97 Taco D-Cab swap update - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

NorcalVP · 02-17-2006, 10:16 AM

I posted last July the beginning of my D-cab swap on my 97 Taco Extra Cab. I got it back from the local high school last week. They actually did a pretty good job on the paint, It's not perfect, but then again I'll probably thrash it in the next few years... Still need to make some new sliders and a front winch bumper.

So I started with this

and this

The day of the swap

Almost there...

Done...

Overall i couldn't be happier with the results. The high school actually did a pretty bang up job, and if you can live without your vehicle for a few months, I'd highly recommend them. For some reason In the pic the front door looks like a slightly different color than the rear door, but it doesn't look that way in real life. I can't wait to get it all back together and actually start wheeling again.

It's pretty unique, which is what I wanted. The only 97 Double Cab Tacoma 5 speed, SAS'd, Supercharged, crawlered, like it in the world.

Steve

ErikB · 02-17-2006, 11:15 AM

I'm curious where you found the totalled D-cab and how much you paid?

I'd like to upgrade to something newer someday and that could be a good way to go...

NorcalVP · 02-17-2006, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ErikB

I'm curious where you found the totalled D-cab and how much you paid?

I'd like to upgrade to something newer someday and that could be a good way to go...

I got it through a Co-Part Insurance auction through a broker. I paid $7200 for the truck, and paid the broker $450 to buy it for me. The truck is an 04 and only had 800 miles on it. After I sold off all the parts I didn't need, and replaced the damaged door and fender, then got it painted by the local high school I ended up paying about 4K total for the swap.

But now that I have two kids, I needed the extra room. I can't wait till they are a little older and I can take them wheeling with me.

Steve

Kyron · 02-17-2006, 11:31 AM

So now its registered as an 04?

Westy · 02-17-2006, 11:57 AM

If he kept his original frame, which I am assuming then it is probably still registered as his 97 truck, VIN#s are usually enscribed on the front passenger side of the frame, at least its like that on my 94.

NorcalVP · 02-17-2006, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyron

So now its registered as an 04?

According to CHP it will be registered under my original 97 VIN, I still have to finish putting the interior together and track down some electrical bugs, then it's off to CHP to get verified and blue stickered...

Steve

tj40ounce · 02-17-2006, 12:30 PM

badass....

budr · 02-17-2006, 12:57 PM

VERY cool.
I keep thinking someday I may do the same...
Bud

NY_crawler · 02-17-2006, 01:19 PM

Wow that's a nice truck! I would like to go to a 4runner or a D-cab someday myself. I really like the uniquness of the D-cab though cause they are less common then the 4runners and have a small bed.

TroyToy · 02-17-2006, 01:45 PM

nice rig

the sealed beam front end 95-96 on the 01 up body really makes that
unique too !!

NorcalVP · 02-17-2006, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cal Mini Trucks

nice rig

the sealed beam front end 95-96 on the 01 up body really makes that
unique too !!

That's my favorite part. Not many people will ever notice that it's not quite right. They'll never know that the D-cab was never offered in either the first or second Gen Tacos. The people who notice the difference are the ones I'd enjoy talking to

Now If I could only get some better headlights.. Maybe the Roundeyes Sealed beam lights? These stockers don't really put out alot of light. Especially when compared to my wife's van (06 Odyssey), Those headlights kick ass...

Steve

fprbrooks · 02-17-2006, 04:34 PM

WOW!!!!!! Thats all I have to say about that.

NorcalVP · 02-18-2006, 10:31 AM

Thanks!

PIG · 02-18-2006, 10:40 AM

Dude, do you still have the old bed....?

NorcalVP · 02-18-2006, 11:04 AM

I still have it, but I've made it into a trailer.... I might be persuaded to trade for a different bed that's roughly the same size.

Steve

PIG · 02-18-2006, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorcalVP

I still have it, but I've made it into a trailer.... I might be persuaded to trade for a different bed that's roughly the same size.

Steve

Check your PM's.

EDIT: Nice job on the swap. Tacos are rad. We are going to be working on some new Taco parts here in the near future.

NorcalVP · 02-18-2006, 04:17 PM

Replied...

Thanks it's been about a year in the making, but it's worth it!

arloey · 02-16-2008, 06:31 PM

Your wont be the only 4door '97 for long. I'm doing the same thing right now. thoughts/plans of this have been in the works for about two years now.

You did an awsome job, looks great. I hope mine turns out as good.

Here's my swap thread:
/forum/toyota-tacoma/658167-tacoma-cab-swap-overall-upgrade.html

Let me know if you have any advise.

