cab top chop swap with pop pop
 

Sup dudes, looking for some musings and thoughts on a project I'm about to start.
ahem.

I have a 1985 reg cab that a tree fell on. Cabs dented in where my head would be. I want to fix this. I have another 85 regular cab (no title on this one) that is stripped of parts, and my pops wants to cut its top off and weld it onto the aforementioned trucks cab... Here's the thing. I've done a little research as far as what settings to use when tacking thin Japanese metal together, and if I mess up completely, I have a 3rd cab I can just swap on with no issues. I'm trying to get away with the cheap and easy route. But I won't be mad if it doesn't work.

ANY suggestions? I cannot find a thread where anyone has done this...

Btw my dad cut the back half of a unibody car off and replaced it once lol... He's done things like this before, but I think he's underestimating Toyota metal.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Truck is going to be an off road toy. Doesn't need to be perfect.

Since there are so many variables that are entered into this equation .

Plus the fact we all weld at different voltages for any given job

There is no way to say use these figures

I have been in some places the settings need to be adjusted when the office people fired up the the AC and computers

I hope you have access to a Mig welder .

While it can be done with the stick process it will be quite frustrating



run .023 wire .

If at all possible hard wire if possible 75% Argon 25% CO2 shielding gas

If possible make a Lap Joint instead of a butt joint.

Prep work is the key Use those discs that remove paint and rust and not metal instead of regular grinding discs

We have begun. First we cut the windshield out of the donorhttps://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...56264615b4.jpg

then we did some measuring and my dad negotiated the windshield out of the red truck lol
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...3f4e130708.jpg

After we got done with that pops had to go, so I worked on the engine... Y'all I can't even describe the wiring and fuel lines on this truck... Absolute buggery!

You better believe I'm taking it around the block at least once when we chop the whole top off...

Cutting it behind the mounting holes for the seat... https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...63fc066ae7.jpg

Can't wait to wheel this thing.

Just in case anyone else ever travels this road, you'll find yourself at this junction eventually....

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/general-4x4-discussion/386480-roll-cage-101-a.html#/topics/386480

:bllama:
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.yot...e1eca2314d.jpg

That is pretty strange looking! :con:

Did you drive it around the block yet?

:safari:

Unfortunately no, I've got some things left to do under the hood. Gonna drive it with no hood and no cab lol...

im really thinking about putting a small block in this thing. Need to do more research on how well these axles hold up to one but, a 350 swap is probably the cheapest way I could run monster tires with the 4:88s

It all depends just how hard you romp on things .

Most anyone can destroy drive shafts, axles and differentials no matter how little horse power .

I knew a person with a stock tired 22re in a Celica he took out the differential just about every weekend

Just up grade things as you break them

I'm not a body man, but wouldn't it been better to cut the top above the A pillars straight across?

We cut it at the bottom of the A pillar to help keep the new top lined up, but not give up too much structural integrity... That being said... I'd be a fool with a deathwish to tag this POS and drive it on the roads, plus I would endanger others --- so this rig is ONLY going to get used off-road. I really just wanted a truck that I can sink in mud, beat the crap out of, and not feel bad about it later.

Well, keeps the pics coming, looks like some fun.

I am no welder by any means but the little experience I do have, Toyota metal is a pain in the rear to keep from burning thru.

Well How did this play out??

Did life get in the way and this got put on hold.

Welding thin material you just need to do what needs done

A straight Butt joint is always a pain .

Proper fit up and joint design is so very important

long story short: I have a 2WD truck with a decent cab, good running 22r, and a clear title. so I'm going to swap it all together, got moved to 2nd shift recently and I just don't have the time or daylight to do what I want to do. ill get to it..................eventually