I’ve seen a number of ex-firetruck builds and between the roofline and the rear bed choices, the proportions seem off on almost all of them. Yours however, doesn’t have any of those issues and is easily the best looking build I’ve seen. 
Builds 2001 HZJ79 Ex-Fire Double Cab Build
- Thread starter JDMBC
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- #242
Appreciate the kind words. A lot of time, careful thought and attention has gone into the lines of this truck.I’ve seen a number of ex-firetruck builds and between the roofline and the rear bed choices, the proportions seem off on almost all of them. Yours however, doesn’t have any of those issues and is easily the best looking build I’ve seen.
….. and it shows.
BJEC69
SILVER Star
Love the console!! Would you please share the source?
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- #245
Yeah I actually found it locally from another cruiser owner who brought it over or maybe had it shipped from SA.
Company is Manjaro Industries. Not sure what their shipping options are but an amazing product which I do recommend.
Welcome back Garrett! Family has a way of taking up all of our time. At least if we are attempting to fulfill our role of being a good husband and father! Good on you bud. Truck is looking great!
No problem at all. Thanks for your response and I appreciate the inspiration on your truck! Glad you've had the opportunity to put it through some paces recently. I recently purchased all these parts and waiting for the last of it to arrive. I thought Post #217 was the headliner installed already but perhaps that was just a mockup. Cheers.
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- #248
Awesome! Glad you took the plunge.
I have half of the headliner installed currently and will finished it in spring when the temps warm up as my truck doesn’t fit in my garage.
BJEC69
SILVER Star
It's the longer wheelbase of the 79 series in my opinion. I have a 75 and that rear wheel just isn't where it wants to be. Obviously still stellar choices by OP, but being in Canada ya'll just have the head start on us Americans.I’ve seen a number of ex-firetruck builds and between the roofline and the rear bed choices, the proportions seem off on almost all of them. Yours however, doesn’t have any of those issues and is easily the best looking build I’ve seen.
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- #251
Another mod I am thrilled about is the Baja Designs amber light with external switch that I've added to the rear of the truck on an angled bracket (see second pic). Great for adding a non white light to the rear of the truck for many applications e.g., loading bikes (pic below), light for evening cooking sessions as the rear tray/trundle drawer is used for the BBQ area.
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- #252
The overhead canopy door lights have been awesome!
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- #253
I agree 100% on this observation!
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- #254
Okay! This is the last post for the day. I swear.
I picked up this Clearview fridge slide table and was stoked at its convenience. It's a bit hard to get at the rear trundle drawer table when the bikes are loaded, so this is a quick, easy alternative for a table.
The rear table tray is partially accessible!
I picked up this Clearview fridge slide table and was stoked at its convenience. It's a bit hard to get at the rear trundle drawer table when the bikes are loaded, so this is a quick, easy alternative for a table.
The rear table tray is partially accessible!
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- #255
This is one project that I dreaded doing. As many of you are aware, the rear wall was converted by Morita for the addition of the massive PTO pump that sat below the rear bench seat, which was raised in order to allow seating, meaning the roof height had to go up, hence the high top on these ex-fire trucks. I knew that I would have to tackle it after converting the rear bench to a factory bench seat as well as replacing the high top with an OEM standard roof. I am in no way a purist. However, I did want this rear wall and transition to the roof liner to appear as factory as possible. This project required some creativity, but it ultimately turned out well, imo. These ex-fire trucks are no joke. They require a ton of work and time.
Before pictures: As you can see, the rear wall is somewhat of a "hodgepodge". A rear access door and additional bracing near the floor made it a bit challenging.
It now feels complete on the interior, and I am overall happy with the outcome. I still have a few things to add and change but those can wait.
After photos:
Bench seat installed:
Before pictures: As you can see, the rear wall is somewhat of a "hodgepodge". A rear access door and additional bracing near the floor made it a bit challenging.
It now feels complete on the interior, and I am overall happy with the outcome. I still have a few things to add and change but those can wait.
After photos:
Bench seat installed:
- Thread starter
- #256
A few more!
Excellent work. This should do wonders for in cab NVH. It's tempting to push off these kind of projects, but the improvements in day to day drivability are absolutely worth it.
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- #258
Appreciate the compliment @RockShoes I couldn’t agree more. The interior roof panels had been sitting in my garage for a year. I think part of putting it off was just finding enough time to get complete in one go.
There is a noticeable difference in cabin noise as well as reduction in thermal transfer which is appreciated in my area.
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- #259
Took a wee break from school and work this week and got out to our local provincial park. If anyone is ever in the area Ellison Provincial Park is worth it for a night or two especially if you Mtn bike. Trails right from the campsite.
Many folks across the pond build their 79s out with full drawers and pull outs etc. I chose a more modular route. With the RUX totes I can pack them in the house or garage and then load them into the truck. Also means the gear isn’t living inside the truck weighing it down and increase risk of theft if it does get broken into. Works well for my family!
Also! Found this single burner Coleman stove on Amazon for a bargain. Perfect for a quick boil for coffee.
Many folks across the pond build their 79s out with full drawers and pull outs etc. I chose a more modular route. With the RUX totes I can pack them in the house or garage and then load them into the truck. Also means the gear isn’t living inside the truck weighing it down and increase risk of theft if it does get broken into. Works well for my family!
Also! Found this single burner Coleman stove on Amazon for a bargain. Perfect for a quick boil for coffee.
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- #260
For power in the canopy I have opted to go with the Dometic PLB40 until I know the future of this truck and if I’ll be keeping it. Last year Dometic had a crazy sale on the PLB40, 240$ per battery pack. I bought 2 and alternate with them. I built a 20ft cable and run a 180W solar blanket. Again the idea was not to have it in the truck permanently. Running the fridge and a few small accessories I get about 40hrs per pack before I switch over. This could get annoying on longer trips or if sun exposure was an issue but so far so good.
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