Thanks for all the kind words and questions. It's amazing how a forum like this keeps a person motivated to progress instead of procrastinate. I have the latter perfected...
Lynn said:
Great truck! Like fisher205, I, too, am anxious for interior pix.
I'll send the interior pics as soon as it is decent. Besides the bed, sink, burners, and heater, everything is very "temporary" inside. Much progress will take place in the next few weeks...
Lynn said:
Since it sits level, I assume I was mistaken about the weight offset? What was I missing? I'm trying to learn as much as I can from other people's builds.
Mobryan said:
No, obviously what happened was that the weight offset induced a lean, that counteracted the pre-existing Scout lean (No extra charge from the factory ), there by negating the orginal lean
You are both sort of right...
The Scout already sagged in the back left. It seems to "stick" in the compressed position, even after I changed the bushings and played with the shackle bolt tightness. Before, I always loaded the heavy items on the passenger side in an attempt of offset this. It never worked. Now, it doesn't lean any more than it did before. I need to have the springs re-arched or just get new ones. The Skyjacker lift was installed by the previous owner 10 years ago.
My 65' Scout 80 had the same issue. The old IHC "Lean Cuisine" recipe...:chowtime:
4cruzer said:
in your pre-build research, did you happen to come across any similar conversions for the first generation 4runner? I've wanted to make a similar custom top since I've had it.....
I don't mean anger the IHC folks...
After analyzing the cost an engine swap (to increase mileage & range), I considered mounting the camper on a series I 4-runner instead of the Scout. It would definitely fit with some modification. 4WC made them for Broncos, Blazers, and Scouts back in the 70's & 80's. I checked Craigslist daily for a year before finding this one...
The construction is fairly simple, if you can TIG weld. The hardest part would be the canvas/ vinyl.
Alaskantinbender said:
How does it feel driving on and off road? A full size camper in my pickup gives it a top heavy feeling. Your pop up camper should be a great improvement.
It's not bad. It doesn't feel too top- heavy and the ride quality is not much different than when I had it fully loaded for camping. The steering feels a little sketchy after moving more weight towards the back, but fixing my sagging rear springs should help.
Joaquin Suave said:
Would you like the origional swing out tire carrier (with all the brackets / mounting hardware, & adaptor for larger tires) that came on my Jeep Scrambler?
You have it for FREE! I'd be proud to contribute it to you UBER-COOL project.
I'm right behind the Pismo Dunes, stop by and pick it up the next time you come down to play in the sand.
Thank you for the generous offer. I just picked up a OR-Fab tire carrier for $75 on Craigslist. I'll definitely contact you next time before playing in the sand box. I'd love to check out Libelula.
BTW, I went to Cuesta/ Poly and lived in SLO for 9 years. I've seen Casa Azul on more than one occasion posted outside Frog & Peach (my old watering hole)...awesome rig. I miss the Central Coast...
