January 2010 1-24

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 0

ISLANDWIDE CIRCULATION

ALWAYS FREE!

HawaiianSLED

Pages 12 & 13

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BIKE OF THE MONTH

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THE CLUB SCENE

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TRUCK OF THE MONTH

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TOYS 4 TOTS

2 / Hawaii Motorhead Magazine / January 2010

PO Box 7077 - Kamuela, HI 96743 www. hawaiimotorhead.com

Happy New Year!

As we wish you a New Year filled with love, good health and prosperity we are kicking off 2010 with a big bang!

Motorhead Magazine, KWXX & B93/B97 present the Kealakehe High School Project Grad “Rod and Custom Car Show & Concert” brought to you by Donny’s 4 Wheel Drive World and Transmission Technology. Saturday night, February 6th under the lights at Kealakehe High Schools athletic field you‘ll see over 150 custom cars, trucks and motorcycles compete in 11 classes while Hawaii’s Hottest entertainers perform live on the big stage….its Anuhea!

With number 1 hits like Big Deal and Right Love Wrong Time, Anuhea is one of the most sought after artist in Hawaii . Then closing the show also from the Island of Maui will be the always hot Ekolu with their new 8 piece band and horn section! Lots of food, vendors and prizes including your chance to win a Super Sized flat screen TV to watch the Super Bowl the next day!

Tickets just $10 in advance, $15 at the gate available at Donny’s 4WD World and Transmission Technology Hilo & Kona. Listen to KWXX and B93/B97 and follow us on Twitter for your chance to win free tickets! Check out the back cover for more info.

A Rockin’ Rod and Custom Car Show and Concert featuring Anuhea & Ekolu, Saturday Night, February 6th from 5-10pm at Kealakehe High School. A fundraiser for Kealakehe Project Grad! Car Show entries available at Donny’s 4 Wheel Drive World, Transmission Technology and on-line at hawaiimotorhead.com For vendor info call Nelson, Jim, Jeannie or Donna at Hawaii Motorhead Magazine. We’ll see you there!

Well, here we GROW again!

Hawaii Motorhead Magazine is proud to announce another addition to our growing team of marketing professionals as we welcome on board Donna Pabre of Ocean View!

Donna, who has spent many years in advertising brings a lot of excitement to the team with fresh ideas and a love for helping people and businesses succeed will also be writing a column each month called “Cruzin’ for Grinds.” A restaurant review to seek out all the great places to eat while we’re out and about.

Donna will also be the announcer at the Hilo Motor Speedway Associations monthly Stock Car races at the Hilo Dirt Track where her family and friends including her daughter, tear it up once a month! Welcome aboard Donna!

.hawaiimotorhead.com

visit us online @ www

Publisher / Sales Nelson Ray Parker

P: 808-960-5296 E: nelson@teammotorhead.com

Sales Manager / Marketing Jim Wulzen P: 808-937-5923 E: jim@teammotorhead.com

Sales Jeannie Bolly

P: 808-430-0894 E: jeannie@teammotorhead.com

Sales / Contributor Donna Pabre

P: 808-936-8491 E: donna@teammotorhead.com

Publisher / Production Monica Parker

E: monica@teammotorhead.com or editor@teammotorhead.com

Design / Production Makana Parker

E: makana@teammotorhead.com or info@teammotorhead.com

Senior MX Photographer

Jock Goodman 808-885-8099 jockshotshots.com jockg@hawaii.rr.com Drag Race Photos

Jim Riddiford 808-217-9289 Locally Owned & Operated Since 2004!

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January 2010 / Hawaii Motorhead Magazine / 3

betcha didn’t know that Big Island Marine is the Big Island’s best source for automotive paints and also a great place for your surf gear too! With so much under one roof and so much history going back more than 30 years we asked owner Jon Gruwell to give us the grand tour.

Big Island Marine was founded in the mid 70’s and was located in the Old Industrial Area selling boats, accessories and renting scuba & snorkel gear. By the early 80’s it had relocated down the way to Alapa Street and evolved into a marine hardware store with an emphasis in products not available on the Big Island. As a result BIM was able to fill the needs of Big Island residents in areas such as fiberglass and resin products, automotive paint and sundries, marine paints and hardware, boating supplies, etc.

