Builds George - 1983 Pickup SR5 Long Bed

[BHillteq]

I have George updates! Post waterpump, he's been running so smooth. So, I wanted to add a full-size spare to the bed. I dunno, it's probably the Idaho in me. Sue me.

Suuuper happy with it. Picked it up from Amazon for like 30 bucks. Tire was in our recycle bin here at Mark Miller Toyota. Rim was in the scrap. Fit the vibe of this build for sure. lol

 

[BHillteq]

I also replaced the tail light housings/lenses. I'm on my 3rd set. They just keep gradually getting nicer. I got them from a local guy parting out stuff.

Before:

After:

 

[BHillteq]

I also added a couple of hrsprs on the back window.

 

[KLF]

I don't see anything wrong with that spare tire, or the mount. Carry on.

And I *LOVE* that "Top Speed" sticker! Perfect!

 

[WoodsTruck]

I can't argue that it is not a good place for a spare... also an Idaho thing, the bolt location is above the bed rail so the tire will likely want to kick out on the bottom and become loose on rougher roads. There will also be a lateral load on the side of the bed which can weaken and crack the bed over time.

The owner of the truck I am working on is debating this method for a spare so I'm following along to see how yours works out.

 

[BHillteq]

I can't argue that it is not a good place for a spare... also an Idaho thing, the bolt location is above the bed rail so the tire will likely want to kick out on the bottom and become loose on rougher roads. There will also be a lateral load on the side of the bed which can weaken and crack the bed over time.

The owner of the truck I am working on is debating this method for a spare so I'm following along to see how yours works out.

Totally nailed it, this is exactly what's happening. I'll report back on how I fix it!

 

[BHillteq]

I don't see anything wrong with that spare tire, or the mount. Carry on.

And I *LOVE* that "Top Speed" sticker! Perfect!

My buddy found that sticker lol. Funny and TRUE.

 

[pappy]

I don't see anything wrong with that spare tire, or the mount. Carry on.

And I *LOVE* that "Top Speed" sticker! Perfect!

Ya, Google is my friend. I must have one.

 

[BHillteq]

Ya, Google is my friend. I must have one.

You must.

Top Speed Stickers | 4x4ward

Sitting in the right lane enjoying the drive to your seecret spot. It's sunny out, but not too hot, the window is cracked and your van is running like a champ. And then a semi-truck comes barreling down on you expecting you to part like the red sea so they can make their Drop & Hook two states...

www.4x4ward.com

 

[pappy]

You must.

Top Speed Stickers | 4x4ward

Sitting in the right lane enjoying the drive to your seecret spot. It's sunny out, but not too hot, the window is cracked and your van is running like a champ. And then a semi-truck comes barreling down on you expecting you to part like the red sea so they can make their Drop & Hook two states...

www.4x4ward.com

Interesting. That is the same answer I got.

 

[BHillteq]

Figured it out! I spun the tire, ran the bolt through a lug hole, and into the lower nut. Feels stout! I'll see how it does driving around. Any reason why the lug hole would be a bad spot?

 

[G-Cat]

Can you link the spare mount or let us know what brand-model? Working to mount a full-size in the rear of my 89 4Runner.

Thanks!

 

[BHillteq]

Can you link the spare mount or let us know what brand-model? Working to mount a full-size in the rear of my 89 4Runner.

Thanks!

Pretty decent little setup! It does require something to bolt to on the top. You might have to get creative to make it work with a 4Runner.

Amazon product ASIN B017MJCUH2

 

[BHillteq]

Took George on a mini adventure last week! Let's face it, every time I take this truck anywhere, it's an adventure in and of itself.

Spare tire in the bed is super snug.

Low-res iPhone picture my buddy snagged.

Besides the clapped out springs, the farm truck did great on these little hills. They're on the agenda for this summer. Cruiser needs a few more things first, unfortunately. But man, I'd love to bring it back up here when it could actually articulate, and keep the wheels on the ground.

 

[cruiserinsanity]

Any George updates?

 

[BHillteq]

Any George updates?

No new updates! Still doing daily driver tasks, and running like a champ!

 

[BHillteq]

Last weekend we took some of our new friends out for a rip, and seeing Carlo's gorgeous 81 really made me George jealous lol. I've been hyper focused on the 62, and haven't given the old guy any love lately. I'm hunting for a better bed/tailgate, and have a few leads. I'd really love to get him all, or at least mostly, red lol. Also have a set of SR5 white steels in Southern California that are waiting for me to go get them! For some reason I love working on George in the fall, so prepare for some updates!

 

[Tstx92]

Ohhh man do I have some George updates. We'll start with some of the paint correction I did. Some dude I follow on IG scored an early 70's Hilux, and did some crazy stuff with the paint using some Meguiar's ultimate compound, so I thought I would give it a try.
Amazon product ASIN B06W5HCZ9M
Holy Santa Claus s****

View attachment 2558289

You can't even make that stuff up.

View attachment 2558290

So, for this stuff, did you use a buffer or was this progress by hand?

 

[BHillteq]

So, for this stuff, did you use a buffer or was this progress by hand?

I used a small buffer, but with a little elbow grease it could definitely be done by hand.

 

[BHillteq]

Regular camping season is winding down in the Cruiser, so focus returns to the olll' s***box George! Honestly though, he's been down for a couple of months with a blown rear brake wheel cylinder.

But he's back baby!

We replaced the wheel cylinders on both sides, as well as the shoes and bell cranks. If you have an 83 or earlier Pickup, no one makes the correct bell crank for these trucks anymore. BUT, if you pick up a kit for an 84+, you can use everything else (bracket, boot, springs, pins) and just reuse your original crank. Clean it up with a wire wheel, and make sure you lube it. Yall, I have a functioning park brake. So pumped about that haha.