635N Model Change pics from Japan (2nd Gen Tacoma)

wut

 

I worked at the Toyota factory in California for 5 years and was sent to Japan for the '05 model change. Thought I'd share some pics of the factory during change over and construction.

635N refers to the model change number used at the factory.

 

This is the framing and body tack line. Where all the cab pieces meet and are tack welded before moving on for lots more welds.



The large yellow thing hanging in the air is the Jig used to hold all the pieces in place while being tacked. There are 3 seperate jigs, B,C and D or Basic, Crew and Double Cab.








Another shot of the jig. This method is becoming more common in plants that produce various vehicles on the same line.

 

I wish my VIN started with a J.

 

That's cool man. Got anymore?

Edit: nevermind haha. Looks like so much confusion in there but pretty cool

 

Japanese factory cafeteria food. Served up cold!







Nachi D/L robots. Lift the entire cab. Big monsters.

 

Me on the left. Yes, I look like a douche.





Old Gen 1 equipment being demo'd. This looks like the remnants of the old door and hood line.

 

A hemmer on the right, not sure if door or hood. No dies installed.



New Slat line details being installed.



Me on the left making some programming changes to the slat line PLC



Graveyard of old equipment and robots from Gen 1 Tacomas. All going to the metal recycler.

 

I hope the oxy-act torches are only for the construction of the new facility and not the trucks haha!

 

Torches were actually used on every cab for Gen 1. If you open your driver or passenger door, you can see where they brazed in the gap between the roof and the side members with torches. Brazing was also used the the rear pillars but was ground smooth and you can't tell. Gen 2 they stopped that process as the side members met the roof in a completely different way.

 

Great pics, Toyota don't mind them being taken of the line and all the other stuff?

 

Since this plant is now closed, no.

 

Worthless thread

 

Worthless post

 

Totally agree.

 

then move along. nobody asked you.

 

You would know..

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/general-automotive/97113-gm-recalls-over-spontaneous-fires.html