During the boom of the late 80’s BIM branched out further with the addition of wire rope and related products and produced wire rope and chain lifting slings and other assemblies for the heavy construction industry. During this time BIM also developed into the largest supplier of DuPont automotive paint products on the Big Island, which is still true today. We also expanded our paint offering with the addition of PPG Industrial Coatings, and for a while stocked PPG house paints, which we can still bring in for the discriminating property owner or manager.

In 1992 BIM moved to its current location on Kanalani St. in the Kaloko Light Industrial. The early to mid 90’s were a tough time for small businesses in Kona but BIM marched along and began marketing a few new high quality product lines which have been very popular such as M L Cambell wood finishing systems, Daly’s Marine wood finishes, Valspar Industrial polyurethane, and epoxy coatings and House of Colors automotive finishes as well as the continual expansion of the DuPont line.

Beginning in the mid 90’s we began to sell an occasional surfboard, made by myself or friends. Whenever we had surfboards on display we had a lot of interest because there were few surf shops on the island, then as now. Around 1998 we expanded our surf department to include selling new and used surfboards (mostly on consignment insuring excellent variety and price). We also sell a wide array of surf & paddle board gear such as fins from FCS, Future, Protek & Island fin Design, leashes and board bags from Dakine, nose guards & traction pads from Surfco Hawaii and much more. Big Island Marine is a great place to hang out and shop. We are fully air conditioned with records, guitars and surf movies to play while you enjoy the great collection of surfboards and memorabilia on display.

So, as you can see, in addition to our extensive inventory of marine hardware, rope, chain and boating supplies we are also the islands premier source for automotive paint and auto body supplies, marine paints, industrial paints, specialty coatings, wire rope & lifting products, surf gear and well, just a whole bunch more. We take great pride in our unique way of doing business - modern and yet laid back with an old school style. We take our greatest pride however, in our service to the customer. We really care about your project and take the time necessary to direct you to the right products for the job and give you information & advice you need to succeed. So come on in and see for yourself all the things we do. We look forward to seeing you!

4 / Hawaii Motorhead Magazine / January 2010

ISt ay e k o r B

We’ve featured a handful of really cool custom choppers by Gilbert Smith of Na Ahiu Choppers of Honaunau and if you know Gilbert by now you know it’s the never ending chopper story!

The Old Skool chopper started at the 2009 Bully Bash at the Kona Bowl when Gilbert ran into long time custom builder Johnny Chiquita and asked the question many do….”You know where get chopper parts?”

Johnny said “I get some parts in Hilo ” so it was time to saddle up for a road trip. When Gilbert made the trip back home he came back with almost a complete roller. Gilbert added an engine, some brakes, paint, graphics, some wiring and 5 weeks later “Oh my it’s July and one more chopper rolls out of Na Ahiu Choppers garage! Thanks Johnny” says Gilbert.

January 2010 / Hawaii Motorhead Magazine / 5

The engine is an S&S 80 inch evo (thanks Geno) with over sized valves, a 640 lift cam and S&S carb. It’s mated up to a 5 speed trans with a 3” belt drive and blows through Hell Bent exhaust by Jessie James.

The Diamond Chassis Frame features an 18” over Denver Springer front end and rolls on 200 Avon ’s in the rear on 16” spokes and 21’s up front.

The Coffin tank and short round rear fender were sprayed with the custom flake paint by Ray Fukumitsu and striped by Kobayashi Graphics. The seat was fabbed by Jim Williams and stitched by Jaz at Kona Auto Detail & Upholstery. Gilbert stretched the handles 14” for a much wider and much more comfortable ride.

Gilbert sends special thanks to Analu & Horace Walker of Poi Dog Kustoms for the oil tank and Gabe at Sinful Cycles for the final tune.

Although Gilbert likes the Old Skool he knows how to build New Skool too! 2 years had gone by since Gilbert’s son, Aki and his wife Amy Smith, owners of Smith Pacific Irrigation asked him to build a Pro Street bike. After a few cardboard cut outs and picking out of the parts they wanted they finally came up with what they nick named “No

Kala” (No mo money) The Pro Street began with a DNA frame and DNA wide glide and stuffed with a 110 RevTech with 6 speed trans, 3.5” belt drive, 42 Mikuni carb and Vance & Hines Exhaust.

