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

 

[jonboy108]

It would be cool to have a convertible top over the bed like the Isuzu Rodea Sport or the Geo Tracker/Suzuki Sidekick, Daihatsu Rocky....

 

[fuzzyweis]

I played around with some of the DJ Set starter they have but I've done the 90s deal with my 2000 Ranger Electric already, for the Slate, especially with the square body and grille I'm digging more of a 70s/80s two tone vibe.
Current truck:

Thinking something like this if go to a Slate:

 

[Luxrage]

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

I wouldn't be opposed to a Slate convertible with a Targa bar:

My Tracker does a good job putting the soft top over the top of all the steel roof hardware. With it removed you can clearly see the gasket for the hard-top panel.