Pickup from the Volga GAZ-24

Some time ago, by order of EMPEROR CUSTOM CARS, I developed sketches of a pickup truck for an upcoming project.

The car was conceived as a prerunner, on a spatial frame, with a powerful engine, energy-intensive suspension and other relying buns. Unfortunately, the implementation of the plan was postponed indefinitely, and the dust was shaken off the pictures already in connection with another task.

It took to build another car in the spirit of “Mad Max” for the Madway Rally project (something like a reality quest on cars in a post-apocalyptic setting, with tasks, costumes and the corresponding type of cars). The event has already been held in Mongolia and Baikal, the next stage will take place in South America.

To the thirteen finished cars (also created with the participation of the masters of EMPEROR SS) it was necessary to add the fourteenth. On the technical side, the concept has changed somewhat, but outwardly (to my joy) the car should have come out the way it was originally intended.

The construction of a tough prerunner was no longer within the new budget, so we decided to use the formula proven on other machines of the project – an SUV frame + a new body on top.

The Toyota Land Cruiser 100 with a V8 2UZ FE engine and, accordingly, the Soviet GAZ-24 was taken as the basis. Kruzak was purchased in not very good condition externally, but with a cheerful frame and not rotten lively motor. Work on it was limited to replacing the hydraulic suspension with conventional springs and shock absorbers and minor maintenance.

Volga is the first personal car of one of the masters. Reluctantly, Alexei donated it to the project. The motivation was the idea that it would be better for her to end her way than just rot in the garden. The bonus was that Alexei's once crazy hands had already tweaked the Volga's muzzle for a more “American” look with headlights recessed inside.

In a few days, both cars were dismantled to the ground. After that, the body of the Volga was installed on the Toyota base through the transition frame. At the same time, it was necessary to partially cut out the front spars, engine shield, the entire “muzzle” and the checkpoint tunnel. The transition frame also made it possible to partially strengthen the tired Soviet iron. After these manipulations, it was possible to start redrawing the silhouette.

They cut off the roof and the so-called. ganders (rear part of the body with an arch), moved them forward along with the roof and welded them. New doors were obtained by connecting the halves of the front and rear doors.

Since the wheelbase of the Volga falls almost perfectly on the Kruzakov wheelbase, it did not have to be lengthened or shortened. From the remains welded panels on the rear fenders. Scraps were generally used actively, which made it possible to practically avoid the use of new metal in the construction.

The power part of the muzzle and the TV are made anew from dull units. The design is tied to the frame – to about 8 attachment points out of 12 for the Land Cruiser. The engine shield and the checkpoint tunnel were re-made.

The side windows are made of polycarbonate, while retaining the triangular vents for ventilation. Windshield and rear remained native. The rear partition of the body is displaced along with the roof. With the expansion of the wings, they did not bother due to lack of time, plus in this case the wheels are not so wide that it was necessary.

The car became “right-handed”. Steering column, pedal assembly, stove, air conditioning – all Land Cruiser. The interior came out racing ascetic. Recaro seats, sport belts, roll cage, custom aluminum dashboard.

In addition to global alterations, I had to think over and redo a bunch of little things – fastening tanks, ABS, electronic components under the hood, new fender liner, holes in the engine shield, redo and lay the wiring. From the start of active work to delivery , exactly 26 days passed.

The machine is assembled by two people:

Alexey Paysov (@aleksey.paysov)

and Alexey Makarov (@alexeym38)

under the strict guidance of Alexander Gurin (@sandrogidrazzi)

Our Volga left the box, passed a short test during the haul to the site with car carriers. Then she was taken with the rest of the MadWay Rally cars to Vladivostok, where they will go by sea to the race venue. So the Volga got to the ball straight from the ship, without hitting its face in the dirt along the way. This is 100% the merit of the masters.

In the future, life will add dents and rust to it, and the desired image will be formed completely. The car will take on a combat look and fit into the concept as needed.

We wish her smooth roads and are waiting for the opportunity to repeat this project, but on a completely different level.