18” spokes with 200 rubber sit out back while the 21” spokes are tucked under the Arlen Ness Drag Fenders up front.

The gas tank is a special order and the stainless steel handle bars are Na Ahiu fabricated with DNA controls. The Lepera seat, tail light and hand controls are from Ken & Gayle Higa of Hilo .

The Pro Street was also painted by Ray Fukumitsu and striped by Kobayashi Graphics.

So here ya go. Two generations with a common thread. Work hard, play harder!

Happy New Year from the Crew at Na Ahiu Choppers of Kona, Gilbert & Freida, Aki & Amy, Amanda, Aaliyah & Alexios Smith.

Photos and story by Nelson Ray Parker

6 / Hawaii Motorhead Magazine / January 2010

Hot Rod Parts Truck!

Last month we began the story of SKG Auto Body Inc.’s “Hot Rod Parts Truck”, this 1936 Ford pick up which started life more than likely as a potato farm truck in Idaho until falling into the hands of Scotty G! at SKG Auto Body Inc. in the Honokohau Industrial Park in Kona.

This month we see Scotty and his crew finishing the work on the cab including taking 3 inches out of the stock roof height. The doors were chopped down to size and suicide hinges and new door latches installed. The truck now sports steel floors with a custom transmission tunnel and a cool little trap door to access the brake master cylinder. New mounting tabs were also fabricated with the 2” channel over the frame.

The firewall was also set back to accommodate the 350 crate motor.

The Heidts frame was reassembled after paint with Mustang II front end with rack and pinion, tubular A Arms and disc brakes. The brake and fuel lines were plumbed and it was time to mount the body so the 1934 Ford fenders, hood and grill could be modified to fit.

To match the body lines from the ’36 cab to the ’34 hood and hood sides, a good 3 inches needed to be added to the hood sides and the rear also needed to be massaged to fit the ’36 cowl.

The hand built bed was mounted along with the 1934 Ford rear fenders and running boards that also needed to be pinched to match the ’36

January 2010 / Hawaii Motorhead Magazine / 7

cab and frame rails. A lot of work that when completed may go unnoticed by the average Joe. But that’s the kind of custom touches that will drive Motorhead’s wild when Scotty debuts his new parts truck at the Project Grad Car Show and Concert at Kealakehe High School on February 6th 2010!

Tune in next month as the truck gets paint, custom Koa bed and stainless steel bed floors and interior and heads down the final stretch with glass and final assembly. Heck, we may even see a burn out by then!

8 / Hawaii Motorhead Magazine / January 2010

CHRIST IMAGE MOTORCYCLE MINISTRIES Happy New Year my Two Wheel Ohana!

Whether you attend Church or not, if you’re a Biker on the Westside, you know Pastor Tex. Now I don’t attend Church as regularly as I should, but when I do go, I go to Solid Rock Ministries in Kona. I’ve always felt uncomfortable walking into church because I’ve got some pretty Evil Looking Tattoos and hate to offend anyone at church. But since Pastor Tex is a Biker and a pretty funny guy I must say, I’ve always felt welcomed there at SRM. “God loves Bikers too” Tex would say.

With many SRM members being bikers, Pastor Tex decided to form a Motorcycle Ministry. Christ Image Motorcycle Ministries was founded in 2001 to reach out to other riders. Their motto, “Live To Tell”. to tell about Jesus , NOT “in your face kine” , but through relationships and Brotherhood. This also gave them other ways to help in the community through the various Benefit Biker Events, Iron Man, Toys for Tots, and they also helped coordinate events with The old Kona Harley-Davidson.

Plus they support anything that benefits our Island’s Keiki.

There are currently 15 members (some have passed away) and is open to all riders and anykine bikes. CIMM’s President is Tom Gregg and his wife Liz is the VP as well as the secretary. There are no other officers such as a SGT at Arms, because they are an M/M, not a M/C. Also, there is no prospect period for potential members. I’ve been on a few runs with them and they’re all a great bunch and true Bikers…..99%ers of course!

