Project Prius Truck Pickup Trius conversion.

Hi Dxta,

1 - Fuel use: I expect mpg to decrease some for highway use. Because of air flow issues. Not as slick in the wind.
In town I doubt much change.

2 - Bed material:. Bed and fenders are fibreglass.
I'm going to weigh when finished.
I doubt much change.

3 - Reinforce question: l did not beef up the floor. Frame system is pretty strong.
I am tying the roof rails all the way down through the bed to attach at rear Prius Frame area. I think that will sufficently maintain structural integrity. I do not expect any additional flexing in normal use. I've driven it without that support and see no closing of door gaps.

In reality, what will I have accomplished?
1:The car is not going to have any increase in weight carrying ability. (Without spring change)
2: As a "Ute" it may have lower cubic feet of carrying ability.
3: I suppose I have made carrying dirty stuff easier to deal with - mulch, garbage, yard clippings, hairy wet dog trips.
4: I enjoy the creative, design, "doing" part of a project as much as enjoying it's use.
5: Project Prius truck is just an exercise in fun.

Thanks for your interest.
Gary K
Manchester TN.

 

Update: Friday May 1, 2020.

I have 60 hours in.
This includes many "figuring it out".
And taking pictures and making notes.
So, at this point I'd estimate 50 hours work.
I have completed all MAJOR fabrication.
I now must get the bodywork, trim, and headliner finished up. I'm gonna estimate an additional 30 plus hours.
My thinkin': with 80 hours, at even $40 an hour which a local body shop charges, this is about $3200 worth of work plus about $500 parts and paint supplies. ($3700.)
But at "hobby work" kind of money ($20. Hr) that's $2100 total.
It's certainly worth that to me. Plus vehicle value running $135k miles, (say $2900)
So I'm in at $4000 for a fun little "toot around town" head Turner "Prius TR-K".
And it should be good for another 100K miles. And in my analysis that is worth 10 cents a mile or $10,000.
I'm good.
I will update upon final completion and post pictures then.
Respectfully,
Gary K
Manchester TN.

 

I have focused on redoing some wiring and getting rear side windows "squared away".

Here are the side back window frames.
I used another set of Prius posts from back doors but opposite sides. I am using all factory Prius parts so it will look like Toyota did it. Cut from a junk Prius.
For any older Prius parts please check with AutoBeYours in Scottsburg Indiana.
They are experts and have many parts vehicles.

 

I do not know why duplicate pictures posted.
Can an admin or knowledgeable member assist in removing duplicates?

Update: 5-6-2020.
I have not been working continually on my "Trius TRX" (final name).
But I've made headway on some details.
For those still interested ; Here are a few pictures of items i have addressed.

"C" and "D" posts.
Rear roof termination.
Hybrid and 12V battery mounting locations.



I have been able to combine the top hinged 6" of the rear hatch with the rear wing of the hatch to form a factory looking end to the roof.

I wanted to leave the roof intact to avoid altering the side airbag system.
It maintains the Prius roofline and gives the vehicle structural integrity by tying the back side roof beams to the rear floor and frame via the black bars.

This choice left me with an exposed pinchweld that had to be addressed.
1: cut it off and weld the 3' length and related bodywork.
2: trim it out in some fashion.
I decided #2.
So, I took spare window frames and attached giving a "d" post.

I also have considered using a slim body side molding to cover the pinchweld.
I may explore that option.

I located the Traction battery forward so as not to affect bed space or height.
I mounted 12V behind passenger seat along with brake box and fan system
.
I have extended the wiring as need by using a spare harness from a junk so I have factory correct connectors for extensions.

I drove the Trius today about 29 miles.
I had a no start condition a couple days ago but charging the 12V and remounting my 12V ground appears to resolve the issue.

Best Regards.
[email protected]
GaryK.
Manchester TN.

 

Thanks! Tideland and Montgomery.
GaryK
Manchester TN

 

To be completed:
1: Wire and test rear lighting.
Must be extended.
2: resolve fuel filler next and related by fabricating inside bed wheel cover boxes.
3: final fabrication of rear slinging glass and cab back.
4: mold new wheel Arch's for back fenders.
5: install side back windows.
6: reinstall shortened headliner.
7: fabricate back metal "headliner.
8: final paint.

Question for interested parties.
Should the paint style be:
1: red roof / black bars?
2: red roof / red bars?
3: black roof / black bars?
4: paint roof in front of "new cab" red and overbed roof and bars black?
5: paint entire roof from windshield back all satin black?

Wife wanted entire car, except bars, the brighter sport Trac bed color which I like but except for roof and hood touchup, car did not need painting.
So for labor savings I'm considering painting all needed areas the factory Prius color and the top areas selected gloss or satin black.

I can't Photoshop or I'd show comparison pictures.

Feel free to share opinions.

Best regards.
GaryK
Manchester TN.

 

Oldtechaa has cast a vote for #4.
Black above bed with remaining roof red.

I actually am leaning towards that as well.
This approach visually delineates the cab section from the bed section.
That seem conventional and good given this project has conflicting styling cues.
Is it a car? A truck? A Ute?
That has been the unintended conflict that came with maintaining the roof line ( for 3 reasons.)

To recap prior posts.
1. Provided a way to tie roof to Prius frame at back of bed.
2. Allowed keeping the sidecurtain airbags.
3. Kept visual lies of Prius which I like.
4. Allowed use of Prius rear wing to terminate roof.
5. Did not have to cut the darn roof.

So as 3 reasons turn to 5...
"It was EASIER wins".

Hope you find this interesting.
GaryK
Manchester TN.

"Be Kind - The Lesson of Covid One Nine".
GK.

 

Hi. Is there a way to have new replies on threads to come first and older ones last?
I have to scroll through many pages to get to newest material.
I am on an Android phone.

Thanks
GaryK
Manchester TN