different parts that converged together creating one very unique Isuzu mini. Front to rear, this 'bagged and body-dropped truck has been modified using parts from other manufacturers, different models, and different years. Using the saying "never satisfied" would be a perfect description for Chris, who during his four years of customizing the truck has rebuilt it several times. His latest rendition is truly a head-turner, as the ultra-smooth body lines have undergone a thorough remodeling
Starting the remodeling with the suspension, Chris dropped the truck off at The Shop, in Longwood, Florida, where the majority of the ride height and bodywork would be completed. First up, the factory six-lug Isuzu spindles were swapped in favor of a set of Toyota five-lug spindles from Chassis Tech. Then, The Shop added a set of Firestone 2500 airbags to the front of the mini, combining the powdercoated upper and lower A-arms with the Toyota brakes and hubs. Half-inch lines were run from the front to the rear, where a set of Firestone 2800 airbags were installed. To allow axle clearance, the frame was step-notched, and a TCI chrome-plated three-link was added. MAC valves control the airflow with a large nitrogen tank wrapped in tweed in the bed. Toxic shocks at each corner provide stability, and a chrome differential cover adds bling-bling points for the judges.
Continuing with the "never satisfied" ideology, The Shop brought out the torch and cut the floor, then brought out the welder and went to work. Three full inches later, Chris's mini had a body drop. Eighteen-inch Elite Barb wheels were the rolling stock of choice, and Toyo Proxes received the honor of wrapping the chrome wheels.
While at The Shop, Chris requested a much, much smoother truck, and the guys were happy to help him out. Receiving the full shave treatment, the Isuzu lost the antenna, door handles, third brake light, gas door, tailgate handle, and taillights, and the tailgate itself was molded smooth. Mixing things up, The Shop added an Isuzu Rodeo chrome grille shell, a Trenz billet grille, Rodeo headlights, and a chrome Rodeo bumper. After adding all the accessories, and with that much primer everywhere, new paint was in order, and The Shop had just what he needed. Gallons of PPG Primal Ruby Red were sprayed on every surface of the Isuzu.
Underneath the Ruby hood, a Weber carburetor was added, along with a Jet-Hot-coated header and Flowmaster muffler, and the Optima red-top battery was relocated to the bed. Plenty of chrome surrounds the engine bay, and braided hoses add the final classy touch. Inside the tight confines of the mini is tweed, tweed, and more tweed. Amigo seats were added to the mix after being covered in tweed and matching gray vinyl by D&I Upholstery in Tampa. The factory dash was smoothed and painted, covered in tweed, and topped off with a Billet Specialties Revolver steering wheel. Brown carpet and a tweed headliner were added, and completing the interior mods is a custom center console with LED brake lights behind the seats.
Chris's custom mini has placed in many shows in the South, and with good reason. By combining quality parts from other trucks and using slick tricks to modify the Isuzu, he has shown us all that being mixed up isn't always bad.