Chassis work began by replacing both the front and rear suspensions with Air Ride Technologies components. The front end uses new upper and lower control arms, 2-inch Belltech drop spindles, Shock Wave shocks, and Power Slot front disc brakes. The rear incorporates a 6-inch notch and a four-link setup with Air Ride tapered 'bags. A VIAIR 400 compressor fills the 5-gallon reserve tank using 3/8-inch lines. All the components are located out of sight, under the bed.
Running big wheels created the look he was going for, but also presented a new set of problems. In order to add the 22s, Bobby carefully measured the available space, then had Intro design wheels with the proper backspacing. Wrapped in Nitto rubber, the Twisted Vista II front wheels are 22x8 inches and the rears are 22x10 inches. Once the wheels were in place, it was a simple matter of relocating the clutch reservoir and notching the firewall for clearance. While he was under the hood, the 2.2L four-cylinder engine received plenty of attention, receiving a Sport Truck Specialties intake, Comp cam, 60-shot ZEX nitrous kit, Pace Setter header, Borla muffler, electric fan, Stinger 200-amp alternator for the multiple battery setup, and lots of detailing.
Body mods included a Cal Combo tailgate skin from FBI, an integrated roll pan, and subtle Hi-Tek 18-inch LED taillights. Covering the bed is a new Gem Top tonneau adorned with a Maltese cross and skull graphic. Lift the cover to discover the new fiberglass enclosure that houses the multiple batteries powering the system and the nitrous bottle, paint-matched nitrous bottle. Up front, the Street Scene front bumper is fitted with APC projector headlights, JBM grille insert, and PIAA foglights. Additional details included a smoothed cowl, a rear window from Altered Images complete with license plate holder, shaved door handles, and side mirrors from Arlen Ness. The primary color is the new Mopar Amber Fire Pearl handled by Central Florida Collision in Bellview, Florida. The beautiful graphics add to the look using multiple House of Kolor shades. Eagle Eye Graphics, also in Bellview, did the airbrushing.
What does the future hold for this consistent Best of Show winner? Bobby plans to rebuild the dash, rework the firewall, and go with even larger wheels. There may even be a body drop in the truck's future! We will be looking forward to seeing more of this slickly styled, stereo S-10. Bobby would like to thank Tony at Air Ride Technologies, Lynn at Intro Wheels, Chad at Accelle TV, everyone at A.R.C Audio, the folks at BAD and Dakota Digital, his AudioNutz partner, Steve Head, and everyone from Acraphobia Car Club.