6T5 LV Barn Rescue (1 Viewer)

[Pics45]

So, I thought it was time to post a build thread from the "LV parts wanted" thread. I've been working at getting this thing pieced together, collecting parts from all over the world, local, and from the LV network. Last March I acquired this LV from a Cruiser guru, talked him into selling his last LV at a swap meet, and the rest is history. After releasing it from the rafters in his barn, and carefully loading it on the the trailer with his tractor, the LV made it back home. I knew it was going to be a project and so then the LV part search began. I've been able to source most critical LV specific goodies, searching high and low. Fast forward, the body is now on the chassis and the front floor pan is next that I got from the good donor. I'll keep updating as I go....Going to be a project, but I've been told, they all are. Thanks to all involved....

 

[Pics45]

And since the chassis was already set-up for a V8 swap I ran with it. Now, I know there's going to be some haters out there, but I went simple and old school on the drive train. GM 350 TBI, 420 mated to a 3sp case. Makes it an easy solution when you have the setup ready to go.

 

[Pics45]

My buddy had an open rack at his shop so it was time to mate the body to the chassis. Lots of work to be done on the body yet but hey. I cut out the good floor and rockers from the donor. Time to trim and weld it in. Also, have the tailgate and hatch getting cleaned up and smoothed out. I guess the only thing good about buying an LV in pieces is that it's already apart...Right?

 

[Pics45]

Body and chassis mated up. I bit of a challenge, blocking it, setting it down and lining up the mounts but we got it.

 

[Pics45]

A few more pics...

 

[Pics45]

Been working on the rockers with some help from my buddies. Front floor pan almost ready to lay in there. Lot's of metal work to get it right. Thank god for the donor LV I was able to chop up and make floor sections. I seem to recall, reading, LV's take some time and patience to bring back to life. Hmmm. I know----stay focused..

 

[Toyopet]

So, I thought it was time to post a build thread from the "LV parts wanted" thread. I've been working at getting this thing pieced together, collecting parts from all over the world, local, and from the LV network. Last March I acquired this LV from a Cruiser guru, talked him into selling his last LV at a swap meet, and the rest is history. After releasing it from the rafters in his barn, and carefully loading it on the the trailer with his tractor, the LV made it back home. I knew it was going to be a project and so then the LV part search began. I've been able to source most critical LV specific goodies, searching high and low. Fast forward, the body is now on the chassis and the front floor pan is next that I got from the good donor. I'll keep updating as I go....Going to be a project, but I've been told, they all are. Thanks to all involved....View attachment 3900588View attachment 3900589View attachment 3900590View attachment 3900591View attachment 3900593

 

[Toyopet]

I’m finally back working on my LV after a long barn sleep that’s been 6 years. Too much other stuff going on. Thanks for documenting yours. Seeing what other LV owners do is super helpful. I did a restomod on mine 15 years ago and used it a lot then. I displayed it at my restaurant in Key West. Big mistake. The salty rain got into the doors and around the windows. Bubbled up a bunch. So back to bare metal in those areas and the paint. This is really a refresh this time. Your restoration is much more involved. These pics are just after the resto in the early 2000s. The colors are LV correct. But obviously the combo is not. It’s a Chevy 350 swap. I bought it in Colorado without any engine.

Keep your updates coming. I will share mine.

 

[NOSAJ]

Wow! @Toyopet I saw your LV in Key West at that market back in 2018! I remember I asked someone at the market if I could buy it. That was before my rusty LV purchase out of Montana. Great looking truck. I look forward to hearing more about it!

Jason

 

[redfj45can]

 

[timmyisinthewell]

View attachment 3913294

Are those three folks in front studying the orientation of the bezel on that very nice truck? I think you get extra "coolness factor points" for the flip.

 

[redfj45can]

Are those three folks in front studying the orientation of the bezel on that very nice truck? I think you get extra "coolness factor points" for the flip.

Good eye >

*(°p°)*