JokerWhy so serious? - MiniTruckin` New Zealand

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Why so serious?
Article and graphics, designed and written by Jade Whiteman
Photography Paul Gibson
© Copyright 2009 all rights reserved
J
oker was first revealed in October 2007 when posted in the
‘Under Construction’ board
at the MiniTruckin New Zealand Forums. Paul Gibson the proud owner
of Joker, is no rookie in the automotive industry and over the years
has built a portfolio of hot rods
and modified vehicles including
a Mk4 Zephyr, Trans Am, Mustang
pace car, RX7 race cars and various other hotrods.
A painter by trade, Paul was given
the opportunity to purchase a written off ‘2005 Free Style Cab - Ford
Courier XLT’. This particular model
features the infamous rear suicide
doors; it is also the last production line of Couriers produced by
Ford.after reviewing countless
magazines and websites, Paul was
set on restoring the courier and
building a ‘MiniTruck’. One of the
key features of this build is of
course pneumatic suspension. Ed
Junior Customs based in Wellington was selected to carry out the
chassis work.
Upon arrival at Ed Junior’s the
question was popped. “Where
are the wheels and what is the
theme?” Soon after, a set of
18x8 Reactions were purchased
and the theme Joker was born.
Kurt (Ed Juniors) decided to fabricate a custom tubular rear
clip, with an integrated airlines
which supplie air from the reservoirs to the air bellows. Spikes
were added to the chassis to
point out that not all vehicles
have to be cookie cutter or off
the shelf specials.
Three months following the initial build, Joker was transported to Auckland to display at the
‘2008 Four & Rotary Nations’.
Earning Paul his first prize ‘Best
Air Ride install’ whilst in it’s
under construction state.
Article and graphics, designed and written by Jade Whiteman
Photography Paul Gibson
© Copyright 2009 all rights reserved
A
fter returning from Auckland, Joker was ready to
commence it’s next stage in
the build. Paul was determined to
step outside the square and decided that Joker needed more than
just a plain cosmetic facelift.
Tom Ditchfield stood up to the
challenge and performed the body
shaving, straightening of the sills
and lengthening of front and rear
guards. A bonnet scoop was also
incorporated. Plastic Repairs
took on the role of lengthening
the front bumper and the addition of an extra grill bar and spot
lights. Following the facelift, Joker was off to Paintworks where
Paul applied a special brew of PPG
Vibrance on the lower of the two
tone and pearls over white on
the top. Graphics were applied to
give the 57 Ford type appeal making Joker new school with an old
school touch.
Article and graphics, designed and written by Jade Whiteman
Photography Paul Gibson
© Copyright 2009 all rights reserved
Now that Joker was fully certified and road worthy, Paul decided
to attend the ‘Palmerston North
Swap Meet’ in which he collected
a majority of positive comments, a
question was asked on what Paul
had in mind for the interior to match
the theme. Inspired by the question,
Paul contacted ICE Car Audio and
delivered Joker to their workshop
based in Hamilton. The team at ‘ICE’
wasted no time ensuring Joker was
fitted with the latest audio products and custom interior molds.
Shaun Terry completed the interior appling his talented skills fitting new upholstery throughout
Joker.
The 2008 four and rotary nationals has been a very satisfying
achievement for paul. Knocking
out seven prizes in the show and
shine at christchurch alone. the
2009 prizes consist of:
Southisland Champs
Best Ford
Best Minitruck
Show Stopper Best Engineered
Show Stopper Best Show Stopper
Show Stopper Best Body Kit
Show Stopper Best Paint
Show Stopper Best Airburshing
Auckland
Best MiniTruck
specifications
Paul has also launched a lower north island based club ‘Gravel Rash’. He
believes that a voice in the lower north island is in much need. Gravel Rash,
has it’s own forum located at http://www.gravelrash.co.nz
Chassis/Suspension
Chassis Tech 2500 air bellows (Front)
Chassis Tech 2600 air bellows (Rear)
DC7000 100% duty cycle compressor
Competition air valves
Custom fabricated tube chassis
Integrated plumbing
2 x 3.0 gallon air reserviors
Dive bottle
Drivechain
Custom fabricated 50 litre fuel tank
Narrowed differential housing (80mm)
Audio
Panasonic VX100 head unit
kicker ZX1000 Amplifiers (2x)
kicker ZX850 Amplifier (1x)
Kicker ZX200 Amplifier (1x)
Kicker subwoolfers 600w (4x)
Kicker SS65 100w Speakers (2x)
Kicker KS 75W Speakers (2x)
Wheels and Tyres
18x8 Reactions
215/35/R18 ZR18 GT Radials
Special thanks to
Paintworkz PPG
A&R Recyclers
Ed Juniors
Tom Ditchfield Panel beaters
Plastic Repairs
Engine Rebuilders
Andrew Nowell
Shaun Terrey Upholstery
Total Bodyshop
G M Panel beaters
Kurt Ed Juniors
Jade Whiteman
Article and graphics, designed and written by Jade Whiteman
Photography Paul Gibson
© Copyright 2009 all rights reserved