Walk through cab

I’m new to Tacoma world, been here about two years and appreciate all of the knowledge I’ve gained so far. I’m looking to start a discussion on walk through cabs. Looking for a step by step build or pictures and the like. If one doesn’t exist already I’ll make my own over the next few years, but meantime I’d like any insights that are out there.

Here are some examples that I’ve taken from other forums, but I have as of yet to find a comprehensive write up on the actually build.

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld
Toyota already did it for you, it's called FourRunner

 

That looks cold and uninviting


My biggest concern would be keeping the bed stiff when you cut out the front of it... unless you weld the tailgate up solid to compensate

 

Ill see if I can find more pics I built this a few years back

 

Like @Black DOG Lila said, those are 4Runners, not Tacomas.

Specifically 1st and 2nd Gen.

I'm sure with enough time, creativity, and/or money, you can build anything.

 

Here's my old build thread

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/did-a-custom-rag-top-for-cab-walk-through.355051/

 

Some shots of it

 

Thanks Beut4ce that’s pretty close to what I’m looking at doing, and it looks awesome! From the thread it looks like it’s pretty water tight. Did you have any issues over time with the material you used (cracking, fading, etc.)?
I would love any pictures of the process, seams, etc and or any advice you have for making it simple and water tight.

Also did you have any problems with the bed after it was cut? Pictures of the floor (cab to bed) transition would be fantastic. And did you feel the need to stabilize the bed to the cab in any way?
Thanks again!!

 

Interesting project what is the end game plan??

A frame just like any other door or window needs to be built around the opening to support structural strength.

Would this every be closed or open to the weather at all times??

No matter the material the flexing and thermal cycling and ultraviolet will cause failure only a matter of time

 

research the toyota trekker thats where it all started
followed by the 1st gen 4runner of course as well

 

Seems like a cool summertime beach cruiser type of thing.

 

Used bmw material for top and 19oz clear vinyl for windows used on Volvo c90s....front lip used a fold over c channel like the front of a jeep with a small rod in front then velcro...rear used snaps it rolled over the cage and t used then snapped.

Rear window I made a 1inch ledge all around that the window velcro to and because it wwa recessed it avoided water or weather coming in...the sides were heavy duty plastic ykk zippers with over flap in back for any water to not get in....the sides snapped into place on bed...the frame work 4 bolts held it to bed rim so you could remove it....left rear bed in place built up a wall and welded it in did bench seats and seat belts back their for the kids...


It was pretty damn tight I did do weather foam strips in a couple places for wind but water stayed out like a jeep top....as far as UV break down it would be the same as any convertible since all material used was from German convertibles....was all quality and it DID NOT flap while going down freeway it was pulled tight when you I ull rear material over and under tune to snap.

 

Don't have any more pics....just my thread i had....it worked out amazing....I had hopes for it and it exceeded them.
.that rig resides in reno truckee area for last 4 years now....

Good luck with it and keep it simple....

-look how jeep tops fasten down as far as 87 to 96 wranglers...don't use the material they use it breaks down quick so does that shot plastic vinyl for windows....use quality stuff if you can...

Look at scout soft tops and see how they snap to body or soft top rears for k5 blazers....

I already knew how I was doing mine but I've been around rag tops, low riders, convertibles, jeeps, broncos and scouts my whole.life...we have build some crazy rides for show and customers...

 

Thanks you so much I really appreciate the pointers!

 

The goal is a build over time. Eventually I would like to have a semi insulated Toyota Trekker style hard top like @uurx mentioned (thanks for the pointer by the way), but I would also like to have a soft top for the summers. At first I’m sure I’ll be rocking a soft top until I get more time down the line to build the hard top.
The reason behind going this direction is two fold. One I like the look of the walk through bed. Originally it was the 84 4runner that caught my eye. Secondly, I’m going to swap out the engine, transmission, and axles down the line anyway. I thought, why sell what I have and buy a stock 4runner or over priced 84 4runner (with parts that are hard to find), when I can enjoy the build I’ve got and wheel it along the way until it’s built to where I want it.
I’m in college, so any build I do is only in the summers and done incrementally. This last year was gear ratio, e-locker, winch, a few accessory lights, and front and rear bumpers. Next summer will be the walk through bed.

 

Why not search for a trekker that the body is in decent shape or can be restored to a working condition as this is a long term project not like you need find one in the next 3 days.

Use that as the basic body and adapt that to the platform you have now.

If you still want a soft top perhaps a flatbed can be built around that option .

Then if things are configured correct a Crane or Forklift is all that is needed to swap to what you want

The real hard part is wanting to use a vehicle that is involved in a long term project .

Take lots of notes and pictures it gets very interesting even only a few years later if something custom has failed

 

You'll have a hard time finding a Trekker that doesn't cost more than a new truck. Better off looking for a IFS 1st gen 4Runner and doing a SFAS if that's a direction you look to go.