Body swap project

[82bj60]

Wondering if anyone has advice on my new project?

A few years back I purchased a 82 BJ60 with a 3B motor and got a second one for parts (The bodies are rusted to an unrepairable state). While looking for a body to replace it without spending a fortune in shipping, I came accross my local salvage yard that have some 95-2000 Tacomas that Toyota has bought back because of the frame rusting. They are willing to sell me the complet truck without the frame for a very decent price. I know already that I will have to bob the bed, modify body mounts.

Has any one already done a project like this?

 

[Duane]

That could be a cool rig... I would be checking the back half of the 60 frame to make certain it is ok. I would think the 60 frame would be plenty long to accomodate a 95-00 taco body... maybe wrong but our 60 wagon seemed plenty long.
At any rate that drivetrain under that model taco would be cool..certainly ambitious though
Why not put a 4 door Lexus car body on it?

 

[yotarunner98]

the engine is pretty long in those which would probably be the hardest part of fitting it in the engine bay. you're probably looking at removing the mechanical fan and putting an electronic pusher fan in front of the rad, and also most likely some firewall clearancing. Would be awesome though! good luck!

 

[Vicm]

Interesting ,
I always think of crazy stuff like that.
How would you tilte it?

 

[82bj60]

Here are a few pictures. The first one was the day a purchased the truck (this was approx 3 years ago). The second is just before I start working on it this last week. Yesterday it came alive for the first time in approx. 10 years.

Just got a few problems the alternator is not charging so I will bring it to have the brushes and regulator changed. Also the clutch plate was stuck and I couldn't engage it. That came to be an easy fix by pulling the truck in gear with the clutch pressed in. After a few jerks it came free. I'll keep posting pictures and my progress as often as I can.

 

[82bj60]

Interesting ,
I always think of crazy stuff like that.
How would you tilte it?

I don't know what I'll call it... I was thinking of puting Hilux badging on it beacause of it being a diesel tacoma. But I'm not sure. Someting will come up durring the build. If anybody has suggestions please post them.

 

[Vicm]

I don't know what I'll call it... I was thinking of puting Hilux badging on it beacause of it being a diesel tacoma. But I'm not sure. Someting will come up durring the build. If anybody has suggestions please post them.

Hi Man,
I was thinking about the title to register it..
If you are selling parts of the 60 , I will need a good widshield soon,,
I put a 3b drivetrain in an fj40 and sold it a firend who is an electrcian, I like how he simlpyfied everything and runing one battry.
If you need any help with anything , just ask.
Vic

 

[Duane]

Hi Man,
I was thinking about the title to register it..
If you are selling parts of the 60 , I will need a good widshield soon,,
I put a 3b drivetrain in an fj40 and sold it a firend who is an electrcian, I like how he simlpyfied everything and runing one battry.
If you need any help with anything , just ask.
Vic

interesting question on the title.... if using a taco body thus vin tag isn't that the normal route? Or can you take the BJ60 tag off and screw it into the dash of the taco???? I always figured that the cops would want it registered as to what the body model it looks like not the chassis/powertrain

 

[82bj60]

interesting question on the title.... if using a taco body thus vin tag isn't that the normal route? Or can you take the BJ60 tag off and screw it into the dash of the taco???? I always figured that the cops would want it registered as to what the body model it looks like not the chassis/powertrain

Actualy I checked with the New-Brunswick ministry of transport on how to register the truck because the registration of the tacoma is marked as non rebuiltable. They told me that the VIN numbers will be removed from the tacoma and they ministry of transport will issue me a new VIN number like I would've built a custom truck from scrach. I still don't know if I can create my own make and model.

 

[82bj60]

Hi Man,
I was thinking about the title to register it..
If you are selling parts of the 60 , I will need a good widshield soon,,
I put a 3b drivetrain in an fj40 and sold it a firend who is an electrcian, I like how he simlpyfied everything and runing one battry.
If you need any help with anything , just ask.
Vic

If you want parts I've got 2 BJ60. I'm selling the body & interrior parts of the one I'm building on and my part donner bj60 I'll be selling pretty much every thing (maybe not my second 3b motor). If you want a windsheild I've got a brand new one not even installed for $180. My friend owns Dieppe Auto Glass and they could get one and install it in your truck for $250.