Dirtco's Adventure Thread

I just saw this. Very glad to hear that you are ok and walked away from the wreck. Although I haven't commented in quite awhile I have been following your 1st build thread since I joined the forum and I have always thought it was one of the most impressive 3rd gen threads on the site. Really looking forward to your future updates.
 
Holy cow man. Really sorry to see the aftermath of the accident but glad that all is not lost and the rebuild is beginning.

Like you I have a kid and wife and I am sure they were in your thoughts as the runner started to tumble. Been out alone in the snow before and it is eerie. Couple that with a rollover and it has to extremely scary.

As far as keeping full coverage, I'm with you there. not sure how it would work out otherwise but it is nice to know that you were able to get something back for the damage, and keep the 4runner to continue building.

With the rebuild, have you thought of taking a factory hatch and incorporating/welding it into the back wall so you can still find a way to make the window work? Seen it done and seems like it would be a great option now that the back is opened up. With nothing really back there anymore, you could try to curve the bottom into the hatch skin to help it flow with the rest of the cab? It would also help get the shape up the top edge a little more fluid with the factory lines.

Will you be keeping the front pretty much the same as it was with replacement fenders and hood or will the front get caged as well and leave open like the rear will be?
 
All I gotta say is, WOW!!! :shocked:


Wow as in holy shit that is crazy about what happen with the accident.
Wow as in that you got through it with no injuries at all! That's amazing.
Also wow as in what you have started to turn this thing into.

I'm wondering where you are going to find room to fit the new fuel tank in the cargo area. Ya know, since there is no cargo area left haha

Glad you are alright, and I'm stoked to see how this new chapter turns out for you and the 4runner!

I too get scared from seeing these types of accidents. I usually have my wife and two kids in the vehicle with me. I think it may be time to really consider spending the time on a full cage on my rig to protect the things that matter most.
 
rideexileex said:
I just hope the orange color stays!
Click to expand...

Unfortunately no, the Autumn Blaze color has been retired… :sad:

With the amount of work I have ahead of me color matching body panels is at the bottom of my list. I looked at several options, and even bought some wrap that was close in color but it didn’t turn out.

The rear silver doors are in better shape than whats on the truck, so by the time I swap the doors over the only part left that is Autumn Blaze is the hood (which is not perfect) and 6” of C pillar behind the rear doors. I’ll probably black the hood out and have the color of the truck be what doors I am running at the time.

BrianSD_42 said:
I just saw this. Very glad to hear that you are ok and walked away from the wreck. Although I haven't commented in quite awhile I have been following your 1st build thread since I joined the forum and I have always thought it was one of the most impressive 3rd gen threads on the site. Really looking forward to your future updates.
Click to expand...

Thank you Brian! I’ll have some updates soon…

smallfry said:
Would've been a good candiate for a body swap.

99 Toyota 4 Runner for Sale in Denver, CO - OfferUp
Click to expand...

I thought I was going to open up some generic 4Runner but I about crapped my pants when I saw it was an Autumn Blaze Limited, just like mine! Your right, that would be the perfect vehicle to body swap!

crazydubman said:
Holy cow man. Really sorry to see the aftermath of the accident but glad that all is not lost and the rebuild is beginning.

Like you I have a kid and wife and I am sure they were in your thoughts as the runner started to tumble. Been out alone in the snow before and it is eerie. Couple that with a rollover and it has to extremely scary.

As far as keeping full coverage, I'm with you there. not sure how it would work out otherwise but it is nice to know that you were able to get something back for the damage, and keep the 4runner to continue building.

With the rebuild, have you thought of taking a factory hatch and incorporating/welding it into the back wall so you can still find a way to make the window work? Seen it done and seems like it would be a great option now that the back is opened up. With nothing really back there anymore, you could try to curve the bottom into the hatch skin to help it flow with the rest of the cab? It would also help get the shape up the top edge a little more fluid with the factory lines.

Will you be keeping the front pretty much the same as it was with replacement fenders and hood or will the front get caged as well and leave open like the rear will be?
Click to expand...

Thank you! Yeah its pretty scary and I find myself thinking about all the “What if’s”. I’m very lucky things worked out the way they did!

Yes, I did think about using the factory hatch like Jeff (CUbuff4Runner) did on his white 3rd Gen but I ran into some issues. First my hatch was damaged and the rear window was broken out, so I would’ve had to find a replacement. Second, when I removed my tailgate I realized how heavy it is, even with no glass in it. I didn’t feel like the weight of the hatch was worth reinstalling on the 4Runner, so I’ll be coming up with my own solution that is lighter and safer.

As for the front, I will be keeping the hood and inner fenders but I will not be reinstalling stock fenders. I’m actually in the process of building “fenders” out of tubing that will be tied into the cage.
 
AssBurns said:
All I gotta say is, WOW!!! :shocked:


Wow as in holy shit that is crazy about what happen with the accident.
Wow as in that you got through it with no injuries at all! That's amazing.
Also wow as in what you have started to turn this thing into.

I'm wondering where you are going to find room to fit the new fuel tank in the cargo area. Ya know, since there is no cargo area left haha

Glad you are alright, and I'm stoked to see how this new chapter turns out for you and the 4runner!

I too get scared from seeing these types of accidents. I usually have my wife and two kids in the vehicle with me. I think it may be time to really consider spending the time on a full cage on my rig to protect the things that matter most.
Click to expand...

Thanks Steven, yeah it was pretty crazy!

The rear is going to get tubed out and the fuel tank will be back there.

