81 Trekker Build

[HogCanyonHopper]

WOW!!!!!!

[dropzone]

just an example of the rats nest wiring. there was another set of splices a few inches away..slowly cleaning up the wiring on this thing:

granted it is just for speakers but geeze

[dropzone]

Progress pics, top test fit;

[chim]

Top looks like it fits great!

Is that an exhaust cutout on the side?

[dropzone]

Top looks like it fits great!

Is that an exhaust cutout on the side?

Thanks.
not an exhaust cut out but kind of an experiment with a boat bow light. Need to figure a way to try to get it aimed better, doesn't really help much right now.

[John Doe]

I always wanted to ask how well that light worked for you. Guess I know now.

The bob looks good.

[dropzone]

I always wanted to ask how well that light worked for you. Guess I know now.

The bob looks good.

I think I have actually found an LED flood light on amazon that will work.  I had kind of forgot about it till CHim asked about it.  will order a couple next payday.  Threw my DMM on my other rock lights, all 10 LED's are only drawing 4 amps so am pretty happy with that
and thanks

[dropzone]

A little more progress -
Got the bed rail mounts done with nuts welded on the backside to allow the top mounts:

[rcbro]

Looks so much better with a bed bob. Only thing I don't like is the rear lights. Would be sweet if you could cut some factory lights in that beaty. I got an extra for a template lol. Whats alittle more fiberglassing?

[dropzone]

Looks so much better with a bed bob. Only thing I don't like is the rear lights. Would be sweet if you could cut some factory lights in that beaty. I got an extra for a template lol. Whats alittle more fiberglassing?

i hear you. One reason to move the lights down was I had two sets of stock lens ripped off in a short time...plus these won't be so prone to breakage in the current location..

[dropzone]

A little more progress -
Got the bed rail mounts done with nuts welded on the backside to allow the top mounts:

Was staring at what I did last week and it looked like the top might end up too high so remounted the bed rail mounts underneath


Should make for a cleaner install.
Added some dowells for some reinforcement in the top

[Nimyad]

Man I want this rig so much. There's a completely stock yellow trekker driving around Spokane that makes me jealous every time I see it.

[dropzone]

Man I want this rig so much. There's a completely stock yellow trekker driving around Spokane that makes me jealous every time I see it.

Thanks, I would love to see pics of the yellow one.  My kid wants me to build one for her...

Another step closer.
Cut the window frames to fit:

Test fit the frame

Epoxy the frames together, sealed and screwed down tight:

[THK Matt]

looks dope

[dropzone]

Finished up the removeable top project

[LilChief87]

so this might sound stupid but i just actually realized what it is is this basically a actual first gen 4runner   

[Volcom]

so this might sound stupid but i just actually realized what it is is this basically a actual first gen 4runner   

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Hilux_Surf#Toyota_.28Winnebago.29_Trekker_.281981-1984.29
"The Toyota Trekker was a hybrid truck-and sport utility vehicle that was based on the Toyota Hilux. The Trekker was equipped with a rear bench seat and a camper shell. It was replaced in 1984 by the Toyota 4Runner, a similar variant of the Hilux. Other variants were sold as the Toyota TrailBlazer and the Toyota Winnebago.
The Trekker was produced from early 1981 through 1983. The Trekkers were all 4x4 trucks, SR5 or deluxe models, shipped from Japan as cab and chassis only. Once in the USA the Trekker conversion, manufactured by Winnebago was installed to the vehicles. The Trekker conversion consisted of a fiberglass tub, bed sides, canopy and hatch. The kit included a folding rear seat that could lay flat to add cargo space to the back end. A few of the Trekker conversion kits were sent to Canada and Saudi Arabia to be installed at their destination by the selling dealer. The Trekkers were no longer a viable conversion when Toyota started producing the 4Runner in 1984."

[LilChief87]

holy smoke thats crazy thats why you dont see em much but im in  lol

[dropzone]

holy smoke thats crazy thats why you dont see em much but im in  lol

They only converted about 1200 of them, 81 having the most. It is a fun truck.  I saw one of these next to an '84 4runner when I was a kid skiing in Utah..I said I would have one someday..I had my 4Runner first though...

Thanks Volcom for posting that, it was pretty much the same thing I was going to post

[LilChief87]

Thanks and yeah i definitely want one some day i can find one and afford it

[dropzone]

i paid $2k for mine 5 years ago.  I have seen them as low as $400 for a shell.  I recently traded my extra Back half for $200 worth of parts..IFS rear axle and other misc junk

It sucks that they don't really command any real extra value as a collector vehicle.  One reason I went the wheeler route on mine..
if I slide the seats forward and put a board in the back I can still sleep in the back even after bobbing it (about the only advantage to being short)

[LilChief87]

damn yea i looked on craigslist around here and absolutely nothing it sucks ass if you ever find a good deal on one leme and if i have the spare cash ill pick it up

[dropzone]

The weather was awesome today so I broke out a set of doors out of my collection


Made the cut:

Went a little different route than the norm and ran the latch up the window channel like a few guys used on pirate


Built a small subframe out of 1/2" square tubing to give it a little strength

First time welding sheet metal

Hopefully get it done tomorrow

[BigMike]

Man this is awesome. Desert tan is a great color for this

[nisota]

This is my favorite build I think, You make me wanna convert my 1st gen.  Your work on this truck is incredible!!

[BigMike]

You make me wanna convert my 1st gen.

I feel the same way! Now I can't decide to convert my 1st gen to an XtraCab or go Trekker style

[83 Crawler]

I feel the same way! Now I can't decide to convert my 1st gen to an XtraCab or go Trekker style

trekker style

[nisota]

Well heres one in Las cruces new mexico for $8000 I wanna drive out there just see it! but could never afford that price.

http://elpaso.en.craigslist.org/pts/2951347529.html

I dont think its worth nearly that much anyways IMO

And heres one from (Longview) Portland craigslist with a smallblock in better condition for $3200

http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/2975439463.html

[dropzone]

Thanks everyone. I truly appreciate it.
The guy trying to sell the Trekker in New Mexico is unfortunately gonna be sitting on it for a long to,e at that price.  $1800 tops IMO based on the pic.

Almost got my driver side door  done. Need some more flapper discs.  I am not sure which I hate doing more fiberglass or sheet metal. I know I could weld a lot better with something besides my Harbor Freight booger gun, but I am only into it for $64 so it will do for light stuff.

[nisota]

Thanks everyone. I truly appreciate it.
The guy trying to sell the Trekker in New Mexico is unfortunately gonna be sitting on it for a long to,e at that price.  $1800 tops IMO based on the pic.

I agree not sure why people think everything they got should make them 1 million dollars if they sell it.