Build 1997 LX450 Ute

[yohavos]

The plan is to use pipe like I did on the sides and rear. I'll actually tie the pipe I have running vertically on each rear corner into the cross piece I have up top.

I cut a few small pieces out of the rear pillars roof section to use for what will hopefully be a factory like finish to the rain gutters and top corners.

That's all subject to change once I actually start trying it!

 

[yohavos]

Tacked on a bit more of the roof, finished welding the passenger side stuff, and started some welding.

Long day, so not much for fun progress.

This will probably be it for the week:

 

[canman]

Too bad you aren't closer to get one of these.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-other-auto-p...ts/1051745177?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

 

[2fpower]

ROAD TRIP !

 

[gofast]

They're 3000 a piece. I got a tailgate off them though for a good price. Great service

 

[yohavos]

Man oh man that would be so sweet...

Bit of a drive:

I've looked at some older toyota beds. A 45 or Stout bed may be cool but almost a shame to cut up.

I know there are some 75/79 series beds floating around the US. I'm also half-heartedly looking in the BC area.

Of course, if I can find a cheap steel flatbed for sale locally I wouldn't be opposed to hacking it up and using it as well.

If not, fabricate we shall.

 

[wearsabrowncoat]

That would be a long drive. I would prefer to do it on the Amtrak. Nice view from the observation car through Glacier Park. Not sure about return freight though.

 

[hamishpotter]

get someone to 'Mudship it. at least post a listing, you might get a bite

 

[2fpower]

Remember that if it costs more than $1k, you will have costs and PIA to get over border. Orginally manufactured in Japan, so does not get NAFTA treaty. I know all this because we went up and got three of these a few years back.

THEY LOOK AWESOME!!

Last I knew proffits had some, don't know what happened when they closed down. @beno may know

 

[OGBeno]

Remember that if it costs more than $1k, you will have costs and PIA to get over border. Orginally manufactured in Japan, so does not get NAFTA treaty. I know all this because we went up and got three of these a few years back.

THEY LOOK AWESOME!!

Last I knew proffits had some, don't know what happened when they closed down. @beno may know

A good number of them were sold to various outfits.

Greg Miller kept a few.

Jeremiah might still have access to some as well.

 

[Delancy]

Total Hijack.

@Delancy, This sounds like a project I want to be part of. You going to Toyota Jamboree to discuss?

Dunno.

Don't have anything to wheel and don't do too well riding....reason this project has 180'd back to chopping my rolled LX, instead of body swaps.

My concern on WB stretch is hanging up, but the stretch appears a better option than growing another ginormous ass to balance.

Rather take my chances dragging the belly than scooting on the ass end, I reckon.

Bed will be the last to occur and will form to the function of whatever occurs below, in my case.

 

[hicruise55]

@yohavos stop "sipping" wine in Walla Walla, we want to see progress ya slacker!

 

[Delancy]

@yohavos stop "sipping" wine in Walla Walla, we want to see progress ya slacker!

Nah, dawg....

Let yohavos sip all the wine he and the long legged lady would like...

 

[JackZilla]

Aaron, we need to make a weekend trip out to Mike's and make sure he's staying on track. Maybe we can get him to sip on some Blue Mountains with us.

 

[yohavos]

Spent the weekend wine tasting, but I was able to cut out a bit early Sunday to get uncover Betty and spend a little time with her.

Lots of grinding to do... not a great picture but you can kind of tell that it's coming together:

 

[gofast]

Looking good! These will also save you time and do a decent job without tearing away too much metal.

 

[yohavos]

Yep, was running 60 grit but went to 80 for a bit more precision. Don't want to take anything off the 18 gauge sheet.

 

[yohavos]

On that note, does anyone have input as to my options for bedliner removal? The 80 grit has done it when prepping surfaces for welding... am I really looking at grinding all the way around this damn truck before I can repaint??

Bedliner lines:

 

[Darasick]

On that note, does anyone have input as to my options for bedliner removal? The 80 grit has done it when prepping surfaces for welding... am I really looking at grinding all the way around this damn truck before I can repaint??

Bedliner lines:

View attachment 1049935

This is why I've never bedlined mine. I would try a knotted wirewheel like these... http://www.roarksupply.com/category-s/432.htm

 

[yohavos]

This is why I've never bedlined mine. I would try a knotted wirewheel like these... http://www.roarksupply.com/category-s/432.htm

Exactly... I've considered re-doing the bedliner (or even going higher) but am so on the fence about going all in on body work and trying to get a nice shiny truck out of this. I really hope my attention spans holds, because I could knock out a rattle can paint job with roll on bedliner in a weekend.