
About a year ago, Phil posted about Telstar Logistics' rockin' custom Tonka truck mods. As it turns out, Todd Lappin wrote a how-to for turning this classic toy into a one-of-a-kind ride for MAKE Volume 19. Todd has a longstanding tradition of presenting this durable classic to all friends and family members upon arrival of their firstborn child. When Todd had his own firstborn baby girl, there was no doubt she was getting a Tonka, but naturally he wanted to mod hers to be extra special, and his Tonka modding days began full force. First came the Rat Rod Tonka detailed by Oakland pinstriper Eric Kirby (my favorite, pictured above), followed by a pink Hello Kitty Tonka and a whole pink Tonka brigade:

In the article, Todd shares his extensive Tonka modding knowledge garnered from numerous mods. Deconstruct, prep, paint, rebuild, add flair, repeat. Why reinvent the (plastic) wheel when you can learn from a pro?

Pick up your copy of MAKE Volume 19 in the Maker Shed or on a newsstand near you.

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