1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Project Prius Truck Pickup Trius conversion.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Gary Kiviniemi, Apr 22, 2020.

  1. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2020
    58
    91
    0
    Location:
    Manchester TN
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    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.

    IMG_20200502_122017651.jpg IMG_20200517_154305711.jpg Pictures.
     
    #61 Gary Kiviniemi, May 17, 2020
    Last edited: May 17, 2020
  2. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2020
    58
    91
    0
    Location:
    Manchester TN
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    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

    IMG_20200501_184546902.jpg IMG_20200517_155622584.jpg
     
    PA Prius and bisco like this.
  3. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2020
    58
    91
    0
    Location:
    Manchester TN
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    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.
     
    #63 Gary Kiviniemi, May 19, 2020
    Last edited: May 19, 2020
  4. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2020
    58
    91
    0
    Location:
    Manchester TN
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    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)
     
    #64 Gary Kiviniemi, May 19, 2020
    Last edited: May 19, 2020
  5. strawbrad

    strawbrad http://minnesotahybridbatteries.com

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2011
    953
    993
    0
    Location:
    Minnesota
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    II
    No, you have not understood correctly. For the front a Matrix AWD spring is installed on a stock Prius strut.

    For the rear the easy way to get all new parts is buy a complete Matrix AWD spring and strut assembly and a bare Prius strut. Disassemble the Matrix strut and reinstall all the parts on the Prius strut.

    The lift was about 3".
     
    Gary Kiviniemi likes this.
  6. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2020
    58
    91
    0
    Location:
    Manchester TN
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Thank you sir.
     
  7. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2020
    58
    91
    0
    Location:
    Manchester TN
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    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
    IMG_20200523_183836290.jpg IMG_20200523_183836290.jpg IMG_20200523_160352481.jpg
     

    Attached Files:

    #67 Gary Kiviniemi, May 23, 2020
    Last edited: May 23, 2020
  8. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2020
    58
    91
    0
    Location:
    Manchester TN
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    The transition process:
    Screenshot_20200524-134802.png IMG_20200501_174253881.jpg Screenshot_20200524-135007.png Screenshot_20200524-134922.png Screenshot_20200524-134912.png IMG_20200524_130452535.jpg IMG_20200523_160217345.jpg
     
    San_Carlos_Jeff and Montgomery like this.
  9. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2015
    10,958
    8,836
    0
    Location:
    New England
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Wow! I just found this thread. Amazing what a skillful man can do given time.

    Kudos to your accomplishment. (y)
     
  10. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2020
    58
    91
    0
    Location:
    Manchester TN
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Thank you "SK".
    I hope to accomplish final paint and details in the next two weeks.
    Best regards,
    GaryK
    Manchester TN IMG_20200523_183836290.jpg
     
    Salamander_King likes this.
  11. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2020
    58
    91
    0
    Location:
    Manchester TN
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    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 IMG_20200525_203419095.jpg IMG_20200527_205807729.jpg IMG_20200524_210147452.jpg IMG_20200527_090601873.jpg IMG_20200527_210624860.jpg IMG_20200527_211556223.jpg
    Manchester TN. IMG_20200524_130304007.jpg IMG_20200524_125715134.jpg
     
  12. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2020
    58
    91
    0
    Location:
    Manchester TN
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Better picture of 12v battery corner area behind passenger seat. IMG_20200527_211608576.jpg IMG_20200523_160217345.jpg IMG_20200523_160358659_HDR.jpg
     
    Kaptainkid1, Montgomery and chelvis like this.
  13. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2020
    58
    91
    0
    Location:
    Manchester TN
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    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.
    IMG_20200523_160358659_HDR.jpg IMG_20200602_165840998.jpg
     
    #73 Gary Kiviniemi, Jun 2, 2020
    Last edited: Jun 2, 2020
    dolj likes this.
  14. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2020
    58
    91
    0
    Location:
    Manchester TN
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
  15. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2020
    58
    91
    0
    Location:
    Manchester TN
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    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.
    IMG_20200604_202011749.jpg
     
    Montgomery likes this.
  16. JamesGilmore

    JamesGilmore Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2018
    13
    2
    0
    Location:
    palmdale ca
    Vehicle:
    2002 Prius
    Model:
    I
    Looks like a Priuschero!
     
  17. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2020
    58
    91
    0
    Location:
    Manchester TN
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Installing in-bed wheelwells and gas filler.
    And Traction Battery cover. IMG_20200605_141747974.jpg
     

    Attached Files:

  18. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2020
    58
    91
    0
    Location:
    Manchester TN
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    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. IMG_20200613_185502515.jpg IMG_20200523_160209379.jpg
     
  19. GoliathMV

    GoliathMV Member

    Joined:
    May 18, 2018
    69
    33
    0
    Location:
    New York
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Your Idea is amazing and very productive yet I find that maybe you could have just put the back seats down or even removed them so you could keep rear door intact without major modifications to the vehicle. I still think the path you took was with reason as your looking for a 1/4 ton conversion and maybe with the removal of the rear seats you would have been shy of those dimensions you are looking for. I am seeking to do a project of my own with my 2010 Prius with 56,000 miles. I am wondering if anyone has done a tow hitch conversion for a mini camper to be pulled for some possible camping trips I intend on doing in the near future. I am 33 but my soul is much closer to 66. Maybe I am one of the good ones leaving this mission called humanity shortly. But before I go I want to experience America and its glory alone and comfortable before I kick the bucket any Ideas?
     
  20. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2020
    58
    91
    0
    Location:
    Manchester TN
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    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.)
    IMG_20200523_160413043_HDR.jpg IMG_20200510_190734064.jpg Screenshot_20200608-133646.png
     
    #80 Gary Kiviniemi, Jun 14, 2020
    Last edited: Jun 14, 2020