It was the late 90’s, mini trucks were hot, and Chris didn’t feel any different. Chris Desoto picked up this 1986 S10 in high school. His dad also drove an S10 and Chris wanted one just like dad.
Originally the truck was only bagged which was cool for a 90’s kid in high school but after over 20 years he decided to go the whole 9 yards and then some.
The vision was a minitruck straight out of the early 2000’s at the controversial peak of mintruckin’ but with a fresh twist from todays mini scene. Chris started by shaving everything, and I mean everything from this S10 including the mirrors.
The body work doesn’t stop there with shaved and frenched Cadillac tail lights, roll pan and inner bed and tubs blended into the box and even the classic look and style of a sliding rag top. The custom sheet metal in the bed has a power hatch to access the gas filler and all the air management and electronics for the truck. The front bumper was also smoothed and trimmed to fit the truck perfectly. We can’t talk about the body work without mentioning the stock floor body drop and the custom Lexan rear window built to mount the license plate to keep the body lines clean and smooth.
The engine is a 2011 LS1 with a Holley Sniper intake, Holley low profile oil pan to push the motor down into the bay the keep the clean look of the the factory hood. Chris used Corvette accessories to keep the front of the motor clean. The transmission is a built 4L60e with a shift kit and Corvette servos.
The interior is classy and sophisticated with a Italian Leather in classic diamond stitch pattern that is contrasted with a beautiful German square weave carpet. The contrast gives that twead and vinyl vibe from the 90’s with a rich and modern flavour. The interior is finished with a custom center console, power windows, power locks, power steering and a push button start.
The frame is painted with Roth chrome metal flake on top of a Mercedes factory grey color. It has been chanelled under the cab to work with the body drop. The back suspension is a custom 4 link and the front has Thor Bros upper and lower control arms and a Little Shop no toe kit. The air suspension is made up of Dominator bags front and rear with AVS manifold and Dakota Digital pressure guage.
The wheels are HRBB Gotcha II Retro series wheels in a 22x9 based off of 90’s style that gives it the 90’s flavour with the modern twist. The wheels are wrapped in 225/30’s
The paint which you have probably noticed, is Plumb Crazy Purple and pops off of the phantom grill and chrome HRBB wheels.
Thanks to Adam at Metalcraft Restorations for paint body and fab work, Brad Lang at Plan B Hotrods for motor, wiring, assembly, exhaust, and fab work, and Kevin at Styles Uphosltery for the interior work.
Chris would also like the thank Adam, Brad, Kevin, Aftermath, and Aftermath Canada.
Chris has showed the truck throughout the US landing himself best mini truck in every show to date and getting best mini truck right at home in Victoria BC.
Article by Brian Holzli
Photos by Travis Roe
(TDR Photography)
1 comment
Glad to have been able to photograph this very cool build.