Anyone convert their std Zuk into a LWB?

3Cs · 02-13-2006, 05:36 PM

Yep, I've searched but mostly comes up with stretching at the B pillar area. I'm wondering if the LWB quarter panels can be installed on the existing body. Fabbing the floor and tubs is not a problem and I'm using a frame from a 4 Runner. My reason for going with the q panels instead of stretching is so I can use a factory top. Which opens up another can of worms, I haven't found a supplier yet for LWB soft tops or sheetmetal (just starting the search for these items), any recommendations? I'm new to Suzukis, just bought my first one Saturday evening and had it stripped to the frame the next day. I'm jumping into this project with both feet. TC

Jeff@TheQuadShop · 02-13-2006, 05:42 PM

I have a factory LWB, the panels are available. The soft tops seem almost inpossible to find since most all LWB's came with hardtops.

Reddog · 02-13-2006, 06:17 PM

I've been thinking about the same sort of thing since I'm in the process of doing a 4-link in the rear. When I'm done the rear axle will be centered pretty close to the rear bumper.
I keep looking at my parts rig and wondering if I can get enough sheet metal to stretch the body.
But it seems it'd be a whole lot easier just cut off the rear of the tub and tube it out for a flatbed, sort of like a Samurai pickup truck.
The more I think about it the more I like the tubing idea.

purevil71 · 02-13-2006, 07:30 PM

Check this write up out. The guy is using home built pannels, but it might help with some ideas!

http://bbs.off-road.com/ubbthreads/s.../1#Post1221796

3Cs · 02-13-2006, 08:52 PM

Nice build that guy has done. My thinking with the factory quarters was to be able to put a soft top on it without paying for custom work. Looks like it'll be staying short. This is going to be a trailrider that gets street driven from tiime to time, thus the need for the top. One of the other reasons was to gain a little storage room behind the rear seat. They are a tad longer behind the wheelwell's also aren't they? Or maybe I just happened to see one that had been streched there also.... man I've got a lot of catching up to do. Thanks gang. TC

OKIE ZUK · 02-14-2006, 09:57 AM

I've done a couple. You'll have to do a search, since my red star is lost in Pirate somewhere. Look for Reflexx's stretch. One is white and one is red. Roxy, need help here with my star.

OKIE ZUK · 02-14-2006, 10:03 AM

I'll even make your search real easy newb. Click on my name to the left. View public profile, then click on post started by me. That way instead of looking at 1315 post, your only looking at 15, one page worth.

3Cs · 02-14-2006, 04:32 PM

Thanks Okie. Man, the rigs you guys outside of the rust belt cut up are cleaner than what we have for DD's. Your DOB caught my eye, same year as mine but you've got me by a few months, we'renever to old to rock&roll eh? TC

4x4Buddy · 02-14-2006, 04:54 PM

I just finished stretching mine to 90". My goal was to keep it looking like a Samuari and to be able to use availalbe cloth top's. My goal was to also lift the vehicle 2" and to stretch the wheel openings so I can fit at least 36" tires.

I am still putting it together after having it painted and will add photos of the finished unit next week.

Here are my photos,
http://community.webshots.com/album/547596290uSEwoV

3Cs · 02-15-2006, 05:22 PM

Pretty neat idea, I like it.

zukzilla4x4 · 02-15-2006, 06:06 PM

having a top made isnt that bad either

zukzilla4x4 · 02-15-2006, 06:09 PM

2

4x4Buddy · 02-18-2006, 03:04 PM

I have added the photo's after putting it together. Can't wait to go out and try it out.

http://community.webshots.com/album/547596290uSEwoV

I did have a strip added to the top, but it is still a std conv. top.

The fender flairs were bulk, used for wheel opening on older Freightliner Cabovers. Still looking for some that are wider, but these will do as I hardly drive it on the street.

First trip will be next weekend, going to the Hammers.

Bill4rest · 02-18-2006, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4Buddy

I have added the photo's after putting it together. Can't wait to go out and try it out.

http://community.webshots.com/album/547596290uSEwoV

I did have a strip added to the top, but it is still a std conv. top.

The fender flairs were bulk, used for wheel opening on older Freightliner Cabovers. Still looking for some that are wider, but these will do as I hardly drive it on the street.

First trip will be next weekend, going to the Hammers.

Good job dude.

Bill4rest · 02-18-2006, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4Buddy

First trip will be next weekend, going to the Hammers.

