The Toyota Chinook was our family’s primary vehicle when I was growing up! I have so many wonderful memories of traveling the United States with my family! Thank you for the step back in time! The only thing missing are the front and back windows in the canvas pop top!
Not only is this truck a masterpiece, but you have done a brilliant job at giving a history lesson and view of it! Bravo. Best TH-cam truck video out there
My father had a 77 chinook. He drove daily. He was a retired truck driver. So that ment. I had to put a clutch in it. A couple of times. Plus a floor board. In it. It give anything to have it back. Enjoy your toy. My father loved his. And thank you. This brought back. A lot of memories. 😊
The truck brings back memories. In 1978 I bought a brand new Toyota pickup for $3,838. Other than blowing the head gasket at 12,000 miles it was a pretty good truck.
This is the very first video to make me truly green with envy. Congratulations man! Give that thing a full life and take care of her, she's such a time capsule.
An absolutely marvelous build! The only thing I would have done differently would be to try and find a better place for the tachometer. One thing out of a million ain't bad...
Excellent! Brings back memory's. I had a '77 4 speed manual with the factory a/c, which worked a lot better than they look like they would. One item you didn't mention; this floor plan came with a fitted sheet. Put down the dinette table on a special frame, then all of the dinette cushions had to be put in a certain way, then the hard part was flipping it over with out losing one. Presto, a (small) bed for 2! Yours is the only other one that I have seen that still has the front bed extension shelf. The kids loved sleeping up there, and didn't want the privacy curtains put up. Also, our factory port-a-potty fit in the bottom right cabinet at the back entry door. The little Dometic LP fridge was actually a 3-way. Most newer Toy micro-minis used the 2-way (like my '86 Dolphin, and now '93 Itasca spirit). This little fridge would actually hold a case of beer cans! What a gem you have here!
This is great!! Why do these companies stop making these vehicles? I'd snatch one up in a heartbeat!!....this is very very clean for a 78....well done!!
Spectacular build! It makes me miss my 1985 4Runner that I rebuilt from scratch out of 7 junked Toyota pickups and 4Runners and I named it franken runner I love the overhead console because I built one similar to that in frankenrunner that has my CB radio my navigation system and my VHF radio. Both front and rear axles were cryode chromoly from hub to hub I had a TMax winch that I customized and waterproofed so that I can run it underwater if I need to do extract myself from a river. It took me 2 years and a lot of knuckle busting to build Frankenrunner. You mentioned LC engineering they're the ones that built the motor for Frank and runner and that's the reason that I lost it they didn't assemble it properly and I spun a main bearing long story short I had to end up selling the vehicle because I was hurt in an accident at work and I lost everything
The older I get the more I wish I had been born in the 60s... All the coolest things came out in the 70s and 80s. If this was made today it would be loaded with cheap plastic and paper-thin "metal" and 5 years after purchase nothing would work. This truck has quality fit and finish everywhere.
That's a pretty neat rig. I do like those old Toyota trucks, and with that camper set up too it makes it into a really cool yet practical classic vehicle, which would still be perfectly usable to get away from it all for a while, even touring the USA, but taking the rural back roads instead of the interstate, plus trekking up through the mountains. Having had experience with well used and abused late eighties and early nineties Hi-Lux's I know just how capable these things are, not to mention pretty much bullet proof. Unfortunately try finding one, especially here in the UK. Because they lasted so long they tended to be beaten to death and just driven into the ground. So finding one, let alone a decent one has become pretty difficult.
This is the kind of camper I need, just to drive around the States and take in the beauty. Does your friend take on new projects? Absolutely beautiful.
WOW what a sweet rig! It’s a damn shame it will never really again be used proper like it should, but I guess it’s also good to have one this nice preserved in some rich guys collection....Hopefully it’ll be put on display at car shows for others to appreciate! PLEASE whatever you do, DON’T sell it to some spoiled kid with rich parents who wants to “experience camper life” for a summer and totals it(like EVERY OTHER video on TH-cam)
Gorgeous! I've seen pics of this rig over the years and always wanted to learn more about it. That is the coolest vehicle I've ever seen. Looks like its in great hands. Cheers!
Killer! I've always dreamed of rebuilding one like this. I guess the next level would be to swap in a tacoma v6 power/drivetrain, dually rear axle, long travel front suspension with wide front fenders. I think you can fit a toilet/shower combo in there too.
