Project Prius Truck Pickup Trius conversion.

2

Also next post: option 3: cut up the front bulge section of the fender and relocate to the opening and fibreglass it. Pic added.

Pictures.

 

Option 3:

I wish the bed side fenders were metal but they are fibreglass so that's what I have.
All other major issues are resolved.
This will be too.
If it goes well, I may make molds for the fender or portion needed.
I'd like to build another for myself or someone.
Best regards,
GaryK
Manchester TN

 

Hi. I've read another thread on suspension upgrades on base Prius.
Mentioned is a "BT Stiffening Brace".
Can someone please explain what this is regarding brand and where available?
If a manufactured product exist for front to rear floor stiffening, I'd like to install.
Thanks.

Update, I googled it. Still learning.
Unless it's "Between Towers" I still don't know but I'm studying it and see good info on PRIUS CHAT.

GaryK
Manchester TN
Personal Project:
Prius "Trius TRX"
Truck Conversion.

 

Thanks again for sharing your discovered suspension improvement.

To clarify, if I'm buying new parts for this upgrade -
Front: 2010 Matrix AWD front struts and springs - no alterations.
Rear: use 2010 Matrix AWD "perch" and Matrix "spring" on Gen 2 Prius strut/shock.

Have I understood correctly?
Also, how many inches front and rear do you think lift is?

Best Regards,
GaryK
Manchester TN
Prius "Trius TRX"
Truck Conversion.
(931-409-9981)

 

Thank you sir.

 

Update Saturday 5-23-2020:

I have finally worked on the transition between the Pruis roof rails and "roll bar" extension.
It was a trouble spot. I decided to build a raised metal trim piece to allow the angle of the roof rails to meet the round black bar. In doing so, I extended the shape of the rear Prius "wing" onto the trim piece.
I've painted black from the cab on rearward.
This seperates the cab from the bed visually even though the roof continues.
I do Still need final body work detailing and paint, as well as wheel arch reshaping.

I am 8 days over my goal of wife's birthday 5-15.
But, I've had loggers here and I built a road and pond so I have excuses.

Best regards.
GaryK
Manchester TN

 

The transition process:

 

Thank you "SK".
I hope to accomplish final paint and details in the next two weeks.
Best regards,
GaryK
Manchester TN

 

A few minor advances for anyone following.

1: work on fenders to match Prius wheel arch. Also lower fender trim. This is to cover fender bolts and Finnish bottom front of fender.
2: mounted battery actuator, fan and duct.
(Still have to create inlet air box with filter.)
3: other minor stuff.

GaryK
Manchester TN.

 

Better picture of 12v battery corner area behind passenger seat.

 

Well... Work on fenders progress.
I decided to cancel plans for the fender "spats" or flares on lower front of rear bed fenders.
I've extended the fender to bolt under the rocker.
I'm also attempting to maintain a "bolt-on" bed side so as to be able to access behind the seats via back doors. So far, it's working.
To do so, I'll likely bolt on front area where bed side meets the door. I'll use painted countersunk Allen head bolts.

 

Working on platform over the traction battery, 12V battery and fan system.
Made a road trip of 150 miles a few days ago. Fan came on, vehicle functioned well.

 

Installing in-bed wheelwells and gas filler.
And Traction Battery cover.

 

Drove to HomeDepot and O'Reillys Auto today and "Trius TRX" was met with much approval.

This week: final paint prep and paint.
To include roof ( clear coat peeled).
Hood ( chips)
Both rear doors from my work.
Both bed sides. Bed to be sport Trac color.
Bed forward will fade to Prius color.
I could paint bed Prius color but I like the concept of change from Prius to Truck to be demonstrated in color as well as function.
If I don't like it after basecoat I'll respray to one color.
We'll see how the transformation eventuates.
Fun almost over.

 

Hi GoliathMV,
As I likely stated earlier in my first "what was he thinking" post, I'm confident that the "volume" capacity of the Prius was greater before this adventure. "Without modifications to the vehicle" was never a consideration; modification WAS the point. I'm age 70.
This is just an adventure.
My motivation was not to improve it but to change it.
We had this car 12 years and 135K miles.we bought wife a new 2018 Prius upon her retirement.
This one sat after a failed attempt to assist a family friend with a good vehicle. He was a "no-pay" and this one sat for a year with bad traction battery cells.
New car also provides somewhat better dependability for many long trips. And certainly we can fold down the seats as needed on the new car.
Also wife wanted a small truck to haul nasty-dirty stuff, trash, mulch, plants, sticks and stones etc. And dogs to garbage collection facility. We can "hose it out".
She is not comfortable driving my 1/2 ton extended cab.
And the side benefit is depreciation cost of the "Trius" is likely around $.05 a mile and the new car about 15-20 cents a mile.
If we can get 70000-100,000 miles from the old car, that's $7-$10K value.
Sell value fixed and running about $3500+-.
So keeping may be an OK investment.
Of course, $3500 from a sold car, if invested, could be $7-10K over 7 years too.
So it's equal investment wise.
But I've been a new car service manager, a garage owner, and a customizing shop owner.
I like doing stuff and this will create interest and conversation and has been fun and rewarding to build.
A picture is attached of next Project -
1962 Jeep FleetVan.

So, "long story, short" as they say:
"It's Fun, It's ours, and I can do it" is the real reason for this adventure.
Best regards All.
GaryK
Manchester TN. ( I am not aware of choices for pulling a trailer with Prius but I see it's done. I'm confident you will find a thread on Prius Chat about that subject. Have Fun.)