We first spotted Scot Bonstein and his incredible Toyota at the Carlisle Import & Performance Nationals this past May. Surrounded by amazing rides from across the spectrum, his build still managed to stand out. This is a SEMA-quality truck that grabbed everyone’s attention, which is a testament to both the craftsmanship behind it and the timeless charm of 1980s Toyota pickups, especially impressive given the serious competition for eyeballs at the show. We exchanged information with Scot that day and knew right away we had to profile this rad truck—and the story behind it.
When Scot bought his 1988 Toyota 4WD pickup brand new from a local dealership, he had no idea it would become a decades-long obsession, or that one day it might become a show-stopping icon. Today, more than 35 years later, his truck is still going strong, turning heads at off-road meets and custom truck shows across the country where it first caught our eye.
“It officially has no name,” Scot says, “but I’m partial to No Respect, like my license plate.” That sense of understated pride fits the build perfectly, because while it may not scream for attention, this Toyota earns every bit of it.
From Mud Holes to Show Fields
Initially, Scott’s truck served as a dependable daily driver, with some weekend mudding and light off-roading. But that changed in 1989, when he attended a local truck-only show. He was hooked. “The build slowly started as money would allow and has been ongoing ever since.”
Today, the truck still hits local shows under its own power, but for longer hauls, it gets trailered. It still runs, but now it’s built to be preserved and appreciated.
A Build with Personality
The heart of Scott’s truck remains true to its Toyota roots. It still runs the factory 22RE 4-cylinder fuel-injected engine, mated to the original 5-speed transmission and transfer case. But beyond that, just about everything has been modified or upgraded with purpose and passion.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Lift setup: 10 inches total, comprised of a 4-inch suspension lift, 3-inch body lift, 3-inch torsion bar adjustment, and 3-inch add-a-leafs
- Axles: Factory differentials upgraded with 5.71 gears to handle the larger tires
- Wheels & Tires: Massive 40×15.50/22 tires mounted on 22×12 wheels with a -44 offset
- Bodywork: A custom fiberglass bed built specifically for 1984–1995 Toyota pickups, with FJ40 taillights grafted in
- Exhaust: Aftermarket headers with custom exhaust
- Other mods: Custom traction bars and a range of accessories to support both form and function
While some enthusiasts chase the newest platforms or flashiest tech, Scot proves that long-term love for one truck can lead to something far more meaningful and far cooler.
Built for the Long Haul
Despite its trail-ready looks and show-quality presentation, No Respect isn’t a garage queen. Scot still drives it on weekends and brings it to local shows. It’s the kind of rig that tells a story in every detail, not just of how it was built, but how it’s lasted.
There’s little doubt this Toyota is more than just a relic of ’80s off-roading. It’s a rolling time capsule of dedication, creativity, and personal expression.
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