Homemade cab conversion idea

[MrSchaeferPants]

So going through some of the cab conversion threads, including the super long one. Had a couple thoughts on DIY'ing one. Dunno if someone said this specifically in one of those threads.. but ya know how you tend to skim through it when it's 28 pages.

Why not shape and weld the tailgate to fit behind the cab, so your rear window can open and close still. And cut up the topper so you keep a few inches of the front (where it bolts to the roof) and a few inches from the rear where the windows slides into it, and sand it so they meet perfectly (or near) and bolt them together and seal it with fiberglass or however.

You'd still need part of the weatherstrip, or make your own. But I guess you'd need those hard rubber strips on either side of the tailgate glass. Might be easier with the full floor, but It'd be a nice sorta 'ext cab' behind the seats for the later models like mine.

I dunno, just a thought, would be nice to have an extra topper and tailgate to try it out. Cutting up my topper in WA isn't a great idea Could always fabricate a bolt in wall/bracket for either side of the tailgate, and everything could be temporary and removable to be put back to stock.

 

[COCHEV]

Sift through the burb forum. I seem to remember a guy doing this with his burb. He could still roll the window up and down. I like the idea

 

[MrSchaeferPants]

I'll give it a shot. Been trying to sell the K5 to get a pick up, and don't have the money to get a tranny for the Jimmy, but I wonder how much I could get if I sold the topper glass, and all the rear trim that's in perfect condition, make my conversion, and could buy a used 700r4.

 

[COCHEV]

Hmmm, I read your for sale ad. I like your half cab idea if are going to make it into a wheeler. But if you really want/need a truck, you should get a truck. Just my. 02

I really do like the half cab idea tho. Just don't want you to do a bunch of work to make your blazer a truck and then be dissapointed with it.

I'd get a trans in that thing, drive it around, then decide

 

[MrSchaeferPants]

I dunno what I want. I didn't want to turn this K5 into a wheeler since its really nice, just a nice DD. So I thought about getting an small pick up to have a truck, and use that as my wheeler, possible 1/2 ton SAS swap on an S10 or something. (down the road) What originally drew me to K5s was the shorter length which is nice on the trails around here, plus having the topper to keep all my gear, tools, and people ridding with clean, but those cab conversion kits on K5s look sweet.

 

[shaun89]

my buddy has a burb he converted to a "crewcab" beast,heres his build thread. theres tons of our BS on there so just look at the pics! i promise its a legit truck,linked rear with 2.5" 1/2" wall DOM links http://kissmydiff.freeforums.org/f-k-me-burbs-build-thread-t966-480.html

 

[MrSchaeferPants]

Alright, so this idea is growing on me, since no one wants to buy this Jimmy. I'm going to have some money to put in the Jimmy shortly, so now I'm a bit more serious about this idea. My question now is what do you guys think my rear cab trim, and seat will net me to put towards this conversion?

The panels on the sides are in great shape, so is the chrome topping that sits ontop of where the topper mounts, and the seats in pretty good condition to. So long as it'll be a good chunk of materials for the conversion (whatever I'll need to fabricate a bit of flooring and mounts for the tailgate) think I'm going to go forth with the idea, especially now that it's summer and there's no rain everyday.

Here's some pics for an idea of quality:

 

[magik235]

Here is a picture of my 1987 Jimmy's conversion.

 

[pmpski_1]

Are you selling that air cleaner and hose by any chance, or just the interior parts?

 

[MrSchaeferPants]

Here is a picture of my 1987 Jimmy's conversion.

I saw that one, thought about doing something similar if my idea goes sour. Have any pictures of what your rear footwell area looks like during the build, or actually I guess I'll search if you have a build thread for that?
EDIT: Reading up on the build at WI4x4. Ah I remmeber this build!, hell I may have commented on it. I remember the name Jiminy.

Are you selling that air cleaner and hose by any chance, or just the interior parts?

Nah I don't think so, I DO want to eventually grab another one and make a dual snorkel from two of them. Maybe if the price is right? Since I won't be able to until I find me a nice Qjet... ya sure why not shoot me a PM. I'll be in Bonney Lake most of the day, dunno if you're interested in getting it today or what. Let me know.

Guess that's my sign to start stripping the rear and getting a fund jar

 

[MrSchaeferPants]

Oh I remember, it was when you were asking about the shock mount! And I STILL haven't fixed mine yet Definitly remember your build though, as I'm rereading it all still only on page 25. Won't work for what I want, but builds are always cool to read.

 

[magik235]

My CK5 build thread is below.

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=278655

 

[magik235]

Have any pictures of what your rear footwell area looks like during the build, or actually I guess I'll search if you have a build thread for that?

Does this picture from the build thread help?

 

[MrSchaeferPants]

I'm not sure. Your flatbed is at the height of the front cab's floor. The design in my head has me building the tailgate at the edge of the rear floor area that's 8" taller or what not. Since I want to keep the body intact, and use the motorized tailgate and topper to make both the rear of the cab, and front of the truck box. Think I need to reinstall photoshop and do some playing.