Article and Photos by Bryan Fross

 

   The definition of smooth comes nowhere close to describing this 1993 Toyota Pickup. Chris Call from Temecula owns this show winning machine and has kept it looking smooth by modifying it into the one of the cleanest closed-bed trucks in California.

   Inside and out this truck has been customized by Chris and a few friends. Beginning with the Suspension, this Toyota was stripped of all stock components and he flipped the upper ball joints. Firestone air bags were added to both front and rear custom mounts. SMC 3/8" valves and a chrome air tank were installed for adjustability. A custom set of dropped lower control arms and transmission cross-member were then added along with a new drive shaft cross-member. All rear cross-members were removed and the frame was boxed in. A triple chromed 4-link was added after raising the gas tank 1 1/2 inches. The frame was also polished for a mirror like finish.

   Body work was started by shaving the doors, tailgate handle, bumper signals, hood squirters, antenna, door-mounted mirrors, the stock cowl vents. The doors and tailgate are now remote activated and the a/c venting was rerouted so that it would still work correctly. Trenz phantom and lower valance grills were installed in front and clear corners were bolted on. In the rear, a Sir Michaels roll pan was molded in and a custom third brake light was added using machined out tailgate bolts to run the wiring. Other exterior additions include a  carpeted Snug Top solid shell, chrome fender trim, power retractable sunroof, and color matched V6 model mirrors. A set of 17" KMC Gnome Wheels were bolted up with Falken Tires wrapped around them.

   The comfortable interior has been redone with charcoal gray carpet. Charcoal tweed was applied to the headliner, amplifier rack, and V6 door panels. Chris also built a center console and bed kit and covered those as well. The seats were covered by Dick's Auto Upholstery in Escondido using leather and the same tweed that runs throughout the interior. The Power windows, Grant steering wheel, Momo shift knob, and one-off billet a/c knobs were also added. The dash inserts were painted to match.

   Stereo additions were next using  mostly Rockford Fosgate equipment. Components were installed in custom built door pods and stock dash speaker holes. Two 15" Subs were bolted into a box made by Chris using Box Builder 6. Power supply comes from an Optima battery and 3 Amplifiers using Phoenix Gold 4 gauge wire. An Alpine in-dash 3 disk changer controls the sound distribution. The engine was cleaned up by polishing the a/c hard lines, mass air flow sensor, and exhaust manifold heat shield. A Flowmaster 3 chamber muffler with dual outs was also welded on.

   This smooth ride shows us that a lot of thought went into it's development. The Dan Fink retractable license plate holder and completely shaved gas door locking mechanism (inside and out) are two unique details.

  Chris would like to thank his sponsors including:  KMC Wheels, Mothers, US Auto Parts, Falken, Sir Michaels, Mufflers West, Spal, Valco, McCay's Custom Tint, Dan Fink Metal Works, Dick's Auto Upholstery, and Promenade Polishing and Plating. An extra special thanks to Brian Jendro for his hard work.

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