Redwing Posted December 9, 2018 Share Posted December 9, 2018 Hey Guys! So I'll just get right into it. Been looking for a sunrader for a while and found a '79 shorty (17' I believe?) for cheap. My initial thoughts are to swap the camper portion (which has already been gutted) and fit it onto a 4x4 truck. My question is which truck would be a good platform for this build? I'd like to modernize it a bit and potentially have an automatic but is there any truck that you can essentially bolt the camper onto or am I looking at frame mods no matter what? I'm a skilled carpenter so once I have it mounted I have zero worries of completing the project and have a bunch of friends with motorcycle / auto / metal fabrication shops that would be willing to help, I just need to know what truck would be the best to swap the camper portion of the sunrader onto. Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted December 9, 2018 Share Posted December 9, 2018 A few to consider:- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted December 9, 2018 Share Posted December 9, 2018 You might want to skip the Volare, and not because it isn't 4x4. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted December 9, 2018 Share Posted December 9, 2018 Or:- Â Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted December 9, 2018 Author Share Posted December 9, 2018 Thanks for the replies! Haha the volare one is crazy! And I've considered the 4 runner or tacoma since those should be fairly similar. Is there anything out there that would require minimal frame work? For the shorty sunraders, from what information I've been able to find, it seems like the frame just needs to be strengthened on the behind end of the camper? Anybody have any idea what it would take for the 'easier' of the conversions? Trying to get an idea of what I'm getting myself into before I buy this thing and again, the build out of the camper wont be a problem for me, its just finding the right truck to swap it onto. I really like those older toyotas but I'd prefer to have an automatic so that other people I travel with can drive and me not be stressing that they'll tear it up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted December 9, 2018 Author Share Posted December 9, 2018 I should add, this is what it looks like, haven't seen any with the door towards the rear like this one. I believe this is the 17' one correct? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted December 9, 2018 Share Posted December 9, 2018 Looks like 110" or 112" wheelbase. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted December 9, 2018 Author Share Posted December 9, 2018 34 minutes ago, Derek up North said: Looks like 110" or 112" wheelbase. Yes, I believe it is 112". Any truck in particular that you think this would match up to nicely?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted December 9, 2018 Share Posted December 9, 2018 Typically, the Sunrader 'Shorty' has the door directly behind the driver's seat. I had this saved on my computer, the file named '1979 Sunrader'. So not unique. Can't recommend any truck other than the pictures I sent previously. Â Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted December 9, 2018 Author Share Posted December 9, 2018 Okay cool, yeah as you mentioned, most have the door right behind the truck cab, this photo you just posted is the only other one I've seen. Thanks for the info though, greatly appreciated. Open to any and all suggestions if anybody else would care to chime in Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted December 9, 2018 Share Posted December 9, 2018 Of course there's always a later Hilux than yours, but I understand Long Bed 4x4s are pretty hard to find. Or an SAS on yours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted December 9, 2018 Author Share Posted December 9, 2018 yeah those Hilux's arent easy to find unfortunately. And as much as I want an 'older' toyota and automatic would be ideal (so other people can drive it) and mostly all the 4x4 Toyotas I'm seeing are manual. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gulfstream Greg Posted December 9, 2018 Share Posted December 9, 2018 I think some horsepower under the hood, maybe even a Diesel, king or crew cab, a solid front axle, 5 speed manual, manual transfer case, manual locking hubs, full floating rear axle (bad deal when you break an axle in the boonies), 1 or 2 inch lift, 31 or 32 inch tires and gear ratio to accommodate the bigger tires, bigger fuel tank, dual batteries. Don't be stuck on Toyota! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maineah Posted December 9, 2018 Share Posted December 9, 2018 Well if it's a 4X4 just drive it home in 4WD! Military HUMVees have all kind of variants with body work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bandit Jo Posted January 2, 2019 Share Posted January 2, 2019 Redwing! status update, please! Â Did you buy it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 13, 2019 Author Share Posted February 13, 2019 Yes I most likely am going to be getting it...like 95% sure lol. I did have a question though...when I pull the camper off will the cab of the truck have the roof intact? I've seen some where the back end and roof are missing when the camper is pulled and other times where just the back end will be open. Anybody know for sure? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted February 13, 2019 Share Posted February 13, 2019 Yes, the cab back and roof will be missing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 13, 2019 Author Share Posted February 13, 2019 Hmm...Okay next question, how hard would it be to weld in the roof and back wall. Ever seen this done to create a 'normal' truck? Trying to figure out how to keep the actual truck portion and turn it into a flatbed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted February 13, 2019 Share Posted February 13, 2019 I guess it would depend if you're somewhere that it would be possible to find a donor. None here. They all rusted away. Welding in those large panels will also require a skilled body man. Large panels + heat = warped panels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 13, 2019 Author Share Posted February 13, 2019 A hilux donor cab would be hard to source so I'm trying to figure out a cost effective work around. Also, since it would be used as a work truck, I'm not really looking for perfection just want it to be decent. Am I being unrealistic here? I've seen people reuse the Hilux Chinooks but those have the roof which is really my only concern. The back panel isnt really a big deal to me... