81-720 on 04 WRX Chassis

[KurMot]

So I started this project with an 81 720 2wd diesel that wasn’t running and wanted it to be a little run around and snowboarding rig. Wasn’t able to find any kind of parts to restore and get running so I figured the best thing to do would be put it on a newer chassis. Found an 04 Subaru WRX and stripped it down, fit the cab over and made it look like a truck

[datzenmike]

I love it!!!!

[Madkaw]

Wow - lots of work ! Cool!

[bottomwatcher]

Nice! Wheelbase looks almost perfect.

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

Sick.

 

You better stick some tubing in there to stiffen it back up.

[Icehouse]

I've never wanted a 720 so bad!!!! 

[NC85ST]

That is going to be absolutely awesome! Definitely need to tie it together though. Can’t wait to see it finished.

[Lockleaf]

Very cool to see the project already well along the way. 

 

Some magazine started a 240sx build doing the same kind of thing.  They never even got this far i don't think.

 

Whats the plan for finishing the front end?

Edited November 12, 2021 by Lockleaf

[KurMot]

There is this conversion for the Datsun Sunny trucks to make them look like the Hakosuka GTR. I’m hoping to make my front end look something like that. When I first did this post I could post pics straight from my phone, now I need an URL and I’m not able to get that figured yet or I’d post a pic

[ShutterMeShort]

😍 HOLY COW!   

This will be amazing!  Keep us posted on progress PLEASE!

[mikec4193]

Hey KurMot

 

Cant wait to see more details...I did a 1962 Willys truck once onto a S10 frame and I kept the S10 floor pan and firewall and dashboard too....it was a very tedious process....can't wait to see yours up and running around town again...

 

Keep up the great work...

 

MikeC

[KurMot]

this pic doesn’t look like much but it’s the Datsun defrost vents and Subaru dash pad meeting up  I’m gonna build a transition piece to connect the 2

sat the WRX hood scoop on it

[Lockleaf]

I like the transition you are creating at the dash vents.  Nice way to piece them together.

Will the rear strut boxes stick up past the sides of the bed? Will the bed sides be integral or just "hung" on the body and cage?

 

Why did you have to weld pieces in to the door frame at the dash, and make the big cutout in the door body?

 

And do you still have that diesel transmission?  If so, do you have any interest in selling the front half case for it?  PM me if you have any interest.

 

 

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

All good questions.

[KurMot]

Yeah the rear strut tops stick up about an inch above the box sides, the box sides will be integral. I’m planning on doing a wide body kit that will tie the bottom of the box sides in securely and then the top will mount to the strut towers and cage. The reason that the doors were cut is because I welded 1/8” plate along the entire pinch weld of the Subaru and it was 1-3/4” wider than the Datsun. I’ve got all the parts from this truck except the body panels that I’ll sell. 

[Z23T]

Cool, I like it. Whats your plan for the front where the core support is sticking out?

[KurMot]

https://imgur.com/a/4cYofBu

here’s a pic of the hood close to where it’ll be sitting. I was able to cut under where the hood scoop is and slide the hood forward. Next step is to get the fenders mounted on the front side and figure out final position for the hood. I’ve ordered 4 new 5-3/4” round headlights with the halo driving light, then it’ll switch to amber to be the turn signal. Hopefully parts show up soon so I can keep getting stuff done

[KurMot]

here’s a front viewthis is what I’m going to try to make the hood and grill of this truck look like. 

[KurMot]

got sometime over the holidays to start putting the front end together. I’m really happy with how it’s turning out. I’ve never done any kind of bodywork before so it’s a slow process, but amazing to see my ideas in my head come to life in metal!!

[KurMot]

here’s the beginning of the chin spoiler and wide body. Still gotta mount the bottom of the fenders and weld the metal below the grill but it’s really taking shape 

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

Nice work on the hood. This must not be your first rodeo.

[Z23T]

Nice work on the front end sheet metal.

[KurMot]

I’ve been able to get a lot of work done lately. I’m lovin the way it’s coming together 

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

Me too.

[KurMot]