Help finding/building my Husband's dream truck

I have been making a list of all the things my Husband wants in a truck (He mostly likes old trucks, but, I would be ok with a newer one if it had a lot of things He wants). I am trying to buy one and surprise Him with it but it's been harder to find than I thought.

Any helpful ideas on how I find specific features?

I will give you some examples here.
- 4x4 manual transmission
- good condition, minimal rust
- only black, red or white, nothing flashy
- He loves the matter black
- manual windows
- He loves when there is no carpet on the floor and it's just metal but, looks good!
- He's tall, so enough leg room or the seat moved back
- rear seat delete -- bonus of there is a dog platform (for His dogs)


*Although I know some things (like the rear seat delete) can be done after market--I would still like to find the other things already done, if possible.

I would really appreciate ANY real help with this. I have been looking a lot.

 

Rubber 'carpeting' is difficult to find in an OE application, but can be bought to replace carpet.

Manual windows are pretty difficult to find in newer models

OE rear seat delete is out there, but......

All 3 of the above are typically found in 'fleet' models, almost always white and 2wd.

You won't find any 'metal floor' in a OE config.

 

Thank you for this info.

I was more looking for a vehicle that someone may have already done some of this to...or a place I could buy a truck and they could do at least the rear seat delete and maybe put a custom matte finish on it etc... but just want to make sure it's done right without comprising the vehicle. Also, def want to start with a 4x4 manual.

The manual windows can be overlooked because those tends to be the hardest to find.

 

Then instead of posting in 'general Tacoma talk' you should try the regional forum that applies to you. You should mention other requirements, such as a budget range, mileage range, engine preference and year range (may be budget controlled)

Of course you can also monitor the BST forum. While you can't post there yet, you can DM a seller if something catches your eye.

Good luck!

 

Thank you so much!

 

Just to clarify, does he want specifically a Toyota Tacoma or is he interested in other trucks?

 

Oh no, I have a long list I've compiled of the vehicles He likes, just wasn't sure if this was JUST Tacoma talk or others:

Here's the basics:

Favorite current truck: Toyota Tacoma TRD (sport or offroad) double cab 6-speed manual 4wd - 6 ft bed

But, He loves all older Tacomas (4x4 manual)

Other models He likes (but only 4x4 trims, manual transmissions, and short beds)
Ford Bronco (2nd – 5th generations)
Chevy Blazer (1973 – 1994 model years)
Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler
Jeep Cherokee (1974-1983)
Toyota FJ40 Land cruiser
Toyota FJ43 Land Cruiser
Toyota FJ45 Land Cruiser Troopy (not the FJ45 pickup though)
Toyota HJ47 Land Cruiser Troopy (not the HJ47 pickup though)
Toyota FJ60 Land Cruiser
Toyota FJ62 Land Cruiser
Toyota PZJ75 Land Cruiser Troopy (not the PZJ75 pickup though)
Toyota Pickup SR5 4x4 XtraCab (1984-1995)
Toyota Hilux (1983-1989)
Toyota T100 4x4 (only the 3.4L V6, not the 3.0L)
GMC Jimmy 4x4 (1970-1991 model years)
Ford F100/F150/F250/F350 4x4 (1973-1997 model years)
Chevrolet K10/K20/K30 and V10/V20/V30 (1973-1991 model years)
GMC K1500/K2500/K3500 (1973-1991 model years)
Chevrolet 1500/2500/3500 4x4 (1999-2006)
Chevrolet Suburban (1973-1991)
Dodge Ram 4x4 (1981-1993)
Dodge Ram Charger 4x4 (1981-1993)
Mitsubishi Montero (also “Pajero”) 4x4 (1983-1991)

 

FJ60

 

Pretty rare. And even more miserable turning radius than the short bed.

If he wants a dog platform an access cab should be fine, and all access cabs are 6' beds

 

Thank you! I'll look that up and read up on it!

