MrExcite is alive and well !! My DivShare account changed and the files are still there, just have to re-address them. I might do that in this thread just for posterity !!
Joe Ranft was one of the creators of the film. He was one of my story instructors at Cal Arts in 1989. Great guy and is who the toy truck was loosely based on. He was originally supposed to do that voice as well. Great guy, huge on talent. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1001017138
This is one of my alltime favorites! My oldest daughter (3 1/2) just loves it. I can't wait to see the sequel, and also hope there are more hot rods and customs in it.