OH yea.... Too bad you just had it painted

roczuk · 02-28-2006, 02:15 PM

I'm doing my 15" stretch like Okie Zuk did on Reflexx's:

OKIE ZUK · 03-01-2006, 08:42 AM

Good luck, roczuk, on your build and post pix, please. Looked at Kerry Hall's on ORC board last night and I was impressed. Leave it to a body man to find a better way to do it. I liked him useing another back half to strenghten the gap in the side. You'll see when mating the targa bar brace to nothing, vs the fender or other targa bar mount. Two year build on his and it's going under the knife, for the finishing work to be able to wheel it.Thumbs up to Kerry and thanks to Purevil for pointing Khall's out.

jamesmross · 03-01-2006, 08:50 AM

nice stretch 4x4buddy. I would have never thought of doin' it that way. Thats cool and clean, you really took care of alot of details. Looks really nice. You'd have to look twice to know its stretched.

donks_tonka_toy · 03-03-2006, 08:48 AM

I've fitted Range Rover Coils to my Zuk, and the axle is pretty close to the rear bumper. I already had planned to tube pickup the rear. anyone have pics of similar setup?

OKIE ZUK · 03-03-2006, 09:38 AM

Jason Coker's:

Sack_Lunch · 03-05-2006, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OKIE ZUK

Jason Coker's:

I always liked that sami... tube work looked great!

02-13-2006, 05:36 PM	#1
3Cs Wheeler Join Date: Mar 2005 Member # 45122 Posts: 307	Anyone convert their std Zuk into a LWB? Yep, I've searched but mostly comes up with stretching at the B pillar area. I'm wondering if the LWB quarter panels can be installed on the existing body. Fabbing the floor and tubs is not a problem and I'm using a frame from a 4 Runner. My reason for going with the q panels instead of stretching is so I can use a factory top. Which opens up another can of worms, I haven't found a supplier yet for LWB soft tops or sheetmetal (just starting the search for these items), any recommendations? I'm new to Suzukis, just bought my first one Saturday evening and had it stripped to the frame the next day. I'm jumping into this project with both feet. TC

02-13-2006, 05:42 PM	#2
Jeff@TheQuadShop Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Member # 17262 Location: Kentucky Posts: 101	I have a factory LWB, the panels are available. The soft tops seem almost inpossible to find since most all LWB's came with hardtops. __________________ 89 Mazda B2600i, 40k origional miles 89 Honda Transalp

02-13-2006, 06:17 PM	#3
Reddog Rock God Join Date: Feb 2000 Member # 25 Location: 3rd rock from the sun Posts: 2,379	I've been thinking about the same sort of thing since I'm in the process of doing a 4-link in the rear. When I'm done the rear axle will be centered pretty close to the rear bumper. I keep looking at my parts rig and wondering if I can get enough sheet metal to stretch the body. But it seems it'd be a whole lot easier just cut off the rear of the tub and tube it out for a flatbed, sort of like a Samurai pickup truck. The more I think about it the more I like the tubing idea. __________________ http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...ndid=151481375 N C R D Chevy Pickup, lifted, modified V8, dual transfer case, lockers, big tires and BIG BALLS !

02-13-2006, 07:30 PM	#4
purevil71 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Member # 9275 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,460	Check this write up out. The guy is using home built pannels, but it might help with some ideas! http://bbs.off-road.com/ubbthreads/s.../1#Post1221796 __________________ "Just when I think you've gone and said the stupidest thing ever, you keep on talking!" ___________________________________ '88.5 Sami based buggy '73 Suzuki LJ project '92 Sidekick (project: Family Wheeler)

02-14-2006, 09:57 AM	#6
OKIE ZUK Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Member # 14812 Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Posts: 2,752	I've done a couple. You'll have to do a search, since my red star is lost in Pirate somewhere. Look for Reflexx's stretch. One is white and one is red. Roxy, need help here with my star. __________________ '94 Samurai, EFI, 6.1 t-case, twin sticks, 5.29 locked and shaved Toys, RS9000X's, HS9500i, OBA, Coiled, 36" IROK's, 94" WB, etc, etc.

02-13-2006, 08:52 PM	#5
3Cs Wheeler Join Date: Mar 2005 Member # 45122 Posts: 307	Nice build that guy has done. My thinking with the factory quarters was to be able to put a soft top on it without paying for custom work. Looks like it'll be staying short. This is going to be a trailrider that gets street driven from tiime to time, thus the need for the top. One of the other reasons was to gain a little storage room behind the rear seat. They are a tad longer behind the wheelwell's also aren't they? Or maybe I just happened to see one that had been streched there also.... man I've got a lot of catching up to do. Thanks gang. TC

02-14-2006, 10:03 AM	#7
OKIE ZUK Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Member # 14812 Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Posts: 2,752	I'll even make your search real easy newb. Click on my name to the left. View public profile, then click on post started by me. That way instead of looking at 1315 post, your only looking at 15, one page worth. __________________ '94 Samurai, EFI, 6.1 t-case, twin sticks, 5.29 locked and shaved Toys, RS9000X's, HS9500i, OBA, Coiled, 36" IROK's, 94" WB, etc, etc.

