80 series ute chop

[naz4x4]

Hi all, just thought I would share photos of the build of my 80 series ute. I have only had the 80 for a few weeks and I bought it already chopped. The previous owner was kind enough to send me photos of the build. Unfortunately I will unable to answer most questions about the conversion as I had no part in it.
Enjoy

 

[naz4x4]

Photos of the build

 

[naz4x4]

Some more photos

 

[naz4x4]

More photos

 

[naz4x4]

Here's the last of the photos the previous owner sent me of the ute conversion.
If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. I might just be able to answer your question..

 

[yohavos]

That's a sharp lookin chop!

Could I trouble you for a picture or two of how the front part of the now-welded in rear doors (where they were hinged) are sealed? I've noticed that I'm going to need to do something or I'll have some water in the cab.


And some questions:

Are you running stock 80 series seats? Once I removed the sunroof my stock seats feel short and in wondering if there isn't a preferred conversion.

What size tray is on there?

Steel or aluminum?

Do guys with aluminum trays have issues using a highlift on them to lift the truck if they need?

Thanks! As I said in your other thread in looking forward to your updates.

- Mike

 

[yohavos]

This is what I'm talking about... Need to figure out a way to seal this all up. Seems like it's going to be a pain...

 

[BlueCruiser84]

View attachment 1082180

This is what I'm talking about... Need to figure out a way to seal this all up. Seems like it's going to be a pain...

Expanding foam and bondo (kind of kidding) Or just weld in some more metal.... That's probably what I'll do.

 

[retrofive]

Expanding foam and bondo (kind of kidding) Or just weld in some more metal.... That's probably what I'll do.

Maybe a little of both, almost creating a drain tunnel. Don't over think it. Just seal the areas needed and let the rest channel the water to ground.

 

[naz4x4]

That's a sharp lookin chop!

Could I trouble you for a picture or two of how the front part of the now-welded in rear doors (where they were hinged) are sealed? I've noticed that I'm going to need to do something or I'll have some water in the cab.


And some questions:

Are you running stock 80 series seats? Once I removed the sunroof my stock seats feel short and in wondering if there isn't a preferred conversion.

What size tray is on there?

Steel or aluminum?

Do guys with aluminum trays have issues using a highlift on them to lift the truck if they need?

Thanks! As I said in your other thread in looking forward to your updates.

- Mike

Hey mate. Using stock gxl seats (mine is a dx). When I bought the car it came with both bench seat and passenger bucket seat with centre console options.
The tray is steel, I was told it came off a Nissan patrol and mounts were modified. The internal length is 2.4m.. so it is a full size single cab tray. I probably wouldn't use a high lift Jack on an aluminum tray. Its a lot of weight in one spot and I don't think the alloy tray could handle that. I have a 48 inch high lift I used for my old ute but it isn't long enough for the 80.. I will need to upgrade to a 60 inch.

Ill just grab a picture for you

 

[naz4x4]

Sorry, my car is still muddy from the weekend. Haha

 

[naz4x4]

Just make sure, whatever you do, you vent the cab well. My vent isn't big enough and it can be hard to close the doors with the windows up.

 

[excessive]

Great looking build. but why would you go to the trouble to build this in austrailia, isn't the 79 series UTE available off-the-shelf?

 

[Box Rocket]

Subbed. Thanks for sharing this. I'm in the process of planning a Ute chop on an 80 for my son to drive. I'm still gathering all the information I can before getting into it.

 

[naz4x4]

Great looking build. but why would you go to the trouble to build this in austrailia, isn't the 79 series UTE available off-the-shelf?

I suppose people chop them for a few reasons. The 79 series is leaf sprung in the rear which we all know isnt as comfortable and is harder to get mass flex. The 80 series also is more luxurious than the 79. The suspension geometry in the 80 is the best out of all the toyotas.
Another reason could be (other than looking awesome as a ute) that nissan has a coil sprung wagon and ute, the patrol. It was like the 80 series ute was the one car toyota should have built.

Others also may chop into utes because of damage/rust in the rear.

Kind of running out of ideas here haha.

 

[mattv94]

What's the suspension setup?

 

[Ashdog05]

Here's the last of the photos the previous owner sent me of the ute conversion.
If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. I might just be able to answer your question..

View attachment 1082072

View attachment 1082073

View attachment 1082074

Hi mate could you put some photos up of the rear window and how it was done. Still trying to figure out how to do mine.

 

[jase3444]

Great looking build. but why would you go to the trouble to build this in austrailia, isn't the 79 series UTE available off-the-shelf?

Apart from being a lousy 4wd, no AC from factory, they are dogs on suspension - leaf springs ($30K conversion cost), the rear wheels tracks are offset from the front wheels, the chassis is 400-450 longer than an 80s, so they dont climb particularly well. A well set up chopped 80 Series will be superior in every regard.