Builds Pigpen 🐷 an HDJ80 LHD Ute (1 Viewer)

[SNLC]

May be a bit of rust here in the firewall, actually a common spot for rust on 80’s.

Besides that the body is rust free enough for me to work with. Chassis is a bit crustier than I would like but it will work since I plan to go to bare metal on the chassis anyways.

Engine and trans are puking and have been for a long time.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Scored this door today for the Cruiser.

That is to replace this one on the PigPen.

I already have the fender so as far as body, I am now good to go.

Also grabbed a non-air bag steering wheel and column setup.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

I have also decided I am deleting the ABS. I will probably get a set of 105 knuckles for non-abs Cruisers. Definitely going to run new 105 spindles and I already have 105 hubs for the front, 79-series for the rear.

Really temped to order a set of Diamond housings as I would so much rather do that vs work with these. We’ll see.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Got to say it is refreshing shopping for parts for this build.

I need so little interior and body wise!

Not a lot still needed for axles unless I want to buy those Diamonds first round. Probably won’t just because I don’t know if I want to customize the suspension first round. Plus the engine is going to cost me an arm and a leg at least.

I would like to start with 37’s though and fresh wheels. That wont be cheap either. I am feeling like come July I might be able to get the chop started. It is certainly one of the first things that will get done.

Just haven’t decided on cab back yet. Chunk of solid glass? A slider? Or a fancy automatic rollup/down rear window?

Cheers

 

[gilmorneau]

Just haven’t decided on cab back yet.

I've never measured one, but it seems as if the cab on a 1989-1995 US market pickup has pretty similar lines (or at least compatible) to an 80 series Landcruiser. Might be able to graft it on and have it look somewhat factory. Just a thought.

 

[SNLC]

I think they did a good job and that is somewhat what I have in mind for this Cruiser. However if you seen the videos of him wheeling it, there are several fairly obvious issues. To tall with the canopy and weight (real high CoG) and really needed a longer wheelbase. Besides that its a great build.

I will be starting with a bed more like these and build the canopy up from that. Low with wheel wells in it for a good CoG and up travel.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Been contemplating where to cut it. Like I say it will be an extra cab but just trying to decide how I want that to be and look.

We got a three day weekend coming up and I plan to roll this Cruiser in the shop and start getting after it. I would like to have the engine and trans pulled and the cut done by the end of the weekend. It is supposed to be like 105* and I gots no A/C in the shop so we will see how productive I am.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Nice and low on this bed.

Been looking at cab backs a bit, I do this before doing something I have never done.

I got most of a plan already for the cab back though. It has been talked about to get pretty custom with that, for example a Tundra power rear window. I don’t think I want to get to crazy with it, mostly because of the amount of work involved.

Cheers

 

[mudgudgeon]

Been contemplating where to cut it. Like I say it will be an extra cab but just trying to decide how I want that to be and look.

We got a three day weekend coming up and I plan to roll this Cruiser in the shop and start getting after it. I would like to have the engine and trans pulled and the cut done by the end of the weekend. It is supposed to be like 105* and I gots no A/C in the shop so we will see how productive I am.

Cheers

Pics please.

I can't remember if you're a member on lcool?

There was an Aussie member in Kiribati who did an awesome build using 80 series frame and running gear, hilux body, and pretty trick aluminium camper body on the back.

Can't think of his username at the moment.

 

[SNLC]

So I got the in the shop near the end of the day. I wanted to plot where the chop is being done with my guy @99 sr5 highlander aka Chris. He has a ton of experience with this so I wanted his input and opinions before he went home for the long weekend. We came up with a quick plan, I plotted it and started cutting!

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

For any of you who lack imagination!

Not going to spend a lot of time explaining how or why. Just watch the build thread if you are interested and it will evolve and unfold as it happens.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

It cooled down to 90* so I came back down to the shop. The has been in here six hours and it’s already making a mess!

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Photobombing inbound!

First time I have had it up on the lift.

Extra crusty

Front part of the body and chassis is the best.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

The rear is hammered. Probably normal for you east coasters but I make it a point to try and never touch Cruisers like this.

Cheers

 

[Broski]

The rear is hammered. Probably normal for you east coasters but I make it a point to try and never touch Cruisers like this.

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Cheers

I guessing it was priced accordingly from your customer ?
But agreed IH8RUST more then MUD !!

 

[SNLC]

Good thing I am planning to cut the back of the chassis off.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

The is still giving up euro topsoil.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Lovely

Cheers

 

[mudgudgeon]

The rear is hammered. Probably normal for you east coasters but I make it a point to try and never touch Cruisers like this.

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Cheers

IH8RUST