02-14-2006, 04:32 PM	#8
3Cs Wheeler Join Date: Mar 2005 Member # 45122 Posts: 307	Thanks Okie. Man, the rigs you guys outside of the rust belt cut up are cleaner than what we have for DD's. Your DOB caught my eye, same year as mine but you've got me by a few months, we'renever to old to rock&roll eh? TC

02-14-2006, 04:54 PM	#9
4x4Buddy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Member # 25205 Location: Beautiful down town Wildomar, CA Posts: 25	I just finished stretching mine to 90". My goal was to keep it looking like a Samuari and to be able to use availalbe cloth top's. My goal was to also lift the vehicle 2" and to stretch the wheel openings so I can fit at least 36" tires. I am still putting it together after having it painted and will add photos of the finished unit next week. Here are my photos, http://community.webshots.com/album/547596290uSEwoV __________________ aka Rubizuk / 87 Convertible, stretched to 90" wheelbase, Yj's on 36 Iroks, GRS 2, 1.6L / 16 valve, 3 speed auto with 430's and ready to go.

02-15-2006, 05:22 PM	#10
3Cs Wheeler Join Date: Mar 2005 Member # 45122 Posts: 307	Pretty neat idea, I like it.

02-15-2006, 06:06 PM	#11
zukzilla4x4 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Member # 16978 Location: yukon oklahoma Posts: 438	having a top made isnt that bad either Attached Images __________________ Horizon Offroad 405-670-1600 [URL=http://horizonoffroad.com]horizonoffroad.com[/URL] zukzilla-88.5 sammy,2.8 V6,elect emg. brake,D44 4.56 and ARB's,3 link susp. no springs,turn brakes

02-15-2006, 06:09 PM	#12
zukzilla4x4 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Member # 16978 Location: yukon oklahoma Posts: 438	2 Attached Images __________________ Horizon Offroad 405-670-1600 [URL=http://horizonoffroad.com]horizonoffroad.com[/URL] zukzilla-88.5 sammy,2.8 V6,elect emg. brake,D44 4.56 and ARB's,3 link susp. no springs,turn brakes

02-18-2006, 03:04 PM	#13
4x4Buddy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Member # 25205 Location: Beautiful down town Wildomar, CA Posts: 25	I have added the photo's after putting it together. Can't wait to go out and try it out. http://community.webshots.com/album/547596290uSEwoV I did have a strip added to the top, but it is still a std conv. top. The fender flairs were bulk, used for wheel opening on older Freightliner Cabovers. Still looking for some that are wider, but these will do as I hardly drive it on the street. First trip will be next weekend, going to the Hammers. __________________ aka Rubizuk / 87 Convertible, stretched to 90" wheelbase, Yj's on 36 Iroks, GRS 2, 1.6L / 16 valve, 3 speed auto with 430's and ready to go.

02-28-2006, 02:15 PM	#16
roczuk Rock God Join Date: May 2005 Member # 47428 Location: burbank Posts: 1,281	I'm doing my 15" stretch like Okie Zuk did on Reflexx's:

03-01-2006, 08:42 AM	#17
OKIE ZUK Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Member # 14812 Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Posts: 2,752	Good luck, roczuk, on your build and post pix, please. Looked at Kerry Hall's on ORC board last night and I was impressed. Leave it to a body man to find a better way to do it. I liked him useing another back half to strenghten the gap in the side. You'll see when mating the targa bar brace to nothing, vs the fender or other targa bar mount. Two year build on his and it's going under the knife, for the finishing work to be able to wheel it.Thumbs up to Kerry and thanks to Purevil for pointing Khall's out. __________________ '94 Samurai, EFI, 6.1 t-case, twin sticks, 5.29 locked and shaved Toys, RS9000X's, HS9500i, OBA, Coiled, 36" IROK's, 94" WB, etc, etc.

03-01-2006, 08:50 AM	#18
jamesmross Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Member # 40759 Location: Columbia MO Posts: 195	nice stretch 4x4buddy. I would have never thought of doin' it that way. Thats cool and clean, you really took care of alot of details. Looks really nice. You'd have to look twice to know its stretched.

03-03-2006, 08:48 AM	#19
donks_tonka_toy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Member # 66320 Location: Wakefield, UK Posts: 6	I've fitted Range Rover Coils to my Zuk, and the axle is pretty close to the rear bumper. I already had planned to tube pickup the rear. anyone have pics of similar setup?

03-03-2006, 09:38 AM	#20
OKIE ZUK Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Member # 14812 Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Posts: 2,752	Jason Coker's: Attached Images __________________ '94 Samurai, EFI, 6.1 t-case, twin sticks, 5.29 locked and shaved Toys, RS9000X's, HS9500i, OBA, Coiled, 36" IROK's, 94" WB, etc, etc.

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