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 RUclips truck video out there
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.
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. 😊
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 ruclips.net/video/4hMsWszv8OY/видео.html
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 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...
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!
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.
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
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!!
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.
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.
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.
Wow RUclips 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.
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🙏
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 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.
@tink5488 if he finds it perfect it's perfect who are u to say it's not 😂
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!
I would love to have a Toyota camper, they are so rare.
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 RUclips truck video out there
Yes, this is the best camper of any kind I've ever seen.
I could see myself on many many hunting and fishing trips with this beast.
This layout with nowadays tech would have been awesome camper to take everywhere. ❤️❤️❤️
That 20R engine is a keeper, rates high! Great truck/Camper, should be saved and showed off!!
astonishing build, no question. great for a car show or an RV museum. But to use it and live in it ? meeeehhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
I'll say is that thing is built right it's held up amazing over the years What a beauty.
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!
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
Toyota needs to bring this back. For Under 45k.
Im drooling I thought this was a Land Cruiser with a camper on it!!!! Looks amazing!!!
Glad you enjoyed!
Look at all the room to work under the hood. Incredible SHTF vehicle.
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.
Definition of perfect classic in modern days
Why nobody builds this exact kind of campers today ? It's perfect.
Man it sure is no wonder how this rig won so many rewards. Absolutely stunning
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..
Skidmark brown color❤
This a amazing 😱 a little of 70’s 80’s Toyota roll up into one.
We sure love our off-road rigs here in Oregon! Absolutely gorgeous!
I've never seen this type of truck before but it's a really cool
This is the greatest Toyota I've never seen!
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
ruclips.net/video/4hMsWszv8OY/видео.html
I want this so bad, oh my god. This is the most beautiful thing I've seen in so so so long.
omg I want this truck
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!
Nice truck. No doubt you were busting your nuts this whole video. Thanks for showing.
That's a gorgeous rig, holy cow! Thanks for sharing it!
I think I just fell in love. :) .. maybe 4 years later as this was posted, but hey I love it.
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.
Absolutely the most beautiful and perfect for me vehicle ive seen in a long time. I grew up seeing these. Beautiful... thanks.
I am not a Toyota man but this Toyota is a beauty. Very nice RV truck.
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...
Absolutely fantastic rig. What a great opportunity for you to own. Please take care of it and use it!
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!
Wow, what a classic camper 👍
It 👁️ looks 👁️ Good!
The workmanship on the build, seems exemplary.
🙏🦉
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.
🤯 I’m absolutely blown away by this build..
Nothing digital and toggle switches...pure heaven.
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
This is what passion and money can create 👌
Very clean rebuild. It didn't look like the engine battery was connected. It still had the plastic terminal caps on. ??
Are you kidding me!!!! I love this marvelous machine. And I havent even seen the inside yet while writing this. OMG!!!
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!!
Absolutely SUPERB!!! QUALITY!!! ALL QUALITY!!! ALL OF IT! WOW!
Having grown up in/around Yakima, it's always nice to hear it mentioned in a video not discussing apples or gunfire.
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.
Jeeeeeez! This is the coolest truck build I've seen in a while! Well done 👏
Every one of these ive seen is more rust than metal. Very cool resto
Gorgeous!! Hope toyota comes back to campers
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.
This is phenomenal. What a beautiful vehicle.
That is really neat. The old Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation sticker added an extra degree of “old school cool” to the truck.
That beauty lives in my state? I would never use it as intended, but damn ... so well done, love it love it.
That thing is beautiful. What a badass truck
Great looking vehicle. It looks rare.
This is my dream camper...... Practical, styled, classy.......what more can u ask?
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
Beautiful slice of history
Chinook campers had a look n style to them,,, wether on a domistic or import,,,they were the true visionary small RV builder
Nolan was a good old dude.
He built this to Rock Hound with.
I got to meet him when i purchased some extra parts he had.
They were ahead of themselves..... this is another nice video. Thanks for posting this.
You bet
Nice build, no useless extra things, a bit like my old volvo laplander camper.
That's stunning. Nice work.
Never knew these existed. Wow.. stunning.
Man, listen to those doors. Proper solid!
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.
Bravo........toyata got it right early on........what a great combination package ........never made a deisel........cheers
That's a beautiful track!
Love this,The build quality is just outstanding and looks great!,Fantastic tour :)
This is a gem. Gorgeous
great video mate. so much detail, well edited, well shot and well spoken. 👍
I knew I seen this before especially having those Oregon trail license plates, total PNW CLASSIC!
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.
That’s flipped sweet. Amazingly clean attention to detail.
Always loved Toyota
but this is awesome❤❤What a great build❤
One word brother.....AWESOME!
What a glorious BEAST! Love the detail on this!!
Wow that 20R is amazing! Wow amazing!
ANCAK BÖYLE BİR ARACA SAYGI DUYULUR.Teşekkürler
Best of all, it's a Toyota! All I've driven since the '80's.
No words, sickest ride ever
The guy did a great build. The shaggy carpet would have to go IMO. Cool over land vehicle.
Wow RUclips 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 paint is perfect 1978
That Is one incredible vehicle sir.
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🙏
It would be awsome if Toyota made an option for the tundra or tacoma that was just like this for the newer tucks
Totally awesome. I did enjoyed this tour. I hope I will get a car like this some day.
you will
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.
That is perfection.
Would love to mate the Chinook to a Tundra - modern amenities with classic legendary chinook survival of the fittest comfort 💪
I am determined to make a Chinook top for 88 4runner. This is just the perfect size overlander