NorcalVP · 02-16-2008, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arloey

Your wont be the only 4door '97 for long. I'm doing the same thing right now. thoughts/plans of this have been in the works for about two years now.

You did an awsome job, looks great. I hope mine turns out as good.

Here's my swap thread:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=658167

Let me know if you have any advise.

Good Luck!!!

I posted my reply in your thread

johnnytwelvepack · 02-24-2008, 01:59 AM

NICE maybe i will see that someday in the valley...

NorcalVP · 02-24-2008, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnytwelvepack

NICE maybe i will see that someday in the valley...

Hopefully someday it'll leave my garage under it's own power...

it sure seems like a never ending project, It's currently getting a custom width D44, and some major suspension work to make it a bit more road friendly (still leaf sprung) I doubt that it'll make it out of the garage before the summer heat, so I'm hoping that it'll be ready for wheeling season next fall.

arloey · 03-07-2008, 09:24 AM

What fuel tank did you use the 97 or the 04's the size looks different will the 97 tank work under the body?

Booger Weldz · 03-07-2008, 09:44 AM

im jealous of your extra doors for sure! truck looks great! how much does a camper shell like that cost?

NorcalVP · 03-07-2008, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arloey

What fuel tank did you use the 97 or the 04's the size looks different will the 97 tank work under the body?

I ended up using the '04 tank. I wanted the Gas light, and my 97 tank had some bumps and bruises. not to mention I wanted to keep the 04 EVAP controls. I think they are physically the same.

NorcalVP · 03-07-2008, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Booger Weldz

im jealous of your extra doors for sure! truck looks great! how much does a camper shell like that cost?

I bought it used from a guy on the TTORA board for $450. I think new they are 1100-1500ish... I sure like it. Can't wait to get it out wheeling again. One of these days I may gank some of your designs. I love how low you truck is.... Someday....

Steve

02-17-2006, 10:16 AM	#1 (permalink)
NorcalVP Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Member # 3973 Location: Surprise AZ Posts: 750	97 Taco D-Cab swap update I posted last July the beginning of my D-cab swap on my 97 Taco Extra Cab. I got it back from the local high school last week. They actually did a pretty good job on the paint, It's not perfect, but then again I'll probably thrash it in the next few years... Still need to make some new sliders and a front winch bumper. So I started with this and this The day of the swap Almost there... Done... Overall i couldn't be happier with the results. The high school actually did a pretty bang up job, and if you can live without your vehicle for a few months, I'd highly recommend them. For some reason In the pic the front door looks like a slightly different color than the rear door, but it doesn't look that way in real life. I can't wait to get it all back together and actually start wheeling again. It's pretty unique, which is what I wanted. The only 97 Double Cab Tacoma 5 speed, SAS'd, Supercharged, crawlered, like it in the world. Steve __________________ 97/04 D-Cab Taco 5 speed with Mods You will pay the price for you lack of Vision..... Last edited by NorcalVP; 02-22-2006 at 04:46 PM.

02-17-2006, 11:15 AM	#2 (permalink)
ErikB Grocery Getter Join Date: Feb 2000 Member # 59 Location: Auburn, CA Posts: 10,501	I'm curious where you found the totalled D-cab and how much you paid? I'd like to upgrade to something newer someday and that could be a good way to go... __________________ . http://home.4x4wire.com/erik '97 4runner build

02-17-2006, 11:31 AM	#4 (permalink)
Kyron Registered User Join Date: Aug 2000 Member # 1418 Location: Not Cal Az Posts: 3,854	So now its registered as an 04? __________________ Arizona Trail Riders ....... BRRRaaaAAAPPPPPPP

02-17-2006, 11:57 AM	#5 (permalink)
Westy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Member # 42365 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,402	If he kept his original frame, which I am assuming then it is probably still registered as his 97 truck, VIN#s are usually enscribed on the front passenger side of the frame, at least its like that on my 94. __________________ Toyota pickup with a few modifications...

