The fiberglass also found its way to the center console, where Clif molded and shaped it around the manual shifter. The new free-flowing console houses two air gauges, the switches, and the power window controls for each side.
Installed in the dash are a Panasonic CD/DVD head unit and an Alpine equalizer, which together with the Alpine amps send a crisp and clear signal to the Infinity Kappa component speakers. The two sets of component speakers were installed in the custom kick panels on each side as well as the door panels for the ultimate in imaging.
By this time, it was obvious where things were going. Oliver had fallen into the same trap the rest of us have: He had begun showing his truck at some of the local shows, and now he was addicted to the trophies and compliments that came from them. One thing that the shows taught him was that the judges look everywhere, even under the hood. Oliver, being a quick learner, took the time to make some underhood modifications.
An Injen Short Ram Intake was bolted to the top of the 2.4L, and a ceramic-coated header was bolted to the bottom end. Attached to the headers was a custom-bent 2-1/2-inch exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers. To support the stereo, a 160-amp alternator was switched out with the stock one and a whole slew of blue loom was wrapped around the engine compartment.
With the engine all dressed up, it was time to move to the cab and bed of the Toyota. Todd and the Interior Shop of Phoenix were given the task of transforming the stock interior into a full-blown custom job.
Todd began by chopping the headrests off the bucket seats and recovering them using tan and blue tweed. The dash followed suit and was treated to tan as were the custom kick panels, rear panels, headliner, and carpet. Each of the door panels were flamed and then wrapped with tan and accented using blue inserts.
Continuing to accent the interior, Todd used billet, paint, and even a little crystal. The stock steering wheel was removed and replaced by a B.A.D. Hellfire steering wheel and billet hub. The dash bezel, interior handles, recliner levers, column cover, and several other pieces were painted blue to match the flames, and a Momo crystal shift knob was placed atop the shifter.
In the bed, below the Snug Top lid, Todd constructed a custom floor and sidewall panels using wood and fiberglass. Flames were laid out over the sidewall and on the underside of the tonneau and then covered in tan tweed. A trap door was created over the suspension for future access, then a hand-stitched Toyota logo was inserted into the bed floor.
In a matter of nine months, Oliver Porter, with the help of some talented individuals, transformed a stocker into a rail rocker. But don't even begin to think that this is the type of truck that never sees the outside of a garage. One of the best parts about the Tacoma is that it's still Oliver's daily driver. After all, if you can't enjoy it, why build it?