Rocking down the highway with the tunes cranked and the rocker panels gliding just inches from the asphalt is an indescribable feeling. Experiencing the thumbs-up from appreciative onlookers as the chrome or billet rollers tuck into the fenderwells and the custom paint radiates off the smooth metal releases a feeling of pride within the individual behind the wheel. Lonny Collins of Visalia, California, knows this feeling all to well; he is injected with a dose of pride every time he cranks the ignition in his '87 S-10 blazer and starts hitting the switches. Now hitting its 18th year in faithful service, Lonny's name has been on the Blazer's title since day one, when the 2.8L V-6-equipped two-door rolled off the lot. Having previously owned an '80 Datsun pickup and a '66 GMC pickup, Lonny knew that it would not be long before this Chevy mini received a serious custom makeover.
To establish the attitude for the project, Lonny and good friend Shaen began by putting this sensational S-series in the weeds. Belltech 2-inch drop spindles were bolted in up front, and the front framerails were taken to the tarmac with Slam Specialties airbags. Out back, a custom three-link setup, complete with a step notch and Slam Specialties 'bags, leveled things out. The system was plumbed with 1/2-inch airline, 1/2-inch Parker electric valves, and a Nitrogen tank for quick lift and slam characteristics. To give the Blazer the ultimate hammered stance, Lonny and Shaen busted out the Sawzall and body dropped the ride 5-inches, laying the rockers square on the pavement with 17x7-inch front and 17x8-inch rear Center Line aluminum spools filling the fenderwells. The wheels are protected by BFGoodrich P205/40ZR17 front and P215/40ZR17 rear rubber bands. With no daylight shining under The Intimidator, the stock skin would no longer suffice, so a list was made and the welder emerged to check the items off of it.
Going for a smooth, street rod-inspired skin, Lonny shaved the Blazer's wiper holes, cowl, door handles, tailgate handle, taillights, and body seams. The roof was sliced open for a 6-foot ragtop and custom 18-inch LED taillights were frenched into the molded steel roll pan. A cut-down, fullsize Chevy truck bumper was mounted to the face of this magnificent mini, and the grinder was brought in to clean up all the welds before the body was doused with a unique blend of custom color. Lonny and good friend Ruben Holquin applied the classy PPGSilver and Apple Red two-tone separated by a black tribal graphic along the belt line. After a lengthy color sanding and polishing session, focus was shifted toward the interior, where an ear-ringing audio system and an off-the-hook interior were constructed.