Sunrader, a vintage RV conversion company, built recreational vehicles using a Toyota Pickup. And that’s exactly what Tanaka wanted for his next mini truck build. It wasn’t an easy find, but living in NorCal, this kind of 80s hippie sh¡t can turn up every now-&-again if you search thoroughly lol. And search Tanaka did. Finally, he found a Sunrader Toyota with a knocking 22r engine & rust in the floors. But ya know – the keywords are he found one. So Tanaka copped it, and began the rebuild.
The goal with the Sunrader Toyota Pickup…
Is to return it to ‘adventure RV’ status. Tanaka’s girlfriend (awesomely) has a big hand/voice in this mini truck build, so it’s really kind of a couples retreat project. And the plan is to travel the country & do the ‘80s RV thing’… but in mini truck style. And – they want to base some of the road trips around the bigger mini truck shows in the US. They’ve already stretched the Toyota Pickup’s legs to Arizona. And the goal for next year is to ride out to the Mini Truckin’ Nationals in Maggie Valley, NC.
But First – you gotta make it look good…
The faded yellow patina on this Sunrader Toyota Pickup is part of the charm & style. So Tanaka didn’t want to mess with that too much. But you can’t have a mini truck without the get low. So the Toyota pickup is lowered with adjusted & rekeyed torsion bars in front (with shorter shocks). And in the rear, it’s got 4.5” steel blocks. Filling out the fenders – is a set of Hayashi Racing Talon wheels in 15×10 +0… with Falken 225/45 tires.
Mini Trucks are about creative freedom & FUN…
I’m on a kick right now – where I’m determined to bring the FUN back to car culture. Because let’s be real for a sec. Overall – modern tech has smothered the GOOD VIBRATIONS in car culture. The satisfaction that comes from swapping a headunit, adding some subs, changing a steering wheel, revving at red-lights, snatching a gear, and popping a hood to see an actual real engine… and not just plastic.
Style has evolved into sensors…
That’s like substituting recess for a 2nd math class. And sure, tech has given us some gems… like the ability to make gobs of power with a tune. But what’s that even matter if you can’t FEEL it in your soul anymore. Tech has integrated, overcomplicated, and numbed everything… to the point of NO FUN. It’s slaughtered the more carefree, no-strings-attached fun-factor of yesteryear’s car culture. And through incessant complication, modern tech has run the mainstream away from customization. Vehicles have transitioned into mobile appliances, and it’s hard to get inspired by that. But step back and…
When you look at your car or truck – ask yourself…
Is this expressive? Or did I just ‘add parts’ to a car? Have I put my own touch on it? Or did I just ‘check boxes’ & call it car culture? Maybe it’s time we get back to treating good vibes like a mod… and stop enslaving ourselves to the specs & stats.
Photos by Toua Herr
Engine
Raceworks beauty/accessory parts (like billet valve cover grommets, oil cap, and half moons). Edelbrock fuel pump, LCE fuel pressure regulator kit & header. Weber 38 carb, jet kit, and air horns. Chasebays oil catch can & coolant reservoir. W50 transmission swap with Cube Speed short shifter. 1986 Toyota Pickup axle swap with 3.07 ratio and Southbay Driveline driveshaft.
Wheels, Brakes, & Suspension…
Hayashi Racing Talon wheels in 15×10 +0. Falken RT660 tires in 225/45. Project Kics T1 lug nuts. Adjusted & rekeyed torsion bars with shorter springs in front & 4.5” blocks in the rear.
Exterior…
Retrac chevron mirrors. 79-81 front bumper, headlight surrounds, & turn signals. Craftec bed cover.
Interior & Audio
Works Bell short steering hub with Personal woodgrain steering wheel & Chasing J’s horn button. Cube Speed angled shifter arm & shift knob. Prontry Mechapias Pink Jewel hardware. 72-74 Hilux 3pc seatbelts. 82/83 SR5 center console & lower instrument cluster. ARC Audio speakers, amp, & subs (two 12s)
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