2001 Toyota Tundra
Specs:
214,000 miles
4.7L V8
Access Cab
TRD Package
1 family owner truck
319ft-lbs torque
245hp
4wd
7200lbs towing capacity
Project Overview
This is a 2001 Toyota Tundra, I got this truck from my neighbor as his family recently upgraded to a new EV and they didnt need it anymore. With the constant need for a vehicle that can haul decent amounts, this 1500$ truck was perfect, and with my love of camping and the out doors, i could eventually convert this to my dream rig
Investigation and Examination
After examination, the following issues where identified:
Rusted off fuel door
Rusted through truck bed
Stained interior
Non retracting seat belts
Non functioning radio
No Ac
Steering fluid missing and leaking
Front headlight out
lights on gauge not lighting up
Repairs Rendered
After the issues where identified I went through the systems and was able to identify their causes:
AC was not working because the condenser had 15 holes in it and was letting the r134a out
Rust in truck bed was from water sitting between the bed and the frame of the truck
Leaks where from old seals on both sides and where a result of poor maintenance
Radio did not work because of faulty ground, but just replaced radio because I enjoy the sound of music
Hinge on gas door had rusted off from time so i welded it back together
Stains and non retracting seatbelts where from use over time and where fixed with boiling water and soap.
Dash lights where replaced with LED to add a more modern touch
Lessons Learned
I've only had this truck a short time, but in having it i have learned how durable and reliable machines are built and how I can use their designs in my future, and what i shouldn't do. For examples, the only thing that really broke on this truck was the AC, and that was due to poor shielding from the front grill of the truck, if the original engineers had put a mesh lining behind the grills, those rocks wouldn't have probably been able to make it into the condenser and destroyed it. Understanding how robustly engineered machines are built is one things, but being able to see how that act over decades of unsavory abuse is incredible.
Future Plans
This truck still needs quite a lot of work done to get to my end goal, including a:
Camper shell
Light bars
Winch
120v outlet in truck bed
Please check out the other projects I've done and I hope you enjoyed!