1972 Ford Courier & 2001 MX5 Miata Chassis Swap: SUBFRAME INSTALL Budget Drift/Autocross Build!

[@danielnuckols6158]

No rear bumper. Run exhaust thru the the arch

[@Tealmoney8571]

I like that idea.

[@nicholassandy5470]

Hell yeah. Loving that idea !!!!!!

[@tomsnider7611]

Exactly! Dual exhaust tips simular to a vette.

[@kixtonjordan9521]

I actually like this idea

[@sbnova1]

^ this exactly!

[@dinghy4344]

I did this 13 years ago, Nice to see someone else doing it. I used a 1976 Courier little more room in the cab. Gilligansdingy approves!

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@dinghy4344 very cool!

[@crbayliss2362]

Dump the bumper and run your exhaust tips through the center cut out.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@crbayliss2362 I hope there's enough room to get past the rear subframe! Would be cool though!

[@DegenerateFabricators]

No BUMPER

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@DegenerateFabricators seems to be the trend!

[@gibhamracing37]

Absolutely no bumper. That bumper is hideous. Your buddy is right on this one 💯

[@BestDamnShopAround]

I'm starting to agree lol

[@gibhamracing37]

@ 😂😂😂

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Your welding is a thing of beauty.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@blackbuttecruizr I appreciate it!

[@marshallburke2083]

I vote no bumper. Truck is looking great! nice work!

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@marshallburke2083 thank you!

[@variousengineering1965]

Awesome seeing a suspension swap done like this

[@BestDamnShopAround]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@TastierBackInThe80s]

Ditch the bumper, the back end of that bed is perfection.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@TastierBackInThe80s you have a good point!

[@bradpage8967]

Love the upside down flange nuts!! Great idea!! One thing I would caution, and I only mention this because I like you guys and want to watch you on KZbin for years to come, when you weld stainless steel, it gives off a very toxic gas called hexavalent chromium, so VERY GOOD ventilation is needed!! Hopefully you already know that. Love this build already!!

[@michealfigueroa6325]

This project has been fun to whatch...and seeing good welds being used really makes this a step above other project on the NETAdding the gussetts good move TY 4 sharing

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@michealfigueroa6325 thank you for the kind words and tuning in!

[@michealfigueroa6325]

@@BestDamnShopAround My pleasure

[@smokestax7585]

Loving the couriata build guys. I like seeing budget builds that anyone with skills can do. Keep em coming

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@smokestax7585 thank you for tuning in!

[@theupscriber65]

Like what you're doing! I'm a mechanical engineer and former welder/fabricator. A couple things you may wish to consider. The rear frame sections are probably fine, but to decrease flex during autocross and to increase load carrying, you could extend the new frame rails forward toward the cab. Weld to the truck's existing frame.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@theupscriber65 thank you! That's good to know!

[@Tealmoney8571]

That swap is coming together really good! I was like daaannnngggg! When you put the bed on. Looks so good!

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@Tealmoney8571 you and me both! I'm still surprised how neat it looks! Thanks for tagging along!

[@budde007]

I'm in New Zealand and enjoying your work

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@budde007 thanks for watching!

[@mechanicmike1236]

I’ve always preferred a bumper to a roll pan, but I don’t know about that bumper! That’s going to be a sick truck! Looks very cool

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@mechanicmike1236 honestly the bumper is pretty whooped lol

[@signdeals4972]

Dudes, top notch channel. Keep it going!

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@signdeals4972 i appreciate the kind words! Thanks for watching!

[@SteveS-v9j]

Very nice Welding and Fabrication work!

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@SteveS-v9j thank you!

[@rodztorations5869]

Congratulations on the 10k and the million views.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@rodztorations5869 i appreciate it!

[@yoo571]

It's not even in the middle stages and already looking cool, finished is going to be so sick, great work man, love seeing the process

[@BestDamnShopAround]

Thank you! I'm really excited about this one!

[@whitlcj1]

20:10. Cut out the center of the bumper and fill the gap between the tail lights with the step and ball mount. Would still have room for dimpled holes. Also y'all would both get what you want

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@whitlcj1 good compromise!

