Builds 93 80 Beater.

[darwink1]

Trimmed the rad mount/apron/inner wheel well today. Wasnt that big of a deal and it turned out pretty decent.

After marking cut lines then removing the front bumper I drilled out the tacks that join the lower support to the apron sheet metal. With the support free I used the plasma to cut a v notch in the lower support. I guestimated and took out 1.5" of material. I then realized I only needed to take out 3/4"......

Before bending the support up into its new position I cut off the lower part of the inner wheel well as well as some of the apron sheet metal. I bent the support, tacked it into place, and painted everything black.

Havent tried fitting the bumper back on yet since it desperately needs a repaint but Im sure itll look a lot better than before.


D

 

[96r50]

I had to go back to page 2 to see what the gain would be with the bumper installed. It looks like you'll have a pretty high clearance front end now.

mmm......... Duratracs

 

[darwink1]

Ever since I put the bumper together the crap hanging down behind it has bugged the hell out of me. Whatever extra clearance was gained is a bonus.

D

 

[ednedesigns]

Inspiring.

Thanks for all the great pics and phenomenal write-ups of the truck and the scenery viewed from it. I watch the new threads for the 93 Beater to show up every day. You are a true craftsman.

Where can I check out more of the Taco?

 

[julstirn]

The more i see your bumper the more i love it, plain and functional

 

[Nay]

Trimmed the rad mount/apron/inner wheel well today. Wasnt that big of a deal and it turned out pretty decent.

After marking cut lines then removing the front bumper I drilled out the tacks that join the lower support to the apron sheet metal. With the support free I used the plasma to cut a v notch in the lower support. I guestimated and took out 1.5" of material. I then realized I only needed to take out 3/4"......

Before bending the support up into its new position I cut off the lower part of the inner wheel well as well as some of the apron sheet metal. I bent the support, tacked it into place, and painted everything black.

Havent tried fitting the bumper back on yet since it desperately needs a repaint but Im sure itll look a lot better than before.

D

Nice work. I just hacked mine off along that same line so it followed the lines of my bumper. Didn't even occur to me to v-notch and bend

 

[darwink1]

Thanks guys.

Nay, I cant take credit for the notch and bend since I got the idea from another mudder. It sure was fun though.

Tomorrow Im gonna try to redo the crappy roof rack hole patches. I picked up some plastic plugs which might do the trick. The plugs, some silicone, bed liner, and factory match paint should hold up better. I may even clear it....but probably not.

Id also like to get the front bumper painted.




The tacoma build is here http://ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=88315

Lots of the pictures arent there anymore though..

D

 

[darwink1]

Managed to pretty up the front bumper and paint it yesterday but thats about it. Didnt get to doing the roof either since my buddy brought me an atv trailer he wanted lengthened. The joys of owning a welder I guess....

Ill put it on today and take some pics.

D

 

[Land Speeder]

Nay, I cant take credit for the notch and bend since I got the idea from another mudder. It sure was fun though.

was it me?!
https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-...rep-i-heart-cutting-may-belong-hard-core.html

I love cutting crap off my rigs... it's cheaper.

 

[darwink1]

Yup, thats the thread LS. There were a couple others that had done the same but for the life of me I couldnt find their posts when I was ready to cut. Probably buried in build threads somewhere.

Im really starting to enjoy cutting too, its just the welding of the old thin rusty metal that frustrates me lol.

D

 

[darwink1]

Looks a little better.

Got to the roof rack holes 90% done today. Gonna paint the black bed liner patches body color tomorrow and that should be it.

D

 

[greentruck]

Not just a "little better."

Those are some sharp lines! Very clean. Probably adds 20 kph to the top end...but what really counts is the approach angle.

 

[darwink1]

Before

After

I got tired of searching for a before shot too...

D

 

[julstirn]

I like i like, it gives it more aggressive look yes still very simple and plain

 

[darwink1]

Well ive been messing with the van for a week straight. Did the apron cut, gusseted/cleaned up/repainted the front bumper, redid the roof rack hole patches/plugs, cleaned up/repainted random spots on the body and cut off the spare tire xmember.

Oh and a good buddy stopped by and convinced me to mount my "custom" bottle opener. I still dont know if I like it there.......

I wanted to repaint the rear bumperettes and tire carrier but got tired of painting. The van does look a little better overall now.

D

 

[Nay]

Sharp work, man - keep it rolling.

 

[darwink1]

Pulled the third row seat belts yesterday, couple few less clunks/rattles now. Painted the 3 center caps I have and threw them on for the hell of it (boredom). Also ordered a windshield washer diverter valve from Cdan and a 4th center cap form another mudder.

Otherwise Ive been giving the tacoma some much needed attention. Gonna have to change the ps pump soon, why the hell Mr.T switched to rack and pinion is beyond me. If it isnt the rack pooching out its the pump........dammit.

D

 

[darwink1]

Got the diverter valve and 4th center cap today. Painted the cap to match and installed the valve. Looks a little less redneck now.

Also gave the bumperettes a quick spray.

Was gonna start workin on my xfer x member/skid but it seems my exhaust hangs too low for what I want to do. Have to go visit the muffler man to see about raising it first...



D

 

[GLTHFJ60]

 

[hawaiicruz]

Great thread as usual ...the only problem is every time I read it, my mod list gets longer