climberchick
Observer
Hi all!
We are getting rolling on our 1988 Toyota Sunrader, and I thought I'd make posts here as we go for comments, suggestions, etc. You can also follow along on my blog.
Vehicle: 1988 4×4 Toyota Sunrader 18-foot mini-RV
Engine: 5-speed, 4-cyl 22RE
When we got the Sunrader a couple months ago, the interior was almost all original. Yes, that means nasty carpet and moldy pink upholstery. The previous owner had taken good care of her, though, and installed a new stovetop and redid the plumbing to properly dispose of separate grey water and black water. The recalled rear axle had been replaced with a full float, a large storage box added on the back, and roof mounts for kayaks installed. Other features include: roof/dash AC and heat, cruise control, 3-way Dometic fridge, 26 gallon gas tank, 6 gallon hot water heater, RV battery, double row timing chain with steel backed guides, air vent installed above the bed, patio awning, stereo and speakers, CB radio.
We expect to put a few thousand dollars and several months of work into this RV to get it ready for the PanAm. So far, we have done the following:
Next on the agenda:
We will also be doing a laundry list of security upgrades before we embark on our PanAm trip next year. We're digging into the fiberglass work this week! Ugh.
Do you have any suggestions for modifications we might not be considering? Feedback welcome.
Here are some before photos, after we ripped out the moldy cabover paneling and removed the rear storage box.
We are getting rolling on our 1988 Toyota Sunrader, and I thought I'd make posts here as we go for comments, suggestions, etc. You can also follow along on my blog.
Vehicle: 1988 4×4 Toyota Sunrader 18-foot mini-RV
Engine: 5-speed, 4-cyl 22RE
When we got the Sunrader a couple months ago, the interior was almost all original. Yes, that means nasty carpet and moldy pink upholstery. The previous owner had taken good care of her, though, and installed a new stovetop and redid the plumbing to properly dispose of separate grey water and black water. The recalled rear axle had been replaced with a full float, a large storage box added on the back, and roof mounts for kayaks installed. Other features include: roof/dash AC and heat, cruise control, 3-way Dometic fridge, 26 gallon gas tank, 6 gallon hot water heater, RV battery, double row timing chain with steel backed guides, air vent installed above the bed, patio awning, stereo and speakers, CB radio.
We expect to put a few thousand dollars and several months of work into this RV to get it ready for the PanAm. So far, we have done the following:
- Replaced the exhaust system
- Installed a new clutch slave cylinder
- Removed all the moldy carpet, paneling and upholstery from bed area
- Bought and tested a new futon/memory foam bed
- Removed the cumbersome and insecure storage box from the back bumper
- Reinforced cabover bunk roof with support beams and patched fiberglass
- Removed and repaired fiberglass door frame to properly seal the door
- Removed the cabover wrap windows that were warped and leaking, molded fiberglass over the voids
- New insulation and paneling in cabover area
Next on the agenda:
- Replace the rear end with a LandCruiser axle and new suspension, 15″ single wheels instead of 14″ duallies
- Replace the front 14″ wheels with 15″ wheels
- New tires all around
- Refinish exterior fiberglass
- Remove all carpet and install vinyl in the cab, laminate flooring in the camper
- Fabricate a new rear bumper
- Install new, smaller storage bins on the rear and front bumpers
- Various cosmetic and security improvements
We will also be doing a laundry list of security upgrades before we embark on our PanAm trip next year. We're digging into the fiberglass work this week! Ugh.
Do you have any suggestions for modifications we might not be considering? Feedback welcome.
Here are some before photos, after we ripped out the moldy cabover paneling and removed the rear storage box.
Attachments
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We're actually removing those front windows entirely, and molding fiberglass over the void, probably with new small portal windows. Ben is out sanding the fiberglass as I type, to prepare for the repairs. 
