Dwill817's 1981 Restomod Build
#1
Dwill817's 1981 Restomod Build
Hey guys,
I guess its about time I started a build on here. I have one over on TacomaWorld and I hang out at ExPo a lot, but I know you guys are a little more passionate about the older ones! Lol
I picked this truck up for $2500 back in October and I haven't got a whole lot done but the mods are about to start since work is finally picking back up for the summer. It'll be slow going. It is pretty rust free especially the frame, but I do have a few very small holes in the floorpan and at the back of the bed. The bedsides are rust free also.
My plans are a pieced together lift consisting of Old Man Emu springs and Bilstein shocks, 4.88s, F/R lockers, 33-35s, and some armor.
When I first got it:

Now:
I guess its about time I started a build on here. I have one over on TacomaWorld and I hang out at ExPo a lot, but I know you guys are a little more passionate about the older ones! Lol
I picked this truck up for $2500 back in October and I haven't got a whole lot done but the mods are about to start since work is finally picking back up for the summer. It'll be slow going. It is pretty rust free especially the frame, but I do have a few very small holes in the floorpan and at the back of the bed. The bedsides are rust free also.
My plans are a pieced together lift consisting of Old Man Emu springs and Bilstein shocks, 4.88s, F/R lockers, 33-35s, and some armor.
When I first got it:

Now:
Last edited by Dwill817; May 12, 2014 at 01:45 PM.
#2
Nice looking truck. Good picks on the mods so far. I guess you are going to search for a camper top? If you see one for a long bed let me know lol, I would to have one as well.
And we really like a lot of pictures so don't be stingy with them.
And we really like a lot of pictures so don't be stingy with them.
#4
Thanks guys!
Here are some more random pictures..
If you notice when I first got it the front drivers side marker light was still intact and there was no damage. Well it lasted about a week before I bumped a tree offroading

Playing in the snow last week

Here's those springs:
Here are some more random pictures..
If you notice when I first got it the front drivers side marker light was still intact and there was no damage. Well it lasted about a week before I bumped a tree offroading


Playing in the snow last week

Here's those springs:
Last edited by Dwill817; May 12, 2014 at 01:46 PM.
#5
nice looking truck, I like the color! sucks about the side marker light...I wonder if anyone makes a replacement for those, kinda doubt it, my 83' has all of them still intact, but it's just a matter of time, lol... look forward to seeing some more!
#6
Thank you. There are plenty of replacement lights out there, but they're kinda pricey and I just haven't saw it necessary to replace it just yet. None of the other ones work. They are just lenses without bulbs.
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#8
Thank you very much. I'm in Jacksonville, AL. If you don't know where that is is near Oxford or Gadsden. Maybe you'd even heard of Jacksonville State University.
I have a bit of maintenance to get done today whenever I feel like it. Valve cover gasket, exhaust manifold gasket, and oil change + filter.
I have a bit of maintenance to get done today whenever I feel like it. Valve cover gasket, exhaust manifold gasket, and oil change + filter.
#16
#17
Mine isn't rusty anyways, but I probably won't bob until I'm ready to get it all painted
#18
Forgot to mention. My spring bushing came in today and I stuck those in the springs.. I also ordered a shifter bushing to fix my loose gear shift. Freakin $8 for shipping a tiny bushing.
#20
Im starting to actually get a decent pile of parts.
Shocks and shock mounts will be here in the morning. Shock towers came in on Friday. I bought a set of Chevy 63s for $25 on Friday so I gotta order the mounts tomorrow. Gonna do a low set up in the rear to match the front.
I've almost got the money to regear or have my truck painted and its so hard to decide cause ill probably stick with the 32s for awhile and the gears aren't too bad on the road. The perfect paint and body would be so awesome!
Also a question: If I move my axle about 1-1.5" forward will I had running issues with OME springs and 33x12.5s. I will be running a drop hanger on the front.
Next is ordering high steer and getting an IFS box.
Shocks and shock mounts will be here in the morning. Shock towers came in on Friday. I bought a set of Chevy 63s for $25 on Friday so I gotta order the mounts tomorrow. Gonna do a low set up in the rear to match the front.
I've almost got the money to regear or have my truck painted and its so hard to decide cause ill probably stick with the 32s for awhile and the gears aren't too bad on the road. The perfect paint and body would be so awesome!
Also a question: If I move my axle about 1-1.5" forward will I had running issues with OME springs and 33x12.5s. I will be running a drop hanger on the front.
Next is ordering high steer and getting an IFS box.




