Build Field Crust - Reviving a 1982 Pickup

[The Machinist]

I added a voltmeter and charge ports to the dash. I also ran power to the bed to power my old 12v fridge. Loomed and insulated everything and tucked away as much of it as was reasonable. Tried to keep the wiring somewhat clean.

I got bored one night after work and rigged up a high idle switch using two old vacuum switching valves I had in a spare parts box. It uses the AC idle up on the carb and is wired into the up and down arrows on the switch panel. Works great for when the air compressor is on continuously for something like airing up tires or filling float tubes at the river.

 

[The Machinist]

For the sliders, I made some frame plates out of 3/16" x 3" flat bar and each leg is gusseted. The welds are not quite as pretty as the ones some of you guys are making, but they are plenty strong. Its pretty challenging to get into some of the tight corners under the truck!

 

[The Machinist]

I stole the seats out of my landcruiser, they fit nicely in here. I also ordered a set of door cards on ebay. They came from Thailand and are really good! Someday I'll track down all of the missing trim pieces.

 

[The Machinist]

Quick disconnect air chuck in the wheelwell worked out perfectly. The manifold on the ARB has a nearly straight shot to a factory hole in the bed support that is perfectly sized for a bulkhead fitting.

 

[The Machinist]

I'm still waiting on my buddy to upload all of the pictures and videos from Rubithon, but for now I'll just say that this truck performed flawlessly and was such a blast to drive! I think this is the perfect setup for the Rubicon; short wheelbase, narrow track width, decent ground clearance, but not overbuilt. It walked up pretty much everything but still kept things challenging enough to be fun the whole way through!

 

[The Machinist]

I've thoroughly enjoyed this project.

 

[aztoyman]

Rubicon is on my bucket list if I EVER get my truck done.

 

[The Machinist]

Rubicon is on my bucket list if I EVER get my truck done.

It is such a blast! You are almost there!

 

[Hokie LX]

Just found this thread and dang, it makes me regret selling my trailblazer. Someday I'll get another early pickup to build like this. Nice work!

 

[The Machinist]

My brother surprised me for my birthday with a roll of film photos from the Rubicon trip, so here's a photodump of cool shots to motivate you all to knock out your projects this winter and get out wheeling next spring!

 

[The Machinist]

 

[The Machinist]

 

[ferg]

"...a roll of film..."?

 

[The Machinist]

So I guess I like making my life more difficult and expensive.... A 1997 JDM Hilux Surf came along for a price I couldn't pass up so now I am making plans to swap the drivetrain into this pickup.

It runs great and drove around the block with no issues. Not even any engine diagnostic codes showing. This Hilux Surf has a 1KZ-TE which produces significantly more power and torque than the 22R that is currently in the truck, and I'm a sucker for Toyota diesels. The donor truck has 290k km on it so its ready for a few refresh parts but is by no means worn out.

 

[clx16]

Very cool! Even has decent looking wheels and tires. Will you have to body lift to make it fit under the hood?

 

[The Machinist]

Very cool! Even has decent looking wheels and tires. Will you have to body lift to make it fit under the hood?

I don't anticipate needing a body lift, but we shall see.

 

[The Machinist]

So I guess I like making my life more difficult and expensive.... A 1997 JDM Hilux Surf came along for a price I couldn't pass up so now I am making plans to swap the drivetrain into this pickup.

It runs great and drove around the block with no issues. Not even any engine diagnostic codes showing. This Hilux Surf has a 1KZ-TE which produces significantly more power and torque than the 22R that is currently in the truck, and I'm a sucker for Toyota diesels. The donor truck has 290k km on it so its ready for a few refresh parts but is by no means worn out.

View attachment 4057395View attachment 4057396View attachment 4057397

I have decided that the 1KZ-TE swap just isn't something I will be able to get around to doing anytime soon, so I'll be putting the Hilux Surf up for sale soon. If anyone here is interested, shoot me a PM and I can give you more details. (the nice wheels are already sold, its just on rollers now)