"hocho-izing" a truck body

[Bad Example]

After some poking around, I found a gray market body vendor that sells Hardbody/Datsun bodies.

I'd like to either buy a tube frame for the back, or make one, because the wheelbase is way too small, but I'm not sure how to remove the bed and prepare the back of the cab to accept a tube frame.

Would I just leave an inch or two when cutting off the bed, heat it, and bend it over some lexan, or how would this work?

[crazy nick]

Pics would help, your wording is a little confusing

[Lentsnh2012]

Use some sewing thread to cut off the pickup bed and then fill in the area with styrene or ABS plastic so that it becomes a complete cab.

[Bad Example]

I can't find their hardbody, but this should give some idea of what I'm trying to do.

I assume I can't just glue plastic across the back without sealing to the sides somehow:

[Lentsnh2012]

You didn't specify whether the body was lexan or an ABS plastic like a Mojave/Hilux/New Bright body.


IF it is a hardbody, Shoe Goo or CA glue will help hold the cab back to the rest of the cab.

[Bad Example]

Sorry, I meant "hardbody" as in the nissan hardbody/datsun model. It's a lexan body.

[monkeyracing]

I'm interested in this as well. Got an urge to take a lexan fj40 and make an fj45 out of it. I'm pretty sure some material will be needed to bandage the thing together from the inside. I'd guess lexan and shoe-goo would cover it. Any ideas about a flexible filler for the seam?

[rcwolf]

I seriously suggest reading this sticky thread at the top of this section.

☆ The Chop Shop What Glue to Use For Body Work/Repairing Cracks in Plastic and Why ☆

[monkeyracing]

That thread is a great resource. It's focused on hard bodies, but there is enough info on lexan to keep it interesting. I've begun stitching my shell together using strips of lexan and Shoe Goo on the inside. Haven't chosen a seam filler for the outside yet. Need to figure out what will flex enough, or how to make the shell not flex at all. Also working joining lexan at acute angles. Will probably use lexan strips bent at 90 degrees on the inside.