'97 tacoma build: Abner

[sixstringsteve]

I'm going to the swell this weekend, and I've realized how much I miss having 4 seats. I also want to be able to install dual cases in this rig, and that would require losing the bench seat, greatly reducing the room inside the truck for the dog or a 3rd passenger (not that there's much room now). So I started looking for a nice 4-door TRD to convert all the parts over to. But I can't shake the fact that this truck has been my favorite truck to drive yet. I absolutely love it, and it has been dead reliable. I've fallen in love with the 2.7L 3rz motor. It's no powerhouse and it isn't great for towing or heavy loads, but it's perfect for what I want out of this truck.

plus, with the cost of the 4-door TRDs, it's hard to justify the $7k more for 4 doors. So I think I want to convert this truck to a 4 or 5 seater and install a second case eventually. I've only had this idea for the past hour or two, so I haven't put a ton of thought into it. 4 doors would be cool, but not necessary. Keeping it a 2-door makes it a lot easier. I think I want to keep the back of the bed uncovered unless I can build some sort of sleeping arrangement into the back of it (like a flip-pac or something like that). I'm open to ideas and suggestions. I'm not going to start hacking this thing up tomorrow, but I think it'd be a great summer project.

Here are some rigs I like:

chicken77's rig as built by chevycrew:

I'm thinking something like this wildyoats project would work well. I just don't know how to seal the cab to the shell.

and of course this one: Low and Slow Quad-cab project on Pirate

 

[sixstringsteve]

Maybe I"ll find a way to seal/mount my current shell to the cab. Then I'd just have to add a rear seat, which wouldn't be too bad.

 

[pELYgroso]

I absolutely love that low and slow project!

 

[clfrnacwby]

If you just want to seal around the sliding rear window, the Clear Truk-Boot should work Or, if you need to seal the entire shell, then maybe the accordion boot rubber a bit down that same page?

 

[Kevin B.]

If you sealed a 1/2 shell to the cab and put seats in it, how would you expect your passengers to get in and out? Are you planning on tunneling between the bed and the cab?

 

[sixstringsteve]

Are you planning on tunneling between the bed and the cab?

yes.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I absolutely love that low and slow project!

I know. That guy does amazing work. I still want to see how he makes the rear full doors work with the windows.

 

[sixstringsteve]

If you just want to seal around the sliding rear window, the Clear Truk-Boot should work Or, if you need to seal the entire shell, then maybe the accordion boot rubber a bit down that same page?

interesting. Thanks! I was thinking of cutting out the tunnel and making it a bit more like a 4runner.

 

[airmanwilliams]

ive got a 4door ill trade you . you could even do what coco did to his last 4runner and bring the rear door up for a short bed. ill even install the overhead dvd player in it when I get it in a week for you.

 

[Max Power]

I like the idea. But to do it right will cost some coin. The key will be to keep it air and water tight. Having to scrape the inside of your windshield during the winter will get old fast.

Have you considered converting to a 4 door cab and cutting the bed down?

Or you could just buy a 4 door and we could all enjoy another build thread.

 

[sixstringsteve]

ive got a 4door ill trade you . you could even do what coco did to his last 4runner and bring the rear door up for a short bed.

Coco didn't build that truck. Lee and me and another guy built it. Thanks for the offer. It's this truck or a 4 door taco for me.

 

[airmanwilliams]

I really like the 4door 03 tundras myself. get a 4door taco and you'll be happy.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I really like the 4door 03 tundras myself. get a 4door taco and you'll be happy.

yeah, except for the $14k price tag. I can't even remotely afford it right now, and I'm anti auto-loans. I would love a 1st gen 4 door ('01-04) though.

 

[Cascadia]

I sure loved mine! I miss it and want another, and I never even got to wheel it.

 

[thefirstzukman]

Sweet Steve!!!! Bring it to the shop and I'll break out the sawzall..... Hurry before you change your mind

 

[chans]

I would just put in a bench seat up against the rear window like a Subaru Brat and bolt some seat belts through the bed and they can enter and exit out the back. And then if you want to use the bed to sleep in you can unbolt the bench and put it outside for a seat. Should cost you less then 100.00. Plus with the shell on it would be perfectly legal and if you are worried put a roll bar inside the shell.

 

[sixstringsteve]

Great idea chans. I was just about to post that as a potential idea. You think it'd be legal with the shell? I just assumed it'd be illegal no matter what I do.


I'm thinking that my passengers will want some leg room, so I'd have to deepen part of the bed for that.

 

[chans]

From my understanding if there is a shell and seat belts it is legal. The Brat is legal and it doesn't even have a shell. A Blazer or Bronco are really a truck with a fiberglass shell on the back half. Same with the 80s 4runner or if you are going to cut the back of the cab out then it will be essentially the same thing minus the support from the back part of the cab which would actually make it worse. If you are going to add a doubler then put your bench in the back and pick up some buckets for the front.

 

[chans]

Come to think of it you probably only need the shell and no belts even. I remember always ridding around the back of my dad's truck with no seats or nothing when we went on trips.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I love the grab handles.