"I had to re-enlist in the...
"I had to re-enlist in the Navy for six years just to get enough money to finish the truck." -Steven Hill
Many times, a truck enthusiast will have a load of dedication to help keep the focus on finishing a project. In most instances, the commitment of a builder goes pretty far in consideration of where to get the funding for the work needed to be done. But, it takes some real guts to put your life on the line for your hobby.
Steven Hill's passion for his ride has exceeded all boundaries of your everyday mini-trucker. By joining the likes of the U.S. Armed Forces, he has put in his duties as a citizen, while making enough dough to finish his truck. And as shocking as it sounds to go all in for a vehicle, the end product was well worth the effort.
Although what you see here is a dazzling clean truck that Steven has created, he didn't start out in this scene. His first pride and joy was actually a Honda Civic hatchback. This street beast was ready to rock with its typical engine swaps and performance upgrades. Steve and his friends had good times as they would take on other souped-up imports on the streets of Victorville, California.
But, the import thing got a little too crazy for what it was worth for Steve. Instead of clubs, the scene developed into gangs, and the level of seriousness was raised higher than originally expected. Plus, the law enforcement kept cracking down on them, and Steve found himself in the slammer, busted for illegal racing, with his car impounded for 30 days.
Soon after, he grew an interest in the truck scene, as he found out that he could hang out with other automotive enthusiasts without committing a crime. At that time, his friend was selling a '93 Toyota pickup that was lowered, had an old-school paintjob, and had 60,000 miles on it. The deal was made, and seven grand later, the truck was signed under his name.
The only problem left was where to get enough pocket change to build the truck of his newfound dreams. The solution was to enlist in the Navy, since it would pay enough to get the job done. The only catch was that he might have to fight on the battlefront, putting his life on the line for freedom. But, he was also standing up for his given right to own a truck and to build it as a show vehicle.
Six years and four deployments to Iraq later, Steven has built one jaw-dropping Toyota. It now lays frame over 20-inch Bonspeed Lagunas and is clean-shaven to perfection. And the metallic blue with silver ghost flames paint scheme is simple yet all the truck needs to accent its beauty.
The truck now serves its purpose of making people go bananas over it. Steven is a very proud man, since he has devoted a lot to his creation. In his quest, he has received many helping hands, which he would like to give special thanks to: Shannon Hill, Rhino Linings, Viair, Gibson Performance Exhaust, Visonik Car Audio, Slam Specialties, Advanced Clutch Technologies, Hankook Tires, Optima Batteries, Bonspeed, Wicked Creations, Louie's Auto Body, Jim Raymond, Arlene and Vic Wood, and everyone in Relaxed Atmosphere.