To find out more about Christ Image Motorcycle Ministries go to www.srmkona.org.

January 2010 / Hawaii Motorhead Magazine / 9

The Big Island Kart Club and the Big Island of Hawaii SCCA got together to add some pavement to the Hilo track to allow for a different track configuration that will make it easier for the karts to do some passing and also open up the track for the SCCA where the course was at its tightest.

Al Hariguchi brought out his backhoe, and saved allot of backbreaking work! Still the club members had plenty to do that the backhoe couldn’t, with rakes and shovels to prepare the areas for the asphalt.

They’ve had a couple of events now on the new pavement which proved to be time and money well spent and will definitely make for more exciting racing in 2010.

On February 27, 28 2010 The Big Island SCCA is also very excited to host the Evolution Performance Driving School that will help Big Island drivers take their skills beyond car control with this professional autocross school.

Evolution Performance Driving Schools are hands-on, foot to the floor autocross driving schools with programs designed to improve the driving skills of 16 year old novices to multi-time Solo II National Champions. No matter what type of car you drive, Evolution has a program for you.

Evolution instructors are national caliber drivers, with years of experience, wins, and national championships to their credit in all different types of cars. They teach the student driver the finer points of autocrossing, while taking years off the learning curve. Instructors will share with students proven race winning skills and experiences, while building upon the students pre-existing skills to form a solid foundation to improve upon after completion.

Founded in 1993 by Jim McKamey and Jean Kinser Dana, the Evolution Performance Driving School is the country’s only driving school with a curriculum based on the simple motto of making “you”; a faster autocrosser. Unlike many programs, Evolution works with the students individually to build upon their current skill level, improving their confidence and competitiveness. Students and instructors will both ride and drive, enabling instantaneous feedback.

The gates will open at 8am each day. Contact Barbara Archer for information.

Email: mikah12@comcast.net or phone 808-443-3000

10 / Hawaii Motorhead Magazine / January 2010

MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO BIG ISLAND KART TRACK The BIKC, along with the SCCA have made major improvements to the Hilo track. Gone is the evil chicane that was not suitable for modern day karts. The back section was straightened out with the addition of new asphalt and pavement was added to allow the SCCA to use the new chicane-chopping section.

We have now run 2 races on the new track and everyone gives it a big thumbs up. In the shifter karts, times are 1.5 seconds faster. That is significant on a 24 second lap track. In plain language, it is just a heck of a lot more fun.

All of the funds were raised by the 2 clubs along with volunteer labor and equipment. A big thank you goes out to members of the SCCA for their pre paving work. Tom Sluder, BIKC president provided excellent leadership and co-ordination. Al Haraguchi performed all the backhoe and major excavation work with his equipment. Aloha Paving did an excellent job of laying down the asphalt.

We invite all interested parties to attend our next race, January 16th 2010. Kart racing is the biggest bang for the buck there is in motorsports.

Our web site is now updated with 2010 schedule and Dec 2009 race photos are posted. http://www.bigislandkartclub.com/

January 2010 / Hawaii Motorhead Magazine / 11

Ocean View Auto Parts

opened their doors on Saturday, December 12th and a phrase that was heard a whole bunch was “Oh we so needed this! Finally a parts store for us in Ocean View!” Lou Ducret, of Southpoint Rd, initially gave the Antolin’s the idea of an auto parts store one night over dinner. He had recently driven the 2 ½ hour round trip drive to Hilo to purchase new brakes pads only to find out when he arrived home that they were the wrong ones.

The Antolin’s, who own that cute little red dump truck that can be seen hauling cinder and gravel around Kau, brought the idea up with their friends, Richard and Carla Perea, who live in Ocean View, and own AutoTech auto repair. With their encouragement, help, and expertise, the Antolin’s decided to trade in the hauling business and start selling auto parts. The goal is to provide Kau with the best little auto parts store on the island. Carquest, one of the best manufacturers of aftermarket car parts, is excited to supply Kau with excellent quality parts at very reasonable prices. Because research shows that no battery last longer than an Interstate, this is the battery you will find at Ocean View Auto Parts, along with free battery testing and charging. Not sure how to fix your car?

