Custom cab? Extended cab? What the hell was it? I want one...
#41
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#43
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Just came across this thing for sale down the street from me. A little different than all the examples on this thread in that it is 2wd and a dually. So weird looking but also very tempting. Weird fiberglass bed with no tie downs or tailgate is also a downer. 1986. Runs, needs tune up. $600. Im thinkin about it! Looks like it would clean up well. What do you all think? 600 bucks!!!
if i had $600, and one was for sale down the road i'd pick it up for sure.
make it 4x4
#47
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It's called a Custom Cab
It's called a "Custom Cab". "King Cab" was the name used by Datsun in the late 70 and early 80's for their slightly larger cab with 8 whole inches behind the cab. A company called Fabco licenced out a Toyota-approved process for making extended cab pick-ups that could seat 4 to 5 people. The trucks were bought at a local dealer by a customer and then the dealer would send the trucks to the "stretch shop". The cost for the conversion was $5000. A mighty expensive option when you consider that the truck's original cost was between $8,000 to $12,000. The modification called a "Custom Cab" was performed on Toyota regular cab trucks from about 1976 to 1988. In 1989 Toyota intrduced an extended cab pickup with forward-facing rear "jump seats" that was cheaper than the Cutom Cab option. It would have also required Fabco to re-tool for the new model.
For the conversion, the truck would be put on two trolleys that sat on rails. Everything connecting the cab half of the truck to the bed half of the truck was disconnected before the frame was cut. Then the two halfs were rolled, on rails, apart from each other -- this is the same way a limousine is made. Then a piece of frame was welded into the gap and the back of the cab is cut out. Finally a platform, roll-bar and, a fiberglass cab extension was attached. Then the whole thing is repainted -- often with a "brown rainbow" graphic that was popular with car makers in the day. My truck was built by Custom Fab in Hemet, California, according to the D.O.T. permit on my truck. Custom Fab is no longer in business at Hangar 3, Ryan Field, Hemet, CA 92313.
For the conversion, the truck would be put on two trolleys that sat on rails. Everything connecting the cab half of the truck to the bed half of the truck was disconnected before the frame was cut. Then the two halfs were rolled, on rails, apart from each other -- this is the same way a limousine is made. Then a piece of frame was welded into the gap and the back of the cab is cut out. Finally a platform, roll-bar and, a fiberglass cab extension was attached. Then the whole thing is repainted -- often with a "brown rainbow" graphic that was popular with car makers in the day. My truck was built by Custom Fab in Hemet, California, according to the D.O.T. permit on my truck. Custom Fab is no longer in business at Hangar 3, Ryan Field, Hemet, CA 92313.
#48
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Thanks for clearing things up CustomCabToy. I didn't want to have to type all that you said. I'm pretty sure there was a shop on the east coast doing these as well possibly in NY if I remember correctly.
I am currently searching for one of these preferrable 1980-1983 4x4. I will be sterting a thread here soon. CustomCabToy look for a PM from me.
As far as wether or not to buy the one in the picture there, BUY IT! I had one as my first Toyota and I loved it! It is very looooong which makes it very stable on the highway. You will not be disappointed having such a rare truck.
Just one thing, If you do get it and something goes wrong try to keep it from going to the junkyard. These trucks are a fading piece of Toyota history that is getting harder and harder to find.
I am currently searching for one of these preferrable 1980-1983 4x4. I will be sterting a thread here soon. CustomCabToy look for a PM from me.
As far as wether or not to buy the one in the picture there, BUY IT! I had one as my first Toyota and I loved it! It is very looooong which makes it very stable on the highway. You will not be disappointed having such a rare truck.
Just one thing, If you do get it and something goes wrong try to keep it from going to the junkyard. These trucks are a fading piece of Toyota history that is getting harder and harder to find.
#49
Do you live in sacrameto? There Is a guy that has a black one. He lives around the corner from a napa off of auburn blvd. Used to be my friends neighbor.
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93YotaSR5 - I live in the middle of Colorado. Slightly more than just around the corner for me. If you run into him sometime I sure would appreciate if you could ask him a few Q's. mainly, Would he be willing to sell it? Year? 4x4? Condition? Price? or just a phone # if he'd be willing to sell. Thanks for the lead!
I don't mind flying to __________ in order to get one that's worth it. I'll drive or tow it back to start my build.
I don't mind flying to __________ in order to get one that's worth it. I'll drive or tow it back to start my build.
#54
can you reply your number to the following email please izod_john@yahoo.com please interested im in california thank you
#56
85 Custom Cab Project
Well, here it is. The last time it was on the road was in 1998. My dad was the first owner. I have been rebuilding it 100% I still have the AC and trans to do. It is getting new upholstery right now. We are still working on the front glass. We want the rubber seal and not the trim. My glass guy thinks an older style should work but I think I will need to sand down a stock glass to make it fit. I was offered a good EFI engine today. I don't need the engine but the EFI would be nice. The rebuild was for my son who turns 17 this week. when we started he was 6'1. he is now 6'5 and after moving the front seat mounts, there is still not enough room for his head. I may need to lower the seat or give up on the project for him. We have a custom shell that was built for this truck and we are rebuilding it now. we had offers of 12k before any work was started now we have 5 or 6 more into it.
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