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

[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.