I'm not normally one to preach or judge, but I know how hard you wheel your rig and if your family is in your truck I HIGHLY recommend building a cage. It only takes one little thing to go wrong!

I got lucky, first I was alone and there was no one else in the truck. Second, that tree caught me (and rocked my world, it was a hard hit). If I was another 5'-10' to each side I think I would have gone all the way down the mountain! :eek:
 
Just so we can all get on the same page, here are a couple pictures I found that roughly resemble what is going to replace the back of the 4Runner. The rear axle will be moved back 3-5" in the process.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/33059698178/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_6020"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7803/33059698178_fc698e7e81_b.jpg" width="1024" height="684" alt="IMG_6020"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/33059736328/in/dateposted-public/" title="6322_6_l"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7861/33059736328_720269fcd5_b.jpg" width="800" height="480" alt="6322_6_l"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
I guess it's time to start posting some updates. I've been working on the 4Runner whenever I can but I was waiting until I got some actual work accomplished before posting pictures.

Here is what I'm working with, there is no strength or structure left in the body. When it comes down to it I'm pretty much building a 4 seat buggy, but with working doors, a dash and heat/AC. It's pretty much like building a ship inside a bottle, but I'm hoping the outcome will be worth the trouble!

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/39971037133/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_4bc"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4813/39971037133_5760d85662_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_4bc"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
I started at the back of the 4Runner and cut even more out.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/33059916258/in/dateposted-public/" title="pOt7SUYrRSy%JgjAVnTY4w"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4883/33059916258_c5c553e3da_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="pOt7SUYrRSy%JgjAVnTY4w"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I left just enough room behind the rear seat that the roll cage would not be dangerously close to the head of anyone riding in the back. This also left enough room for my subwoofer!

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/39970960323/in/dateposted-public/" title="oywDgORaSYGCe30fP0rFbw"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7838/39970960323_e963940b3f_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="oywDgORaSYGCe30fP0rFbw"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Then it was time to start reinforcing the body and building the cage. Being that the truck is still a four seater, and my daughter will be riding in the back, I wanted to make sure it was more than strong enough. For the upper horizontal support I went with square tubing, as it will make building a rear bulkhead and installing a rear window easier than round tubing. Being that this is the backbone of the cage, and only inches from the seat back I used .188 wall (3/16") 2x2". Yes, it's overkill but for safety reasons I feel better and it was only 8 pounds heavier than .120 wall (1/8"). Before welding it in the truck I installed slugs that will accept the rear tube work, they go all the way through the tube and are weld on both sides, along with inside the tube (where I could reach). I also welded some 2” steel strap that goes towards the front of the truck all the way to the door opening, this will give the couple inches of sheet metal some more support and protect the rear seatbelt retractors.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/46935376171/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_4bd"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7807/46935376171_87d38aac8f_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_4bd"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8”></script>

Then I was able to cap the rear of the fender and body.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/46935443111/in/dateposted-public/" title="RznMmI53SsueBGsvkEeJfQ"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7871/46935443111_507d00fe2d_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="RznMmI53SsueBGsvkEeJfQ"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8”></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/46935395121/in/dateposted-public/" title="LMcB02fUQXyXZU1WWLqknQ"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4867/46935395121_52e568e0ec_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="LMcB02fUQXyXZU1WWLqknQ"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8”></script>

And just like that I have 3/4Runner :D

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/33060003868/in/dateposted-public/" title="%z%CyehFRx6pZJ44GA1eAw"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4882/33060003868_74545e0c9b_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="%z%CyehFRx6pZJ44GA1eAw"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/31994358777/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_4bf"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7907/31994358777_3f941fd6b5_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="fullsizeoutput_4bf"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
While the back is nowhere near done I needed to move to the front and inside the truck to get the main cage supports figured out before I could continue on.

For the front I built tube fenders that are welded into the front bumper and body (still a work in progress) and added a headlight protector bar.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/33064108908/in/dateposted-public/" title="DUBKwNFFSQ6qUPTOHlKZWQ"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7916/33064108908_cac04626fa_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DUBKwNFFSQ6qUPTOHlKZWQ"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/31998459787/in/dateposted-public/" title="FlQ3ZBAjRjqp9PaDFhAC2g"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7907/31998459787_98429c6243_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="FlQ3ZBAjRjqp9PaDFhAC2g"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/31998489037/in/dateposted-public/" title="wgcxnR2dSb6ceE7MyMIC3Q"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7862/31998489037_53b98af0e2_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="wgcxnR2dSb6ceE7MyMIC3Q"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset=“utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/156493849@N03/46214939094/in/dateposted-public/" title="fullsizeoutput_4c0"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7902/46214939094_0661d20d9b_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="fullsizeoutput_4c0"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
[MENTION=67615]Dirtco[/MENTION] you have no idea how jealous you are making me right now lol. That is already starting to look so cool, I can't wait to see it done
 
Dirtco said:
While the back is nowhere near done I needed to move to the front and inside the truck to get the main cage supports figured out before I could continue on.

For the front I built tube fenders that are welded into the front bumper and body (still a work in progress) and added a headlight protector bar.
Click to expand...

Looks great, but didn't you just weld the frame and body together?
Could that cause damage later when you flex the frame hard or be a pain in the ass if you want to get at body mounts?
 
Dirtco said:
I also welded some 2” steel strap that goes towards the front of the truck all the way to the door opening, this will give the couple inches of sheet metal some more support and protect the rear seatbelt retractors.
Click to expand...

pictures of that?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 254 (members: 4, guests: 250)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,310
Messages
3,554,079
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top