02-17-2006, 12:30 PM	#7 (permalink)
tj40ounce Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Member # 27473 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 1,139	badass.... __________________ [SIZE="4"][FONT="Arial Black"][CENTER][B][I][URL="http://www.bruningautodesign.com"]Bruning Auto Design - Muscle Car, Street Rod, & Off-Road Fabrication[/URL] [URL="http://www.etikitchallenger.com"]E-Tikit Challenger - twin turbo 426 HEMI, tube chassis, C5 suspension,,,[/URL][/I][/B] [/FONT][/SIZE] [B][I][URL="http://www.etikitchallenger.com/Sponsors.html"]Sponsors - 70 Challenger build[/URL][/I][/B][/center]

02-17-2006, 12:57 PM	#8 (permalink)
budr Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Member # 53 Location: Lenoir, NC USA Posts: 1,054	VERY cool. I keep thinking someday I may do the same... Bud __________________ [color=blue]Bud R[/color] [url="http://www.budbuilt.com"]www.budbuilt.com[/url]

02-17-2006, 01:19 PM	#9 (permalink)
NY_crawler Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Member # 24724 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 802	Wow that's a nice truck! I would like to go to a 4runner or a D-cab someday myself. I really like the uniquness of the D-cab though cause they are less common then the 4runners and have a small bed.

02-17-2006, 01:45 PM	#10 (permalink)
TroyToy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Member # 53724 Location: Riverside CA Posts: 555	nice rig the sealed beam front end 95-96 on the 01 up body really makes that unique too !!

02-17-2006, 04:34 PM	#12 (permalink)
fprbrooks Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Member # 17767 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 652	WOW!!!!!! Thats all I have to say about that. __________________ Originally Posted by lagrange151 if the shock doesn't push out, how is it supposed hold up the truck? As many as i can and the easy ones twice.

02-18-2006, 10:31 AM	#13 (permalink)
NorcalVP Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Member # 3973 Location: Surprise AZ Posts: 750	Thanks! __________________ 97/04 D-Cab Taco 5 speed with Mods You will pay the price for you lack of Vision.....

02-18-2006, 10:40 AM	#14 (permalink)
PIG Pirate4x4 Addict! Join Date: May 2001 Member # 4502 Location: SanLuisObispo, CA Posts: 5,137	Dude, do you still have the old bed....? __________________ www.PolyPerformance.com Click the sig for everything you need to build a tube car www.SynergySuspension.com Cool stuff for your buggy, Jeep, Dodge 2500/3500 www.4130Clothing.com A unique apparel line geared for the off-road enthusiast

02-18-2006, 11:04 AM	#15 (permalink)
NorcalVP Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Member # 3973 Location: Surprise AZ Posts: 750	I still have it, but I've made it into a trailer.... I might be persuaded to trade for a different bed that's roughly the same size. Steve __________________ 97/04 D-Cab Taco 5 speed with Mods You will pay the price for you lack of Vision.....

02-18-2006, 04:17 PM	#17 (permalink)
NorcalVP Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Member # 3973 Location: Surprise AZ Posts: 750	Replied... Thanks it's been about a year in the making, but it's worth it! __________________ 97/04 D-Cab Taco 5 speed with Mods You will pay the price for you lack of Vision.....

02-16-2008, 06:31 PM	#18 (permalink)
arloey Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Member # 65343 Location: Orangevale CA Posts: 360	Your wont be the only 4door '97 for long. I'm doing the same thing right now. thoughts/plans of this have been in the works for about two years now. You did an awsome job, looks great. I hope mine turns out as good. Here's my swap thread: /forum/toyota-tacoma/658167-tacoma-cab-swap-overall-upgrade.html Let me know if you have any advise. __________________ Tacoma Build thread [url]http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=658167[/url] 97 D-cab Tacoma D44 etone electric front locker usa USA Alloy marlin 2.28 dule cases trd rear locker 35" toyo open country.

02-24-2008, 01:59 AM	#20 (permalink)
johnnytwelvepack Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Member # 105107 Location: Maricopa, AZ Posts: 314	NICE maybe i will see that someday in the valley... __________________ Need to stop typing and start wrenching...

03-07-2008, 09:24 AM	#22 (permalink)
arloey Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Member # 65343 Location: Orangevale CA Posts: 360	What fuel tank did you use the 97 or the 04's the size looks different will the 97 tank work under the body? __________________ Tacoma Build thread [url]http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=658167[/url] 97 D-cab Tacoma D44 etone electric front locker usa USA Alloy marlin 2.28 dule cases trd rear locker 35" toyo open country.

03-07-2008, 09:44 AM	#23 (permalink)
Booger Weldz DuCaTi MoNsTeR Join Date: Jan 2001 Member # 2931 Location: oakdale, ca Posts: 12,432	im jealous of your extra doors for sure! truck looks great! how much does a camper shell like that cost? __________________ Amongst the best of the toyota vendors: *Www.4wheelunderground.com* *Www.addictedoffroad.com* *Www.hellfire-fabworks.com* Last edited by Booger Weldz; 03-07-2008 at 09:47 AM.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode