G'day MF,
didn't Double Edged Sword Motor Company have corrosion issues at the back of the cab where the chassis starts? Yes they did.
Have you got any more details?
Yes, I'm led to believe that is a known issue.
Will know if my ute is affected by this one before week's end, as I'm taking it over to my panelbeater to get a thorough 'cash basis repair/refurb estimate'. Then to run the numbers...
I have seen some trade customised bodies replete with tool chests and cabinets in all combinations.
The Ford is certainly more car like in feel compared to the Japanese sourced offerings. I find the basic Toyota Hiluxes I've driven, both manual and auto to be quite enjoyable to drive precisely because of their utilitarian charm.
Hiluxes, particularly the late IFS ones, are very car-like to drive. Custom bodies for trade users are one of the standout 'selling points' of a cab chassis design, BTW.
Not like my old trayback FJ45 Landcruiser, that I bought back in 1984 - that was definitely a truck!
It did earn the accolade of 'deceptively quick' though, from a mechanic mate who was something of a petrolhead, but was mainly interested in Euro 'rally cars'.
Deceptively quick for a Landcruiser, you ask ?
Well, that was after I pretty much had an engine swap forced on me [turned out that the head on the original 2F 6 cyl petrol donk was cracked], and one thing led to another - which 'may' have led to me becoming just a little carried away...
But every bloke deserves one 'young man's folly' vehicle, I reckon.
So it ended up getting a transplant of a fully reco '4-bolt block' 350 Chev engine, mated up to a recoed GM Turbo-Hydramatic 400 auto [with soft shift kit installed as part of the reco], mated up to the original Toyota transfer case...
That setup was actually significantly lighter in weight, than the Tojo 4.2L 6cyl + cast iron bellhousing + 4spd manual box.
And it was incredible just how well it all worked...
