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1996 Vitara Fatboy Minitruck - Saved from the blade

stealthstylz Club Retro Rides Member Posts: 14,961 Club RR Member Number: 174	1996 Vitara Fatboy Minitruck - Saved from the blade stealthstylz @stealthstylz Club Retro Rides Member 174
	Apr 1, 2015 21:55:36 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Biggest news is I am now road legal. After a self enforced 6 month driving ban to make me stop being a fat c**t it's nice to be back on the road again. A small story - for the MOT I needed new seatbelts. The previous owner/professional welder had bodged some MR2 seats into it but not swapped the seatbelt buckles over, and had then ground down the Suzuki seat belt clips to try and fit them in the Toyota buckle (it didn't, and is the worst kind of death causing bodge). I went to the local scrapyard looking for some suitable belts that I could make work (similar year Swift looked possible) when my dad spotted a Vitara hiding in the 4x4 section. It was 2 minutes to closing so I whipped the seatbelts out, went home and fitted them. Took it for a MOT the next day which it failed on a couple of small things (headlamp aim, number plate bulb out, clip missing off brake line). Back to the scrapyard I go, bits got to fix it with plenty of time to go to retest same day. However I decided to delay as the scrap Vitara had something that I wanted but didn't think I could afford, even 2nd hand. Anyway retested this morning with a pass, and we're now at this stage. Quicker to remove than the soft top, quieter, drier, warmer, more secure. Needs painting but that'll have to wait till the sun shines.


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sciclone Part of things Posts: 896	1996 Vitara Fatboy Minitruck - Saved from the blade sciclone @sciclone
	Apr 2, 2015 2:19:57 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Oh.. the resin tops. Make sure you keep them in good condition. New from Suzuki you're looking at roughly AUD 5000 retail..


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varelse Posted a lot Posts: 3,515	1996 Vitara Fatboy Minitruck - Saved from the blade varelse @varelse
	Apr 2, 2015 2:29:54 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Probably won't have the same UV destroying effects as we get down here, though. Nice conversion from stock to something unique. Does the scrap Vitara have a better condition tailgate? This makes me want to find and buy a Vitara to continue with my own plans, but one project at a time...
	Morris Minor retrorides.proboards.com/thread/157923/ Toyota Cressida retrorides.proboards.com/thread/189277/ Spot Thread From Downunder retrorides.proboards.com/thread/164032/

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sciclone Part of things Posts: 896	1996 Vitara Fatboy Minitruck - Saved from the blade sciclone @sciclone
	Apr 2, 2015 2:43:24 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Apr 2, 2015 2:29:54 GMT varelse said: Probably won't have the same UV destroying effects as we get down here, though. Nice conversion from stock to something unique. Does the scrap Vitara have a better condition tailgate? This makes me want to find and buy a Vitara to continue with my own plans, but one project at a time... Varelse, I know someone selling a soft top Vitara that's RWC if you are interested.


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varelse Posted a lot Posts: 3,515	1996 Vitara Fatboy Minitruck - Saved from the blade varelse @varelse
	Apr 2, 2015 4:13:38 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	I am, but I don't have the money until tax time probably, as I've just booked a trip for half of June and need to sort out some cash for flights and accomm, still. I was also planning on finding one going for cheap with a mashed body as I won't need most of it. Also needs to be SWB, which I suppose a soft top would be. If I remember, I'll swing you a pm when I've got some cash rounded up and see if it's still available. Slightly on topic, I now think I can get away with less cans of paint to do my daily, looking at how far 5 cans got!
	Morris Minor retrorides.proboards.com/thread/157923/ Toyota Cressida retrorides.proboards.com/thread/189277/ Spot Thread From Downunder retrorides.proboards.com/thread/164032/

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stealthstylz Club Retro Rides Member Posts: 14,961 Club RR Member Number: 174	1996 Vitara Fatboy Minitruck - Saved from the blade stealthstylz @stealthstylz Club Retro Rides Member 174
	Apr 2, 2015 15:08:12 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Yeah they're not cheap, the curse word copy versions that attach with self tappers are £800 new and sell for £3-400 second hand. This is the proper original version with built in catches so it can be removed in seconds. Ive added some extra foam weather strip and spaced the front catches down to pull the roof tighter and there's zero wind noise now.


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stealthstylz Club Retro Rides Member Posts: 14,961 Club RR Member Number: 174	1996 Vitara Fatboy Minitruck - Saved from the blade stealthstylz @stealthstylz Club Retro Rides Member 174
	Apr 12, 2015 9:27:24 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Been driving round in this for a couple of weeks ish now. Started the process of lowering it by removing some coils and chopping the bump stop towers down on the front. I've also started the process of painting everything underneath so it looks nice. So far i've got the axle and links done. Need to drop the tank to sort a couple of pinholes out then that can get painted too. It's all going orange. Anyway with some 225/50s to replace the 255/60s and a set of 30mm spacers we're now here. Once the sub boxes go in it will bring the back down a lot then I can do any further fettling that is needed. I've also ordered some carpet and cloth so I can retrim all the interior. I've never had a "nice" car, think its about time I started.


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ramirez Part of things Posts: 290	1996 Vitara Fatboy Minitruck - Saved from the blade ramirez @ramirez
	Apr 12, 2015 10:14:00 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Clicked on this by accident... so glad I did! Looking forward to seeing it progress.
	Living the dream. Restore's classic car's for a living! Project Racer: '99 Arosa Project Touge Outlaw: '87 Porsche 924S Project Street sleeper: '95 BMW E34 540i/A Touring Project Mafia: '04 BMW E53 3.0d

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logie Kinda New Posts: 5	1996 Vitara Fatboy Minitruck - Saved from the blade logie @logie
	Apr 12, 2015 10:46:21 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Ive just joined as i fancied something retro.. id need to sell my daily driver which is a grand vitara 2.5V6 but this is giving me ideas.


