Would you like a unique Taco Built?

Earlier I did a small writeup in the newcomers section. Current plan is to rebuild 2nd Gen salvage Tacomas. I just finished a PreRunner DCLB back to stock (which will be for sale soon btw).

I currently have a Prerunner DCSB that I'm using for parts, and just got in a black 08 XR. The DCSB will probably turn into my general beater as most of the panels are dented from being a donor vehicle. Still don't have solid plans for the XR. It's bed is done for, the cab has repairable damage. But the front is good and that V6/M6 is just begging for a project.

The only real combo I can think of that Toyota didn't make were regular cabs with the V6, and/or with the short bed. This might come in handy for 4x4, or very nimble cornering for street applications. On a 4x4, your wheelbase would be really close to a Jeep. Maybe you want a double cab with a bench so you can install a tool box in the back half. How about a regular cab on a DCLB frame with a flatbed/stake bed as a work truck?

Cost: Buying salvage title Tacomas aren't as cheap as you might think. They're popular overseas so the competition at auction is more than most cars. At a glance, most likely I'd have to charge a similar salvage vehicle at a clear titled price. Luckily the shop I rented is cheap. Currently I cannot do paint. I can swap factory parts/engine combo's, interiors, etc shorten or lengthen frames, springs, rear ends, etc etc, but paint is still a bit down the road.

About myself- Started in the Navy as a tech for the CIWS weapon system, then worked for Varian Semiconductor Equipment, then moved to cars where I worked at a Lexus dealer for 3 years. Then worked on International Maxxpro MRAP'S as a field service rep. in Iraq and Afghanistan for over 4 years. All the while having my own projects from a bug, S-10 crawler, to a couple of classics over the years.

So if you're wanting something a little different, maybe I can help. We can discuss the project and likely would only need a deposit when I have the donor vehicles in hand. Please email at gkmissingca at yahoo. Thankyou

 

Custom tacomas. Neat.

 

This seems like pretty cool idea.

 

Access Cab short bed would be sweeet. Like that one-off Toyota did.

 

the satin green one on bronze wheels?

 

Regular cab v6, long bed, with "sport" body parts, 4x4 and a 6 speed manual. I wish I could have exactly that haha.

 

Johnny- and from what I gather, they didn't make a 6 speed for the 4x4? correct? What do you mean by "sport" XR bodyparts on a 4x4?

 

Reg cab short bed, SC 4.0, 4x4 on coilovers and 35's would be awesome, I'm just too much of a builder to let someone else have all the fun

 

They do make a 6 speed 4x4, TRD models. TRD sport and TRD off road

 

So am I the only one who is understanding these would be slavage titled vehicles?

 

There's got to be someone on here who's good a photoshop who can come up with images of these fantasy trucks......anyone?

 

Crosis- You would be correct. People seem to dread the word "salvage", and while there are many horror stories, this would not be one of them. Yes there are individuals that slap stuff together and have inches of bondo. Frankly, I hate body work and I would have to pay someone to paint. It's getting to where it's almost cheaper to replace with good painted components than to pay someone. And I chose trucks because the body and frame can be removed/paired separately. Two frame rails are much easier to join than the "box" of the unibody car. I would be inclined to document with photos any damage, or major modifications such as lengthening or shortening a frame.

When you consider the difference between salvage or not-salvage, it was based on the value of the car. If a 2013 had received the same damage the 2006 I just repaired, of course it would be fixed...because of value, not because of cosmetics, drivability, or safety. Also note you can get financing and insurance. Financing is usually done through smaller local banks. Insurance the payout for collision is lower.

 

You going to cut the frame to do a reg cab/short bed?

 

Easy. I can do these chops in 5 min.

 

tdcoly- possibly, there are no frame that exist to do so. Cutting a frame is no different than someone "Z ing" a frame for an airbag suspension. Measure, cut, measure, weld, box. Been done on many vehicles.

 

Great idea! Hope it works out for you. Since you can't do paint, have you thought about vinyl? Maybe something to think about.

 

The manual V6 trucks all have 6 speed transmissions. And by sport body parts, I'm talking scooped hood and color matched flares. I think it would be sweet to have that in a regular cab. Either that, or a turbo diesel, or a supercharged 1GR or a 5.7 from the tundra. I want it all! Haha