I agree with everything but long travel on a camper is the most useless/overkill option lol I’m sure you wouldn’t plan to smash any whoops but you would never be able to flex out the LT while being too heavy, no matter your leafs or air bags setup 😂
@@abdullahmahmood3040 i realize that it sounds stupid now haha. definitely no smashin. I really just meant it to give it a wider track in the front for better role-over stability. also with fenders because the camper cab is wider than the main cab so i think it will look better. idk tho, never seen a setup like that on even a plain dually truck(which i would also really like to see). I don't want it lifted any higher either. Still keep it with the classic look. I guess you could maybe just do a longer axle in the front if it's a straight axle?
@@mofosoto ahh yeah I see what you’re saying. More stability as it’s top heavy. Wider stance would help for sure. Check out the 3rd gen Tacoma camper review Tacoma beast did. I wouldn’t buy it if I had the money but I still 🤤 over it hahah th-cam.com/video/4hMsWszv8OY/w-d-xo.html
By far the most amazing beautiful vintage Chinook recreation I have ever seen! Truly a classic! Would love to own one!!!!❤ Thanks for the piece of history🙏
I've got an 1981 Hilux 4x4 trayback with a diesel, was pretty cheap, looks quite similar to this one but without the double headlights. Apparently old diesel hiluxs are quite rare in America but in Australia they are probably the most common model.
They were okay, my parents owned a 78. It really sucked in the wind my Dad put 15x8 rims with wide tires to dampen out the swaying in the wind. They are far from fast or good MPG. I stopped fitting on the top bunk when I was twelve. It was fun to ride up on the top bunk while in motion. The one redeeming quality was storage it held a LOT for its size. Another memory was dealing with exhaust manifold cracking all the time, along with my Mom putting a bandaid over the map light over the radio. Over all it was a enjoyable camper to use.
I'm with everyone else. JUST WOW 🥺! This is priceless in my opinion. But I hold Hilux in very high regard. When it was mated to the Chinook it became perfect.
I had a 74 Toyota Toyota Chinook, but yours is much nicer. I drove mine from Oregon to Iowa and back with no major problems. The roof tended to leak during long rainy spells,
Wow TH-cam must be listening. I’m doing an sas and 22r conversion on one of these in my free time. It won’t be anywhere near as nice as this but it will be a sweet rig.
Sure ya know but yer hilux here. Dont know alot bout 4x4 but they were very reliable bro had a diesel 2.4 very slow but cheap on fuel an juzt always went. Love em. Cheers
International Scout II did the same except that the camper comes off and now you have a convertable truck, or put a two seater cab on. You also could put the original designed top on and now you have a SUV. Then you change your mind whenever you want!
This is my dream vehicle. It can be used as a daily car, or and my mobile living base at any time anywhere. why no company produces similar vehicle now?
It's beautiful but I'm planing on living in mine, need a shitter. Done my business to many times outside when it's freezing or your sucks that toilet hooked to a black tank is heaven, right next to a heater. For camping you got a great setup.
i always liked seeing this wacky campers car companys used to make its sad they dont any more i would love to see semi newer or atleast mid early 2000 model trucks/vans having a camper counter part like the one on this video
I don't even know what to say, this has to be the most meticulously thought out camper build I've ever seen. Drop dead gorgeous.
What an absolute exaggeration.
@@Narcan885There are always those on videos like this that post "it's so perfect" when obviously missing a piece or two that could make it that.
Totally speechless, can't wrap my mind about how beautiful this vehicle is.
Toyotally
So glad you enjoyed it!
I know Bro.. daddy wants one
Took the words rite out of my mouth !!
Toyotally speechless *
I’m not into old vehicles or truck campers but holy crap that was cool. The embodiment of passion and attention to detail.
Thanks!
The Toyota Chinook was our family’s primary vehicle when I was growing up! I have so many wonderful memories of traveling the United States with my family! Thank you for the step back in time! The only thing missing are the front and back windows in the canvas pop top!
Thanks for sharing! Glad you enjoyed it!
Not only is this truck a masterpiece, but you have done a brilliant job at giving a history lesson and view of it! Bravo. Best TH-cam truck video out there
I would love to have a Toyota camper, they are so rare.
