The Utilitarian-Camper 2nd Gen Tacoma

[lx450landcruiser]

Well I think its time for me to do a build thread on my rig.

So for starters Ive been a cruiser guy my whole life, built my first fj40 when I was 12 and moved up to an lx450 about 8 years later, which I built out slowly. After 210K I decided my priority's had changed. Now as far as camping, Ive been deeply involved in the expo scene from the very beginning. I have built or modded several expo trailers as well as made everything from roof racks to small waste heat generators. I also have two large dogs (Golden Retriever and a Great Dane) They took quite a toll on the rear of my LX and more space was always needed. I have always loved the Tacoma's (especially the double cabs) The are reliable and versatile. this would be my first "truck truck" and Im excited to start the mods. So here we go!

 

[lx450landcruiser]

I picked up my Tacoma after what seemed like forever of searching. Its a 2006 double cab short bed TRD OFFROAD (had to get that rear locker) Shortly after getting it I was able to land a scratch and dent ARB bull bar. I like the ARBs style and utility so it was the obvious choice. After that and a quick rack for my Eezi Awn I drove her as is for about a year.

 

[lx450landcruiser]

The next step was a new set of BFG KTOs Like most here have settled on. I really hoped for some all terrains as that's what I ran on my LX and loved them but they dont make them in a 33s range. For this rig I chose to go with pizza cutters instead of the wide tire as I haven't done any real rock crawling in awhile and this seems to be the norm. I also swapped out the headlights with a reasonably priced projector type as one on my old headlight brackets was broken.

 

[lx450landcruiser]

Well After some more time I found a good deal on a used Flippac. I have always loved the Flippac concept as its just so easy and roomy. This would also allow me to heat the whole back of the truck with the dogs and keep us warm as well. There was only one issue...... My truck is the short short bed. I pondered this before I bought it but it was such a rare opportunity to get a used one I decided id figure it out later. I had previously been frustrated with the short bed I had as i was finding out its really not much space. With both dogs between the wheel wells there was not much room for gear.

 

[lx450landcruiser]

Well long story short I decided that in order to make the Flippac work and gain more space the flatbed was in order. You can read about that decision here

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/79312-Anyone-Chop-a-flippac-Fiberglassers-welcome

Ill be posting updates in this new thread from now on though

So far Ive been incredibly happy with the extra space. It may not seem like much more space but man it makes a huge difference.

 

[JasonRedwood]

Looks amazing. Can't wait to see the flip-pac and removeable alloy walls.

 

[lx450landcruiser]

So I recently scored a set of Toyota steelies, I m not really into a "bling" truck so I'm currently working on "de-blinging" The steel wheels should help with that as well as give the truck the more utilitarian look and feel. I'm also going to bed-line the flatbed as the aluminum is too bright for me. I have removed the bed to prep for bedline. I'm a little disappointed with Toyota's frame coating (nothing new for the Tacoma's) I'll likely touch it up for the time being.

 

[lx450landcruiser]

Well I cleaned up and painted the frame. I also removed the spare tire carrier and raised it to fit the flatbed. This should allow me to keep the spare under the truck with out it sticking out at all. I began bed lining and decided to bed like the steel wheels as well as the grill. Unfortunately I used more bedline then I thought I would need so I'm waiting for more to arrive to finish up the bed.

 

[lx450landcruiser]

Grill was dry enough to pop back in. I think I prefer it over the chrome but I think its still a bit to shiny for me. I imagine some time in front of the truck will dull the color a bit so I'll leave it for now

 

[Frosty_1]

Great project so far!

Who made the made? Is that a Ute bed?

 

[lx450landcruiser]

Its a custom bed:bike_rider:

 

[samguert]

Wow! I need to see more!
Keep it going!

 

[InvisibleOne]

Very nice. I, like you, subscribe to the anti-bling. IMHO, anything chrome looks better black.

 

[NM-Frontier]

I love that flatbed, we need some more pics and some specs on that thing! It will be fun to see the Flippac on it. Keep up the very sweet build, not to many flatbed Tacomas out there.

 

[Clutch]

Looking good, love that color one of my favorites. Are you going to paint the Flip-Pac to match?


Ya know, for a guy who doesn't like bling, those headlights are awfully bling-tastic. :ylsmoke: