Blank Slate 4WD Toyota Diesel Van

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BCADV4WD

BCADV4WD

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Contributor II

98
Vernon, BC, Canada
First Name
Garret
Last Name
Dietz
Hello fellow Overlanders!

New to overloading and new to this beauty that I recently imported from Japan. The build will be a slow process as I prioritize what I want to focus on so bear with me and enjoy!

Specs:
2003 Toyota Hiace 4WD - Long wheel base
5spd manual Diesel
Original 8,750kms on the ODO.
Carrying capacity 1250kg
Seats 9 currently
Creature comforts: AC & Heat front cabin and separate AC & Head for the rear

Additions so far:
Custom 2" receiving hitch
Kuat Swing away
Recon Rack x4 Bike Carrier

The mechanic who inspected this vehicle when it came into port said it was the cleanest vehicle (interior/exterior/mechanically) he had ever inspected from over seas. He has been inspecting vehicles for over 15 years and inspects roughly 300 vehicles annually. Ha I just did its 2nd oil change of its life!

Looking forward to exploring the forums and beginning the build.

Cheers!
 

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JCWages

JCWages

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Very cool! I dig it except for the manual trans but having AC and "head" in the rear makes up for it. *snickers*
 
Billiebob

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very cool, never seen one that long.
the mileage is incredible. this could be a life time purchase.

only 1 comment, be very conscious of weight.
given 2 choices, pick the lighter one.

on materials, lumber is light, aluminium is light.
plywood is heavy, MDF, OSB heavier.

I love clutches. Not sure how well I'd do shifting with the wrong hand tho.
 
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BCADV4WD

BCADV4WD

Rank 0

Contributor II

98
Vernon, BC, Canada
First Name
Garret
Last Name
Dietz
Billiebob said:
very cool, never seen one that long.

only 1 comment, be very conscious of weight.
given 2 choices, pick the lighter one.

on materials, lumber is light, aluminium is light.
plywood is heavy, MDF, OSB heavier.
Click to expand...
I agree Billbob, weight is my biggest concern. I will be going with the 80/20 for build out in the back (bedframe/pullout kitchen) to cut weight. Will be a simple and functional design with no frills.
 
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BCADV4WD

BCADV4WD

Rank 0

Contributor II

98
Vernon, BC, Canada
First Name
Garret
Last Name
Dietz
Beauty! Final cost of the van after direct import from Japan was roughly 15-16K all said and done. Hoping to keep the build under 5K. Easy to get carried away haha
 
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BCADV4WD

BCADV4WD

Rank 0

Contributor II

98
Vernon, BC, Canada
First Name
Garret
Last Name
Dietz
1st step: Vacuum/wipe surface with isopropyl alcohol
2nd: Apply Noico Black 80mil
3rd step: Noico Red 150mil (Pics tomorrow)

I had some Dynamat material that I covered the rear wheel wells with and my impression of the noico vs. dynamat is that the dynamat is much easier material to install and work with. Both materials offer a great reduction in road noise however up to this point though anything was better than the previous tin can noise.

Enjoy!

IMG_0786.jpgIMG_0774.jpg
 
W

Wallygator

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Contributor II

830
USA
BCADV4WD said:
Beauty! Final cost of the van after direct import from Japan was roughly 15-16K all said and done. Hoping to keep the build under 5K. Easy to get carried away haha
Click to expand...
That is great, thank you for disclosing the price, and yes, very easy to get carried away. Did you use Vanlife Northwest?
 
BCADV4WD

BCADV4WD

Rank 0

Contributor II

98
Vernon, BC, Canada
First Name
Garret
Last Name
Dietz
Wallygator said:
That is great, thank you for disclosing the price, and yes, very easy to get carried away. Did you use Vanlife Northwest?
Click to expand...
It sure is! It all adds up real fast. No I used pacificcoastjdm as a direct importer. It gave me the ability to see all the vans at auction as well as to cut out the middle man/additional costs. They were fantastic and I would definitely use them again for future vehicle imports. They made the import process super easy.
 
BCADV4WD

BCADV4WD

Rank 0

Contributor II

98
Vernon, BC, Canada
First Name
Garret
Last Name
Dietz
Made a little progress today. I officially screwed the first few holes in the van for the rivnut application and mounted the L track. Still a long way to go but a step forward none the less. Have sourced all my fabric options and waiting on swatches for the panels. Tomorrow I will hopefully get the mounting brackets for the L track finished and the cross members on for the bed platform.

Goal: Simple and clean.

Rivnuts are the cats meow (installed correctly). Super easy install.

Thinking about applying Rockwool for insulation behind the panels. Thoughts?

Feel free to critique/suggest as this is my first build.

Everyday is like Christmas as amazon boxes show up at my door step haha!



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