Posters of the Blazer, created by AI.
I must say using AI to create these posters is a lot of fun. There is absolutely no graphics skill required. This post will continue to grow as I come up with new images.
Category: Daily Rants
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Welcome to Roadster Style
This blog was born in Maui March 2026.
Since my latest cool rides kick are these topless, no roof, Roadster Style trucks I decided to make a blog.
I find having a blog provides a method of keeping all the maintenance and work performed on the vehicles I have. I have made so many blogs I can’t even provide a close estimate on the count.
My first experience with a topless vehicles go back many years. I’ve had a 66 SS Impala ragtop, a couple Mercedes, Porsche and a couple Corvette’s.
I’m definitely not new to the topless game. Even though most of the time these vehicles tops were down they still had the capability to convert back to roof coverage.
In the case of Roadster Style rides are always topless with no ability to cover up by design. This means these are fair weather riding toys, someone would say not long distance vehicles either if you’re riding to areas with unpredictable weather conditions.
For our intentions, these are going to work out great. We plan on installing our HydroDrop 2 Wireless Air Ride System.
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HydroDrop V2 Installation
This is the primary reason I got the Sonoma Minitruck. To be able to install a HydroDrop Version II.
I had attempted to install HDV2 two weeks before the final install. I was having issues when trying to remotely operate the valves. When I pressed the remote the response was not what I expected.
When I did the 2nd installation I removed the passenger seat so I could trace and visually see where all the wires went and how it interfaced with the GC350 quick valves. This is when I discovered that the 7 button wired controller did not connect directly to the valves. There was an interface control module in between the hand held wired remote and the valves.
This aftermarket AVS module was hidden below the seat under the carpet. I didn’t see this when I attempted the first installation.
As far as I can tell this module acted as a relay adding protection to the handheld button controller. The input to this module did not receive a standard +12VDC signal to activate the output. When HDV2 sent a signal the module did not recognize it and provided an incorrect response. Simple.
I replaced the old air ride control module with the HDV2 and remote. I also added an AVS handheld 7-button controller for manual use and to demonstrate you can still use a wired controller with the wireless controller.
What a difference in functionality and appearance.
I did more cleanup using another “wrap” for the wires. The previous type looked old, this one is more modern and functional.
The circuit breaker for the air ride compressors seemed to have failed at one point, I replaced it.
I grabbed carpet material from my favorite place at Morgan Fabrics located in Stockton CA. They have a large selection of just about every type of material you need.
I carpeted the rear area where the subwoofers and HDV2 is located. The material is marine grade but the equipment is not. I better not get caught in the rain.
It is safe to say that I am the only Minitruck controlling its suspension using HydroDrop II. On the otherhand, Minitruck Bed Dancers are using HDV2. One of them is using the HydroDrop II model. The rest are using HydroDrop Version 1.
You can check out more videos on HDV2 at our website www.tx2rxHydroDrop.com
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Let’s talk Sonoma
My first introduction to a “Roadster” style ride is my GMC Sonoma. It was also my first MiniTruck I have ever owned.
I’m a truck guy, always have been. All of my past trucks had been either Chevrolet or GMC. I just recently got out of the OBS C3500 Crew Cab game, I love a dually but it was time for a change.
The 2000 GMC Sonoma has probably gotten me more looks and kudos than any modern or classic ride I’ve owned.
There something odd about seeing a truck that has no roof. The fact that bodywork has been done like the shaved door handles and rear tailgate makes the MiniTruck look like a custom build. Once I let all the air out of the bags and lay frame it really catches the eye.
When the MiniTruck was first delivered it needed a jump box to start. The existing battery did not hold a charge and was unable to turn the motor over. This is not a big deal for me since I planned on removing the battery and installing an Optima Yellow cap. I’ve had success using this brand and model battery in the past. Especially if you’re running an air ride setup with big sound.
