Build 1997 LX450 Ute

[gofast]

This is awesome! Nice to see it coming together and I am looking forward to the finished exterior shots.

I never covered my windows or the body of my uncle's lincoln when I ground my first bumper. Grinder sparks will screw up the glass and paint too but you may already have figured that one. My uncle traded the car in - he thought the paint was failing.

 

[yohavos]

Thanks! I learned my lesson early on... Luckily she's getting new paint and I saved the glass from myself.

Officially used my first tank of shielding gas. Ran out a few minutes ago, calling it a night.

I'll be at Oxarc at 0800 when doors open tomorrow for an exchange.

I don't want to jinx it, but I'm hoping to have the gas tank on and it moving under it's own power by Sunday evening...

 

[cruisermate]

Nice Ute Build looking forward to see it done yohavos, I have the same Idea like you to turn my 97lx to a Ute's like what the Aussie's did in Thiers's , except I might going to use the rear section of the cab of Toyota truck to close the rear cab , but your truck will feel a lot lighter once its done for sure.

 

[yohavos]

Day two of three day weekend rally... I awake to this:

Rain. Liquid sunshine. Bob has abandoned me... The WX gods haven't been appeased. Any way you cut it, it's freaking wet out.

So, when I did my tank exhange, I bought another tarp.

Onward.

If anyone in Spokane has an awning, I'll trade beer and interior parts for a loaner!

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I like the "Its not the F'up its the speedy recovery that counts" attitude!

Very inspiring

 

[yohavos]

Elevating my status as an awesome neighbor just a bit more... we're in business.

 

[2fpower]

You could be my neighbor anytime!

 

[SammyT96LX450]

Elevating my status as an awesome neighbor just a bit more... we're in business.

View attachment 1045272
View attachment 1045275

You are a man on a mission. Love it!

 

[NLXTACY]

You could be my neighbor anytime!

So long as you pound on your rig between the hours of 9am and 8pm and don't even think about turning on that grinder before noon on the weekends

 

[yohavos]

Finished the in cab welding near where the tank mounts, sprayed it black underneath, and threw the tank back on.

Prop shaft re-installed, fuel pump hooked up and she moves!!

Betty out in the open for a change:

 

[2fpower]

Looks like she could add 16" or so in length pretty easy. Got any plans to stretch?

 

[yohavos]

Looks like she could add 16" or so in length pretty easy. Got any plans to stretch?

I've debated it... maybe someday. That's the only way it will ever look "right" as a pickup.

For now I'm anxious to get it on the road!!

 

[scottryana]

haha way to dive in!! Ok everyone, no excuses why your projects drag on for more than 2 weeks.

 

[2MinutesTurkish]

haha way to dive in!! Ok everyone, no excuses why your projects drag on for more than 2 weeks.

I've got 3 excuses...Ages 1, 3, and 4.

Seriously though this is awesome to watch.

 

[wearsabrowncoat]

I've got 3 excuses...Ages 1, 3, and 4.

Seriously though this is awesome to watch.

You need a new defensive coordinator. I hired one after 4.

 

[Delancy]

Looks like she could add 16" or so in length pretty easy. Got any plans to stretch?

Have been quietly approaching a similar endeavor for many months and one hanging point is the wheelbase, since, in my opinion, it doesn't look quite right, once the big ass is removed.

I've toyed with stretching the rear equidistant to the front hub to B pillar center, and have nixed the space cab, in a similar aesthetic effort.

What's stopping me is the break over angle on the 80 has always been an issue, hanging half as much as the rear subframe, and don't know a way to combat.

With a huge weight disparity, front to rear, post chop, think a stretch would serve well.

122" with a 22" belly has been said to work fine, which would require 39s and ~4" lift to frame rail, but still puts the links lower.

Dunno the answer and it may purely be an anesthetic concern, so function over form rules, I reckon.

 

[Mr Cimarron]

I think a mini truck bed would look good. The way your going it wouldn't take long for you to widen one to make work.

 

[Mandito22]

This bed should fit perfectly

 

[NLXTACY]

haha way to dive in!! Ok everyone, no excuses why your projects drag on for more than 2 weeks.

I feel a burning on the back of head.

 

[yohavos]

This bed should fit perfectly View attachment 1045624

Exactly the bed I want!! I'll be taking many style cues from the factory toyota tray. I'm bidding on factory tail lights on eBay.com.au right now


I'm also in touch with Ute Ltd. about getting an aluminum tray.

I'm going 6.5 feet. 70's come with 1.8 or 2.4m I believe... So a bit off, but good for what in up to.

Night mode... I like that she moves now!