90s mini truck styling

[Bo’sFarmGeneva]

One thing I love about the Slate is that it reminds me of the mini trucks of the 80s and 90s. If these make it to market I plan on doing a 90s mini truck look with mine. Has anyone else been playing around with designs for these outside of what Slate offers?

YES!!! I had a 95 Mazda B2300 which was just a ford ranger lol. I’m looking forward to getting into one.

 

[AmatuerX]

I'm also planning to go this direction with my Slate. I've wanted a "custom" mini truck for years, but good luck finding one that's not all rusted to hell. So, I'm super excited by the DIY possibilities.

Some things I've been thinking about:

• 20" wheels - thinking some American Racing Classic Torq Thrust (it sure would be nice to have OEM wheels specs so I could price them out.)
• Shag carpet interior - I've always wanted to do this on a car, but could never find the right "fit". 😁
• Sound system - Although, I'd love a decent stereo, I have no idea how this is gonna work.

 

[AZFox]

Sound system - Although, I'd love a decent stereo, I have no idea how this is gonna work.

There was a hint in the Q&A video.

Question chosen from over 4,000 questions that were submitted:

Can I install a powerful stereo, like six-inch speakers in the door and a head unit?​

Answer:

Yes, you can.​

Head Unit + Door Speakers + Powered Sub might get the job done.

 

[IamSpotted]

This is what I'm thinking. BDU pattern from the 90s on a matte vinyl. Then have a CB and GMRS radio inside (maybe even a trunking radio, who knows).

 

[AeroWolf]

I am actually curious if a soft top accessory mod will be possible for a convertible look. Forgive the AI artistry.

 

[Tom Sawyer]

This is what I'm thinking. BDU pattern from the 90s on a matte vinyl. Then have a CB and GMRS radio inside (maybe even a trunking radio, who knows).

I can't see the truck, it's so well camouflaged.

Maybe it's crouching real low?

 

[ScooterAsheville]

TBH, I kind of wish Slate had put a minimalist hood, and used the 18" space saved as an extended cab. A huge hood like that is totally not needed on a BEV.

I'm guessing Slate did it (1) because pickup buyers are slaves to tradition, and (2) it" was simpler and cheaper to engineer if they wasted all that space. And I think the emphasis was on (2). (1) is mainly about "don't rock the styling boat - we're taking enough risks."

And yea, I know there is a frunk in there. I'd still give it up for 18" behind the seats.

 

[AZFox]

I am actually curious if a soft top accessory mod will be possible for a convertible look.

I like that idea, and I've had an S-10 converted in the past.

An S-10 is body-on-frame, whereas part of the Slate's steel structure is concealed beneath the body panels ont the roof and b-pillars.

 

[AZFox]

TBH, I kind of wish Slate had put a minimalist hood, and used the 18" space saved as an extended cab. A huge hood like that is totally not needed on a BEV.

I'm guessing Slate did it (1) because pickup buyers are slaves to tradition, and (2) it" was simpler and cheaper to engineer if they wasted all that space. And I think the emphasis was on (2). (1) is mainly about "don't rock the styling boat - we're taking enough risks."

I think an important reason for the snout might be to provide a crush zone for safety.

 

[AeroWolf]

I like that idea, and I've had an S-10 converted in the past.

An S-10 is body-on-frame, whereas part of the Slate's steel structure is concealed beneath the body panels ont the roof and b-pillars.

May have to live with something like a Wrangler or PT Cruiser roll bars/cage around the cab volume.

I keep seeing the possibility of a flip up rear rumble seats covered by tonneau cover and a folding hard or soft rear cab panel folding over the rear cab roof structure to cover the cab and connect to the front window frame.

 

[AZFox]

May have to live with something like a Wrangler or PT Cruiser roll bars/cage around the cab volume.

Something like that might be workable, where you leave the steel and remove everything else, maybe with something covering the steel for aesthetics.

 

[Tom Sawyer]

TBH, I kind of wish Slate had put a minimalist hood, and used the 18" space saved as an extended cab. A huge hood like that is totally not needed on a BEV.

I'm guessing Slate did it (1) because pickup buyers are slaves to tradition, and (2) it" was simpler and cheaper to engineer if they wasted all that space. And I think the emphasis was on (2). (1) is mainly about "don't rock the styling boat - we're taking enough risks."

This:

I think an important reason for the snout might be to provide a crush zone for safety.

AND ALL WHEEL DRIVE!!! because options