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Kieran Posted a lot Posts: 1,092	1996 Vitara Fatboy Minitruck - Saved from the blade Kieran @kieranzxt
	Apr 12, 2015 11:42:32 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Saw this today looking badass, near Pinderfields in Wakefield. I was on the blue zx9r bike and peeped at you!.
	Last Edit: Apr 12, 2015 11:43:00 GMT by Kieran The Ashby Jackson fleet:- 1979 Mini Clubman 1.8 K series 1978 Skoda 110r Project 130RS K-oupe 1978 Austin Allegro 1500 SDL Estate 1984 BMW K100 Sidecar outfit 1999 Yamaha FZS 1000 Fazer 1991 Kawasaki ZXR400 race bike 2002 Kawasaki ZX9r race bike

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varelse Posted a lot Posts: 3,515	1996 Vitara Fatboy Minitruck - Saved from the blade varelse @varelse
	Apr 12, 2015 12:45:51 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Looking better and better. What's the plan for the top? I'm in two minds whether or not a row of spotlights above the windscreen would finish this or push it too far. Surfboard would also work
	Morris Minor retrorides.proboards.com/thread/157923/ Toyota Cressida retrorides.proboards.com/thread/189277/ Spot Thread From Downunder retrorides.proboards.com/thread/164032/

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stealthstylz Club Retro Rides Member Posts: 14,961 Club RR Member Number: 174	1996 Vitara Fatboy Minitruck - Saved from the blade stealthstylz @stealthstylz Club Retro Rides Member 174
	Apr 12, 2015 13:54:19 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Apr 12, 2015 11:42:32 GMT Kieran said: Saw this today looking badass, near Pinderfields in Wakefield. I was on the blue zx9r bike and peeped at you!. Ha wondered who it was, same bike as a woman I used to work with's chap. The white top has really grown on me, needs painting but just gonna keep it white. Ive got a surf board to go on once its painted.


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nomad Posted a lot Posts: 2,948	1996 Vitara Fatboy Minitruck - Saved from the blade nomad @nomad
	Apr 12, 2015 17:12:22 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	I don't normally go for this type of thing but I like this a lot The graphics really suit it and make it stand out (fitting a 2nd alternator is a first for me) Top marks for the low-budget changes and taking the time to do the write-up. Looks like an fun toy sorted just in time for summer
	Random picdump for your entertainment forum.retro-rides.org/thread/197691/womble-ing-improvising-photo-diary?page=8 Selling up - Italjet 50cc Minibike and more : retrorides.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=othrmod&action=display&thread=125072 Working without broadband - replies may take a while.

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joem83 Posted hell of a lot Posts: 7,067	1996 Vitara Fatboy Minitruck - Saved from the blade joem83 @joem83
	Apr 12, 2015 17:23:33 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Looks great, how about fading the white roof to yellow to match the sky on the gfx. So would start white at top and fade to yellow near the bottom?
	1991 Mk2 Golf 1.8t 20v - Project Modus Operandi: 2) If you haven't got something constructive to say, say nothing

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stealthstylz Club Retro Rides Member Posts: 14,961 Club RR Member Number: 174	1996 Vitara Fatboy Minitruck - Saved from the blade stealthstylz @stealthstylz Club Retro Rides Member 174
	Apr 12, 2015 18:16:52 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	That's an interesting idea. I think I'm gonna continue the side stripe across the tailgate too when I get a straight one its a bit plain.


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fr€$h&m1nt¥ Posted hell of a lot Posts: 6,598 Club RR Member Number: 99	1996 Vitara Fatboy Minitruck - Saved from the blade fr€$h&m1nt¥ @freshandminty Club Retro Rides Member 99
	Apr 12, 2015 19:13:14 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Looking spot on. Good call on carrying the orange stripe around onto tailgate. Any plans for a spare wheel on the tailgate? With a cover? Sorry if I missed that further up.
	Fresh&Minty

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Seth South East MorrisOxford TriumphMirald HillmanMinx BorgwardIsabellaCombi Posts: 15,543	1996 Vitara Fatboy Minitruck - Saved from the blade Seth @seth
	Apr 12, 2015 19:19:18 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	So, when are you lowering it?
	Follow your dreams or you might as well be a vegetable.

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generallee Posted a lot Posts: 1,097	1996 Vitara Fatboy Minitruck - Saved from the blade generallee @generallee
	Apr 12, 2015 19:22:38 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	My brother and his wife had one of these a few years back. It was metallic pink with a white soft top, I thought it was really nasty. It went for MOT and the fella said "if there are many speedbumps on the way home I'd go slowly..." it was that rotten. This one I really like. It's not my usual bag at all, but it really works. I also like the idea of a load of subs in the back, can't remember the last time I heard a car roll past with the number plate buzzing. Kids these days have no idea, a mobile phone is no good for pumping choonz!


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pOG Posted a lot SHATNER'S BASSOON Posts: 1,341	1996 Vitara Fatboy Minitruck - Saved from the blade pOG @pog
	Apr 12, 2015 20:23:24 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	This just gets better & better. Loving your work.


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slackerTHEpinstriper Posted a lot Loco Bastards Car Punx Posts: 4,998	1996 Vitara Fatboy Minitruck - Saved from the blade slackerTHEpinstriper @slacker
	Apr 12, 2015 21:31:07 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top
	Had good reports back on this from Leeds cruise last night


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