Split down the middle gt-4 build *Update 1/2/12* Options

[jmeyer]

Doing an AWD Right Drive Swap, pictures explain it all. If you don't like my way go buy your own and build it better, then you can talk trash! Also for everyone who thinks welding two pieces of a car together is a bad idea, go lift up your back seat and see where the factory welded the two pieces of your car together before they sold it to you!












You get the idea

This post has been edited by jmeyer: Jan 2, 2012 - 9:37 PM

[presure2]

Also for everyone who thinks welding two pieces of a car together is a bad idea, go lift up your back seat and see where the factory welded the two pieces of your car together before they sold it to you!

WOOT
good stuff.

[Defgeph]

WOW.

[808celica]

WOW.

x2 O___o really?!?!?! talk about cut and paste i wouldnt have the heart to cut my car like that. best of luck

no kick to the balls intended Clicky just some humor i found

This post has been edited by 808celica: Jul 31, 2009 - 5:53 PM

[richee3]

Man, you've got balls! (Are we allowed to say that on here? I'll edit if not!) I'd be way too scared to do that to my own car. Best of luck.

[SwissFerdi]

DAAAAMN! Wow, guy. I'm amazed. Keep it up!

[pipes]

1 word................... awesome

[95CelicaST]

While you're in there, why not add a mid-body extension and add a few rows of seating. GT-four limo!


After the car is JB welded and duct taped back together ( ) are you going to have the frame(s) painted so that they match (inside and out)? Or are you just going to spray the exterior?

This post has been edited by 95CelicaST: Jul 31, 2009 - 6:27 PM

[soulshadow]

I'm speechless not sure what to say?

[Random_Stranger]

I have always thought of what it would be like to do this, but I was thinking more of the front end, this seems daring. I can't wait to see how it is when you complete it. Is this actually easier than just the conversion maybe another way? I would like to hear your thoughts on that.

[njccmd2002]

can it be legally registered, i want to know the rear awd , props. keep up the good work...

[enderswift]

I've read so many threads about why this is a bad idea that at first i couldnt believe you were trying this.
but PLEASE make it work. i would love to see this thing tear it up. are you just going to weld it together or will there be reinforcements involved?

also, how is this gonna be AWD? from what i tell ur welding an st205 front to a usdm chassis... where does the whole rear AWDness come in?
sorry if its so obvious that i should get smacked.

[Random_Stranger]

can it be legally registered, i want to know the rear awd , props. keep up the good work...

Actually, I think this can work. You see, in some states, you cannot legally register an import. So what people do is fabricate their own replica car. Now, I have looked into this, in Las Vegas (Nevada), they allow you to register a "Replica" car is made to standard OEM specs for that car, now in California, I heard of the same thing that this guy is doing, but to Skylines, using frames of the Maxima, etc... So if this guy manages to do this, plus remove any indication that it was a Celica, he might be able to pass for it as a Kit car and it can be registered, since it is not against the law in the USA to build your own car and legally drive it.

[jordisonjr]

Just curious, but is this saf at all? Not trying to talk Sh!t but it seems really supid and dangerous.

[Nial]

FM your brave..............Dont know if I have got the wrong end of the stick here, but you have taken a 2wd LHD celica...cut it up to make it into a 2wd RHD celica???? Wouldnt it have been easier just to change the bulk head?????

Also there is a huge difference between a Toyota factory weld that has been tested and some one doing a weld at home.

How are you going to make sure that it is straight? what are you going to do to make it 4wd? Can you guys not import complete shells???

Good luck, I hope it works out

This post has been edited by Nial: Aug 1, 2009 - 1:54 AM

[Hanyo]

as far as i know, the all the different celica's body from the back seat on forward is the same as the GT4. Wouldn't it be easier to do the motor swap into the stock celcia's body then to cute the entire car in half?


I cant wait to see how your gonna tackle the rear end.

[trdproven]

Just my two cents, it seems that the motor swap should have been done into the USDM front and then the st205 rear should have been welded to the USDM front. You had it USDM rear to JDM front. I'm just throwing this out there, since the rear has always been the issue for AWD not the front. But then again, you are trying to make it RHD too so I dunno. Just curious. Really interesting stuff.

On the side, you are right about the welding as long it is done properly. People have put two halves together before so it wouldn't be the first. I was wondering who would be gutsy enough to do this.

what is up with the early aggravation in the first post? Did someone already piss you off before you posted this thread?

