Ontario Originality: Geoff’s Mazda B2200

Each automotive scene has its originals — the day ones who’ve seen all of it and achieved all of it, but stay humble all the identical. In Ontario, Geoff Mayes is undeniably a kind of people. He’s been an integral a part of the group for so long as I can keep in mind.

Geoff wouldn’t self-proclaim his OG standing, however he’s been a part of the scene longer than most can keep in mind and has change into an instrumental determine in Vanfest, considered one of Canada’s largest minitruck occasions.

Whereas he lately picked up an air-cooled Beetle to play with, Geoff will eternally be tied to minitrucks due to the many years he’s spent in the neighborhood. If there’s a truck I simply can’t fairly pull from reminiscence, Geoff is all the time the one who helps me join the dots.

As a Mazda proprietor myself, within the early days of this website, Geoff was one of many uncommon few I’d see at each minitruck occasions and Mazda occasions.

I’ve been lucky sufficient to see numerous the newer variations of this truck, however his historical past with it goes all the way in which again to 1995. Again then it was static and adjusted from inexperienced to copper earlier than ultimately transitioning to air trip, the place Geoff settled on varied shades of blue for the foreseeable future.

Because the years glided by, Geoff’s modifications grew more and more extra concerned. The door handles, badges, and antenna have all been shaved, giving the truck a cleaner, smoother look.

Although it seems like a Nineteen Nineties new previous inventory piece, the hood is definitely a one-off fitted with a Ford Gran Torino scoop Geoff sourced from a pick-and-pull yard.

The entrance bumper, nevertheless, is a discontinued piece from the Mazdarossa equipment. Geoff tracked down the now extremely hard-to-find half by shopping for a whole second truck that had the equipment put in. The donor was too far gone to save lots of, so it was shortly parted out.

Just lately, in a transfer that stunned quite a lot of us locals, Geoff ditched the mattress topper the truck was all the time identified for in favor of a extra streamlined, new previous inventory ARE tonneau cowl. Surprisingly, this piece was sourced domestically and in practically good situation.

In the course of the truck’s most up-to-date transition to a Nissan B16 shade of blue, Geoff had the tonneau cowl painted to match.

Mazda’s alternative to suit the B2200 with a six-lug wheel sample could make wheel choice tough, however over time Geoff has managed properly. Previous to the present 18? Eagle Alloys, he ran polished Nissan Pathfinder wheels, Prymes, and Hammers. The 18s assist bridge the hole between ‘old-fashioned’ minitruckin’ and the brand new.

Like the remainder of the truck, the suspension has been refined over time. Torsion bars and reducing blocks labored for some time, and for a quick interval, he had air shocks put in when he wanted a bit of extra clearance. However as time—and expertise—developed, he determined to change to air trip.

When it got here to air trip, he was decided to do it proper—as soon as. Up entrance, the truck retains its manufacturing unit higher and decrease management arms, whereas the rear incorporates a step notch and a four-link setup paired with a Ford Courier rear finish.

Taking the time to put in the air trip system appropriately has paid off—Geoff says it’s been extremely dependable. Except for routine upkeep, he’s by no means needed to revisit the setup since finishing it.

One of many truck’s most notable options—after his tilt mattress, after all—is its Targa roof, a modification not for the faint of coronary heart. These conversions have been, at one level, highly regarded regardless of their historically poor fitment and tendency to leak.

Geoff turned to his long-time good friend and fellow minitrucker, Tim Atkinson of Atkinson Customs. Tim crafted a brand new detachable roof part completely out of steel, guaranteeing each sturdiness and ease of use.

Now extra like OEM hardtop high quality somewhat than an aftermarket modification, the roof sidesteps the downfalls of the earlier design.

Tim additionally lent his experience to the truck’s inside. The sprint has been refined with the removing of the bundle tray and wrapped in premium leather-based, elevating the cabin’s total really feel.

Acura EL bucket seats have changed the unique Mazda ones, and these, too, are wrapped in matching leather-based for a seamless look. Flame-gauge faces function a nostalgic nod to the mid-’90s, complemented by an APC steering wheel from the identical period.

Even after many years with the truck, and a number of other revisions Geoff is the primary to confess it isn’t “completed.” As instances and developments evolve, he’s by no means been afraid to make revisions to swimsuit the second.

One factor that gained’t change, nevertheless, is that the truck will all the time carry the ‘Mayes’ title. His daughter, Sam, completely loves it, although she’s nonetheless a couple of years away from driving age. Geoff is aware of it gained’t be lengthy earlier than she begins asking to take it for a cruise.

Geoff’s time within the highlight was lengthy overdue and I’m completely satisfied to have this platform to indicate this legend the respect he desrves.