[@JonathanAdams-z8r]

Listen to your “hired help”…no bumper for the win! I’m loving this resto-mod…I’d track/AX the bejebus outta this hoopty! 😀👍👍 Oh…and leave the patina!

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@JonathanAdams-z8r that's the plan!

[@Enter-a-name55]

Now this is something to catch my interest. Too many guys out there doing body swaps. And doing them quite badly at that. There is much more skill required to pull off a project like this. But when it's done, this will be one cool ass truck. I did a truck in a similar fashion almost 20 years ago now. Time flys. I built a square body S-10, single cab, short box. The suspension was used from a C4 Corvette. The engine I built was just a mild 383. I just built it as a driver. No strange or exotic parts. If something broke, I could go to any parts store and get what I need. I do that with all the vehicles I build. I build them to be driven. Not to sit and wait weeks for parts to arrive. Keep doing what you're doing boys It looks like a very fun project. I also subscribed.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@Enter-a-name55 I bet your truck was a blast to drive! Thanks for subscribing!

[@Enter-a-name55]

Oh, it certainly was. I had a Ford Courier at one time also. Bone stock drive train. The suspension was slammed and I chopped the roof I believe 7 inches. It just looked absolutely ridiculous. But that's what's fun about building cars. There are no rules to follow.

[@farmerandsonsgarage6883]

So jealous of this build. I love the Couriers. I say keep the bumper.

[@jesusmata5056]

I just found you're Chanel... Subscribed Just enough BS PLENTY OF WORK AND JUST ENOUGH TALKING great job

[@BestDamnShopAround]

Thanks for subscribing and the kind words!

[@philhiggins5482]

Love those trucks! dont think I'd fit but still lol. Beautiful work! Wish you all the best!

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@philhiggins5482 I'm 6ft ans was worried too! With a race seat it isn't that bad! Still on Cadillac 😂

[@MrStacy1974]

If you tall and really want one of these trucks , the cab was stretched 4 or 5 inches in '75 it's the same for Mazda REPUs also.

[@stonecreekspeedshop2566]

Stoked on this!

[@BestDamnShopAround]

Me too! Excited about this one!

[@jelly7310]

I had a 72 Courier in highschool in 1989-90ish. Bought it from my neighbor for 200 bucks. Fixxed the leaking valve cover and drove it for about 6 months. Traded it for a 69 Bug and 500 cash. Sold the bug for 2000 and put another 1000 with that for a 68 F100 aka The Pickle. Drove that til I joined the Army. I wish I still had all three vehicles. Im with your partner on the bumper. Get rid of it. But I really dig what y'all got going on so far so I'll sub and stay around to see the rest of it.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@jelly7310 cool story! Thank you for the subscription!

[@SaneCayne]

Danngg... that came together like butter!

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@SaneCayne a grinder, welder, and a dream! Hahaha

[@joeystrains.9316]

Great fab work, I wish I had a bigger shop to hold the necessary tools and equipment!

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@joeystrains.9316 keep hustling and you'll get there!

[@lemon_w0ter196]

Looks slick with no bumper

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@lemon_w0ter196 👍

[@macabre_robb]

Delete rear bumper and add filler panel with dual exhaust. Truck looks awesome! 👍

[@ianallen2]

Just watched the first installment of this truck build (after watching this video) and you have a new subscriber from UK. Got a lot of video's to watch through though. Lots of time on my hands and looks like I will be busy for a while watching your other builds

[@BestDamnShopAround]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ReticentArc]

Driftworks are based out of the UK! I was inspired by that same Toyota build and will be doing my own miata swapped Mazda truck

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@ReticentArc I'll have to correct that in the next video! Cool to hear other people with similar builds! Good luck!

[@Avirgin13]

I agree with the young man. Take the bumper off and make a panel in the back!

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@Avirgin13 Don't tell him, he already has a big head lol

[@shiftlifegarage3284]

Fudging awesome

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@shiftlifegarage3284 thank you!

