Letters To The Editor - Paper Cuts - September 2006

  |   paper Cuts 1978 Datsun 620 First off, you guys have a totally kick-ass magazine. I have a '78 Datsun 620 extended cab. I was wondering if you had any info on it or if I could do a different front clip, like one from a Hardbody or a Frontier. See, I just rear-ended someone and instead of going back to the original I want to do something totally different that no one else has done before on that truck. I was also wondering if it were possible to lay frame with 20s on the front and 22s on the back. I know I'll have to do some pretty extreme fabricating, but a little help won't hurt. Anyway, you guys keep up the great work.
Ben Carter
Warner Robins, Georgia What's up, Ben? As far as it goes, anything is possible. It just depends on how much work you want to do or have paid for. It wouldn't be any harder to put a new clip on the front of a Datsun than any other truck. The only variance would be in the width and how you want to address that. The front end you put on might have to be narrowed, and you would also have to make new motor mounts unless you want to keep the engine from the clip you're using. Make sure you keep the very front of your stock clip in front of your suspension so you don't have to come up with new mounting options for your core support and miscellaneous other accessories. As for fitting those wheels, the suspension wouldn't be a problem if you're using a new front clip. The back is as easy as a bigger notch and more cutting. Dear Mini Truckin',
I recently bought a truck. It's a '97 Chevy S-10 and it has air suspension all around. Right now I have a good start on my ride but it's hard because I don't make much money. I wanted to know if I could get a Mini Truckin' sticker. Also, I was wondering if you could tell me the name of some shops in the Riverside area. I hope that one day my truck will be in your magazine. Thank You
Leonel Berumen
Riverside, California   |   paper Cuts truck Parts As far as shops are concerned, in that area you could try Devious Customs in Ontario, California, or Bio Kustumz in San Jacinto. Hey MT,
I just got my buddy's '99 Ranger in and bagged it. My question is, how do people get the front framerails to lay out on this truck? I've searched for drop spindles, control arms, etc. Only thing I can think of is to start cutting the frame and/or stock control arms. I see all the tranny crossmembers for I-beam Rangers. Who has these? Any info will be appreciated. Thanks.
Creations Untouchable
Via e-mail There are companies with lowering components for your Ranger. You could get DJM dropped control arms from Stylin' Concepts. That should handle your lowering problems. As for the tranny crossmember, give www.3rdshiftkustoms.com a yell; they have a three-bolt and four-bolt version for the '98-and-up Ranger.   |   paper Cuts engine Dear Mini Truckin',
I consider myself a very loyal MT follower. That's why I would like to ask you for help. I currently own a '91 Mazda B2200 and I would like to know if a motor swap could be done by swapping my engine with a '95 Mazda RX-7 twin turbo engine. Would I also need the transmission? I would really appreciate the help.
Sincerely,
Omar Sanchez
Orange, California There are a few Mazda's out there that have utilized the space-saving and horsepower-driven capabilities of rotary motors. If you take a look in our Worldwide Issue from May '06, the feature "Rotisserized" has a rotary motor. The transmission would have to be changed to that in favor of its RX-7 companion. The twin turbocharger wouldn't make a difference as far as it working in the truck, but make sure you have sufficient cooling. Dear MT staff,
I'm an avid reader and always look forward to the next issue of MT. I don't have any good tech questions but did have a comment. I won a custom shop in Clinton, Tennessee, and some of my customers were making a few good points. One is that we would like to show more under-construction trucks. Not everyone can afford to dump 10-30 grand to get their ride in a magazine. Let's see some more of the rides of those people that dig through junkyards looking for parts to marry to their ride. You know? Some trucks that have been hand-built by the owner and not some shop or company. In a recent issue you were talking about a build from the ground up. I want to see some rides that are complete and at the price of $2,500-3,000. Well, I've said my peace. Any response would be great.
Josh Haon
Clinton, Tennessee

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Though we understand and respect your opinion, we have a couple of counterpoints. We only have a given amount of pages to show the mini-truckin' community the best that there is in the world of MT. To take room from finished trucks and people that have spent countless sums of time and money would be unfair. At least we do offer a construction section as well as dedicate an issue to the unpainted and glorious. If you look at quite a few of our past cover trucks, they were primarily built by the owner and friends, such as Josh Freeman's "Mini Truck of the Year," Charles Armstrong's "Time Machine," Brent Zuelke's "Mini Truck of the Year" VW Toyota, Patrick Reid's door draggin' Ranger, and Jenn Lacey's "Mini Truck of the Year."