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WME Posted February 14, 2019 Share Posted February 14, 2019 A sheet of aluminum will work. They make Glue to bond panels for repair instead of welding..https://www.ebay.com/itm/3M-8116-PANEL-BONDING-ADHESIVE-W-8571-APPLICATOR/253438089540?epid=1037315137&hash=item3b02165944:g:nOQAAOSwiBJaExHM:rk:7:pf:0. Some well placed rivets and the glue will do nicely. Start with the top, glue and then bend it around the corner. After the back side is attached, cut the window hole. Glue some thin plywood to make the window frame. Then use one of the old rv windows. Seal all the edges with Dico. Â Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 14, 2019 Author Share Posted February 14, 2019 34 minutes ago, WME said: A sheet of aluminum will work. They make Glue to bond panels for repair instead of welding..https://www.ebay.com/itm/3M-8116-PANEL-BONDING-ADHESIVE-W-8571-APPLICATOR/253438089540?epid=1037315137&hash=item3b02165944:g:nOQAAOSwiBJaExHM:rk:7:pf:0. Some well placed rivets and the glue will do nicely. Start with the top, glue and then bend it around the corner. After the back side is attached, cut the window hole. Glue some thin plywood to make the window frame. Then use one of the old rv windows. Seal all the edges with Dico. Â This seems like a pretty good solution! Thanks for the tip! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WME Posted February 14, 2019 Share Posted February 14, 2019 30 minutes ago, Redwing said: This seems like a pretty good solution! Thanks for the tip! Forgot. Doing sheet metal work these guys are a real help..https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WLJ1WP1/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B06WLJ1WP1&pd_rd_w=ytMVB&pf_rd_p=10ebaf99-73de-4f5d-a994-e7f5fc52f86f&pd_rd_wg=fztBt&pf_rd_r=1203GSA5G02REQYKJZHD&pd_rd_r=1be1f8cc-3003-11e9-9ca9-bfc9d94bcb73. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 14, 2019 Author Share Posted February 14, 2019 Yeah I'm sure those will come in handy longterm too! What gauge aluminum would you recommend? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WME Posted February 14, 2019 Share Posted February 14, 2019 16 gauge, use 1xxx or 3xxx series aluminum. Other flavors of aluminum are not as "bendable". Plan B go to a big box store and look at FRP panels. Depending on your desired truck lifespan FRP and sheet metal screws would give you an easy, to do quick, fix. Caulk it, screw it use a hairdryer to help bend it. Use house paint or fiberglass to protect it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 14, 2019 Author Share Posted February 14, 2019 I think the aluminum would be a better option but initially when bouncing around ideas, FRP actually crossed my mind so I'll keep that on the back burner in case the aluminum doesn't pan out for whatever reason. Greatly appreciate the tips WME! I'll keep everyone updated as things progress Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 21, 2019 Author Share Posted February 21, 2019 Just thought I'd give you guys an update... I purchased the Sunrader and am having it shipped down to Florida this weekend! This was one of those deals that was too good to pass up. This will be a two-staged project. The first being removing the Sunrader shell and turning the Hilux into a 'work truck' with a flat bed. and Secondly, finding a 4x4 truck to mount the Sunrader shell to and build out once I get a bit more money to go about this accordingly.  I guess you can call this a 'BOGO' build haha. I'm sure I will have a ton of questions to annoy everybody with I'll keep you guys updated as things progress! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 21, 2019 Author Share Posted February 21, 2019 First question...does anybody have a diagram of how the camper is attached? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted February 21, 2019 Share Posted February 21, 2019 Best bet would to find bajadulce's thread and see if he included pics of removing his. Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 23, 2019 Author Share Posted February 23, 2019 On 2/21/2019 at 6:43 PM, linda s said: Best bet would to find bajadulce's thread and see if he included pics of removing his. Linda S Didn't see anything that was too informative unfortunately. Does it show the mounting points in the owners manual? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted February 23, 2019 Share Posted February 23, 2019 Owners Manuals are pretty useless.  http://toyotamotorhome.org/forums/applications/core/interface/file/attachment.php?id=19393 I'd be surprised if there are more than 6 bolts holding the house to the frame. Perhaps an inspection from below will reveal them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted February 23, 2019 Share Posted February 23, 2019 No. The owners manual is very generic and only shows basic information on how to use camper. If you think about it what manufacturer shows you step by step how they built stuff. None that I can think of. There are screws around the cut out or the cab. There are 4 big bolts from frame to coach. You have to get it apart. Then you'll know how it was put together. Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 23, 2019 Author Share Posted February 23, 2019 Yeah I just skimmed the manual and it seemed to mostly just go over the appliances. I guess I'll just figure it out when I get it. Any good recommendations for removal? My original plan is just to build a simple support structure out of 2x4's but the actual lifting off the shell portion might be a bit tricky. Any and all tips welcome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted February 23, 2019 Share Posted February 23, 2019 Probably not too different from removing a Chinook shell. Â Â Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 24, 2019 Author Share Posted February 24, 2019 This was very informative, thanks Derek! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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