My father had a 77 chinook. He drove daily. He was a retired truck driver. So that ment. I had to put a clutch in it. A couple of times. Plus a floor board. In it. It give anything to have it back. Enjoy your toy. My father loved his. And thank you. This brought back. A lot of memories. 😊
Very cool! Glad you enjoyed
The truck brings back memories. In 1978 I bought a brand new Toyota pickup for $3,838. Other than blowing the head gasket at 12,000 miles it was a pretty good truck.
Holy crap, what an amazing truck/RV! I’m a die hard Toyota fan, especially the old trucks, gorgeous as well as functional!
That 20R engine is a keeper, rates high! Great truck/Camper, should be saved and showed off!!
This layout with nowadays tech would have been awesome camper to take everywhere. ❤️❤️❤️
I'll say is that thing is built right it's held up amazing over the years What a beauty.
I took a 1978 Chinook camper and reinforced it and it’s now on top of my 1995 Toyota T-100 4x4 ! Love it!
Right on!
I'd like to see 👀 some video clips of your creation..
CHERRY!!! Words just can't explain this beauty!! My dream rig when the kids are gone, or before the kids would have been great too.
I could see myself on many many hunting and fishing trips with this beast.
Man it sure is no wonder how this rig won so many rewards. Absolutely stunning
astonishing build, no question. great for a car show or an RV museum. But to use it and live in it ? meeeehhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Yes, this is the best camper of any kind I've ever seen.
This is the very first video to make me truly green with envy. Congratulations man! Give that thing a full life and take care of her, she's such a time capsule.
I want this so bad, oh my god. This is the most beautiful thing I've seen in so so so long.
An absolutely marvelous build! The only thing I would have done differently would be to try and find a better place for the tachometer. One thing out of a million ain't bad...
Excellent! Brings back memory's. I had a '77 4 speed manual with the factory a/c, which worked a lot better than they look like they would.
One item you didn't mention; this floor plan came with a fitted sheet. Put down the dinette table on a special frame, then all of the dinette cushions had to be put in a certain way, then the hard part was flipping it over with out losing one. Presto, a (small) bed for 2!
Yours is the only other one that I have seen that still has the front bed extension shelf. The kids loved sleeping up there, and didn't want the privacy curtains put up.
Also, our factory port-a-potty fit in the bottom right cabinet at the back entry door.
The little Dometic LP fridge was actually a 3-way. Most newer Toy micro-minis used the 2-way (like my '86 Dolphin, and now '93 Itasca spirit). This little fridge would actually hold a case of beer cans!
What a gem you have here!
Are you kidding me!!!! I love this marvelous machine. And I havent even seen the inside yet while writing this. OMG!!!
Absolutely the most beautiful and perfect for me vehicle ive seen in a long time. I grew up seeing these. Beautiful... thanks.
Im drooling I thought this was a Land Cruiser with a camper on it!!!! Looks amazing!!!
Glad you enjoyed!
This is great!! Why do these companies stop making these vehicles? I'd snatch one up in a heartbeat!!....this is very very clean for a 78....well done!!
Look at all the room to work under the hood. Incredible SHTF vehicle.
That is really neat. The old Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation sticker added an extra degree of “old school cool” to the truck.
This a amazing 😱 a little of 70’s 80’s Toyota roll up into one.
Having grown up in/around Yakima, it's always nice to hear it mentioned in a video not discussing apples or gunfire.
We sure love our off-road rigs here in Oregon! Absolutely gorgeous!
I think I just fell in love. :) .. maybe 4 years later as this was posted, but hey I love it.
Spectacular build! It makes me miss my 1985 4Runner that I rebuilt from scratch out of 7 junked Toyota pickups and 4Runners and I named it franken runner I love the overhead console because I built one similar to that in frankenrunner that has my CB radio my navigation system and my VHF radio. Both front and rear axles were cryode chromoly from hub to hub I had a TMax winch that I customized and waterproofed so that I can run it underwater if I need to do extract myself from a river. It took me 2 years and a lot of knuckle busting to build Frankenrunner. You mentioned LC engineering they're the ones that built the motor for Frank and runner and that's the reason that I lost it they didn't assemble it properly and I spun a main bearing long story short I had to end up selling the vehicle because I was hurt in an accident at work and I lost everything
wow i had an 85 4Runner stock, what a great awesome incredible truck. sold it after i moved to Hawaii. one of the best trucks ever
The older I get the more I wish I had been born in the 60s... All the coolest things came out in the 70s and 80s. If this was made today it would be loaded with cheap plastic and paper-thin "metal" and 5 years after purchase nothing would work. This truck has quality fit and finish everywhere.