[@ghost.of.aleksz.salad.]

so cool, vs other channels that start a body swap and dissappear (offroad austin martin)

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@ghost.of.aleksz.salad. this is our second one, first being a 59 f100 that I drive all the time! This one is definitely getting finished!

[@angrymike6759]

The rear bumper is to cool to lose. You could always put the lights in the bumper El Camino style. Nice welds, awesome video ! 👍🏻👌🏻

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@angrymike6759 i appreciate it!

[@dzrotary]

Hello fellow welder , i made a moped out of two and turned out to be a 150 cc powered 50 cc moped. The welding experience really helped make the project a reality. Your stitches are a work of art brother . Your project is really inspiring 💪🫡👍👍

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@dzrotary I bet it's fast ! Thanks for tuning in! Keep up the tinkering!

[@dzrotary]

One of the reasons i watch you is because ive done swaps and i feel im right next to you in the project. Your reward is also our reward boss!!!

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@dzrotary I've never thought about it that way! Very cool!

[@GregoryBamber]

LOVE IT GUYS !!!!!

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@GregoryBamber thank you!

[@jasonbush2825]

No bumper all the way!

[@km-dx6vc]

Kick ass project

[@bearingking9202]

Love this project

[@BestDamnShopAround]

Thank you! It's been fun so far!

[@davidwalls850]

Gonna be a sweet little truck. I think you should find a more stylish and flat bumper on the back. Keep up the good work. 👍✌️

[@BestDamnShopAround]

Thank you sir!

[@geoffreyadams6236]

Looking great! Just an idea, but, fast track miatas normally run in the realm of 3 degrees of rear camber. Depending on what you want to use it for.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

Really?! That's good to know!

[@joshuarivas8488]

Meet in the middle and split the bumper keeping the corners and tucked. Add the filler panel with the speed holes. It’ll look clean trust. Maybe run the exhaust straight in the middle.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@joshuarivas8488 good idea!

[@ricktroxell6448]

Seeing this brings back memories my first truck like this was a long wheel baise i put 8 inch notches in it and laid frame with it this was my favorit truck the body lines are awsome they were easy to work on and kitchy cool 👌mint but no bumper id cut it out and make a roll pan for it give it a nice booty without the dimple dies

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@ricktroxell6448 very cool!

[@SeaMonstr]

I would normally say keep the bumper, bc I’m into the old skool, beat up look. BUT.. those body lines look like they were meant to be shown off. And the clean look just fits the hybrid theme of this build better.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@SeaMonstr that's what I'm thinking!

[@coloradotrader7202]

I am grafting in MX5 suspension and subframes into a 1988 nissan sentra :-)

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@coloradotrader7202 very cool! Good luck with your project!

[@GarageBuiltRacing]

This is awesome

[@WNCworks]

Can the farmer's bumper...leave the tie down hooks. Love the stance!

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@WNCworks thank you!

[@outdoorsmansgarage]

I've been building hot rods rat rods and race cars for 40 years what you've done to this truck is basically turned it into a car however it would be good for putting on a oval for road course track.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

That's exactly what it's going to be for! Road course, auto x, and drifting!

[@StreetMachine18]

Keep the bumper. Use junkyard struts! Nice work son!

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@StreetMachine18 thank you!

[@Beginningmode]

Liking it! I'm doing the same with a square body 93 s10 and 350z front and rear subframe and 400hp vq35de 6 speed manual may turbo it

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@Beginningmode WOW! Very cool!

[@lawrence_tenn]

I'm a bumper guy. I say keep the bumper but lift it up, and move the brake lights to it. Great welding too.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@lawrence_tenn thank you!

[@LoneRevD]

Cool project, I've welded on Zinc materials in my old job we'd have a fan going (which ain't great for the shielding gas, but we used C02 but yeah porosity and the smoke is no bueno a day of doing it and catching even a bit of it makes you sick. Beautiful work, you lay some fine beads my friend. Looking forward to seeing this project. Subbed. Coil overs many of the cool kid drift guys are using BC Racing, which are really nice, a little spendy. Long as the outside looks rat'ish the underbelly might as well be choice if you have the change to do it. Oh and no bumper, at least not that barden looking guy lol..

