The Dakarta's racing adventure theme also carries over into a snappy and functional interior scheme. The stock front and rear seats have been replaced with lightweight Recaro full race buckets, with five-point RCI racing harnesses added to keep driver and crew in check while traversing the most rugged terrain. To allow the co-pilot to effectively monitor the operating systems, Auto Meter auxiliary gauges and exterior light switches were mounted in RaceTruck Trends' custom aluminum dash panels, which are accented by a brushed aluminum dash cap by Woodview Automotive Trim. The Grant racing wheel with a quick-release hub continues the functional, yet stylish, competition motif. A Becker global navigation system underscores the Dakarta's adventurous intent.
Naturally, a 4x4 of this caliber begs for a bit of narcissistic flash to accompany its rugged looks. To punch up the vicarious visuals, L&G Custom Paint applied the striking coat of BASF Chrome Yellow paint, made all the more eye-popping with the black-trimmed A&A Specialties custom scooped hood and Explosive Images' vinyl graphics. Johnson window film, RJS racing window nets, and custom electric sport mirrors by RaceTruck Trends round out the Dakarta's styling and functional upgrades.
All right. Maybe the Performance West Dakarta is a bit out there for your everyday work-mobile. But one thing's for sure: That daily commute to the salt mine would sure be an awesome trip!
Shutterbug Special
If you're one of the growing number of independent professionals who, with cell phone and laptop at the ready, find the office to be anything but conducive to taking care of business, then you'll love Performance West's spin on the ever-popular Dodge Ram van. Billed as the Vivitar Photo Support Van, this four-wheeled work station is just the ticket for those who prefer an office with a scenic view.
To better access the backcountry, a Fab Tech Motorsports two-inch suspension lift was added to the underpinning. Add the Alcoa Classic 16x7-inch alloy wheels and hefty 33x12.5x16-inch General Grabber M/Ts, and this Ram is ready to take you to the beach or into the mountains.
Inside, the Vivitar Photo Support van has been turned into a photographer's (or other busy professional's) dream office. RaceTruck Trends got the nod for reworking the cabin and installing the custom display racks (shown here with a selection of Vivitar's photographic equipment arsenal) and the trick work station bedecked with the requisite computer and accessories by Digital West. As with the Dakarta, Woodview Automotive Trim takes credit for the classy brushed aluminum dash cap.
On the outside, the Vivitar van has been modified for both style and function. Go Rhino! custom tubular bumpers and side steps give the vehicle a testosterone jolt, and the Surco roof rack and ladders offer a place to store extra gear and the means to get it. Add the Explosive Image vinyl graphics, Johnson Window Film tinting, and PIAA high-beam racing lamps, and you've got a van that would make any '70s van customizer just a tad envious. Not to mention those of us chained to a cubicle every day!