That's a pretty neat rig. I do like those old Toyota trucks, and with that camper set up too it makes it into a really cool yet practical classic vehicle, which would still be perfectly usable to get away from it all for a while, even touring the USA, but taking the rural back roads instead of the interstate, plus trekking up through the mountains. Having had experience with well used and abused late eighties and early nineties Hi-Lux's I know just how capable these things are, not to mention pretty much bullet proof. Unfortunately try finding one, especially here in the UK. Because they lasted so long they tended to be beaten to death and just driven into the ground. So finding one, let alone a decent one has become pretty difficult.
This is the kind of camper I need, just to drive around the States and take in the beauty. Does your friend take on new projects?
Absolutely beautiful.
Thanks for posting! Amazing & didn't know they had the side by-side "hammock" option!
In my opinion, the best camper toyota has to offer in that era!
Agreed! Glad you enjoyed
I am not a Toyota man but this Toyota is a beauty. Very nice RV truck.
That's a gorgeous rig, holy cow! Thanks for sharing it!
Why nobody builds this exact kind of campers today ? It's perfect.
WOW what a sweet rig! It’s a damn shame it will never really again be used proper like it should, but I guess it’s also good to have one this nice preserved in some rich guys collection....Hopefully it’ll be put on display at car shows for others to appreciate! PLEASE whatever you do, DON’T sell it to some spoiled kid with rich parents who wants to “experience camper life” for a summer and totals it(like EVERY OTHER video on TH-cam)
Gorgeous! I've seen pics of this rig over the years and always wanted to learn more about it. That is the coolest vehicle I've ever seen. Looks like its in great hands. Cheers!
Chinook campers had a look n style to them,,, wether on a domistic or import,,,they were the true visionary small RV builder
Absolutely fantastic rig. What a great opportunity for you to own. Please take care of it and use it!
🤯 I’m absolutely blown away by this build..
Definition of perfect classic in modern days
Killer! I've always dreamed of rebuilding one like this. I guess the next level would be to swap in a tacoma v6 power/drivetrain, dually rear axle, long travel front suspension with wide front fenders. I think you can fit a toilet/shower combo in there too.
But why would you?
@@KeithHinch same reason they did upgrades and why you watched this video in the first place.
I agree with everything but long travel on a camper is the most useless/overkill option lol I’m sure you wouldn’t plan to smash any whoops but you would never be able to flex out the LT while being too heavy, no matter your leafs or air bags setup 😂
@@abdullahmahmood3040 i realize that it sounds stupid now haha. definitely no smashin. I really just meant it to give it a wider track in the front for better role-over stability. also with fenders because the camper cab is wider than the main cab so i think it will look better. idk tho, never seen a setup like that on even a plain dually truck(which i would also really like to see). I don't want it lifted any higher either. Still keep it with the classic look. I guess you could maybe just do a longer axle in the front if it's a straight axle?
@@mofosoto ahh yeah I see what you’re saying. More stability as it’s top heavy. Wider stance would help for sure. Check out the 3rd gen Tacoma camper review Tacoma beast did. I wouldn’t buy it if I had the money but I still 🤤 over it hahah
th-cam.com/video/4hMsWszv8OY/w-d-xo.html
This is the greatest Toyota I've never seen!
By far the most amazing beautiful vintage
Chinook recreation I have ever seen!
Truly a classic!
Would love to own one!!!!❤
Thanks for the piece of history🙏
I've got an 1981 Hilux 4x4 trayback with a diesel, was pretty cheap, looks quite similar to this one but without the double headlights. Apparently old diesel hiluxs are quite rare in America but in Australia they are probably the most common model.
Yeah we never got the little diesels! Super cool little trucks.
They were okay, my parents owned a 78. It really sucked in the wind my Dad put 15x8 rims with wide tires to dampen out the swaying in the wind. They are far from fast or good MPG. I stopped fitting on the top bunk when I was twelve. It was fun to ride up on the top bunk while in motion. The one redeeming quality was storage it held a LOT for its size. Another memory was dealing with exhaust manifold cracking all the time, along with my Mom putting a bandaid over the map light over the radio. Over all it was a enjoyable camper to use.
Toyota needs to bring this back. For Under 45k.