 

Speaking as someone that's presently looking for a '78-79 f-series 4x4 truck for somewhat cheap (less than $5k) as a project/work vehicle, a rust free, sorted-out example is going to run about $40k. $10-20k examples will generally be in very good condition, but will definitely not always be turn-key, with many requiring transmission or engine work, and most will still have the legendary ford cab corner rot. Bronco's are another market entirely, with even further stratospheric pricing. Many surpass $100,000. FJ40's are similar to the bronco market. $10k gets a complete assembly of antique parts, with turn key models low end around $40-60k, with much of the market at full restorations topping $100k.

You don't state your budget, but I bring this up to offer a realistic perspective on what you can hope to accomplish with what you were planning to commit to the cause.

Also be very aware of replacement parts availability. LMC truck is a good start due a lot of domestic models. Toyota has its niche groups, but parts can be difficult to come by, especially interior plastics. And pajero's have minimal if any parts support within the US.

 

Kelly, what you want to do for your husband in surprising him with a truck is a very loving wonderful thing. You are an awesome wife. But I think picking out a truck is something you should let him do on his own. A guys truck is a special thing, can't really explain it. If he has a single specific truck he wanted , specific color, specific everything then id say go ahead and surprise him. But there are so many on the list to choose from and so many variables you may not get the one he really wants. He’d never tell you its not really what he wanted but he may be forever disappointed, but he’ll act like he really loves it. My wife has surprised me with things I really didn’t like that much. I didn’t tell her I didn’t like it and if it was a sweater or something it didn’t really matter. But if she got me a truck that wasn’t something I really wanted that would be quite a different matter. Just encourage him to get his truck’ and go along with him to “help” him find the perfect truck. I may be way off base here but it’s just my 2 cents worth. Please don’t take offense.

 

Not offended at all and really appreciate your thoughts on this.

We have a unique situation -- He works A LOT and also would probably never get one for Himself. He always gives me the nicer vehicles and won't take the time or money to go get something this big for Himself.

I may have complicated things here by offering all the different vehicles but, that list has been compiled over a long time and I am certain He would be more than happy with anything on that list. I am however leaning more toward the newer vehicle and then just doing a back seat delete on it.

I just want Him to have something that is all His and not shared with anyone else in the family. It doesn't have to be His last vehicle, just one He loves. It will mean a lot to Him. I am positive.

 

You go girl. I think everyone here is envious of your husband in that he has a great wife like you.

 

Access cab vs double cab for the dog platform is a matter of dog size. My buddy traded his access cab in for a double cab because it wasn’t as good for his Pit / Husky mix.

I agree I think it’s also a really awesome thing that you’re doing for your husband and I would be super stoked if you helped me and surprise me with a dream truck. Getting a great Tacoma is a lot like finding a needle in a haystack unfortunately but setting up some auto trader or whatever site alerts for when vehicles get posted goes a long way towards finding the one that you want.

 

A TRD wife will find three.

A good T100 is a solid bet. Be picky on the motor unless you go full build.

Your going to have more babies after you buy him a T100 so look at those sick vintage 2 wheel drive campers with the 22r. Next you need one real practical truck. A g2 you can buy all three for cheap if you look around

 

Awww, thank you! But, I'm truly the lucky one. He deserves this more than anyone I know!

Appreciate all this feedback.

 

We have a big dog (120lbs) . I was just reading about access cabs today (because of a previous post). I think I agree.

Set up an auto trader alert. If you have any other site recommendations to get this done, would love to hear that!!

Thank you!

 

Here is a place to look...they have all kinds of vehicles in all ages.

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/rvs-trailers-boats

 

Toyota never made any double cab long beds with a manual transmission.

A lot of Tacoma trims have really functional back seat cargo configurations that are great for dogs even without a rear seat delete. My 3rd gen double cab seats fold down flat making a cargo deck that is perfect for my dog. It also is only 2 bolts to remove the part that folds forward in order to create more space.

A lot of people will say negative things about the 6ft bed but I have yet to meet someone who has one and regrets getting it.

1st gen Tundras are basically the same size as the new Tacomas amd are slightly less in demand. They may be worth looking at especially if he wants cab and bed space with a manual transmission. They do get worse gas mileage because of the bigger engine but bigger engine.....