Box Rocket 1980 Hilux

I did some light sanding after the primer coat, just to smooth things out. I did not sand during any of the base coat applications. I might do some minor wet sanding of a few small spots before doing clearcoat, but I don't expect I'll do much.

As for clearcoat, I've had ok results from the Rustoleum clearcoat. That's what I used on my glass fenders for my Tacoma and it came out ok. I rattlecanned the hood on my cruiser too and used some high-quality two-part clear (still in a rattle can) and it was definitely better but also more expensive. I've found it's as much about technique with the clear and getting an even "wet" coat. Takes some practice and patience but can look pretty good.

 

We use safety glasses. That pic was taken before he actually started using the wirebrush. I stopped him and got some glasses on him.

 

Itll be a fun project for you and your son. Me and my pops just finished an 83 looking foward to see how this turns out

 

Great color scheme!

 

I've forgotten to update here for a bit so this is from a couple weeks ago.

been a crazy few weeks. Had a huge deadline at work and have been doing 14-16 hour days. My Dad had a massive heart attack when his heart completely stopped. My mom saved him by doing CPR and keeping blood flowing to his brain until the EMT's got there. They were able to get his heart going again in the ER! Total miracle. Half of his heart is dead from a previous heart attack that none of us knew about (including him), and he needed 4 stints in the arteries on the good half. He spent a week in the hospital and has actually recovered amazingly well and is home now. So I spent several days in Idaho with them. But the craziness of that is over and Friday we wrapped up the deadline at work and I've been able to take a breath.

My wife and kids were in Denver over the weekend to visit my wife's sister so I had some uninterrupted time this weekend to fiddle with the truck. It was some much needed therapy.

I got the clearcoat sprayed. It came out ok, but it's a $150 paintjob so definitely not perfect. It's a "ten-footer", looks good from ten feet away. I think we'll do a bit of wet sanding to smooth out a few spots and call it good.

Also got some sliders built and mounted. These are massive overkill on this truck but I guess that's not a bad thing. We wanted a bit of a step to make getting into the cab easier and still have good rocker protection. Round tube could have worked but it's the best step. I decided to use 5x2 3/16" wall rec tube. They are heavy duty! I have no doubt they are stronger than the sliders on my 80. Anyway, simple no frills, descrete and good protection with full coverage of the rockers and should keep the doors away from rocks. Welded to the frame with 4 gusseted legs.

Next up is a suspension overhaul, and addressing the front axle that has numerous issues.






Yes I know the camber looks completely wonky. Likely bad bearings but I need to check for a bent housing. It's not as bad as it looks in this photo because the wheels are slightly turned which seems to exaggerate the effect. Look at the pic from a few weeks ago with the front wheels straight and you can see it's definitely not as wonky.






Sliders

 

This first pic was from last week. Little old school style with the double-single rollbar. I got this from the PO when I bought the truck but it was in rough shape. Also I hated how these were a little tall. It was probably more "functional" with the main hoops being about 2" taller than the roof, but just looked weird. I cut the main tubes down a little and I'm much happier with the look. We cleaned it up and repainted it and now it doesn't look to bad.


Today, my wife and I took a drive down to Low Range Offroad and picked up a bunch of stuff.
63" Chevy spring Kit (hangers, shackles, shackle hangers, ubolt flip)
3" Trail Gear front springs
Front ubolt flip
Ford shock towers
IFS steering box mount
Front spring hanger
Front axle truss
New mirrors
Marker lights
New rear shock mounts

Also picked up a couple used parts from some local guys.
'83 front axle housing. Needs lots of cleanup but it's straight and has the lower truss that mine doesn't.
Complete IFS rear axle with welded diff (won't be keeping the welded diff)
Longside front axle/birf
IFS Steering Box
DC front driveshaft.

All in all a good parts run. And it all fit in the back of the 80.

 

Sorry about your dad but steady he's doing good. Truck is coming along and I know the feeling of using the land cruiser as a crap hauler. I just wish the middle row was quick to get out wince that eats a lot of space when folded.

 

That grill is epic

 

Just caught up and now I want one haha
prolly sell my taco, get this and a little bike as a daily and boom all set

 

"10 footer" or not this truck is looking sick. Lucky kid....cool dad!

 

Scored a high pinion 80 series Land Cruiser front diff with e-locker that will make it's way into the truck soon.

 

This came out real nice

 

Thanks, but it's nowhere close to done. LOADS of work left to do.

 

Subd

 

Finally getting some work done. Rear end is totally removed from the truck. Axle is getting a refresh and all the old suspension hangers are gone. Chevy 63's ready to go in over the next day or two.

 

Axle still needs to be rebuilt and cleaned up but the suspension is just about ready. All hangers are welded in and painted. Used the Low Range kit for the 63's that included new front spring hangers, shackle hangers, ubolt flip kit.

 

Rear end is complete. Diff swapped, axle cleaned up, 63's in, new shock mounts and 12" travel shocks. Got the FZJ80 wheels cleaned up and painted too and swapped the Mickey Thompsons from the Cruiser onto the truck. Now just need to tackle the front.

 

No flex pics with the new 63's?

 

Nope. Cuz the front end suspension is garbage and doesn't move so it won't flex for crap right now. Got all new stuff going into the front end soon, then we'll see how it works.