When a Simple Build Reaches New Heights

Though “simple” can be defined as “presenting no difficulty,” Richard Edwards of Tampa, Florida, got to his “Simplistic” build through roads of trial and error and years of experience. 

His journey began at the age of 16 when he started working at an auto parts store.

“It was the best way to get introduced to the automotive market,” Richard says. “I always wanted to be a mechanic, but you have to start small.”

For the next few years, he continued in that field learning about lowrider vehicles and custom trucks through customers.

He built up quite a reputation for being helpful and always willing to lend a hand. As his knowledge and experience gained momentum in the culture, Richard started getting involved with body shops and customizing. Over time, it got to the point where he was disgusted by the way body shops treated their customers, so he fulfilled his dream by opening up a modest shop and named it Simplistic Fabrications in Tampa.

Years earlier, his friend Gregg Savoie brought in a 1993 Toyota Hilux for Richard to paint, and the clean mini stuck out as one of his favorite trucks. Later on, during a job where he painted and repaired two trucks, Gregg offered that same Toyota as payment. Richard jumped on that chance to own the truck he always wanted. It needed some work, but he had the facilities and talent to make it his own. He brought the body and paint back to life with some intense graphics with the help of Mikey Ayers. Simplistic was built and designed so simple that it stands out.

Richard now has moved to a larger shop in a nicer area where he maintains that personal custom experience that goes that extra mile. The experience he has gotten on this long road has made his quality builds even more pristine.

He wishes to thank his wife Trudy for encouraging him to never settle and keep building. A big thank you goes to his mom for being there for him and, of course, his entire Acrophobia family for their support.

TRUCK SPECS

 Owner 

Richard Edward
Tampa, Florida
Year/Make/Model: 1993 Toyota Hilux
Club Affiliation: Acrophobia

Chassis

• Front Suspension: Monroe Shocks, RE6 airbags
• Rear Suspension: Triangulated rear, RE6 bags, Accuair switch speed, Viair 480 compressor

Drivetrain

• Engine: 22RE
• Transmission: 5-speed manual

Body/Paint 

• Traditional body drop
• BASF Audi LX7r paint by Simplistic Fabrications
• BASF Carizzma Candy Green graphics by Mikey Ayers and owner
• Shaved tailgate, door handles, mirrors, gas door, windshield wipers and squirters
• Custom fuel cell

Interior 

• Smoothed, painted BASF Carizzma Candy Green
• Black vinyl seats with ostrich inserts
• Tweed door panels

Wheels & Tires

• Wheels: 17×9 Coy C-57
• Tires: Nexen 205/40ZR17