Highace, tales of a 6x4 truck!

for those on the darkside

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Phat Bug
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Highace, tales of a 6x4 truck!

Post by Phat Bug »

A few of you have been asking what my Dad (desert bug) has been up to, Well since retiring last year he's been focused full time on his new project........

Back in 1985 he built this 4x4 12 seater cumuter bus, with a holden(to quote peppermintjones "i feel a bit of sick in my mouth") 202 in it, with 5 kids it was the ideal adventure machine, I remeber going around the Eastern States of OZ back in '87...........
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Moving forward to 2016, He's decided to build another one, this time a single cab truck with a slide on Camper. donor vehicles started showing up..........
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It uses the Hilux 4x4 chassis with an extension at the front to accomodate the body and cab-over steering.....
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Comodore V6 and auto, mounted further back than usual and mated to the Hilux Transfer Case....
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Custom 2-piece front driveshaft to clear the Auto pan.....
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Bit of a before and after with the body on..........
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Steel wheel arch flares to cover the extra track...
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Adapted Honda Auto shifter....
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And custom Transfer Case shifter.......
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All ECU and looms tucked away in the cab behind the drivers seat.......
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Into the body work......
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Main rails for the tray mounted........
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And how she is at the moment.......
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I'll try and keep the thread up to date as progress continues :D
Last edited by Phat Bug on Wed Sep 19, 2018 8:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Tonz Magonz
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Post by Tonz Magonz »

That is the best thing I've seen all year..
So pleased to hear Ian is still coming up with interesting ideas and
now has the time and energy to enjoy them..

Thanks for the thread Rhett...
Looking for a mk3 VR6 and a 90's hiace... Future projects for shits and giggles.
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hertz
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Post by hertz »

Cool as! love these style of builds
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Water Boy
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Post by Water Boy »

I love it!
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nate
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Post by nate »

Yeah. Cool af. I love seeing this kind of stuff.
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Phat Bug
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Post by Phat Bug »

Thanks dudes 8)
I'll have to remind Dad to check back in from time to time.
He has it running and moving under it's own power now! Thermo fans are kickin in, everything seems to be doing what it should & he's onto constructing the alloy tray.

Oh and I whipped him up a new nose badge on the 3D printer this week.....

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Post by Phat Bug »

Dad's been finishing up building the alloy 3.7M tray (original was only 2.7) just big enough to squeeze a Beetle on haha............

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Now back onto the body work hoping to have it painted within the week.
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Sunshine
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Post by Sunshine »

This thing is awesome - Highace, love it! Great job
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Phat Bug
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Post by Phat Bug »

Dad's finished up final mock up (including back dating with earlier bumper/apron) and filler work.........

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Yesterday got it all pulled down and in primer!

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Post by Phat Bug »

Top coat done........

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Re-assembly has started 8)

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Really moving ahead now *dm*
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morts
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Post by morts »

He's certainly belting it out :shock:
No matter what happens they can't take you out in the street and shoot you....

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Post by 4pots »

That's the tits!

Top effort!!!
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Phat Bug
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Post by Phat Bug »

Been a big month for Dad. Been flat out ironing out any bugs prior to final engineering sign off. New windscreen, custom snorkel, some interior trimming.

This Monday was D-day and it sailed through engineering without any real issues. RWC was done yesterday and rego booked in tomorrow! !


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Post by 4pots »

Looks tough
Nice big tray too!
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Post by Phat Bug »

It has plates! *dm*



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Post by Phat Bug »

Dad has had her on the road for a few months now driving it almost daily been an awesome performer on and off-road! Not to mention hauling a load!

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Phat Bug
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Post by Phat Bug »

He's been full time since building a slide on camper for the rear of it,
2 berth, Shower, toilet, gas hot wasser & cooking, reverse cycle AC, Solar power etc etc............


Has a lift at each corner, so it can come off, drive the truck away & the be dropped down to set up camp.
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He bought a wrecked late model Caravan for all the appliances/ fixtures......

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Then built her up and fitted it out.......

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So she's nearly finished, they are hoping to get away sometime before Christmas to try it out.
Last edited by Phat Bug on Fri Nov 03, 2017 1:34 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Tonz Magonz
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Post by Tonz Magonz »

Looks awesome ..

Clever reusing the wrecked caravan...
Looking for a mk3 VR6 and a 90's hiace... Future projects for shits and giggles.
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Phat Bug
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Post by Phat Bug »

Yesterday was the big day!
Truck and Camper became one............


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Tonz Magonz
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Post by Tonz Magonz »

Great repair job on the van body..
Looks like it was made for the 'Ace...
Looking for a mk3 VR6 and a 90's hiace... Future projects for shits and giggles.
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