My 2013 Tacoma Access Cab Chinook build in progress

Continued on the wheel wells today. I pulled the back panels to modify to give a bit more room for the shocks... they were not touching but I feel better with a bit more wiggle room. Got the other diamond plate radius pieces fabricated and ready for installation and got clear coat on all the diamond plate pieces. Winded up scrapping the curved aluminumfender wells and patterned and bent angled one's to match the existing wells. Way cleaner and simpler. My friend Stan the machinist gave me a hand this afternoon.
Also picked up my Seadek trim pieces that were cut and beveled out of brushed black. I installed the trim around the tail lights but can't install all the trim over the diamond plate until the wheel wells are done...
Got the recovery winch delivered today! A Smittybilt 9500# with remote. Not a warn, but waterproof and great reviews. Also ordered air bags. Might as well get them in before I finalise the wheel well installation.

 

Installed the Seadek black trim... looks badass!

 

Looks great. Any plans for suspension/tire mods?

 

I want to access the suspension after it is complete but ordered air bags and will install them next week. I need to keep it low because of heights restraints on the ability to drive it into a shipping container.... a big part of my international travel plans...

 

You've done an amazing job! I'm looking forward to see how you finish off the interior.

 

X2

 

Thank you guys!!! The interior will be real simple but nice... grey tones for cabinets, upholstery, acoustic vinyl floor and a splash of color on the sofas/full size bed upholstery... it is getting ready to come together.

 

Awesome

 

Winch is installed in a very tidy fashion.... and still another job that I underestimated the amount of time it would take!

 

Thanks for your kind words Ron! It has been a bit of an obsession... trying to make good decisions as It has come across my plate!

 

Got started on the interior fixtures... very simple and light weight is the plan. No doors or drawers. Chubby hole fronts and top access by lifting the sofa benches that convert to the full size bed.

 

Did not get much done today but sort of got my game plan together on my little galley kitchen... I worked out my sink drain and how the fridge will vent. I am partitioning the back of the fridge as well as the area to store the tiny gas grill so it is completely segregated from the living area. The grill then can be pulled out onto the shelf created by the piano hinged diamond plate hatch... no doubt where I will cook the most...All the propane connections will be outside, including the feed to the 3 way fridge.

 

I saw this yesterday at a repair shop that specializes in classic Land Cruisers.

 

Thanks for posting that Coylifut! Nice one. Might be one of the rare factory 4x4 Toyota Chinooks.

 

I got the Air lift airbags installed today... big difference! They are rated for 5-100 lbs so I put 50 lbs for a test ride. Probably lifted the truck 1 1/2". No onboard air yet so I put the fill valves inside the aluminum utility box behind the cab on the driver's side.
... As a bonus, I was able to leave the Superspring helper springs by taking the spacer out from between the helper and top leaf springs! I did have to replace the U bolts with one's an inch longer to install like this...
Looked into Fire stone and Air Lift and both seam to have good reputations... Went Air Lift because they were $100 cheaper at $220....
I left the wheel wells open so I can be sure I do not have a leak. Gave them the soapy water test but wanted to give them overnight to be sure they do not leak down....

 

Interior is coming together. Keeping it simple!

 

Most of the interior structure is done. Fuel gauge for extra tank is behind the driver's seat on the front of the bench...
The bed is being done in 3 pieces. 2 fixed benches of 25"x52" and a center piece of 22"x52" will drop in the middle. It will store inside the slot on the passenger side bench...think like a table leaf.... it is a standard full size bed together.
I am going to use this exotic wood as an accent, not sure what it is.

 

It could be Ron... or striped ebony or possibly Brazilian kingwood... pretty stuff whatever it is!

 

Worked on the walk through upholstery. Glued 1/2" sew foam with spray adhesive and then stretched and stapled the grey marine vinyl with monel staples. Also mounted the articulating mount for the tiny flat screen, and I mean tiny! Might want to stream Netflix on a rainy day.
My day started off crappy with a shop accident. I started an ancient Clark forklift and it started in gear! It rolled over my flip flopped foot! I grabbed the shifter to put it in neutral and in my freaked out state put it in reverse and it ran over me again! Holy shit! No broken or crushed bones...sort of twisted the skin off my big toe but I feel better than I have a right to....
I am headed to Mexico on Saturday for a scuba diving trip and am hoping it heals quickly and doesn't screw up my diving.