OL’YELLER | ’86 Mazda B2000

Cory’s Custom ‘86 Mazda B2000

 If this ’86 Mazda B2000 could talk, oh the stories it would tell! Since rolling off the lot more than three decades ago, the truck has seen four owners—and each one added his own person touches. 

Owner #1: Cory 

Cory Talbert, the original owner, started off the Mazda’s custom journey by having Twisted Customs bag the front with Firestone 2,500-pound bags, raise the crossmember, modify the control arms, and relocate the Monroe shocks.

Jeremiah proceeded to change things up in a big way by smoothing out the body and painting it Chrysler Acid Yellow. Yes, it’s as bright in the photos as it is in person. 

Moving to the rear, the Twisted Custom crew began by dropping in a Ford Courier rear end, C-notching the frame, adding a reverse triangulated 4-link, Firestone 2,600-pound bags, and relocating the Monroe shocks. To finish up, they added the air system, ½ SMC valves and 5-gallon air tank filled by Viair 480c compressor.

They then began the long list of modifications. They cut off the top and chopped the windshield 8 inches to make a roadster. Finishing up the roaster look, they capped off the doors and cab, and installed a Lexan windshield.

To make this Mazda smooth all the way around, the door handles, gas door, taillights, corner lights, wiper cowl, emblems, antenna were all shaved. T-Rex phantom billet grille with H-4 headlights and chrome bumper were used to enhance the front end. Last but not least, they added a Mazda B2600i hood before painting it a Blazing Copper Metallic.

Owner #2: Frank

Frank Icenhour purchased the roadster Mazda in 2005. He changed things up by installing a Mazda B 2.2 motor bored 0.030 over, MSD ignition, Pacesetter header, Weber carburetor, electric fans, and painted and polished parts. He then added a full custom exhaust.

For a smooth ride, Frank installed a set of AWC’s 20×8-inch Raceline Vipers and had Twisted Customs revamp the air-ride system. Jonathon Moorehead redid all the bodywork and repainted it Blazing Copper Metallic. Frank went on to enjoy the truck until 2019 where he sold it to Jeremiah Johnson (no, not that one).

Owner #3: Jeremiah

Jeremiah proceeded to change things up in a big way by smoothing out the body and painting it Chrysler Acid Yellow. Yes, it’s as bright in the photos as it is in person.

He now calls the truck Ol’ Yeller. Mike enjoys hanging out on Sunday Fundays with his friends cruising the roadster around town… 

After wet sanding and buffing, Jeremiah sent the truck to “Big Body” Christopher Tisdale where he did an amazing job covering the interior with a peanut butter-colored pleather. Not really being able to drive this everywhere, Jeremiah decided it was time to sell it and get something he could drive anytime anywhere.

Owner #4: Mad Mike 

Enter Mad Mike Rutherford. He bought the roadster Mazda from Jeremiah. He now calls the truck Ol’ Yeller. Mike enjoys hanging out on Sunday Fundays with his friends cruising the roadster around town, and he’d like to thank previous owners for building an amazing truck.