[MSGGrunt]

So it begins.

I purchased one of the FZJ79 pick-up bodies that Proffitt's Cruisers imported from the Middle East. The build will probably progress as funds are available. I will be mating the FJ79 truck body on a 1996 2 owner, 165,000 mile, FZJ80 frame and drive-train.

My vision is:

Remove the 80 body from the frame and lengthen the 80 frame as needed.

Re-tube drive-shafts if needed.

Hopefully retain the 80 fuel tank.

I will strip the 80 series wiring harness of all unneeded items like power windows, power door locks, power antenna, AC, under-seat heater, power seats, etc...

Use 89 Toyota Camry front seats, FJ75/80 steering column, a FJ75 dash and gauges with the 80 series harness mated to it, I hope, the 80 E-Brake mechanism,

I am sure this will be a learning process.

The first picture is the FZJ79 that will be on its way from Proffitt's.

Suggestions welcome....

[MSGGrunt]

I will rely A LOT on John's build of a similar truck as my guide. Pretty much the only difference is I won't be using a diesel or H55.

[Notmyrealname]

This looks like its going to be sweet.
Good luck!

[ukaviator]

Im looking forward to seeing this progress

[bjowett]

There is no longer an emissions test in Massachusetts for pre 1995 vehicles. 95 and later simply get plugged in for inspection, no codes = pass.

You do realize I'll have to stop by and have a look at this. I'll let you take the 500+ hp Tundra for a rip....

[MSGGrunt]

Good to know about the emissions law in MA. I will keep all the stock 96 running gear. Additionally, I want to keep a Toyota motor in the truck and keeping the 1FZFE that came in the 80 will just makes things easier.

[89GASHOG]

Look forward to seeing your work. I'd keep the auto....

[MSGGrunt]

I will be looking for 70 series interior parts if anyone in Eastern Canada knows of any in a salvage yard. I am only a few hours from Montreal.

[beno]

Damn.....Freeborn Red: My favorite Cruiser color.

Nice job. Looking forward to the build.

[Clint79]

DDR
dog dic red

[lulo]

Nice Project


Good Luck mate!

[MSGGrunt]

It may take some time but I'm working on:
Stripping 80 wiring harness of all none essential electrics connectors and wires.
Waiting on 79 series dash to arrive from Japan. Thanks Cruiser Parts..

More to follow.

[Lovey]

That 62 looks awfully familiar.
Did you get that in Wayne NJ?????

If so I know for a fact that mileage is all highway and never off road.
It was used to follow the Grateful Dead in the 90's.
Cool project. Good luck with it.

[beno]

Grateful Dead: A good omen to creating a new vehicle.

[MSGGrunt]

Just bought two new side mirrors and two new rear tail lights from Australia. OUCH, shipping is a killer from down under.

I also have a FZJ79 dash on its way here from Japan..

What about seats. I like the ones in my DD 1998 Rav4 and I'm sure they would be easy to source. Smaller in size, no power, and they are still Toyota, which I like.

[bjowett]

What color interior are you using?

[MSGGrunt]

The 79 body comes with tan interior. Where I am having the dash ordered I can order it any color I want. I'm not too keen on the tan and was thinking about spraying/dying what is included with the truck black, but don't know if I could do that with the headliner if it is made out of cloth and I'm sure the whole process would be an added PITA.

So, more than likely staying with the tan interior that it comes with. If I use Rav4 seats I can always recover them to match...

[cicak]

keep posting the build up I like it.

The grateful dead revived hahaah.

You might have a name for your rig there "GDR"

[MSGGrunt]

I will also working on stripping the 80 wiring harness of all non essential wires and plugs.

The FJ79 body will be on it's way from Proffitt's next week.

[Tapage]

you can run the 2.48:1 gears from the auto split case ( 62 tcase ) in the manual BF1A split case ..