On this “episode” of 67 Designs Customer Spotlights, where we share the stories of some of our customers, we get to know Alfonso Mendez. Born and raised in Dallas, TX, Alfonso still calls the metro area home and makes his living as a salesman for the Planet Ford dealership. When not working, he can be found spending time with his family and having fun with the local Bronco club.
Proud owner of: 2021 White Bronco Badlands 2.3L Non-Sasquatch Lux Package.
Featured upgrades: Alfonso’s Bronco is outfitted with the following modifications and gear...
- 4WP 3" Lift
- 37" Mickey Thompson Baja Boss MT's
- 17" Black Rhino Primm (Red) -12 offset
- Upgraded UCA's
- RPG Tie Rods
- Rigid Radiance Backlit Lights
- 4WP Spare Tire Relocation Bracket
- RC Spare Tire Reinforcement Bracket
- Oracle Spare Tire Brake Light
- Badass Tents Dual Rotopax Mount
- 4WP Fender Delete
- Aries Power Running Boards
- JCR Bolt-On Pre-Runner Brush Guard
- JCR Pinch Weld Covers
- DV8 Inner Fenders
- Opt7 Rock Lights
- Roof Mounted Cargo Basket with Awning
- Hi-Lift Jack
- Max Trax Boards
- 67Designs BroncoRail System (phone, GoPro, and microphone holder)
- Alpine Type R Sound System
- Long Range Radio (CB) 4ft antenna
- Bad Bronco Bucking Bronco Badge
- IAG Red Leather
- 3Wliners All Weather Mats
- StickerFab Inlays, Hood Decal,
- Lower Door (rock protection) & Door Sill Protectors
Customer of 67 Designs since: 2022.
Inspiration for buying his Bronco: Working at a Ford dealership created a natural draw to the next gen Bronco. It was hard not to get excited about something he was dealing with every day with his customers. The Bronco Alfonso reserved is not the same one he has now though. With orders taking eighteen months to deliver, he decided to modify the original Race Red Badlands edition with Sasquatch package and hard top to a build with 2.3L EcoBoost engine, removing the Sasquatch package, adding a soft top and changing the color just for fun. That configuration was scheduled two weeks after he modified the order. He’s glad he ended up with the one he has. With the modifications he was making to it, the Sasquatch package no longer seemed as important to him. And even though it came with a soft top, he was able to find a hard top for it. He credits fellow Bronco owner Frank Gonnello, Jr (recently featured in another 67 Designs Customer Spotlight) with the inspiration for his build.
Adventure vehicle background: Prior to this Bronco, Alfonso had many different vehicles he affectionately refers to as ‘mall crawlers’. Cars have always been a passion of his and the joy of the build process was as addicting as driving them. Whether it was a Jeep Gladiator, Land Rover Defender, or Ford F-150 truck, Alfonso always modified them. He was simply drawn to the aggressive stance of the modified vehicles and liked the looks of them. While he’s enjoyed his other vehicles and their offroad capabilities, he prefers the Bronco for everyday driving.
Offroading community involvement: Alfonso is an active member of the North Texas Bronco Club. In fact, he’ll tell you that club involvement is actually how he got into offroading. Even though he’s had other offroad vehicles, this Bronco is the first he’s used in that capacity. Alfonso will say he’s no expert but is able to hold his own during the trail rides the club holds bi-monthly. He’s learned a great deal from the other club members and enjoys building his skills while also building camaraderie.
Recent adventures: Even though Alfonso’s job doesn’t allow him much time for offroading adventures, he makes sure to participate in the trail rides the Bronco club holds every other month. Normally the group makes good use of the Northwest OHV Park in nearby Bridgeport, TX.
Future plans: Given the fulfillment he and his daughter share from trail rides with the Bronco club, Alfonso would like to get a roof-top tent so that they can go on longer weekend adventures. He’s also hopeful they can go on some trail rides with Bronco clubs in other states.
Dream trip: Like any off-roader, Alfonso’s dream would be to go to Moab, Utah to explore the trails and scenery there. To do that though, he understands more work would need to be done on the Bronco in preparation for the more challenging terrain.
Fun fact about Alfonso: He calls twelve-year-old daughter Samantha his shadow. They have a very close relationship and are quite like-minded. In fact, she has let Alfonso know, in no uncertain terms, that he’s not allowed to attend the Bronco club meets without her.
Notes from the writer: Alfonso has been with the Ford dealership for twelve years and thoroughly enjoys helping other Bronco owners (and future owners) fulfill their passion. His infectious personality has served him well in that regard. As much as he enjoys his job, getting away from work for a day or two to spend quality time with his kids - just relaxing and having fun - is what sustains him.
Check out his work here: Check out Alfonso’s Instagram account below for all his adventures to date!
This Customer Spotlight by Tricia Soderstrom.
This series was envisioned and created by Kate Della Pietra in the summer of 2020 when she worked for 67 Designs as a marketing intern.