This clean early model Chevy S-10 is a fine example of a well rounded mini-truck. Eugene Dixon of Fortson, Georgia, purchased his 1986 S-10 which was an older mini that needed a little tender loving care. We dig the first generation S-10s here at ESM, so if you own one that you are currently busting knuckles on, at a minimum you need to follow Eugene's example to get it in front of our cameras. Moving right along...

Being a proud member of the AcrophobiA family, Eugene's truck sits at ground level. The sudden kiss of asphalt is achieved with airbags at all four corners along with a body drop by Fernando. The working components of the suspension consist of Belltech dropped spindles up front and Toxic shocks all the way around. To allow such a dramatic change in altitude, the frame required a C-notch to clear the rear axle and a parallel 4-link setup replaces the original leaf springs.

As mentioned earlier, this truck needed a little TLC to become a show truck, so next on the menu was a list of custom body modifications. The stake pockets on the bedrails, taillights, and the tailgate handle were shaved. The tailgate and roll pan were molded together for a very clean one-piece look. A long single LED light bar was placed inside the center of the tailgate for a more modern appearance. The bed was tubbed out, the floor was smoothed, and a spray-in bedliner covers the sheet metal for max protection. Eugene's truck was also cleared of all identifying badges, moldings, and body lines. The side view mirrors, door handles, and antenna also made their way to the scrap pile. The stock grille shell remained, but the blinker and marker lights were updated with a set of clear lenses. The stock hood was replaced with a Harwood cowl induction hood and the wiper cowl was shaved. To make things a little different, Eugene Dixon and Fred McGowan setup the passenger side door to open suicide style to give the truck a scissor effect when both doors are open. Once the body mods were complete, Eugene Dixon did his magic with the paint using PPG True Blue and right behind him the smoke graphics were laid by William Boswell from Columbus, Georgia. Polishing off the exterior modifications, the fenders were stuffed with 20-inch Coys chrome rollers up front and 22-inchers in the rear, with Hancock Ventus 245/30R20 and 245/30R22 rubber respectively protecting the rolling attire.

The interior of Eugene's mini was treated to a full one-off custom interior-done completely in fiberglass. The stock door panels were removed and replaced with custom made door panels fitted with billet arm rests. You can't miss the 21-inch Dell monitor molded into the dash. The dash was shaved and fiber glassed then a set of Cyberdyne digital gauges were added. A billet steering wheel, shifter, and pedals add to the awesome look. Blue carpeting, leather bucket seats, and a fiberglass center console stuffed with a couple of Memphis Audio subs, powered by JBL amps and controlled with a Savantea head unit, finishes up the custom interior.

Under the hood, Hancock Performance went over the stock 1986 engine. A cam and headers were added to bring the power out. The engine head work was accomplished by Bill Pilcher. Jimmy Bo of Columbus Custom Exhaust hung some pipe under the bed with care.

Eugene's truck is already a show vehicle that has taken home a few trophies. From top to bottom, inside and out, Eugene has one clean mini-truck to be completely proud of.