I'm not really a truck guy, but I need a truck for some light duty things such as dump runs, and Home Depot runs. Also tired of borrowing a truck from my father-in-law. What are some good cars to start with? And we need to keep this on the cheap for the starting project. I know I will likely need to reinforce the frame somehow.
basically, enable me to do this:
prevent me from doing this:
Thinking out loud... a cheaper option might be a trailer and hitch on the Subaru. Not nearly as fun though.
Start with a cheap Volvo wagon, get bored, decide it would be a fun quick project to make it a truck.
A year later after endless welding and bodywork get it finished and realize there is a water leak into the cab that you cannot find the source of and never drive it.
At least that's how I went about it...
In reply to Buck Futter :
Get a hitch on the Subaru and buy one of those trailers that fold up for easy storage.
Unless of course you reeeeeeelly want to make a pick up truck from a car. Nothing about it is particularly hard it's just hugely time consuming doing all that metal work.
Tom1200 said:In reply to Buck Futter :
Get a hitch on the Subaru and buy one of those trailers that fold up for easy storage.
Unless of course you reeeeeeelly want to make a pick up truck from a car. Nothing about it is particularly hard it's just hugely time consuming doing all that metal work.
Well easy is nice, but the NC has reached the end of mods for its class and I'm getting that GRM itch to modify something that should've never been.
In reply to EvanB :
I fear this very issue (the leak) since it would be parked outside year round.
Buy a Kit!
Cheaper, sure. But not as cool, let's be honest.
Something that's a wagon might be a good starting point. I know that Evan's Volvo wagon ute project wound up looking really nice and had a functional bed.
If it's just for basic homeowner use as an "extra" vehicle and not something that you need to be able to drive in all weather, a standard cab 2wd Ranger or S10 is usually pretty cheap. It has the added bonus of being pretty small so you can maneuver it around your house and yard. I loved the '99 Ranger that we used to have since I could drive it all the way around the house. Springtime mulching was super easy with my wife driving and me in the back throwing shovels-full of mulch into the flower beds.
But also not as cool as building a ute.
For appearance, I don't think it has ever been done better than the M5 ute:
But, depending on how large a bed you want, long wheelbase sedans could be an interesting choice. Vanden Plas Jag, perhaps?
In reply to wae :
Ranger is definitely in the search terms.
The Smyth Ute kits are hard to beat in the looks department. I often thought about building a MK4 VW one but since getting the Caddy I no longer have any need
The Charger kit is damn tempting though
The answer isn't Subaru plus a trailer, the answer is Subaru.
In reply to daeman :
I do love a Fozzy trucklet.
Here's how we did it on a challenge budget. I think it may still be floating around in the grm community. Here it is going 4 wheels up at a rallyx (after I sold it).
pretty darn good lookin ute if I do say so myself.
Since you are a subaru guy why not a Baja?
or...
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/news/your-projects-exotruck-started-life-subaru-forester/
bgkast said:Buy a Kit!
Came here to say that.
Utes are cool but sawed of wagons/cars are pretty lame overall. Sometimes they work out but usually....bleh
If you are already buying something, just buy a small cheap truck
In reply to Antihero (Forum Supporter) :
That's where this idea began. A small truck ain't cheap these days.
Buck Futter said:In reply to Antihero (Forum Supporter) :
That's where this idea began. A small truck ain't cheap these days.
No car is cheap nowdays. If you are buying might as well save the effort, or just go trailer.
Where are you located?
Minivans also work well for the stated purpose, and more.
Driven5 said:Minivans also work well for the stated purpose, and more.
Not a bad idea. Do an image search on minivan truck conversions and you'll find a bunch from the awful to not-so-bad. But honestly, to do a good-looking job should be something that you'll enjoy the process of, because if you value your time, I'm not sure how much you'll really save, and chances are it'll be worth virtually nil on the resale market.
The answer is always Miata:
Why not start with a Dodge Magnum?
Then, if anything goes sideways, it's just one less Dodge on the road.
I went BMW. Would not recommend. Proportions are almost impossible to get right.
In reply to iansane :
Good to know.
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