Talk me out of this...one piece at a time 85' xtra cab build.

It's always been a dream of mine to build a Back to the future style Hilux. However, anything in the right body style or configuration that still runs and is generally clean is selling for $15k+ with needed work, or $30-40k in primo condition.

So enter my crazy solution. Johnny Cash style it. One piece at a time and slowly assemble the truck from parts I can source. Even if it means starting with nothing but a clean roller frame.

Time's not the issue. I'm pretty handy save for major electrical work, but I'm hoping it being a 50 year old design it would be relatively simple. Never done an engine and transmission mate but I have a few full time mechanic buddies who have. I've done minor body work in terms of rust removal, sand blasting, and painting. I can solder pretty well but don't know how to weld.
These are also things I'm willing to learn as I go, just want to make sure I'm doing it all safely.

Pros and cons?

 

Do it.

 

Shoot, can't argue with that logic.

 

Sorry! I am totally unable to find reason to talk you out of this plan...
Sounds like a fun project! I would do it if I only had a garage to work in.

My dad and I bought a basket-case Model A Ford when I was 9 years old. We stripped everything and filled boxes and shelves and restored every thing one piece at a time (kinda like what you are talking about). We started when I was in 4th grade and finished 8 years later, when I graduated high school and driving. I drove the running chassis with no fenders, no body, an old MG bucket seat, and gas tank made of a paint thinner can hung off a temporary plywood firewall. I learned how to drive the 3 speed manual and double-clutching with no synchro when I was about 13 (in the yard only... wink, wink).

Bottom line... I learned nearly every part on that car, how it worked and how it went together. Which helped a lot in doing repairs on the side of the highway like: water pump swaps, carburetor replacements, or re-timing distributors with minimal tools.

My project was a great series of life lessons for me and meant a lot of quality time spent with my dad and his friends along the way.
I wish I could help talk you down from this one, but I just can't!

 

I love this idea! Could be a good way to justify it to the wife lol

 

you'll want to look at this thread, starting at post #485. he's refreshing a single-cab. not entirely a frame-off full restoration, more of a frame-off cleanup.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...build-thread-tacoma-frame-swap.833295/page-25

my experience? if you've got the time, energy, and space, i think it's a daunting project, but could be very well worth it. the trick with skills you don't currently have is to be realistic, and google how to gain those skills. sometimes it's as simple as watching youtube and buying a few tools. other times, you can reach out to places like Eastwood-- their regional stores have low-cost weekend classes for many vehicle restoration/refinishing processes, all the way from basic, to advanced techniques.


this is my 'started as a pre-built trailer frame, but then...' thread.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...a-non-titled-homebuilt-trailer-thread.821530/


the two pieces of advice are these:
be very aware of what many call the "80% rule." once any project reaches 80%, it tends to stall, and get pushed off to the corner for other new/exciting things. my trailer project is very much in that situation right now. it's functional, but not anywhere near done. i'm stalled in part because it's finally somewhat functional, even if it's nowhere near the completion level i anticipated.

the big pieces are easy. the details are the hard part. in vehicles, finding the tiny trim pieces in any decent condition that complete the big parts will be the absolute hardest, most expensive, and time consuming part of this entire ordeal. prepare accordingly.