Come in and use the Alldata system, a step by step guide for the backyard mechanic. Need your rotors and drums turned? Ocean View Auto Parts has the lightning lathe for the job. Used parts? No problem, Ocean View Auto Parts has resources nationwide to find just about any part you need and with the help of everyone on the island they hope to have the world’s largest parts car registry. Just register your old retired car and Ocean View Auto Parts will find buyers for the good parts on it. From Nahalehu go north and look for the bright blue roof ½ mile before the Ocean View Town Center on the makai side. From Milolii, drive south ½ mile after the Ocean View Town Center. Get what you need at the new Ocean View Auto Parts!

Hawaiian SLED It’s

known to many as the quintessential hot rod! One that is sought out by many a car collector to finish or top off their collection with. The ultimate custom!

2 years ago while Jason Sanborn of Hilo was on vacation visiting his sister in Alabama he had no idea he would find such a gem but tells us “I was just at the right place, at the right time” as he took in a local car show and there it was. A 1949 Mercury Lead Sled and it was For Sale!

It was chopped and lowered with original running gear and wheels and some funky blue flames across the front half of the car but it only took Jason a moment to see the potential that sat before him….A Hawaiian Sled! AWRITE! Jason started with the stance and upgraded the suspension to a full air ride set up with drop spindles and disc brakes up front and an upgraded 10 Bolt rear end.

The stock wheels were tossed in the trunk for a set of 1 year only 1957 Cadillac Eldorado hub caps. Try pricing these babies if you can find um.

The slick body mods include a 4” chopped top, leaned B pillars and laid out back window. Frenched headlights and taillights along with a fully shaved and smoothed body with decked nose are the perfect canvas for the Sanborn Speed Shop paint and way cool Hawaiian themed graphics by Kobayashi Graphics.

Other sled touches include the wheel skirts, Lakewood side pipes and dual search lights.

Oh! and lets not forget the Flame Throwers! Marshmallows anyone? One piece door glass and a V-Butt windshield to replace the center post are also nice custom touches.

Under the hood you’ll still find the original flat head V8 that was rebuilt with a mild cam.

Future plans include setting up trips with a performance intake, finned heads and more detailing.

The Old Skool inspired interior screams 50’s custom with pleated seats and panels (and nifty matching pillows in the back window) and more Hawaiian themed graphics and Tiki’s or Ki’i’s. Check out the Tiki steering knob. Jason says it’s become a real conversation piece. And Yup! That’s an OG steering wheel and “three on the tree” baby! Crazy kine cool eh!

The desire to be different is apparent with Jason’s collection of hot rods that range from a 1953 F100 we featured in the October 2009 Motorhead to his collection of rare VW’s.

Add the ultimate custom and I’d say his collection is almost complete.

Look for this radical custom at the Project Grad Car Show & Concert February 6th, 2010 at Kealakehe High School athletic field. Make sure you got lots of memory space!

Photos & story by Nelson Parker

XRACING

14 / Hawaii Motorhead Magazine / January 2010

MOTO

Submitted by Crystal Mukai Sandy Shope Photos

808 MX/ATV Associations last point series keiki and adult dirtbike/atv races were held on Saturday, December 5th at the Hilo Motorcross Track. A very competitive 2009 dirtbike/atv season saw Hilo’s own Kai Mukai and Rylan Respicio along with Kailua-Kona ‘s Grant Harlan dominating in their respective classes and taking the championship for the 2009 point series race. The action in the 2009 season exceeded all of our expectations.

All of our riders put out their best riding skills and spectators could always count on riders like Mukai, Respicio, and Harlan to provide some of the best racing. Thanks to everyone who made the 2009 race series a successful one. 2009 point series winners are listed on page 15.

