I don't have a minitruck, but want one...

[hamradio]

The other day, I saw Colin's minitruck up close. I now want one. I had seen them for sale on craigslist as "the ultimate atv," but never really looked into it. I've been reading mosts of the posts here from the beginning for the last few days.

I've been into cars for a couple years now; I own an '82 vw rabbit diesel, and an '88 vw scirocco 16v (I was reading that someone around here is a vw enthusiast). My dream would be to buy some trashed or mini truck for parts, a little cheaper than a normal mini truck, and spend the money I saved by buying a parts truck on parts to fix the truck (I'd rather spend a little bit at a time).

Another dream would be to fit a vw 1.6 diesel into one of these, but I know that'd be impossible.

I have one question at the moment-
What is the shift pattern typically? Is it-
1-3-5
2-4-R
?

[jbarv]

Thats the shift pattern on my 93 suzuki. Plus an extra low gear all the way to the left and up, but only you can only get it in there in 4wd.

[hamradio]

Ok. Thank you. That's what I was thinking.

[BLES]

Welcome! Sounds like you're already makin' plans! A truck can't be too far off!

[QUOTE=hamradio;2129]
Another dream would be to fit a vw 1.6 diesel into one of these, but I know that'd be impossible.
QUOTE]

However, gotta disagree on this! A plasma, torch, welder and a twisted mind can do almost anything!!

Hope to be able to post a picture of MY truck soon;)!!

BLES

[hamradio]

Yes; I just wonder, though, how tough would it be to make the 1.6 mate up to the bell housing on the mini truck trans. I doubt the rotation would even be correct. Then comes the issue of probably a bigger radiator, as I'm sure a 1.6 diesel would generate a ton more heat than a 660 gasser. :D

[Acerguy]

I've been into cars for a couple years now; I own an '82 vw rabbit diesel, and an '88 vw scirocco 16v (I was reading that someone around here is a vw enthusiast).

That's probably me. :D Sure, I have the Subaru logo as my avatar but I've been a VW guy longer. Are you on VWVortex?

As far as transplants go, I wonder if the Subaru setup might be easier? Plus it would kinda be the reverse of the few WRX/Sti conversions into VW Transporters I've seen! :eek:

Welcome!

[Colin]

Yes; I just wonder, though, how tough would it be to make the 1.6 mate up to the bell housing on the mini truck trans. I doubt the rotation would even be correct. Then comes the issue of probably a bigger radiator, as I'm sure a 1.6 diesel would generate a ton more heat than a 660 gasser. :D

How many RPMs will the VW diesel turn? That's going to be the major limiting factor in using an existing minitruck transmission.

I'd go with a Suzuki or Daihatsu - it's going to be a whole lot easier to mount everything mid-ship than to put it sideways in a suspension cradle and make custom CVs. Should really open up your options for transmissions, too.

Colin

[Acerguy]

I'm trying to remember....my old '79 Rabbit Diesel redlined at around 5000 rpm IIRC. It was bomb proof though...I put over 150k miles on it...on top of the 50k it had when I bought it. The only problem I ever had was fuel jelling when it was -0 F.

[hamradio]

Yeah, the stock vw diesel injection pump limits you to around 5k or 5500 rpm, IIRC.

[hamradio]

Acerguy, it was you that is the vw person.

yes, I hang out around vwvortex. My name is "hamradio."

And, my rabbit has 218k miles on it (almost 219k), and still going strong. Engine has never been torn down (not even a head gasket). Original clutch that I expect to go this winter.

[Acerguy]

You need to do this project and become both a minitrucktalk AND a Vortex hero! :D

[hamradio]

Haha, if I could find just a shell, I'd do it.

Another issue is this-
My parents limit me to owning 2 cars. If I want to get another, I have to sell one. The rocco would be first to go; the rabbit is never going. I might try to trade the scirocco for a b3 or b4 vr6 passat wagon sometime in the future. I am told that it is "storage issues." Maybe, when I get my projects all completed (I need to put a new transmission in the scirocco, rabbit has little issues, shift linkage, dash lights, needs new glowplugs- $$), I could maybe get another car. I'd probably sell my four wheeler if I got a mini truck. (If anyone cares, it is an old 1985 kawasaki 185 2wd)

The 1.6 diesel swap would be mega-awesome, though. I think it would be easiest in a mid engine truck- if there are issues with the engine being too tall or something, I'd simply cut the bed a little and weld in more sheet metal.

[Colin]

My rabbit has 218k miles on it (almost 219k), and still going strong. Engine has never been torn down (not even a head gasket).


WEEEEEAK. My '94 Previa has 340k miles on it without removing the valve cover or oil pan (well, I pulled it off once to weld up a hole my sister made by running over a stop sign pole, then driving ~5 miles in -20 degree weather with no oil... but I digress.)

The 2.4L four from a Previa would be the ultimate engine... it's kinda high strung, it makes about 160 HP, and it's already configured to lie on its side under the floor. :D

Colin

[hamradio]

Meh, whatever. This is a tiny 1.6 diesel that was pretty poorly maintained by its previous owner. :D :p

Is the previa an auto or manual? Is it still going?

[Acerguy]

Boys...boys... :D

[S.Hiro]

The other day, I saw Colin's minitruck up close. I now want one. I had seen them for sale on craigslist as "the ultimate atv," but never really looked into it. I've been reading mosts of the posts here from the beginning for the last few days.

I've been into cars for a couple years now; I own an '82 vw rabbit diesel, and an '88 vw scirocco 16v (I was reading that someone around here is a vw enthusiast). My dream would be to buy some trashed or mini truck for parts, a little cheaper than a normal mini truck, and spend the money I saved by buying a parts truck on parts to fix the truck (I'd rather spend a little bit at a time).

Another dream would be to fit a vw 1.6 diesel into one of these, but I know that'd be impossible.

I have one question at the moment-
What is the shift pattern typically? Is it-
1-3-5
2-4-R
?

If it is 5 speed then it is the same, incase of 4 speed then just remove the 5 gear, hope it's help

[Colin]

Is the previa an auto or manual? Is it still going?

Mine's an All Trac with a 4 speed slushbox. It's still going strong - my sisters are currently using it down in St. Paul, since they both attend college down there. :)

Colin

[hamradio]

All trac- awesome! I bet that thing is a snow monster. :)

Headgasket finally blew on the rabbit. Going to wait to do that when I have money to turbo it (don't want to have to put those n/a manifolds back on).

Going to fix the scirocco right now, and drive that thru the winter.

[Dkwebb]

So any takers out there to put a HYABUSA in one of these trucks!!!YAHOO now that would be cool!

[Dan]

I think these come pretty close

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u17SnkgXx8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ3hvAzjGQ4

[Muse]

[QUOTE=Another dream would be to fit a vw 1.6 diesel into one of these, but I know that'd be impossible.[/QUOTE]

Dude, you clearly are about to have your dreams fulfilled. Check out this link
http://www.acmeadapters.com/index.php?sound=Y
Now, not that I haven't already thought of the fact that the vehicle would have to be a Suzuki, so forget all about the rest. Next, you have to take into account that the engine is a side oiler, so if you want the 1.6 VW, yo, you better borrow that Plasma welder...
Side note, do you really believe you'll get that much more gas milage from the diesel over what you'd get with the gas already installed? I don't suppose I need to add that diesel is almost always higher than gas...no, don't suppose.
Another side note, I do have a 94 Daihatsu that is in need of a heart (read engine) transplant. Chao!:D

[thomasz]

No problem! I will ask my friend who have one.