It’s too bad you can’t recover time, because I’ve put a ton of it into my ’81 Toyota pickup. Even though the investment in materials and parts has been significant, the time investment is still the over-arching biggie.
Why is the Phoenix going back to the ashes?
There are several reasons.
First, I didn’t handle the DMV paperwork well. The smart way would’ve been to file non-operational status. Non-op status means that the normal yearly registration fees are not due until the vehicle is returned to service. I didn’t file for non-op status, and instead just let the fees pile up. Long story short: I’m looking at a minimum of $350 in back DMV fees. Ouch.
Second, the Phoenix needs an engine swap. I’ve gone on and on about my dislike of the carbureted 22R engine. Nothing’s changed; I still don’t like that engine and I’m not about to drive a carbureted slug. Engine swaps are time-consuming, and right now, it’s time I don’t have. Furthermore, engine swaps in California require interaction with California Air Resources Board referees. I’ve yet to talk to a referee, but there are as many horror stories about dealing with C.A.R.B. referees as there are about trips to Baja gone wrong.
Third, I’m in over my head with another project. I’m building a desert racing truck from bumper to bumper. I’ve learned the hard way that if you’re doing a significant amount of the work yourself it’s best to do one project at a time.
Fourth, Collette, my wife, hates the Phoenix! The Phoenix used to be my daily driver. While we took some fun trips and drove some fun trails in that truck, it’s pretty cramped inside. It’s loud, too. Add in all the times it’s died or otherwise left me stranded, and I don’t blame her a bit for hating the thing. Oddly enough, I’ve never broken a Birfield. Chalk it up to 33-inch tires, a weak engine, and knowing when to back off the throttle.
Fifth and finally, in my heart of hearts, I wasn’t looking forward to driving it once the Phoenix was back to life. I don’t have a tow rig or a trailer. That means every trail starts and ends in the driveway. Cramped, loud, hot, and uncomfortable aren’t fun on the way to and from the trail.
The Phoenix has some good hard parts, and I’ll be stripping those off and saving them for the future. Suzuki Samurai’s are perfect candidates for Toyota axles. There’s always the possibility of putting some Toy axles under a vintage flatfender, a sure way to annoy Toyota and Jeep purists alike in one fell swoop. Another viable idea is to use my tranny, transfer case, and axles to convert a 2WD Toyota into a capable 4x4.
Body and frame, meet Mr. Sawzall!
I’ve drawn a line in the sand, and I’ve made a plan. Check back soon to see if I developed the wherewithal to go through with it.