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@LoneRevD thank you for the kind words and subscription!

[@benjaminmitchell5206]

Im doing this swap currently on a mazda b2200 this helped so much whats your plan for coil mounts? I saw another guy that did this use big round steel pipe to make cpil over towers it looked to work pretty good but im excited to see what you come up with

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@benjaminmitchell5206 nice! I plan on using 3/16 plate. Tube would be good too but I don't have a bender

[@miguelpagansr6128]

That thing looks sick, and to think that you have no suspension in it yet. No bumper in the rear, but please put a steel brace behind the roll pan.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

For sure!

[@trahar6257]

I’ve got a set of flyin miata VMaxx “street” coilovers on my 91 I really like but I’ve only street driven it so far. They have a few options in that 1000-1600 range but so do many other companies. It kinda depends how crazy you want to get with the spring rates

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@trahar6257 good to know!

[@koukidrftr]

Okay I agree with Taylor, no bumper. As for coilovers I'm cheap so you know my answer... but a wise man once said "Buy nice or buy twice"

[@chrissimes9445]

Loose the bumper... it's looking awesome!

[@garydeskins7754]

your boy is right loose bumper n let him do his magic

[@cat72chevy]

No bumper. Exhaust in the cutout quad tip for look

[@jasonhovey815]

Just found your channel. This is a cool project if say lose the rear bumper

[@BestDamnShopAround]

Thank you for tuning in!

[@MJenkinsD150]

this is going to be awesome! Lose the rear bumper! Run exhaust thru the gap like everyone is saying. Looking great!

[@BestDamnShopAround]

Thank you!!

[@NoReverse77]

I hope puddin is following this.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@NoReverse77 that would be cool! He's one of my favorite KZbinrs!

[@st170ish]

No bumper and no roll panel, make a nice license plate holder panel that fills/molds to the whole area clear over brushed bare metal, do the front bumper tucked to match... cheaper than chrome, hell even add some bare metal flares to help with stance possibilities see where Im going with this

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@st170ish good ideas!

[@schwinnshopmafia3944]

Mini trucks don’t need rear bumpers 😎

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@schwinnshopmafia3944 you have a good point!

[@chrisphoenix6564]

Waaaay back before you new Zealand guys did it, a guy from Utah I believe, did this in a Datsun 520. He even autocrossed it. Look it up. He extensively detailed everything on a forum called Ratsun. He called it the mx520

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@chrisphoenix6564 really?! I'll have to look that up!! The more inspiration the better!

[@ricktroxell6448]

Man i had a 79 courier it was short wheel basied and had a wood flat bed i slammed it and had to cut the boards in the bed to let the tires come through i loved that little truck someone spray painted it blue but it was nice well to me it was

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@ricktroxell6448 now that's low! Hahaha

[@ricktroxell6448]

@BestDamnShopAround I thought it was so cool I had to cut the bed out

[@eubanks8085]

Have to agree...Bumper go bye bye

[@thats10guy91]

First video I have watched on this so idk what engine your running. But just a suggestion 3.0 SHO engine with 5 spd

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@thats10guy91 cool idea!

[@JohnMoeckel]

I would like a full side view of the truck with the bed on outside. Please

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@JohnMoeckel next video for sure!

[@thats10guy91]

If you leave the bumper, it would be a perfect spot for drag blocks to throw parts lol. Seriously no bumper and build an all metal diffuser for the filler.

[@nopiatl]

L❤ve Camber

[@tintat2]

Now you need a Mazda 2.2 Perkins diesel with a turbo setup!

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@tintat2 that would be sweet!!

[@dinghy4344]

Owned a mazda b2200 with the perkins diesel. Had a dually setup on it.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@dinghy4344 I bet it was good on fuel!

[@metalmangle]

Bumper makes it look super dumpy. Like a load in your pants "dumpy". :D Killer build tho! I dig everything else about it.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

Haha I can see that!

