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. Dxta

    Dxta Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 7, 2016
    1,932
    766
    0
    Location:
    Lagos
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I'm just wondering also.
    1. Don't you think this modifications would impact on your fuel economy?
    2. Is the explorer cabin/rear, made of fibre, or something lighter?
    3. Are you reinforcing the Prius cargo area before mounting the explorer cabin?
     
  2. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

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

    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.
     
    #22 Gary Kiviniemi, Apr 30, 2020
    Last edited: May 1, 2020
  3. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2020
    58
    91
    0
    Location:
    Manchester TN
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    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. IMG_20200501_184532395.jpg
     

    Attached Files:

    Xterra72, PA Prius, ydpplqbd and 5 others like this.
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    love it.
     
    Gary Kiviniemi likes this.
  5. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

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

    IMG_20200504_182334443.jpg
     

    Attached Files:

    #25 Gary Kiviniemi, May 4, 2020
    Last edited: May 4, 2020
    Montgomery and bisco like this.
  6. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2015
    2,254
    2,233
    2
    Location:
    Orange County, CA
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I really like this. "Bill the Engineer".............where art Thou?
     
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  7. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2016
    11,251
    15,474
    0
    Location:
    Bay Area, California
    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    Trying to summon @Bill the Engineer :whistle:?

    He's alerted now(y).
     
    Prodigyplace likes this.
  8. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

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

    IMG_20200502_122017651.jpg IMG_20200504_182235693.jpg IMG_20200506_171006476_HDR.jpg IMG_20200506_152247878.jpg IMG_20200506_155813926.jpg IMG_20200506_155841568.jpg IMG_20200506_191233063.jpg

    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.
     
    #28 Gary Kiviniemi, May 6, 2020
    Last edited by a moderator: May 7, 2020
    ydpplqbd, bisco and Montgomery like this.
  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2004
    44,768
    16,017
    41
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
  10. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2015
    2,254
    2,233
    2
    Location:
    Orange County, CA
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I like the Jag sitting in your yard!!
     
    Gary Kiviniemi likes this.
  11. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

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

    Thanks! Tideland and Montgomery.
    GaryK
    Manchester TN
     
  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    looking good!(y)
     
  13. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

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


    IMG_20200501_184532395.jpg
     
    #33 Gary Kiviniemi, May 7, 2020
    Last edited: May 8, 2020
    ydpplqbd likes this.
  14. oldtechaa

    oldtechaa Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2018
    336
    221
    0
    Location:
    NZ
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius Alpha
    Model:
    N/A
    Personally, I would like to see everything behind the C pillar and above the black trim on the bed sides be black. So a line across the roof where it turns black, then black bars, down to the black trim on the sides of the bed. I think it'll look pretty good no matter how you paint it.
     
    Gary Kiviniemi likes this.
  15. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2020
    58
    91
    0
    Location:
    Manchester TN
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    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.
     
    #35 Gary Kiviniemi, May 8, 2020
    Last edited: May 8, 2020
  16. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

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

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2016
    11,696
    11,317
    0
    Location:
    Central Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I hope you ordered one from Toyota. Most all the refurbished ones are junk.
     
  18. Gary Kiviniemi

    Gary Kiviniemi Junior Member

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

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2016
    11,696
    11,317
    0
    Location:
    Central Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I use a web browser and whenever I choose an alert it takes me to the correct post in the thread.
     
    Montgomery likes this.
  20. chelvis

    chelvis Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2011
    83
    49
    0
    Location:
    Long Valley, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    Gary, this is a very impressive build. You could go plastidip black in some spots instead of paint, just to see how it looks.
    Keep up the great work!

    Tom
     
    Montgomery likes this.