1997 Toyota Tacoma

“Minty Fresh”

Owned by: Jenny Pendrak

Photos by: Cheri Delgadillo

In the world of custom trucks, it’s the unique and personal touches that truly set a ride apart. For Jenny Pendrak, her 1997 Toyota Tacoma, aptly named “Minty Fresh,” is more than just a vehicle—it’s a statement of style, dedication, and passion for the mini-trucking culture. With its custom mint green paint and sleek modifications, Minty Fresh is turning heads and winning hearts across the mini-truck community.

The story of Minty Fresh began with Jenny’s partner, Brandon, whose passion for mini trucks sparked Jenny’s own interest in the scene. Initially content to be his “passenger princess,” Jenny found herself inspired to take the wheel and create something uniquely hers. With the encouragement of Brandon, she embarked on the journey to build her dream truck. Now, as members of the Freaks Of Nature MorNor Chapter, Jenny and Brandon share their love for mini trucks with their family, inspiring their kids to embrace the lifestyle.

Creating Minty Fresh was no small feat. The project required countless hours of work, dedication, and collaboration with some of the best in the custom truck industry. The truck’s standout feature is its custom mixed mint green paint with a blue pearl, giving it a fresh and vibrant look. The original paint was done by Thomas Townsend, but after an incident, Louie Croce of Midwest Mini’s Paint Shop stepped in to repaint and restore its signature look. Brandon McCoy from Gooch Customs added the finishing touch with his expert pinstripping, enhancing the truck’s aesthetic appeal.

Under the hood, Minty Fresh stays true to its Toyota roots with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. Upgrades include an AEM intake and custom sheet metal work by T.J. Vonder Haar from Kambered Kreations, giving the engine bay a polished and professional look. Billet accessories add a touch of shine, blending functionality with style.

The chassis of Minty Fresh has been extensively modified to achieve the perfect stance. Featuring a full Cando A-arms setup and a Z’d frame, the truck sits low and mean. The suspension is supported by a custom wishbone 4-link, Monroe shocks, and Slam Specialties airbags (RE-6 in the front and RE-7 in the rear). Dual Viair 444c compressors and 1/2″ Parker valves ensure a smooth and responsive ride.

No custom truck is complete without the perfect set of wheels. Minty Fresh rolls on Bonspeed Sweeps, sized at 20″x8.5″ with 6 1/2″ backspace, paired with 235/35/20 tires. These wheels not only complement the truck’s sleek lines but also provide the durability needed for everyday driving.

The exterior of Minty Fresh features a range of custom modifications that enhance its clean and streamlined look. The truck boasts a 2 1/2″ stock floor body drop, giving it a lowered, aggressive stance. The hood squirters, gas door, antenna, and tailgate handle have been shaved for a smoother appearance. A billet grille, 4WD front bumper, and Grant’s Kustoms flip kit and roll pan complete the truck’s transformation.

Inside, Minty Fresh offers a blend of luxury and functionality. The dashboard is painted black, matching the truck’s sleek aesthetic, and is equipped with AVS gauges. A Bonspeed Sweep steering wheel provides precise control, while a custom waterfall console with billet cup holders and an 8″ Phoenix Gold subwoofer wrapped in black leather adds to the interior’s appeal. The sound system is powered by a Pioneer double din head unit, with Alpine Sps-600 mids and highs delivering crisp, clear audio. The seats are Fiero buckets, upholstered in a stylish combination of leather and crocodile.

Jenny Pendrak’s vision for Minty Fresh is far from complete. As a dedicated mini trucker, she plans to “drive the wheels off it,” enjoying every moment behind the wheel and sharing her passion with the mini truck community. The truck has already garnered attention and admiration, reflecting Jenny’s hard work and dedication to her craft.

The journey to build Minty Fresh wouldn’t have been possible without the support and expertise of several individuals. Jenny extends her gratitude to Brandon, her love and inspiration, for encouraging her to pursue her mini truck dreams. She also thanks T.J. Vonder Haar from Kambered Kreations, Brandon McCoy from Gooch Customs, and Louie Croce from Midwest Mini’s Paint Shop for their contributions to the project. Their skills and dedication have helped bring Minty Fresh to life, making it a standout in the mini truck scene.

Minty Fresh is more than just a custom truck; it’s a representation of Jenny Pendrak’s passion, creativity, and dedication to the mini truck lifestyle. With its eye-catching color, meticulous modifications, and powerful performance, Minty Fresh is a true embodiment of what it means to be a mini trucker. As Jenny continues to showcase her ride, there’s no doubt that Minty Fresh will inspire others in the community and leave a lasting impression wherever it goes.