It all started from a simple tag on an Instagram post in 2020 and Randy Wimenta’s daily driver became a one of kind build. Randy is the Marketing Actvation Manager at KC Hilites. While we was driving his communter vehicle, a 1989 Toyota Corolla GT-S, his phone started pinging him about post on Instagram. After he arrived at work, he noticed that post of a Pandemic AE86 Bug Out vehicle was gaining a lot of interest. He showed the rendering to his co-work Alberto and he said “let’s do it.” Alberto then found a 1989 Toyota Corolla All-Trac in Washington and Randy made a call to his cousin Will. After a couple of calls, Alberto, Will and Randy planned out the build.

Randy made an offer to the seller of the All-Trac in WA and transported it down to KC’s LA office. Originally, Alberto, Will and Randy thought the AWD conversion could be done within a month. Well, given the pandemic and global supply chain issues in 2020 - the completed AWD conversion took about 4 months. 4 Months wasn’t too bad, but the rest of the parts from tires to wheels to suspension took another 6 months.

After the AWD conversion, Randy called Trophy Truck trainer and builder Chuck Dempsey. Then he all also got insight from Jon Rood, who famously built an Off-Road/Rally 80s Celica. It seemed all the experts were lined up to make this build a reality.

However, the supply chain issue was also real and the domino effect severely slowed down the roll cage, subframe, 4-links and overall suspension. All of these issues added another year to the build. As they say, diamonds take a long time to make and it seemed this was the case for Randy’s build. Eventually, Randy dubbed the build “AWDROLA” (pronounced Odd-Rolla) and it’s odd in a very cool 80’s Retro way.

Fast forward to June 2022, Randy and Will targeted to reveal AWDROLA at Gambler 500. Randy, Will and some KC Family of ambassadors and brand partners helped to get it to run on the HooptieX course. Here’s how it went down. There’s also a full walkaround of the AWDROLA at Stage 1 of the build.

So where is the AWDROLA today? As of 11/1/22, it’s at SEMA and before that, it was at Off-Road Expo. From there, Randy says “Sky’s The Limit and I’ll tour AWDROLA with KC in 2023.” Based on how well received the rendering was in 2020, he may be on to something. The original rendering was picked up by Hypebeast and Motortrend. NOTE: For any hardcore Toyota fans, the rendering is an AE86. However, Randy is proud to say that his AE92 is close to the rendering.

We hope you enjoyed the origin story and for all the techies, here’s the build list with photos.

Vehicle

1989 Toyota Corolla GT-S (AE92) with 1989 Toyota Corolla All-Trac Wagon (AE95) Drivetrain

Lighting

Gravity® Pro Pro6 Light Bar - 6 Light
FLEX ERA® 4 - Combo 2 Light System
Clear Cyclone Universal Rock Light Kit
Amber Cyclone Chase Light with Magnetic Mounts
Diffused Cyclone Dome Light with Magnetic Mounts

Under The Hood

Rebuilt 4AGE Engine with 4AFE bottom housing
Custom Clutch and Flywheel from F/S Clutch

Drivetrain

Front Transaxle and Transfer Case from All-Trac Wagon
Rear Axle from All-Trac Wagon
Custom Front CV Axles by Dana-Spicer Parts
Custom 4-Link to Rear Axle by Barnes4WD

Electrical

Stringer Off-Road Red Top Battery and Fuses
Auxbeam Switch Controls

Body Protection

Custom Front and Rear Bumper
Custom Roll Cage and Sub-Frame by Dempsey Fabrication
Custom Roof Rack & Tire Carrier by Dempsey Fabrication
Custom Decals from Imagination Works and Fast Friends

Wheels & Tires

Raceline Wheels: 947B Scout 16X8 | 5X114.3
BFGoodrich Tires: KO2 LT215/65R/16
SpeedStrap Tire Bonnet

Suspension

Eibach Dual-Spring Setup: Front and Rear
Custom Streetwise/Bilstein Strut System: Front
Bilstein 8125 Coilovers with Reservoir: Rear

Recovery

Axon 55-S Powersport Winch
Factor 55 Hawse Fairlead and Flatlink
Deadman Off-road Recovery Anchor

Interior

Full Intercom System by Rugged Radios
Stinger Off-Road Display Unit and Speakers
Custom PRP Seats / Harness
Custom Center Console