Ontario Authentic: Geoff and his 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 type of people. He’s been an integral and revered a part of the Ontario automotive group for many years.

Geoff wouldn’t self-proclaim his OG standing, however he’s at most occasions, at all times keen to assist out one other fanatic and has change into an irreplicable a part of Vanfestconsidered one of Canada’s largest minitruck occasions.

Whereas he not too long ago picked up an air-cooled Beetle to play with, Geoff will ceaselessly be tied to minitrucks because of his blue Mazda that has stood the check of time. As a Mazda proprietor myself, within the early days of this website, Geoff was one of many uncommon few I might see at each minitruck occasions and Mazda occasions.

In consequence I’ve been lucky sufficient to doc plenty of the more moderen variations of this truck. Nevertheless his historical past with it goes all the way in which again to 1995, once I was nonetheless constructing scale fashions and lusting after nitro rc vehicles.

Again then, the Mazda was static and paint hues modified from inexperienced to copper. Finally, he settled on blue paint across the time he determined to additionally put it on air journey.

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 appears like a Nineteen Nineties new-old-stock piece, the hood is definitely a one-off Mayes customized 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 package. Geoff tracked down the now very hard-to-find half by shopping for a whole second truck with the package already put in. That donor truck was too far gone to restore so he took what he wanted and parted out the remaining.

Lately, in a transfer that stunned many people locals, Geoff ditched the mattress topper the truck was at all times recognized for in favour of a extra streamlined ARE tonneau cowl. Surprisingly, this piece was sourced regionally and in outstanding form.

Whereas doing the swap to the truck’s most up-to-date shade of Nissan B16 blue, the tonneau was painted to match, and the graphics added under the belt line.

Mazda’s option to equip the B2200 with a 6×5.5 bolt sample could make wheel choice tough, however through the years, Geoff has managed effectively. Earlier than the present 18? Eagle Alloys, he ran polished Nissan Pathfinder wheels, Prymes, and Hammers. The 18s assist bridge the hole between ‘old skool’ 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 short interval, air shocks and a compressor had been put in when he wanted a bit extra clearance on the fly. As time and know-how advanced, he determined to make the swap to a correct air arrange.

For this modification, he was decided to do it proper—as soon as. Up entrance, the truck retains its manufacturing facility higher and decrease management arms, whereas the rear contains a step notch and a four-link setup paired with a Ford Courier rear finish.

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

One of many truck’s most notable options—after its tilt mattress, after all—is the Targa roof, a modification not for the faint of coronary heart. Regardless of taking a next-level quantity of dedication, these conversions had been, at one level, highly regarded. Those that did them quickly discovered that almost all off the shelf conversions match poorly and had an inclination to leak.

For a correct repair to those points, Geoff turned to his long-time buddy and fellow minitrucker, Tim Atkinson of Atkinson Customs. Tim crafted a brand new detachable roof part totally out of steel, guaranteeing each sturdiness and ease of use.

Now extra like OEM hardtop high quality fairly 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 general really feel.

Acura EL bucket seats have changed the manufacturing facility Mazda gear, 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 a long time with the truck, and a number of other totally different appears, Geoff is the primary to confess it isn’t “completed.” As occasions and tendencies evolve, he’s by no means been afraid to make revisions to go well with the second.

One factor that gained’t change, nevertheless, is that the truck will at all times carry the ‘Mayes’ title. His daughter, Sam, completely loves it, although she’s nonetheless a number 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 joyful to have this platform to point out this OG the respect he deserves.