January 2010 / Hawaii Motorhead Magazine / 15 2009 POINTS SERIES WINNERS 50cc Dirtbike First Timer Class 1st - #12 Mason Kron 50cc Dirtbike Peewee 4-6yrs 1st - #4 Makoa Shope 50cc Dirtbike Stk 7-9yrs 1st - #111 Grant Harlan 2nd - #3 Chase Shope 3rd - #432 Jack Platt 50cc Dirtbike Mod 7-9yrs 1st - #111 Grant Harlan 2nd - #432 Jack Platt 3rd - #45 Colt Coakley 50cc Dirtbike Open 5-9yrs 1st - #111 Grant Harlan 2nd - #432 Jack Platt 3rd - #45 Colt Coakley 65cc Dirtbike 7-9yrs 1st - #111 Grant Harlan 2nd - #141 Israel Bowden 3rd - #432 Jack Platt 65cc Dirtbike 10-11yrs 1st - #326 Jacob Oblero 2nd - #8 Ryan Kunishige 3rd - #166 Tryson Kenui 65cc Dirtbike Open 7-11yrs 1st - #326 Jacob Oblero 2nd - #111 Grant Harlan 3rd - #8 Ryan Kunishige 85cc Dirtbike 9-11yrs 1st - #128 Kaike Oba 2nd - #8 Ryan Kunishige 3rd - #414 Kaiea Iopa-Kenui

85cc Dirtbike 12-15yrs 1st - #83 Kai Mukai 2nd - #177 Justin Love-Tice 3rd - #36 Rondon DeMello 100cc-150cc 4str. 10-15yrs 1st - #123 Noah Shirakawa 2nd - #317 Colby Coghill 3rd - #128 Kaike Oba Supermini Dirtbike 10-15yrs 1st - #83 Kai Mukai 2nd - #123 Noah Shirakawa 3rd - #177 Justin Love-Tice Keiki Pitbike 10-12yrs 1st - #6 Chazdon Kenui 2nd - #6 Tryson Kenui

Dirtbike 125cc Amateur 1st - #124 Tyler Shirakawa 2nd - #120 Keegan Whaley Dirtbike 125cc Expert 1st - #14 Kaeo Hunter 2nd - #485 Jared Wong 3rd - #127 Makana DeSoto Dirtbike 250cc Novice 1st - #145 Charles Yoshida 2nd - #K Kelly Krall 3rd - #77 Tony Joyce Dirtbike 250cc Expert 1st - #102 Ian Robledo 2nd - #485 Jared Wong 3rd - #7 Erickson Dehmer

Schoolboy Dirtbike 13-17yrs 1st - #83 Kai Mukai 2nd - #14 Kaeo Hunter

50cc Quad Stk. 4-6yrs 1st - #67 Jayden Sanborn 2nd - #357 Austin Masaoka 3rd - #5 Kana’i Eckart

Dirtbike Masters (45 & over) 1st - #X Phil Oveland 2nd - #690 Mike Murray 3rd - #K Kelly Krall

50cc Quad Mod 4-6yrs 1st - #75 Richard Wusstig-Reinbolt 2nd - #67 Jayden Sanborn 3rd - #357 Austin Masaoka

Dirtbike Vet Class (30 to 45yrs) 1st - #71 Sonny Kamaka 2nd - #36 Vernon DeMello

70cc Quad Mod 7-11yrs 1st - #373 Rylan Respicio 2nd - #346 Kobe Lorenzo

Dirtbike Open Class 1st - #124 Tyler Shirakawa 2nd - #X Phil Oveland 3rd - #102 Ian Robledo

90cc Quad Stk. 7-13yrs 1st - #321 Raymond Yadao Jr. 2nd - #103 Jadie Sanborn 3rd - #127 Chandler McAllister

Dirtbike 125cc Novice 1st - #177 Justine Love-Tice 2nd - #317 Colby Coghill

90cc Quad Mod 7-13yrs 1st - #373 Rylan Respicio 2nd - #346 Kobe Lorenzo

70-90cc Quad Open 7-13yrs 1st - #373 Rylan Respicio 2nd - #321 Raymond Yadao Jr. 3rd - #346 Kobe Lorenzo Quad Expert 1st - #11 Kevin Gardner 2nd - #75 Kriya Reinbolt 3rd - #79 Jake Kron Quad Masters 1st - #11 Kevin Gardner 2nd - #22 Clarence Pila

16 / Hawaii Motorhead Magazine / January 2010

Tiana’s Toy Michael Merle out of North Kohala has a transformer of sorts with his ’03 Toyota Tacoma Extra Cab, SR5 that started life as a Pre-Runner (2WD) until Shilo of HNK Auto in Keaau transformed it into this weekend warrior.

