Hi Guys,
First thread, long time observer.
I’m here because I’m planning on starting up a build/restoration but want to throw my ideas out into the world and see what happens. I’ve never done a project to this scale but am confident I can learn along the way and get help where I need it, starting mainly with the YotaTech community. So let me begin:

I have a 1985 SingleCab Toyota pickup 4x4.
-LCEngineering stage 3 22R
-Duel 45mm Weber sidedraft carbs.
-original transmission and transfer case.
-linked front end.

That is really the relevant information as I intend on modifying, or simply replacing many of the other major components. The truck has seen better days.. It has rust, on the frame and body. The front axle is slightly bent. The aftermarket bumper that was put on in 1987 needs to go, the cab cage that was put in 2004 needs to go. Unfortunately the thing has become a ‘Frankenstein’ of small projects that where never planned out together. the thing has had no real ‘goal’ to strive toward. So the goal:

I want to do a frame-off restoration/mod to the truck. I want to be able to push it offroad in speedy desert terrain while maintaining the solid front end but also have it be a solid overloading rig for long weekends out in the desert/mountains. Think of it as if it were a ‘2017, 1985 Toyota Pickup’. As a challenge to myself I want to try and keep the thing looking as original 1985 as possible with the following modifications. So why not do this to my new 2016 Taco? Because the old 80’s gen pickups are smaller, tougher, and more nimble than a new rig could ever be. I love these trucks and I love challenging projects. What I see this meaning:

-cleaned up, powder coated frame
-integrated front bumper, engine cage, cab cage, bed cage.
-fiberglass fenders, hood and bedsides to be easily removed to work on truck.
-redesign the front linked axle.
-replace axles with wider rock assault housings/shafts
-new wiring harness for truck, to include all accessories, new/old.
-decently weather proofed engine bay.
-new interior (custom designed dash)
-new brakes

the list of accessories is long but the idea is to try and include
-OHV lighting
-Diff Lock
-winch
-onboard air
-stereo
-duel battery set-up
-A/C

This is getting long so thats the basic summary. I’m slowly designing these systems in a NURBS modeling program on my computer, Im an architect in LA and am very familiar with Digital Fabrication and CAD modeling. So first steps in making this happen? I'm currently wondering what parts I should toss and replace vs restore vs upgrade.
OTHER THOUGHTS? QUESTIONS? AM I IN THE RIGHT PLACE?

(I intentionally left this out of the builds area because I haven't started doing anything and am mostly soliciting advice at this point)

 

Welcome to Yotatech. Sounds like an interesting project.

The first thing that came to mind is 'dual 45 Webers is a lot of carburation for that motor' and on the street.
What size main venturis (chokes) does it run?

 

 

When you wrote the "LCEngineering stage 3 22R" I was imagining the Formula Atlantic engines I crewed on from the 80s or so. While those were a different motor the prep level seems similar. That motor may be suitable for an off road race truck - it is not for a street truck even if it were to get smogged. Part of that depends on the compression ratio it was built with. For off road you want torque and power but you also need it to be dependable. It may also be a but much for the original transmission and transfer case. Personally, given your stated use, I would sell that motor (I presume it runs) while it is still in the truck (so you can fire it up and comp/leak test it for buyer), and use the $$$ for a fresh but mildly modified 22r. Just my opinion based on what you've said so far.

 

 

The maintenance of a race engine is significant. The HP might be fun on the street but the tickets and maintenance and repairs would get old fast. If you can still smog an older truck there with a Weber 32/36 that is the route I would go with a mildly/appropriately modified engine. 22r long blocks are fairly easy to get a hold of around AZ, not sure about SoCal.

I would work around the engine leaving it so you can start it up to demo for a buyer. Are there any circle tracks left in SoCal? Your prospective buyers could be there.

 

So I know it's been a while. I've been saving in the meantime and thinking on the process. My thoughts on how to afford this ($$$) and to not compromise the vision is to obviously build this into stages. So I see the first couple of stages going something like this:

1-TEAR DOWN
Tear down the truck, throw away what isn't going to stay, save what is still usable or rebuildable. The goal of all of this is to get the frame cleaned up. First to grind off previous projects, or bracketing I don't need anymore . Then I can purge it of rust, now I've assumed sand blasting is the way to go here but I'd love to hear any input. Once that's complete I'd like to coat it with 'Steel-It' so that the frame can now weather the time it may take to finish this project. During this time, I'd like to start cleaning out the cab so that it can be repaired of dents and rust as it will be the only part of the body I wish to keep. The parts to clean-up/rebuild can keep me busy in the downtimes of the larger parts of this project.

2-FOUNDATION
Here I'd like to fabricate the cage (Engine+Cab+Bed). Here's where I'd really love to get some real advice. I figure I'd mount the cab, engine and transmission back to the cage to help design the cab portion of the cage. Using measurements and photos I'd design the rest of the cage (engine and bed). For the suspension, I'd like to have the axles and shocks I plan on using with me when i design and fabricate. Have you found ways around having this stuff when you fabricate? Have any of you simulated axles or shocks with mock-ups? Option 1 is to at the end of this have a weather proofed frame with full body roll cage integrated into the cab, with the engine and transmission mounted but sitting on jack stands. Option 2 is all of option 1 but also to have it sitting on its own weight; sitting on its shocks, on the axles I intend on using with the proper tires+wheels. Obviously Option 2 would be best but it requires that i buy all of that before i can fabricate anything. Is it smart to try to achieve option 1 with the proper dimensions of the parts I intend to install later? In my mind I'd like have most of the fabrication done to be a foundation to buy additional parts to install later.

Now I know there is a lot more to this, I've summarized in a lot of ways but I'm trying to get a clearer vision of what I'm about to attempt at this point. While I continue to collect funds and find time I'd like to have a lot of this mapped out so when I'm ready to go I can start.
Let me know what has worked well for you! Anything Helps!

 

In case you hadn't already found, I revived this build thread here:
NEW THREAD