This post has been edited by trdproven: Aug 1, 2009 - 6:50 AM

[jmeyer]

Why USDM Rear and JDM Front?

As of right now i have spent about 16 hours of labor stripping the USDM car and cutting it in half, vs about two weeks to pull both motors, cut out a firewall, remove and reweld every single HVAC bracket, remove two entire consoles, rewire it all, and swap suspension for super strut. The reason I must use a USDM rear is becasue I could not locate a full JDM rear, obviuosly that would have been a more favorable choice.

Will it be straight, and how will it be welded?

The body lines on the JDM car are identical to the USDM so with careful measurements and using lifts to keep both halves level it shouldn't be a problem. The floor pan will be reinforced from the inside as well as being welded on both top and bottom. The a-pillars will be receiving a plug for extra support before they are welded. People underestimate how incredible strong GOOD welds are, so sorry to disappoint it wont split in half on the thruway.

It this legal?

It will be legally registered in New York, and if every sold the build information will be disclosed to the buyer. Would I try this in California, absolutely not.

Paint?

It will be painted the orginal toyota red like the JDM clip, and only the exterior will be painted so under the carpet you will see one white and one red car.

What about AWD?

That is the next step, I will be doing exactly what TheMadScientist did right down to the two brackets to support the rear support frame. So once the spare tire well is cut out I will begin fabricating the brackets to mount the rear diff. The clip I purchased came with everything I need to make the car awd (rear subframe, driveshaft, axles, diff, hubs)

Is this easier?

I have not a clue. This is the way I chose to do it based on examinig what needed to be swapped between the cars and the labor times.

Is this dangerous?

I sure hope not.

For all that have faith in me thank you, and I'll keep the pictures coming.

[Random_Stranger]

^^^ I am looking forward to seeing this complete for better or for worse and it really can go either way. I think you have your reasons why you are doing this, however supposedly there is some reading on doing the AWD "The Right Way" which had something to do about our rear ends to the front not being like a real GT4, although there are other ways, just that was supposed to be the "Correct" way of doing it.


and the only other thing I wanted to say was that I had no idea our celicas are USDM, considering that they came from Japan as well and I am quite certain they are the very same as any other LHD that was made and sold overseas.


Other than that, you listed some good reasons and we are standing by to see you spread your knowledge and experience with the rest of us who are not so bold.

[pipes]

he will be fine there is no right way to do this.... i did mine completly different and it works......so will his

[Seven1Six]

Good luck man, if you ever need an extra body let me know, I'm not real good with anything yet but if you want some help and wanna teach me along the way I'm willing to learn, not like it's a very long drive.

[samir0189]

You are crazy, unique, and awesome at the same time!

Props to you jmeyer for taking the road less traveled, lol.


Hope this works out for you, i look forward to seeing your results!!

ITS FRANKENCAR!!!!!!!! bwaahahaahahahah! lol.

Good luck.

[FORGMANN]

First off , good luck with project..
I can really appreciate work that will go into this and hope it all works out ..

Now as one of the older guys on this board i will give me 2 cents

If didn't have my ST205 then way i would go about making a st205
is special order a roof cut st205 ..so that way you have everything
below and can either fix and drive or use all the parts on a US car..

If not a option then order front and rear cuts ... that way you get
fuel tank and stronger rear shock towers .

US AND ST205 are same chassis except for rear floor and shock towers
and firewall swap would have been suggested choice ..

I don't understand RHD swap as own 2 RHD would sell both for
same cars with LHD ..But i am old and don't care so much about
unique factor ..

anyway overall looking good and you will be very happy with AWD..

This post has been edited by FORGMANN: Aug 7, 2009 - 11:19 PM

[crwarrior]

wow man...your amazing if u pull this off bro...best of luck man =)

[TiGZ461]

I hope you the best of luck, damn I wish I had the skills you have. Will follow along with this and hope to see it in person being that your so close to me.


Good luck

[enderswift]

(update)^2 ???

[jmeyer]

Update

After another day of work and the two halves are together. I was able to keep everything level with the help of two floor jacks and all measurements are pretty much spot on. I was able to weld one a-pillar and the inside floor (the rivets are just to help hold it together while I weld), I will try to get the underside and other a-pillar done today. Once I put the doors on I was quite shocked because it looks factory. The front and back gaps are identical and it even opens and closes porperly. I also test fit the windshield and it sat flush, so far so good.