The total transformation started with ripping off the stock suspension and replacing it with a custom 4 link with heavy duty heim joints front and back for heavy crawling. A Full Floating Rear End with Diamond Axels, 4;88 gears, Detroit Locker and cup and cone bearings and manual locking hubs take care of things out back.

For added clearance the gas tank was mounted up through the bed along with the rear shock loops.

Up front the Diamond Axel features Chromoly Axel Shafts, Super Birfield (Birf for short) Joints, Land Cruiser High Pinion Axel with 4:88’s and Lincoln Locker.

Michael opted for the old style Toy steering box with hydraulic assist.

Check out the heavy duty pan hard bars that add 60+mph stability and drivability on road and when removed becomes full floating for serious articulation.

Fox reservoir shocks and Fox Nitrogen bump stops soak it all up at all 4 corners while Dayton at Machine Works fabbed the billet transfer case crossmember and the custom drilled and slotted Land Cruiser disc brakes with IFS calipers front and back.

January 2010 / Hawaii Motorhead Magazine / 17

Because the truck has spent most of its life as a weekend driver (or being rebuilt) it only has 24k miles on the 3400 V6 that’s now accompanied by an S&S Cold Air Turbo, headers and custom exhaust with the turbo mounted under the bed on the passenger side. You can see the intake in the front passenger fender well.

A tell tale sign something is up.

Rolling stock are 15 x 10” Weld Super Singles with 33” Boggers.

The Dupont paint from Big Island Marine is an ’08 – ’09 Toyota Tacoma Grey with credit to Mark Turner for the spraying the glassy finish.

In the cab a Diamond Audio system with Rockford and JL Audio components rock the house.

Michael, pictured with girlfriend Megan says he dedicates the truck to his daughter, 5 year old Tiana and plans on keeping the truck till it’s a classic that Tiana can drive when she old enough to get behind the wheel. But don’t get Mike wrong, it’s not just another pretty truck. It’s a beast and it sees its share of knee deep mud!

Photos and story by Nelson Ray Parker

January 2010 / Hawaii Motorhead Magazine / 19

Aloha, Motorheads are always on the go, every weekend, traveling all over the Big Island to race, ride, or show their toys and y’all gotta eat! So I am on a quest to find all the best places to eat, taste all their best dishes, and write about it in my new food & restaurant review,“Cruisin’For Grinds”. I’ve got a mouth watering adventure ahead of me. I will roam every corner of the entire island, a task in itself, albeit a wonderfully inspiring journey through many diverse landscapes and towns, each uniquely special and charming to check out all da broke da mouth kine grinds! Town by town, I will cruise and grind searching out every eatery for the best of what they serve. If you enjoy good food, good value, and good service, tune in each month to “Cruisin’ For Grinds” for the scoops. Team Motorhead will be your eyes, ears, and most especially your taste buds! We will try anything and everything, and report back to you beginning next issue. Hey, tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it, right? So get your motor running, head out on the highway and stay tuned to Hawaii Motorhead Magazine for the best places to chow down when you’re on the road. Ride hard, eat well, and be happy.

20 / Hawaii Motorhead Magazine / January 2010

PRESSURE REGULATOR VALVE The pressure valve controls the pressure of the overall transmission hydraulic system, or the system’s line pressure. This valve is sometimes located on the pump or in an auxiliary valve body, but it is most often found in the main valve body. A few transmissions have a separate regulator valve to control pressure in the torque converter.

The pressure regulator is often installed on the pump body. In operation, pressurized fluid at the oil pump discharge is directed to the pressure regulator before going to the rest of the transmission hydraulic system. A heavy spring holds the valve closed against oil pressure from the pump. At idle, the regulator valve is usually closed.

When the engine begins running faster, it turns the oil pump at a faster rate. Fluid pressure rises. When hydraulic pressure exceeds some predetermined valve, it forces the valve to move against spring pressure. This opens a passageway back to the oil pan or pump intake. Hydraulic fluid is diverted back though this passageway, and pressure falls back within the limit.

