Containerized: Retromod Global Tacoma

[Scott C]

Not my style, but definitely can appreciate all the hard work going into it. Looks like you have found a few critics though.

[24HOURSOFNEVADA]

Sounds like you have your plan set. It's obvious you're into cars and have had some nice ones, so I"ll be watching with anticipation to see how it turns out.

I enjoyed your first thread and pictures and remember when you mentioned that you were going in the direction of a Tacoma.

[Containerized]

I guess this will be a somewhat philosophical post.

There will always be critics... and I, too, am a critic. It's part of the process, and hopefully someone takes a little of this build or a little of that build, and maybe even a little of something I've done, and integrates it into something in the future. It's all an evolution, and everything is a mix or a compromise. In the end, you're the one driving it and you're the one that has to deal with the result... so build what you like. If others like it, or have nice things to say, great. If others raise issues or concerns, often they're valid - think about it and, if you agree, put it into the next project.

I view this truck as just "version two." I actually like what Toyota tried to do with the FJC. I don't think they went far enough (I would have made something much more FJ40-like), but they made compromises. We'd all make different compromises. When I modified the FJC to spend two years in East Africa, I made choices I wouldn't have made for a vehicle staying in the U.S., or a vehicle spending the same period of time in Russia.

If you have a reason for what you do, and you can be honest with yourself (don't "believe your own spin") about what you did right and what you did wrong, you'll get better at what you're doing. I spent years in Porsche denial, watching air-cooled 911's (including the one in my garage) continue to improve. It wasn't until I finally bit the bullet and bought a 997 GT3 that I was willing to admit I'd been wrong and that the newer, water-cooled cars really are better in essentially every way. It's easy to get hung up on what you know, addicted to the familiar. But I'm always up for trying something new, and this project is one of those experiments.

We're all immensely lucky here; we have the time and resources to explore. We can play around with our vehicles, buy some cool gear, go a little further than last year... but it's all exploration (or preparation for it). To me, this truck is a tool, but it's also an opportunity to play around with some aesthetic ideas that have been swimming around in my head for too long for me to not do anything about it. Some will like it, some won't. But the plan has been made... now, all I can do is to execute on the plan as best as I know how.

[Kermit]

I sure do I agree with you on the FJ...Toyota should of listened to Jonathan Ward. Seems like Jeep is having quite a success with their Wrangler...beyond me why Toyota hasn't gone a similar route with the FJ. About the only thing that is good on it, is that it has round headlights.

Yeah can't please everyone, since we are all so different. It is your vision, don't let dorks like myself rain on your parade. I know have done some wacky things during my life and regretted it, also have done some wacky things and have been quite pleased with the results. Some guys will love what you are doing, and others will think hey there is another guy with too much money and not enough taste...

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

Shhhhhh...don't tell my compadres over on the full size forum that I'm lurking. Very interesting mod...looking forward to your progress.

[Containerized]

Quick update... work on the truck continues. The bodywork to get the hood cut line to line up with the 80 Series headlamps is done, as are the corners.





The (mild) bob is underway, we will be keeping the leaf setup (ICON Stg 4) in the rear.







Tailgate is ready for paint.

[Danimal]

Very interested in seeing how the bed bob comes out. This has been a fun thread to follow, thanks!

Dan

[john101477]

wow thats pretty intense but I am kinda diggin it. was not sure all the work would be really forth it but... I could be wrong!

[Scott C]

I want to see GT3 pics!!!!!!!!!

[Containerized]

LOL, totally off-topic, Scott C, but I'll post a couple of my 997 GT3.

Already have a 991 GT3 (RHD) on order to keep in London... should be a fun car.