One unintended consequence of building the drawer system is that the whole thing acts as a giant subwoofer cabinet for the woofer I've got in there and the sound is unbelievable!
Pics of new drawer system and cargo/security barrier
- Thread starter Southbound
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one more
Whats up with all the bars over the windows???
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Looks like I'm leaving Friday. I've got a friend coming for the first month which is great - not just for the company, but also because it's providing me with motivation to actually leave. If it weren't for him I'd probably just keep building up my cruiser until I was out of cash!
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I'm leaving next week for a 6-12 month trip driving through Central and South America. Just preparing for the worst.
I dig those bars across your windows, what are supporting them?
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might consider a cover for your spare though. the southern sun will kill it.
Really? I'd thought about that but then started thinking all tires are exposed to sunlight. Of course most aren't quite as directly exposed and baked...
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The bars across the rear windows are bolted on. The bars across the tailgate are welded on.
I lived in Mexico and have spent some time in Costa Rica as well. PM if you have any questions. I would definitely visit Morelia, Mexico as it is beautiful. Also Manuel Antonio Park in CR is nice.
very nice set up. A rear drawer is on my must do list. Good luck on your trip, be safe, have fun, and check in often.
Clint
Clint
What other mods did you do to the '87 for this trip. I was (key word is was) planning such an expedition myself. Also have an '87. It might happen in 3 or so years.
Don't forget sandcrusier is down in cr.
Keep us posted!
Don't forget sandcrusier is down in cr.
Keep us posted!
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Yeah, Sandcruiser has been very helpful. I hope to drink a few beers with him when I get to CR.
I've done a lot to the truck. The previous owner did a bunch of mods too. He once drove the rig from South Africa to Isreal.
I should be studying Spanish right now, but I'll take a break to list some of the truck's features.
WARN 8000lb winch
on board air compressor
Hella auxillary lights
bull bar
hot shower (uses engine coolant to heat the water)
2.5" lift (I think)
31" tires
Locking lug nuts
Extra Leaf suspension
Nerf bars welded to frame
Ridiculously heavy duty 1/4" steel double locked safe for a console, welded to the frame
Alarm with ignition kill and carjacking protection
Hood lock
Custom Roof rack
M-Quart stereo
Roof top tent (Skydome)
Tracking system/onboard computer. Communicates bidirectionally with satellites so I can locate the truck anywhere in the world and send email from anywhere.
Rear lights
Power inverters
46 gallon long range fuel tank
Power windows and locks (using all Toyota motors/regulators)
Dual batteries
and of course the new drawer system and cargo barrier.
It's been fun. My original plan was to buy a beater and if it got stolen or whatever it wouldn't be a big deal but it hasn't quite worked out that way!
Do you have any more pics of the truck, sounds like its been around!!! Good Luck, and Have fun
I never thought anyone could love my baby more than me, but I must say, Southbound, after reading your gazillion posts, you put me to shame. Good on ya mate. Here's a safari pic from its previous life in Africa. Good luck on your trip and keep the rubber side down unless you are in really soft mud...
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That's wicked, talk about karma!
What are the details on your sat system?
What are the details on your sat system?
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Yeah, this truck has a cool history and lots of good karma. The previous owner, Ken, has been like a guru. I remember when I bought the truck he showed me where the spare keys were hidden under the vehicle, pulled out the keys and a wad of cash, and then put everything, including the cash back in the key pouch. Most people would have pulled the cash out and put it in their pocket, especially given that I wasn't paying much for the vehicle. The whole transaction was more like transferring a beloved pet than an inanimate object.
The tracking system is really cool. It's got full GPS functionality and can also talk both ways with Orbcomm's low orbit satellites. This means that it can get a GPS read on its position and then communicate that information back through the Orbcomm satellites to wherever you want the info to go. It also means you can hook up your laptop to the unit and send emails from anywhere, no matter how remote. Beyond that, the unit has a C+ kernel and customizable inputs and outputs so that if you get ambitious you can code it to do just about anything using the C+ language. The whole setup was only about $500 including the GPS and VHF antennae and monthly fees are $10-50 depending on usage. If anyone's interested I can forward the company's name and contact info that offers this service. Took me a lot of digging to find it.
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Heh heh, thanks Ken! Truth is there are many on this board who put even my obsession with the truck to shame!
Damn, the more you write, the more I am intrigued. If I can be of any assistance to you, drop me a PM, I really enjoy talking to gringos who are enamored with latin american culture and terrain as much as I am.