This action keeps line pressure constant. Note that if the pressure were allowed to exceed the set maximum, it would cause hydraulic system malfunctions and damage to parts. Also note that the pressure limit is established by the spring; thus, the stiffer the spring, the higher the line pressure. A collapse or broken pressure regulator valve spring will cause a low line pressure which will delay engagement, flares and late up shift. Company such as Sonnax Performance, TransGo and Superior has manufactured shift kits to improve shift performance and correct poor line pressure. Excessive wear in the pressure regulator bore may result in replacing the complete pump or valve body assembly. For more information regarding PR valve please contact Transmission Technology in Kona next to Daleco Batteries behind Big Island Auto Parts call 331-8310 or in Hilo behind Dukes Kilauea Shell call 935-1600. Our certified technicians are ready to assist you.

Hope you all had a safe and wonderful holiday season. Happy New Year!

Respectfully, Vic Comesario

Each year the Big Islands biker community comes out in force with toys in hand to make Christmas a little brighter for hundreds of keiki in communities around our Big Island .

The Hui Maka’i motorcycle club is always the first in the state with its West Hawaii event held the first Saturday after Thanksgiving with a run from Old A’s to Keauhou and back with a party that generates more than 40 Santa sized sacks of toys for West Hawaii keiki each year.

The Rock-N-Roll MC club was next with miles of motorcycles and a just as impressive line up of custom cars and trucks running from Walmart Hilo to 4 miles and ending at Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Luau Hale on Sunday, December 13. With a toy drive that goes on almost all year its one of the biggest in the state collecting about 2800 toys annually!

This year Koa Puna Motorcycle Clubs Kohala chapter held its 2nd annual event “He Mau Makana No Na Ohana” on December 20th at Kamehameha Park in historic Kohala. The event raises gifts for the family, Toys 4 Tots and food for the Hawaii Island Food Basket. Keiki received gifts and got to take pictures with Santa!

It’s the coolest way to make Christmas a little brighter for keiki all over our beautiful Big Island .

Special thanks to Gayle and Ozzie Mackey for sharing Gayle’s cool “on the go” photos again this year. Mahalo nui!

22 / Hawaii Motorhead Magazine / January 2010

January 2010 / Hawaii Motorhead Magazine / 23

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Well the R/C Rock Crawling Club Finale came and went. Dec.19 2009 was looked forward to by many of the clubs drivers. But another battle hampered the days event. A stationary thunder storm stopped the club from holding their event at the original spot. So the owner of R/C Heaven, Abe, was generous enough to open up his shop for the club, because “the show must go on” Props to Ryan, Anson, Mike, Ronald and Kevan for their labor and course building skills. It took almost two hours to be competetion ready, but by the time it was done, 9 diehard drivers showed up and were ready to ROCK and ROLL! Battles all the way down to 7th place needed settling today as the excitement level rose when the first truck hit the course. One by one, drivers traversed the three course set up. What a competiton it was, as the deciding factor would ultimately be made on the third course. Pocho squeezed by R/C heaven to grasp the seventh place spot. Mike, from out of nowhere jumped into the sixth spot. Anson held his position to retain the fourth place spot over Kevan K., fifth. Ashley F. sealed his third place spot with his season long, skillful efforts.

The top Spot, and season championship will be retained by the defending champion, Ryan U. Overcoming a slow start, a mid season change of truck was a possitive move for him as Ryan finnished strong in the points race. Jerome S. strong start at the begining was a wake up call for a few drivers, and Ryan answerd back with passion. A battle it was. Congrats to Ryan for his two in a row, season win. He say’s, “...same truck next season, Ill be there...”.

2010 will be another fun one as new drivers are showing interest and attendance should be on the increase.

Thanks to Abe A. of R/C Heaven for providing service,gifts and prizes. Trophies sponored by Jays Auto Repair LLC. Your service and support will not go unrecognized. Mahalo’z. Thank You to Ace Hardware Keaau- Donated gifts/prizes. Randy Kalauli- Prizes Team A’AMA- Support, gifts and prizes. Aloha Machine and Welding-Food Hawaii’s Bestes Automotive Magazine, Hawaii MOTORHEAD Magazine.