My new toy, and I love it

[3WayStunna]

Nice work man, and kudos to you. Hmm, what will you call it when your done. A celica ST2045? lol...

[njccmd2002]

a well done slice and dice. keep it coming. this is awesome

[johnnehh]

Whoa! This is amazing! Keep up the good work, I can't wait to see the finished result!

[SwissFerdi]

Amazing.

[richee3]

Man, this is coming together really well. Keep up the good work.

[enderswift]

This is gooooood stuff. Im watching this thread like a hawk

update^3 ???

[jmeyer]

Two halves are now one. It will be nice next weekend so I'm gonna paint the car 3L2 Renaissance Red because once school starts back up time will be tight and it's kinda hard to paint a car in winter lol. After thats it's time to tackle the awd setup.

[Cavegod]

if you couldn't find a jdm rear why did you need to cut the car in ahlf in the first place surely you just needed to bolt the 3sgte engine into the usdm body shell, change the bulk head and dash and then just swap the bonnet and bumper.

[jmeyer]

"Surely" and what spend a month doing so? When is the last time you pulled two dashes apart, cut out two firewalls, weld all new HVAC brackets, wire it all back together, do a motor swap, and swap suspension. I think I saved about a month of labor and 2 bottles of asprin.

[SwissFerdi]

So how are you going to accomodate a driveshaft/gas tank in the USDM rear?

Can't wait to see this completed!

[dliverance]

that's phenomenal.

This post has been edited by dliverance: Aug 17, 2009 - 7:25 PM

[trdproven]

wow can't wait for the finished product

[playr158]

"Surely" and what spend a month doing so? When is the last time you pulled two dashes apart, cut out two firewalls, weld all new HVAC brackets, wire it all back together, do a motor swap, and swap suspension. I think I saved about a month of labor and 2 bottles of asprin.

It took me ~10-15 hours to cut out 2 firewalls and weld in new ones w/brackets. Its easily doable in 1 weekend. Motors then bolt right in wires don't need to be extended. its really not that bad. I'd much rather drill out firewalls and weld just that in than cut my car in half.

This post has been edited by playr158: Aug 18, 2009 - 8:19 AM

[enderswift]

I thought we got past the whole "why didn't you swap?" thing.Besides, dont insurance companies do clip jobs all the time anyway?

as for me, i think this is great and the only rlly interesting thread on here lately, now that madscientist is holding off on his conversion.
Care to show us how you reinforced it?

[tomazws]

wow... that's pretty damn awesome! Keep it up! And be safe!

[Cavegod]

"Surely" and what spend a month doing so? When is the last time you pulled two dashes apart, cut out two firewalls, weld all new HVAC brackets, wire it all back together, do a motor swap, and swap suspension. I think I saved about a month of labor and 2 bottles of asprin.

taking dash out aint hard did a few weeks back,

could you not have left it left hand drive?

anyway though looks fine to me and the weld will always be stronger than the steel plate. the door lining up like that is a creit to your measuring surely a nervy bit that must have been!

[jimmykay]

bravo on everything lining up just right. it looks like the hardest part is done in you getting the car pieced back together. you managed to avoid the warping too.

you might want to put some extra sound insulation in since everything is apart to kill some of that road noise.

[richee3]

...
could you not have left it left hand drive?
...

Not with the JDM front end. The steering components were all set up for right hand drive. Plus, since the dahs and everything is all still on there, he really didn't have to convert anything. Just weld it all back together, and voila, RHD.

This is definitely the best thing I've seen in a while. It's all coming along so flawlessly! Keep up the great work. I can't wait to see it after you get it all painted.

This post has been edited by richee3: Aug 20, 2009 - 12:17 PM

[Superaison]

You should import a gt4 rear end and weld it on lol.. but you've already welded your halves.

[soulshadow]

I got one of those auto darkening helments and I love it too!
BTW what kinda wielder are you using? I assume gas?

[Espo]

This is incredible. THIS must be why you had to get rid of your 96 that's now in my possession lol.

I'm truly amazed. I just texted you about this, but bravo and wow. I'd love to be able to see it in person when it's done.

[enderswift]

update?

[jimmykay]

update please?

[Axel04]

Any undate's??

[Fate]

bump for update.

[Axel04]

bump for an undate!! I hope nothing went wrong because it's been a while since we've hurd from you..

[enderswift]

did you die?

