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Clell Reed’s Backburner Tacoma Project

EVERYONE finds their way into the mini-truck scene a little differently. For Clell Reed, it started more than 30 years ago at the Rod Runs in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. That’s where he met Dave Shuman, who at the time was already pushing boundaries with one of the earliest air-ride-equipped trucks around. Seeing that truck settle onto the pavement planted a seed. Clell didn’t jump straight into mini-trucks, however; his first projects were full-size Chevy trucks, but the idea of building something low and different stuck with him.

The 1997 Toyota Tacoma that would eventually become his pride and joy came into his life for a much simpler reason. It was originally bought as a dependable daily driver for his son to get through high school. A few years later, his son moved on to a car, and the Tacoma stayed in the driveway. That’s when Clell did what any true truck guy does—he started “fixing it up.”

The first transformation was adding an air-ride system. The Tacoma was outfitted with 2,500-pound Slam Specialties bags at all four corners fed by two Viair compressors and a five-gallon tank—all controlled with ¾-inch valves. A green-and-black paint job and a fresh interior followed, and for a few years, the truck made its rounds on the show circuit.

But as any builder will tell you, “done” is rarely ever done.

The 1997 Toyota Tacoma that would eventually become his pride and joy came into his life for a much simpler reason.

Eventually, Clell decided to take the truck further and committed to a stock-floor body drop. That decision changed everything. From there, the Tacoma was sent to Luke Richardson, who laid down a deep House of Kolor Brandywine finish that gave the truck a whole new personality. It’s the kind of paint that doesn’t just shine—it demands attention.

The interior was rebuilt to match the new look. The dash and trim were painted to match the exterior, the seats were wrapped in diamond-stitched black leather, and the door panels were upholstered to match. Black carpet ties everything together, while a Memphis Audio 10-inch sub and Kicker 6x9s and tweeters handle the sound.

Sometimes the best projects aren’t planned. They’re the ones that simply stay and become something unforgettable.

Under the hood, the engine remains stock, with painted panels keeping things clean and tidy. The bed was smoothed and Rhino-lined, and the final touch came in the form of 20×8.5 Bonspeed Clutch wheels wrapped in 225/30R20 tires.

The truck is known as His Dream, Her Money—a name that comes with a laugh and a whole lot of truth.

Clell is quick to thank his wife, Shannon, Zachery Reed, Luke Richardson, Chip Kenworthy, Jeremie Kilby, Steve Riggle, and his No Regrets family. Builds like this are never a solo effort.

 

Sometimes the best projects aren’t planned. They’re the ones that simply stay and become something unforgettable.

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TRUCK SPECS

 Engine & Drivetrain

• Stock Toyota engine with painted engine bay panels

Chassis & Suspension

• 2,500-lb Slam Specialties air bags front and rear
• 2 Viair compressors
• 5-gallon air tank
• ¾-inch valves
• Stock-floor body drop

Wheels & Tires

• 20×8.5 Bonspeed Clutch wheels
• 225/30R20 tires

Body & Paint

• House of Kolor Brandywine paint