Double Cab 79 - Cabin open to the Camper Box

[VonclicasLX]

Hi guys,

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to cut the back of the cabin of a 79 double cab and build a camper box , and tie in with the cabin?

Attached is the back of the 79 double cab, and my idea is to keep the back completely open into the box, basically build some sort of troop carrier out of a double cab. (but a 4 door, 4 seat).
On another picture, the camper box is shown, but as always, the camper is separate from the cabin, I want to open it up and have one open space

I have no idea of how to tie the box to the cabin, and make it removable. and how to make it in a way that would avoid noises and leaks.
If we can install a gasket between the 2 parts and put bolts and nuts every x inches .

Thanks in advance

 

[samc2447]

The problem you'll face is that the frame and body want to flex differently. It's doable, but you'll need to incorporate a subframe to allow the body to flex independent of the frame to avoid structural damage. Spend some time reading on Expo where it's been done many times

 

[VonclicasLX]

The problem you'll face is that the frame and body want to flex differently. It's doable, but you'll need to incorporate a subframe to allow the body to flex independent of the frame to avoid structural damage. Spend some time reading on Expo where it's been done many times

Yeah, that is my concern, it might not be as easy as I think.


So basically I should not weld the box directly to the frame, I should build some sort of body mounts that would allow the Box panels to flex independent from the Frame.

I will have a read on EP

 

[VonclicasLX]

I found a few guys installing a Accordion rubber gasket between the cabin and the box. That might just make it work, and avoid causing any issues with forcing anything to bend/twist.
A guy also suggested to install a threshold at the bottom so we do not step on the gasket

 

[RivMan]

The Maltec build you pictured is actually open to the cab. More detailed photos here.

First In The U.S. Maltec Land Cruiser 80/79 Series

If you’ve been to Overland Expo or have been following the Land Cruiser movement, then you have seen the builds by Sackwear's founder Tim McGrath.

www.treadmagazine.com

-Rob

 

[VonclicasLX]

Oh , I didnt know.

Unfortunately is not possible to figure out how they made it.
anyway, I have seen a few cases where they intalled an accordion rubber gasket, that might be the most safe bet without having to get a degree in engineering.

Bdw, I am looking at doing it with the same base as yours, the double cab fire truck. People seem to not give much value to these trucks, even though they look like new, with 20k kms, so I thought, mind as well to do something that has a wide purpose , for long trips and for the family.

 

[RivMan]

Oh , I didnt know.

Unfortunately is not possible to figure out how they made it.
anyway, I have seen a few cases where they intalled an accordion rubber gasket, that might be the most safe bet without having to get a degree in engineering.

Bdw, I am looking at doing it with the same base as yours, the double cab fire truck. People seem to not give much value to these trucks, even though they look like new, with 20k kms, so I thought, mind as well to do something that has a wide purpose , for long trips and for the family.

Nice!

I had the same plan with mine, however the 62 Series chassis doesn't lend it's self to that sort of weight.

I have an 80 Series chassis here for it, but don't think I'll get to that swap anytime soon.

-Rob