Descrição
1982 Diahatsu Taft (Tough Almighty Fourwheel Touring!)
Tax and MOT exempt April 2023 when it came out of an 18 month restoration, done by me.
Every aspect of the vehicle has been worked on / replaced / restored
The original 2. 5 naturally aspirated has been replaced with an intercooled 2. 8L Turbo Diesel from a Daihatsu Fourtrak which was on 65k when fitted - cambelt replaced and obviously serviced when fitted. The replacement block is the same family as the original on, just an evolution, so its a straightforward swap, the engine is perfect and brings lots of torque.
Swapped the 4 speed box to the 5 speed from the 'deluxe' model
New modern alternator, new radiator, clutch, headlights, tail lights, fuse boxes (upgraded from the old ceramic ones) new tyres
chassis rebuilt including new shocks all round, disk front brakes (rebuilt calipers) rebuilt and correctly shimmed swivel hubs, RTC steering damper, rebuilt rear hubs / brakes, of course window / door seals. I also manage to source an almost NOS fuel tank and new custom exhaust.
Anyone who knows about these also knows that they are seriously prone to rust. mine had been rebuilt by someone else maybe 20 years ago I think which had kept it on the road, sadly, lots of filler and water traps were the result, so I've gone to town, every panel has been worked on or remade, including new inner and outer sills, a new roof skin, new rear 1/ 4's, new floorpans, new part bulkhead, all thoroughly cavity waxed a constructed to avoid making any water traps.
The new bodywork isn't straight as an arrow, but neither is it covered by gobs of filler, it just fits in with the utilitarian nature of the vehicle. Its basically a Japanese version of a Series Landrover with a much better engine. This is a 70's designed Utilitarian 4x4, it doesn't drive like a RangeRover, but it will quite happily tow one out if they're stuck in some mud.
Brought, because I need a constant project on the go, but now need to sell to buy a more modern Auto. Not built on the cheap with the intention of selling, it was going to be my low overhead winter vehicle, but I've a couple of other cars + I don't commute for work, so I've only done about 500 miles since April.
Many parts are shared with the Daihatsu Fourtrak, so easily available if required.
High and Low range 4x4, Torque on tap
Cheaper than a Landcruiser and arguably better!
