Flashback: Largest, Toughest, Deepest – Angry Mike’s BRODZR

2024 IntroductionWhile recently exploring TCP-Magic in Nishinomiya, Toby is gearing up to unveil a pair of Mad Mike Whiddett projects on the horizon. However, let’s rewind a decade and delve into a unique creation from Mad Mike that was featured on Speedhunters in the past.

A colossal Chevy may not be the initial choice when pondering about the legendary Kiwi rotary enthusiast, but Mike’s connections with American trucks run deep. The addition of a new 2024 2500 HD Silverado to the Mad Mike collection in New Zealand, along with an upcoming 2024 Silverado ZR2 venture, sponsored by General Motors Specialty Vehicles – an Australasian GM endeavor, solidify this bond. We anticipate the unveiling of Mike’s new projects, but in the meantime, let’s revisit his slammed C30 dually, known as BRODZR.
2014 Spotlight

Mad Mike Whiddett is known for astonish with his builds, continually pushing the boundaries time and time again. This trend is evident from every iteration of his renowned MADBUL RX-7 since its inception with a three-rotor engine in 2006. His ability to outdo himself seems relentless, likely fueled by his exposure to various influences during his sponsored drift driver escapades. The year 2013 marked a significant milestone for Mike, catalyzing a new phase in his build repertoire.

One thing remains certain: any project embarked upon by Mike yields remarkable results, irrespective of the starting vehicle. Notably, considering the diverse range of these base vehicles, Mike’s versatility is truly remarkable, spanning across Japanese, vintage European, and American platforms. His creative vision seems boundless.

However, this time around, it’s not a Mazdabuilt for sliding, but rather a 30-year-old Chevy designed for cruising. Picture this mammoth pickup truck as the counterpart to Mike’s high-revving rotary-powered vehicles, achieving a perfect harmony between them. This is no ordinary tow truck—it’s a gargantuan mobile residence capable of transporting race cars.

This isn’t Mike’s first dually ownership journey either: from a ’93 C30 sporting the BDYSLM plates to a camouflaged Dodge Ram tagged as 666SRT, utilized alongside his partner, Toni, for towing the RX-8 across the US during the 2010 Formula Drift season. While the initial plan was to bring the Dodge back to New Zealand post-season, alterations in local vehicle regulations, particularly concerning modern left-hand drive imports, thwarted their intentions.

Despite the initial setback, it turned out for the best, leading Mike back to his roots. Prior to 666SRT, Mike envisioned acquiring an aged, square-bodied, crew-cab Chevy truck—a quest that culminated in the acquisition of the C30 dually from West Virginia. This meticulously selected truck met all desired criteria, boasting vintage appeal, specific characteristics, and a rudimentary yet effective air suspension setup.

While brainstorming for the project, Mike envisioned an old-school interpretation resembling the all-black Dodge. Although the black theme would have complemented the C30 remarkably, detailed planning revealed significant investments required to restore the aged panels for painting—a venture unfeasible at the time.

The simpler, and far more economical choice – for this initial construction phase at least – was to retain the truck in the grey primer-coated state he acquired it in. This is how the C30 is currently displayed, though now tarnished and soiled with surface rust seeping through creating a natural patina.

During the progression, several subtle alterations were implemented around the external bodywork that I will elaborate on shortly, but it is what you cannot view from the exterior that currently characterizes the truck. A considerable portion of the concealed modifications can be attributed to Mat Addis from The Drop Shop in Auckland – an acquaintance of Mike’s who initially got involved in the project to evaluate the existing chassis adjustments and air suspension configuration for its compulsory compliance inspection before being approved for road use. Since the C30 arrived in the country, the dually underwent mechanical repairs, equipped with the almost humorously oversized Alcoa wheels salvaged from a Dodge and modified to rest its frame on the ground at a complete lowering. However, in Mike’s perspective, something still felt off.

This was due to the fact that, by original design, the chassis was positioned lower than the bodywork, thus even though the rails would make contact with the road when the appropriate switches were activated, the truck’s body remained suspended. It was a minor detail and a compromise that he was aware of deep down, even though no one seemed to notice when he exhibited the C30 laid out in his workshop parking lot. As an individual with extensive experience in custom car construction, particularly in the mini-truck domain, Mat comprehended precisely what Mike was referring to. He was personally intrigued by the project and immediately volunteered to rectify the Chevy’s low-sitting inconsistencies if Mike and Toni were inclined to elevate the project to the next phase. It should be evident by now that they were.

Over a duration of six months, the C30 resided at The Drop Shop while Mat undertook a thorough array of modifications that fundamentally enabled the frame to sit higher into the bodywork or drape the body lower over the chassis, depending on the viewpoint. The process commenced by excising most of the rear section and crafting a brand-new chassis with a customized four-link suspension layout.

As Mike intended to utilize the truck for hauling his 36-foot box trailer brimming with drift car essentials and spare parts to manage a complete weekend event, every aspect was engineered with an industrial approach. For instance, the substantial C-notch sections are not only crafted from thick steel, but fortified with additional plating and rose-jointed lower bars for enhanced durability.