[@launceherron]

Awesome project, upgrade the rear to a Ford 8.8

[@BestDamnShopAround]

I've been thinking about doing something like that!

[@tysonparker7403]

Looks like you will need to add fender flares so those rear wheels will fit without camber.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@tysonparker7403 yessir! That's the plan!

[@FORDCAMPERSPECIAL]

If it was a Mazda rotary it would have the perfect flares

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@FORDCAMPERSPECIAL agreed!

[@Bigdawg6.0]

No bumper filler plate with dimples holes and center exit exhaust

[@terrycasterline1599]

I'm a bumper guy too but on that no bumper and exhaust out the back .

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@terrycasterline1599 hopefully I can get the exhaust past the rear subframe!

[@davesnothere8859]

Not sure about the stainless nuts in my experience they gall up real bad,

[@ShaunHensley]

ALWAYS use never-seize with stainless to prevent galling. Without exception 😂 Also I like to hit new SS hardware with a wire wheel on the bench grinder to kinda buff any stray burrs from the manufacturing process.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@ShaunHensley good idea!

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@davesnothere8859 I've had good luck if torqued properly and anti seized!

[@robertbdees9913]

Are you going to drop in a 302 ?

[@BestDamnShopAround]

No sir, a turbocharged 1.8 Miata engine! Should Make the power of a mild 302 and be lighter!

[@NoReverse77]

Dimple a rear panel and run the exhaust out of the holes.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@NoReverse77 that's what everyone is saying!

[@d.collier_8280]

Where did you find that Courier? I’ve been searching for one for a little while now.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

Marketplace!

[@edwardrivera3031]

Love the project, miata guy myself, please no bumper

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@edwardrivera3031 thank you!

[@geoffschulteis6167]

No bumper. I had one of these in high school in the late 80's. Dropped it low enough to scrape reflectors off the road. Handled like a go kart!!! Wish I never sold it.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@geoffschulteis6167 that's really low!

[@chuckofthesouth4674]

Get you some QA1 coilovers and I vote no bumper but replace it with a single tubular bumper with jack point

[@prestonhorstman9615]

I say cut the bumper to fit the area where the plate is

[@c50ge]

No bumper, Stepside fenders cut down as fender flares with super wide rear tires.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

👍

[@GregoryBamber]

Get good shocks, you will notice the difference.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@GregoryBamber that's what I'm thinking!

[@MrStacy1974]

No bumper and raise the rear wheel arch to match the front.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

It will be raised and fender flares!

[@MrStacy1974]

@BestDamnShopAround when you mentioned autocross I knew the rear arch would be a problem.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@MrStacy1974 I was surprised through arch is roughly 3 in lower than the front! They'll end up both getting cut out and flares installed!

[@MrStacy1974]

Yeah that's just how trucks are , you don't notice it at stock height.

[@hashtag_minimovement7221]

No bumper 🤘

[@BestDamnShopAround]

@@hashtag_minimovement7221 🤘

[@ThomasSprague-d3l]

No bumper coming from a mini truck'n guy since way back (early 90's) and fabricate a Sir Micheal's style steel rollpan.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

Gotta love 90s style mini truckin!

[@Dustinicus.]

older style bumper, something more flush the the body, basically a front bumper on the back. everyone does a roll pan

[@joesenn8910]

Keep the bumper, it’s your truck

[@BestDamnShopAround]

True, but I like to hear people's opinion!

[@kennethnesmith4936]

No bumper filler panel with one big exhaust tip like Porsche.

[@BestDamnShopAround]

That's an interesting idea. I'll have to see how it looks!

[@BrandonGoodwin-qz2kh]

No rear bumper and add some fins and make a rear diffuser

[@BestDamnShopAround]

👍👍

[@Hootman865]

No filler panel, good spot to run the exhaust Lose the bumper

[@BestDamnShopAround]

I'm not sure the exhaust will go over the rear subfreezing, but hopefully!

[@Bjyrgen666]

LEAVE THE BUMPER!

[@dannosdive8552]

Leave the bumper ON!