1995 Toyota Tacoma owned by Daniel Harmon

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Issue

January 2025

Owner

Daniel Harmon

Ride

Taco Chop
(1995 Toyota Tacoma)

Meaning Behind the Name

The unique slant chop

Photographer

Cheri

Ride Details

Original Cost

$4000

Build Cost

$6000

Your future plans?

I'd like to add more pinstriping or some light graphics to the paint. Full Stereo, center consol and will probably redo the interior Re-chrome the 20+ year old wheels, or get some billets

Vehicle history

The truck was built in the mid 2000's by Jason "Yoda" Watson from Freaks. She made the rounds for years on the show scene, then was sold off to multiple different people. By the time I got it in Nov 2022, it was in grey primer, had at some point sat outside at a body shop for a "couple of years" and was sitting on 15" wire wheels. The truck was neglected for sure passing through so many hands. When I first saw the for sale ad, I knew the truck was special and had so much potential. Much needed TLC and a true mini trucker to bring her back to her former glory.

Thanks to

Jason "Yoda" Watson for building a truly unique truck that still holds up and turns heads.

Previous Rides

My first vehicle was a 1998 Tacoma, bagged, shaved, suicide doors and sitting on 17's.

Engine Details

Make

Toyota 1995

Cylinders

Displacement

2.4L

Engine Mods

Stock

Engine Add Ons

K/N air filter

Chassis Details

Chassis

3/4 chassis from the firewall back, 2x4 box tubing, stock floor body drop.

Frame Builder

Yoda

Compressor Info

Dual Viair 380's

Valve Info

3/8" SMC

Airbag Info

Slam Specialties

Wheels Details

Front Wheel Type

Foose Speedster

Rear Wheel Type

Foose Speedster

Front Wheel Size

20x8.5

Rear Wheel Size

20x8.5

Front Tire Size

225/35/20

Rear Tire Size

225/35/20

Paint Details

Color

Custom Purple

Paint Type

PPG

Graphics Description

Solid color, pinstriped by Gooch

Graphics By

Gooch

Body Details

Body Drop

Yes

Hood

4 runner and Tacoma hood grafted together

Grille

Custom Phantom billet

Bumpers

4x4 Tacoma front bumper

Body Mods

Roof chopped 4.5 inches and angled back, all stock glass! Bed was bobbed and shortened 3 inches, molded in 65 Impala tail lights, completely custom full sheet metal bed floor, tubs etc, everything has been shaved.

Body Mods by

Jason "Yoda" Watson

Interior Details

Dashboard

Color matched painted

Gauges

Stock

Steering Wheel

Cheapo Ebay billet

Upholstery Description

Tan suede and vinyl, door panels custom made by myself, seats, carpet, etc upholstered by myself. Billet door handles are from Eddie motorsports.

Upholstery By

Myself

“Taco Chop”

Owned by: Daniel Harmon

Photos by: Cheri Delgadillo

Taco Chop: A 1995 Toyota Tacoma Masterpiece Revived

In the world of mini-trucking, few builds combine heritage, creativity, and craftsmanship quite like Daniel Harmon’s 1995 Toyota Tacoma, nicknamed Taco Chop. This truck is a testament to dedication and vision, having been revived to reclaim its place as a head-turning showstopper.

A Legacy Worth Reviving

Originally built in the mid-2000s by Jason “Yoda” Watson of Freaks, Taco Chop was a standout on the show circuit. Over the years, it passed through multiple owners and eventually fell into neglect. When Daniel found the truck in November 2022, it was in dire need of restoration—sitting in grey primer on 15-inch wire wheels. Recognizing its potential, Daniel took on the challenge of restoring this unique build to its former glory.

Specs and Features

Make and Model: 1995 Toyota Tacoma

Original Cost: $4,000

Build Cost: $6,000

Distinctive Design

The Taco Chop’s design is as unique as its history. The truck features a chopped roof, with the rear of the cab slanted back 4.5 inches while retaining all stock glass. The bed was bobbed and shortened by 3 inches, and the tail end boasts 1965 Impala taillights molded in. The full sheet metal bed floor, shaved details, and seamless body modifications showcase exceptional craftsmanship.

Paint: Custom purple PPG paint, pinstriped by Gooch

Wheels: 20×8.5 Foose Speedsters

Tires: 225/35/20

Chassis and Suspension

Underneath the striking exterior lies a meticulously crafted chassis. Featuring a stock floor body drop and a 3/4 chassis from the firewall back made of 2×4 box tubing, the Taco Chop is designed for both form and function. The suspension setup includes:

Airbags: Slam Specialties

Compressors: Dual Viair 380s

Valves: 3/8″ SMC

A Modern Touch with a Nod to the Past

The interior of Taco Chop is a blend of nostalgia and modern flair. Daniel personally upholstered the tan suede and vinyl interior, including custom door panels, carpet, and seats. Finishing touches like billet

Photos by: Cheri Delgadillo