Naturally, considering the extensive distances he would be traveling, the C30 also needed to offer excellent handling, thus the incorporation of premium components throughout. The tailored air suspension employs three tanks providing 17 gallons of air, a stout Oasis air compressor, 1/2-inch valves and lines, Slam Specialties SS-8 airbags, and Bilstein shock absorbers.

Amidst all these enhancements, the C30 retains its factory rear end, albeit with six inches removed from each side to accommodate the wider-than-stock wheels and tire combination beneath the widened fenders. The interior is also snug as some discreet metal reshaping was necessitated to allow a few millimeters of clearance when the bodywork rests on the ground.

The Alcoa wheels are also aA distinctive focal point arises mainly due to the 24-inch sizes, with around half disappearing under the box over-fenders at a simple button push. Similar Alcoas of this size originally stood at 24.5 inches as per truck tire standards. For the Dodge SRT666 undertaking, they were modified by Tennessee Wheel & Tire, trimming a quarter inch off the bead circumference for a reduced diameter to accommodate low-profile Nitto NT-420 tires. Adapter plates were essential for the C30 to match the ten-stud Kenworth/Peterbilt pattern with the Chevy’s eight-stud hubs, and the rear outer wheels were flipped for a classic dish appearance.

Noteworthy alterations were conducted at The Drop Shop on the front end, including bespoke Z-notches and mounts to shift the engine’s position for smooth lowering without damaging the sump. This adjustment also required raising the transmission, leading to a tailor-made tunnel extending into the cabin.

Similarly to the rear set-up, there is minimal clearance with the 24-inch wheels. To add practicality, Mike fitted another pair of YHI 22-inch semi-truck alloys reprofiled from 22.5s by Arrow Wheels NZ, accommodating low-profile Nitto tires for extended road trips. The hood does close, but with very little room to spare.

Before delving further, let’s briefly address the non-stock engine. In place of the original 6.2-liter diesel powerplant stands a Chevy 454ci big block transplanted in the past life of the C30. Mike envisions swapping it out for a Cummins turbo diesel eventually, but for now, the 7.4-liter V8 fits the bill nicely with performance headers, a custom exhaust featuring Flowmaster 40 Series race mufflers, an Edelbrock Performer intake manifold, a matching four-barrel carburetor, an external Holley fuel pump, and MSD ignition components.

For Mike, this project is all about making a bold statement. The sheer size and ground-hugging stance of the C30 play crucial roles, yet it’s the intricate details that make the most significant impact. Folding the lower sill-to-floor pinch line inward, for instance, effectively added another inch to the body drop, underscoring the attention to detail.

When Mike acquired the truck, it came equipped with the Phantom grille. Instead of leaving it in its original full width, he skillfully trimmed it on both ends, seamlessly blending it flush with the headlight mounts. The front bumper sourced from the GMC Sierra complements the build with its factory nudge bars.

To the rear, an aftermarket OEM C10 replica bumper from Advanced Four Wheel Drive aligns seamlessly with the underside, replacing the original C30 bumper without compromising the lowered look. The customized fibreglass box over-fenders were extended upwards to accommodate the large wheels, then smoothed out by SPI, a company known for producing bumpers, guards, and skirts for Mike’s drift cars.

A standout feature is the custom-designed vinyl wrap on the driver’s door. Inspired by their son Lincoln, the “Low Mater” slogan – a clever nod to a beloved character from Disney Pixar’s Cars series – was personalized by Mike with the ‘Rotary Springs’ logo and rust detailing for a distinctive touch.

Also worth mentioning is the fact that some of the original unique details on the truck have been preserved and combined with Mike’s craftsmanship. For instance, the hand-painted design that wraps around the C30’s body, culminating in a Flying Eyeball design inspired by Von Dutch on the drop-down rear hatch. Various emblems, selected more for their vintage appeal than accuracy, can be spotted all around the C30, courtesy of Advanced Four Wheel Equipment.

When you start off with an interior as stylish as the one that rolled out of the factory, little alteration is necessary. Inside, Mike has maintained a clean, minimalist look that complements the age of the truck perfectly.

The Custom Deluxe trim on the C30 provided the truck with luxuries like power windows and spacious double-row bench seats upholstered in extensive restored tan vinyl. It’s fascinating how something deemed unconventional can turn out to be just right.

However, there are some aftermarket elements, such as the BAD Maltese II billet steering wheel from Billet Accessories Direct (BAD). Observant eyes will catch a glimpse of the heightened transmission tunnel, now subtly concealed with fresh, tailor-made carpeting.

Possibly the most remarkable feature of the interior is the audio system. Fusion Electronics, a longtime sponsor and a prominent car audio brand hailing from New Zealand, provided everything required, ranging from a Bluetooth/CD head unit and a dedicated subwoofer level control module to a combination of Performance series four-channel amplifiers and monoblock amplifiers, along with an assortment of speakers.

Additionally, there are four 10-inch Fusion Performance subwoofers neatly integrated into a custom dual-chamber fiberglass enclosure behind the rear bench. Installation of this system was entrusted to Mike’s close friend, Ivan, who adhered to a design brief calling for a discreet yet powerful setup that enhances rather than detracts from the truck’s overall appeal.

Even though the certification plate for BRODZR was still pending delivery on the day of our photoshoot, I couldn’t conclude without taking it for a spin around the block to witness it cruising at a low stance. And those sparks? Simply the icing on the cake!