Keep looking. And as far as reinforcing, will the corner panel and bumper off the Hilux Surf fit yours? This entire project shouldn't take more than a weekend. Ideally. Maybe you can convince someone overseas that they want to trade you hatches. That way they are unique in their neighborhood too. lol

Would KZN185W be willing to help source parts and or help ship? just at thought.

Best of luck! Keep us posted, I'm curious to see how it works out. I like the idea.

 

ok, in my quest i have potentially found two people in the UK that are parting out 3rd gen Hilux Surfs. i have heard back from one for sure that says he has the hatch and tire carrier and will sell them for around $200. however, he does not want to deal with the shipping etc, so if i can figure that part out he will pack them up to be shipped. and, since my sister still works for FedEx for now, she's going to investigate shipping from overseas and cost. should the cost not completely blow the budget, i think i'll be getting these pieces for the swap sometime down the road. then i'll have to figure out the reinforcement for the carrier part. but, i'm going to do some "baby steps" on this project and take it one thing at a time until i have it done.

so, nothing really special or fun to report, just that i might have found parts... again! and should this come through this time i'll be posting pics shortly after.

i may need to source some parts from you KZ185W, i'll let you know if and what i need when i get to that point.

 

look up rough tax in the uk, they are the best supply of Yota parts

 

A customer of mi9ne from Texas told me when he was in the Navy a few months ago stationed in Japan he just went in and bought the entire thing from local dealer. He said him and his Dad installed it. I really don't think it will be hard as long as you can get the parts.

This is the one and only way to correctly install a rear mounted spare tire. What you need to find is a guy in the navy stationed at the big base over there. Get him to buy it and send it back Military Mail.

Klinger sent a Jeep back that way you know.

 

Steve is right, that is probably the best way. It gets really shady when you start dealing with strangers across the pond. Plus you might end up getting a hatch that go tweeked ever so slightly in a roll over or somthing. I have always thought the 3rd gen spare tire carriers were very unique?

 

kinda ghetto looking in these pics, since these are from before it was finished, and before a 33" was mounted on it (1+ years ago) but it is and has been working great.... any thoughts on a tire carrier that fits in your hitch (assuming have a hitch).... It's not as unique, and I am sorry if you are way farther into the project... but I'm just throwing ideas out and am curious, pm me for details on it if anyone is curious I don't want to hijack this post

(click for bigger)

 

pattycakes a number of us still following along and hope this goes well for you-

I always liked the looks of those 2nd gens with this tire on the back feature and I for one appreciate the effort you are putting into this. One of the better threads I have seen in a bit.

wjwerdna yes that is a hijack and just make your own thread-not bashing you sir- I have done this jacking myself many times, but your idea is completely different from the OEM look that pattycakes thread is all about.

 

yeah, i'm looking to actually graft on the OEM style Hilux Surf style hatch and tire carrier for both looks and functionality. that is a pretty cool hitch attachment for a spare, but my hitch rusted out and is now gone; plus i really want this all to be pretty much bolt on (as far as the hatch, the carrier bracketry will need some customization) and to look like a factory option but then it will hit ya "wait, that's a 3rd gen in the US!!!".

i am leary of dealing with this stuff from overseas, but that is probably the only way i'm going to get one. i had spoken to an importer from Georgia that was going to get me everything but then said he was going out of business because of EPA importation regulations (even though he still puts up LOTS of new stuff on ebay every week, probably didn't want to hassle with it). i've only contacted two people "breaking" 3rd gen surfs for parts, this latest one actually said he could do it if i deal with the shipping end of things. i have requested pictures of everything to both make sure it's a 3rd gen and not a 2nd gen part(s) and also to assess condition before purchase. a few minor scrapes or dents will not be a problem as i do body work and the hatch will need to be painted anyway.

we'll see what happens, just waiting on my sister to tell me what FedEx can do for shipping something this large from overseas.

Ron, i hope this all comes together, but this may end up taking quite some time to get the parts and complete the entire project. but, fear not, i will take lots of pics and jot down all the details in a new thread when things get rolling.

Steve, any chance you have pics of your customer's 4runner with the Surf hatch and carrier? i know it won't look any different than a real Hilux Surf (aside from the steering wheel being on the "right" [correct] side ) but i'd like to see one with some US soil underneath it.

 

for sure, it's going to look awesome when done!!!