I've never seen this type of truck before but it's a really cool
I'm with everyone else. JUST WOW 🥺! This is priceless in my opinion. But I hold Hilux in very high regard. When it was mated to the Chinook it became perfect.
Nothing digital and toggle switches...pure heaven.
This is my dream camper...... Practical, styled, classy.......what more can u ask?
Best of all, it's a Toyota! All I've driven since the '80's.
Absolutely SUPERB!!! QUALITY!!! ALL QUALITY!!! ALL OF IT! WOW!
Jeeeeeez! This is the coolest truck build I've seen in a while! Well done 👏
This is what passion and money can create 👌
Nice truck. No doubt you were busting your nuts this whole video. Thanks for showing.
Nice build, no useless extra things, a bit like my old volvo laplander camper.
Wow, what a classic camper 👍
It 👁️ looks 👁️ Good!
The workmanship on the build, seems exemplary.
🙏🦉
They were ahead of themselves..... this is another nice video. Thanks for posting this.
You bet
I had a 74 Toyota Toyota Chinook, but yours is much nicer. I drove mine from Oregon to Iowa and back with no major problems. The roof tended to leak during long rainy spells,
Wow TH-cam must be listening. I’m doing an sas and 22r conversion on one of these in my free time. It won’t be anywhere near as nice as this but it will be a sweet rig.
That beauty lives in my state? I would never use it as intended, but damn ... so well done, love it love it.
Every one of these ive seen is more rust than metal. Very cool resto
I knew I seen this before especially having those Oregon trail license plates, total PNW CLASSIC!
omg I want this truck
Gorgeous!! Hope toyota comes back to campers
It would be awsome if Toyota made an option for the tundra or tacoma that was just like this for the newer tucks
Sure ya know but yer hilux here. Dont know alot bout 4x4 but they were very reliable bro had a diesel 2.4 very slow but cheap on fuel an juzt always went. Love em. Cheers
If you think the 2.4 diesel is slow you should try using the older 2.2 diesel
great video mate. so much detail, well edited, well shot and well spoken. 👍
International Scout II did the same except that the camper comes off and now you have a convertable truck, or put a two seater cab on. You also could put the original designed top on and now you have a SUV. Then you change your mind whenever you want!
This is phenomenal. What a beautiful vehicle.
Man, listen to those doors. Proper solid!
The guy did a great build. The shaggy carpet would have to go IMO. Cool over land vehicle.
Would love to mate the Chinook to a Tundra - modern amenities with classic legendary chinook survival of the fittest comfort 💪
Damn. This thing is beautiful.
Like it just drove off the showroom floor.
I am determined to make a Chinook top for 88 4runner. This is just the perfect size overlander
That’s flipped sweet. Amazingly clean attention to detail.
Always loved Toyota
but this is awesome❤❤What a great build❤
This is my dream vehicle. It can be used as a daily car, or and my mobile living base at any time anywhere. why no company produces similar vehicle now?
Because it still works 40 years later lol and you wouldn’t have to buy a new one. Now it’s resale value scams
It's beautiful but I'm planing on living in mine, need a shitter. Done my business to many times outside when it's freezing or your sucks that toilet hooked to a black tank is heaven, right next to a heater. For camping you got a great setup.
That thing is beautiful. What a badass truck
Honda could never 🙌🏾love toyota…especially the tank engine(20-22r)
What a glorious BEAST! Love the detail on this!!
i always liked seeing this wacky campers car companys used to make its sad they dont any more i would love to see semi newer or atleast mid early 2000 model trucks/vans having a camper counter part like the one on this video
you are so proud of it. As you should be. I am happy for you! Inshallah I will get to buy something like this in the future too. Have a nice Day!
Beautiful slice of history
Love this,The build quality is just outstanding and looks great!,Fantastic tour :)
Wow that 20R is amazing! Wow amazing!
It's a beautiful wagon.
I'd rather own that than a house.
Not so sure about the colour, but I could learn to live with it.
Cool truck and video, thank you for sharing. I didn't know anyone else manufactured such a thing, outside of the Chevrolet K5 Blazer Chalet.
Wow! 8ve been a Yota fan all my life and have had some show room nice uns but I ain't ever seen a camper truck like this! Absolutely gorgeous
Bravo........toyata got it right early on........what a great combination package ........never made a deisel........cheers
Never knew these existed. Wow.. stunning.
That's a beautiful track!