[95st-celica]

You should import a gt4 rear end and weld it on lol.. but you've already welded your halves.

simple...just cut the back of the car in half and weld it on!...you would be.....


"JUSDM"

[OOBE]

This man has more balls than a box of wheel bearings. Bravo for such project. That's awesome.

[delusionz]

Hope its safe, it would be pretty scary for me riding in a car knowing that its been cut in half.

ya insurance companies do this but not to this extent when the structural integrity is compromised its a writeoff.

good luck anyways, ull love driving a gt4 awd and its serious traction, power and braking

[DGAF]

did you die?

HOPE YOU ARE OK!


This post has been edited by DGAF: Dec 23, 2009 - 7:59 PM

[sanders81]

Doing an AWD Right Drive Swap, pictures explain it all. If you don't like my way go buy your own and build it better, then you can talk trash! Also for everyone who thinks welding two pieces of a car together is a bad idea, go lift up your back seat and see where the factory welded the two pieces of your car together before they sold it to you!












You get the idea

Man u are proffesional.
I like it.

[wildon]

this is awsome, i have allways wanted to do this, but i dont have the balls, money or time
good luck all the way!!!

edit:
just though of this, want to maybe sell the right door, fender, and mirror to me. on the original white one if you don't have a use for them. That is if i get this Celica im looking at in the next week or two
i will send you a pm

This post has been edited by wildon: Jan 7, 2010 - 9:51 PM

[b1gr3d]

i like this build a lot . funny how ignorant people are to REAL body/chassis work though. i have spliced a few vehicles that would have ordinarily been scrap and they turned out just dandy. the whole car is made of panels spot welded together so why couldn't he do it like this? anytime someone gets t boned and a rocker is replaced it is done in the same way - with a sleeve an plug welds....

i have always wondered why no one has just welded a clip instead of swap parts....quicker IMO. a few cuts and some measuring, not remove 2 cars worth of under hood stuff and dash/firewall.... then replace

This post has been edited by b1gr3d: Jan 8, 2010 - 9:52 AM

[Remy]

I guess this guy gave up too someone has to pick it up from him and finish it it can be done with the right tools and equipment.

[jmeyer]

No I didn't die nor did i give up, school is just more important right now. I'll finish the car in spring. As for the meantime I've been buying up rare parts on ebay left and right so this thing is only gonna get even hotter!

[BonzaiCelica]

have to wait till spring damn that sucks.

[njccmd2002]

No I didn't die nor did i give up, school is just more important right now. I'll finish the car in spring. As for the meantime I've been buying up rare parts on ebay left and right so this thing is only gonna get even hotter!

so you must be my competition, lol

[richee3]

YES! This thread is still alive. That made my day. Can't wait until Spring

[jmeyer]

Found a good deal on this:











It's more complete than the last clip I got and cheaper and it's in Canada already so no shady overseas transaction. Plus it comes with a free flare, who could ask for anything more. Stay tuned because as soon as finals are over the red one will be finished and i'll start number two. Anyone who has a celica with front end damage and wants to sell it feel free to pm me. Enjoy the pics.

This post has been edited by jmeyer: Feb 19, 2010 - 8:53 PM

[easternpiro1]

i'm not even going to begin to fathom how i missed this, and not going to express my shock and awe that a flame war/IBTL competion isnt in full swing by now...



GREAT JOB MAN!!! i will be eyeballing this thread like this guy! --->>


would love to donate an awd tranny but its auto and from an st215...

[Keiri]

Can't wait.

Good luck....and nice pick-up.

[richee3]

Even comes with the JDM tails. Nicely done

[OOBE]

Go crazy with it. These kids don't know anything about how welding works other than it joins two metals together.

[johnnehh]

Go crazy with it. These kids don't know anything about how welding works other than it joins two metals together.

What else is there to know?

Looks awesome.

[mjperno]

Found a good deal on this:











It's more complete than the last clip I got and cheaper and it's in Canada already so no shady overseas transaction. Plus it comes with a free flare, who could ask for anything more. Stay tuned because as soon as finals are over the red one will be finished and i'll start number two. Anyone who has a celica with front end damage and wants to sell it feel free to pm me. Enjoy the pics.

i was just looking at that earlier on ebay. dude you bought it out from under me

[OOBE]

Go crazy with it. These kids don't know anything about how welding works other than it joins two metals together.

What else is there to know?

Looks awesome.

