79 Series GLX single cab conversion

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J

jkatt

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I have access to a 2023 79 Series GLX single cab complete body (cab and tray), I am wondering how feasible it would be to mount it onto my 1986 BJ 70 chassis. My BJ runs perfectly, but I'm slowly losing the battle to rust (I live in Canada) with it's body, it's chassis and motor are still in great condition.
Is this a reasonable transplant or am I crazy for even considering it?
 
Seems perfectly reasonable. You would need to stretch your shorty frame to 3180 mm wheelbase. The question is: where will your chassis mount lineup? Look on my double cab build project and you can see all of the factory VDJ 79 frame to cab mount part numbers which are readily available in UAE and Japan. You could probably just center your shifter in the transmission tunnel hole, with the appropriate shifter plate… And space things forward from there.
 
I have been contemplating something similar with my LJ78, I need something bigger for the family but I’m not ready to let go of the 70 series.

At a guess the two mounts by the firewall/ bulkhead will be the same so it should be possible to line the cab up.

My plan is to use the Light duty front end and dash board and make a tray for the back.
 
Ash Awbery said:
I have been contemplating something similar with my LJ78, I need something bigger for the family but I’m not ready to let go of the 70 series.

At a guess the two mounts by the firewall/ bulkhead will be the same so it should be possible to line the cab up.

My plan is to use the Light duty front end and dash board and make a tray for the back.
Click to expand...
I've always thought that would be really cool to do if the back end of mine ever got crunched. I found this photo years ago and saved it for inspiration. Obviously an HD front end, looks like it was made from a 77-series with the rear cab wall of a 75.
70doca1.webp
 
I don't think it is crazy at all, but it will be a lot of work. The trick is to enjoy the work!
The new front end may be a difficult fit to your frame, but I may be wrong. The newer trucks are wider in front (frame and body) after the vdj engines appeared. You could likely use your narrow nose on the 79 cab and go for the first gen 79 series look. As far as the back part of the frame goes, I can't imagine it is too bad to do.
I'm not sure the metal dash cabs and plastic dash cabs will accommodate either style.
@bottombracket would know I bet.

Early 79's don't look so bad!
20250625_200846.webp
 
@c2dfj45 did a dash style conversion on his first rigi think. RAV4 into metal dash?
 
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