Well, that's a pretty ignorant statement even if it was said in jest. What else is there to know? The science behind it. How it really works. They underestimate the strength of a good weld. They think the car will magically break in half just because someone in his garage welded it together, lol. But what else to expect from kids with a lot of testosterone and a a little bit of brain?

[EKAn]

damn spring.... until then ill be waiting haha

[Bigblock]

I Completely forgot about it!!!

You & your great deals.... Pfffft!!...
JK...JK....


Spring... well after today it's 1day closer!!!!
Good Luck

[chacha]

think you'll ever sell the jdm fenders?

[jmeyer]

Ya but a GT-4 will be included with them.

[SwissFerdi]

Damn...that is amazing.

[IllIllIll]

I'm not a great welder but I have done some destructive testing on my welds & the metal tore before my welds broke. I've also welded a broken suspension part on an off road jeep, & it's still together after 2 years of abuse running through off road trails. I would think that would get more abuse than a Celica that is driven on paved roads ever would.

I have considered doing a AWD conversion on my Celica by welding in the rear floor section from a GT4. Glad to see someone with the balls to do this.

I think it would be strong enough, especially if you add a few reinforcements. Don't let these guys discourage you. A proper weld is just as strong as the base metal. Look at strech limo's & some hot rods. Those cars are welded together from multiple cars a lot of times & they don't fall apart going down the road. Even some motor homes are built on lenghtened truck chasis. You're not trying to make a longer car, plus you have a roof to support the car as well. I think you'll be fine.

[jmeyer]

Got a little break from school and work so I pulled the project out of . I've ordered some steel for the rear sub-frame mounts and while i'm waiting for that I started to work on the front brakes and suspension. I realized I might as well put extended lugs in now because the massive calipers are going to effect what wheels i can use because +35 offsett is not nearly as common as +45. Since that required seperating the hub I'll be replacing wheel bearings as well. Also the clip didn't come with brake lines so I've order a set of stoptech ss lines for a mk4 supra tt which should do the trick. A couple pics since paint;









I also unpacked the new clip and it was in great shape, and everything i could have possibly wanted was included. They even threw in celica door sills. If you need a clip and your in the northeast call up jdmplanet in toronto, excellent guys to deal with. I removed and wrapped up all the body panels but here are a few pics of whats left.






I found a donor car in Columbus, Ohio with front end damage. The car is a gt with really low milage with leather interior, since I will be gutting the car everything minus the rear end will be forsale so pm if interested.

[SwissFerdi]

HOLY CRAP!!!!1111!!!!!!!1!!!

I didn't realize what I was looking at until after a minute of looking at the car. NICE! I forgot all about this project. So it's basically just a rolling shell right now?

Nice choice on the color as well.

This post has been edited by SwissFerdi: Apr 4, 2010 - 10:25 AM

[enderswift]

is that red gt4 the one you welded together earlier??? if yes then WOW it looks nice! when did you paint it?

[pipes]

may i have that radio thats in your new clip

[jmeyer]

Yes this is the same car that is in the beginning of this thread. It was painted right before winter last year, i guess i forgot to post those pictures. It still needs to have the rear subframe mounted, a fuel system installed, exhaust, and I have quite a headache with the interior wiring to deal with.

This post has been edited by jmeyer: Apr 4, 2010 - 4:10 PM

[MacgibaS2]

looks great! awesome job!

[njccmd2002]

wow, props to you matey.

[Espo]

Looks excellent. Unbelievable.

[96stgreendemon]

wow looks awesome, now sell it to me!

[jmeyer]

Little Teaser!

[Smaay]

i love this thread!!!!

[njccmd2002]

haha, we want MOAR

[chacha]

you cut that out? hahaha...what are you going to do?

[_Jim_]

You guys need to look a little closer...Its not the cut that is important, it is that if you look threw the whole that is cut, you will see the back side of rear diff mount

[easternpiro1]

im enjoying the show!!





MOAR rear diff pics please!

[stephen_lee]

win.
when i buy a MIG, this will be my first project

[jmeyer]

Just waiting on the mounts to come back from the shop. Here is the mock up.







This post has been edited by jmeyer: May 8, 2010 - 7:53 AM

[presure2]

lookin good man!!

[enderswift]

that is awesome. what are you going to do with the fuel tank?

[BonzaiCelica]

so you got the whole front clip with the superstrut suepnsion???

is that red 3L2 paint?

This post has been edited by BonzaiCelica: May 10, 2010 - 4:07 PM