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Home » Public Forums » GMC Swap Meet » Toad wanted  () 1 Vote
Toad wanted [message #194689] Thu, 03 January 2013 10:35 Go to next message
habbyguy is currently offline  habbyguy   United States
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I've recently started looking for a small (!) toad for my GMC... primarily focused on the Suzuki Samuri (tin top) or Sidekick / Vitara, but might consider anything "interesting" as long as it's small and light enough to not make a big difference in braking or climbing. Maybe a VW bug or ??? I'm a "car guy" and would probably consider vehicles that would scare most people. Twisted Evil

My rig has an existing Blue Ox tow system installed, so a toad with a BO tow bar / system installed is extra-interesting,.

I didn't post this on the general forum because I didn't want to start a new toad thread (and figure that it's likely that those who might be looking to sell a toad would look on the Swap Meet eventually).

Thanks!


Mark Hickey Mesa, AZ 1978 Royale Center Kitchen
Re: Toad wanted [message #194698 is a reply to message #194689] Thu, 03 January 2013 11:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
rcjordan   United States
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>VW

A Thing kept coming up on everyone's "good toad" list so that's the route I'm taking. They are still on Craigslist a couple of times a month and the AZ/CA/CO area appears to be an active region for them.

I could pick up a Tracker/Samuri/Sidekick/whatever for $2-3k less than a decent Thing core. Howevr, I'm interested in going Full Retro with my whole rig --mostly for K.I.S.S. mechanicals, but there is also great appeal in being exempt from all annual inspections by my home state, NC.

>Blue Ox

After checking with JimB, I ordered the Acclaim BX4330 model, which is supposedly self-storing on the Thing.


SOLD 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
76 Eleganza
Elizabeth City, NC
Re: Toad wanted [message #194704 is a reply to message #194689] Thu, 03 January 2013 12:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
kerry pinkerton is currently offline  kerry pinkerton   United States
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I wanted AC and found on our local Craigslist a 95 Saturn with working AC and everything else, AND it had a blue Ox tow bar and wiring already installed. Came from a guy who towed it behind SOB. I enjoy driving it and getting 29mpg but it sure is LOW to the ground for my old knees.

Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
Re: Toad wanted [message #194714 is a reply to message #194689] Thu, 03 January 2013 15:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
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Mark,

There is the small issue that the readers on the e-mail list never see the swap side and don't even know what happens here.

Matt


Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
Re: Toad wanted [message #194799 is a reply to message #194689] Fri, 04 January 2013 10:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
habbyguy is currently offline  habbyguy   United States
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I once almost bought a Thing... I do regret not doing it, since it was in great shape, and was dirt cheap (yes, a long, long time ago). I'd certainly consider one if one popped up on my radar... it's got pretty much all the attributes I'm looking for (four wheels, an engine and four seats). Wink

I know that a lot of folks never see the Swap Meet, but I hate to propagate anotehr toad thread. If someone here has/knows of one, that's fine... I figure the odds are pretty low either way.


Mark Hickey Mesa, AZ 1978 Royale Center Kitchen
Re: Toad wanted [message #195176 is a reply to message #194689] Tue, 08 January 2013 10:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
xplorid is currently offline  xplorid   United States
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there are a few sidekicks/trackers for sale here in the boise area, check craigslist. in addition I am looking at an unlisted 95 tracker 4X4 2 door. let me know if I can help.

jeff


1974/94 GMCII by Explorer Manny 6.5 TD Al radiator 1 ton front 4 bags back
Re: Toad wanted [message #195227 is a reply to message #195176] Tue, 08 January 2013 18:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
tphipps is currently offline  tphipps   United States
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Another excellent choice is the Scion xB (first edition). Weight and passenger capacity should fit your needs. Toyota Varis 2dr also, but crawling into the back is for the agile. Hyundai also has light 2 dr models, manuals are towable.
You pays your money and make your choices.
Tom, MS II


2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552 KA4CSG
Re: Toad wanted [message #195340 is a reply to message #195227] Thu, 10 January 2013 09:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
rcjordan   United States
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Thing (Knoxville area : Pigeon Forge) $3500

http://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/3533527185.html


SOLD 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
76 Eleganza
Elizabeth City, NC
Re: Toad wanted [message #196436 is a reply to message #194689] Fri, 25 January 2013 10:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
habbyguy is currently offline  habbyguy   United States
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Dang, and I was just in Pigeon Forge about a month ago.

At any rate, I've decided that the Jeep Cherokee I have will make a very nice toad. It's a two door, five speed with no "heavy options" (like power seats or windows) so it really doesn't weigh much more than a Suzuki Tracker or other similar "popular toad". Plus, it's paid for! It's also got a lot of interior room so we can carry a couple bikes and "whatever".

So right now the search has changed from looking for a toad to looking for a tow bar and base plate that'll work on a Cherokee. I'm finding some great deals on foldable tow bars (Blue Ox, Roadmaster and similar) but the base plates that I need to buy are pretty pricey. I'm hoping to find a complete "system" that someone's taken off a Cherokee (which are pretty much all the same from the '80's through 2001). Ideally, it'll have the ball-less 2" hitch connection (I understand that will reduce sway, and I'm all about reducing sway!).

If anyone knows of a tow hitch / receiver / base plate (or at least the base plate part) for a Jeep Cherokee, drop me a line.


Mark Hickey Mesa, AZ 1978 Royale Center Kitchen
Re: Toad wanted [message #196471 is a reply to message #196436] Fri, 25 January 2013 18:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
homer is currently offline  homer   United States
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Mike, I have a receiver I think came from a jeep but not quiet sure, you are welcoume to take a look not to far from you in chandler. homer

homer
Re: Toad wanted [message #196475 is a reply to message #194698] Fri, 25 January 2013 19:13 Go to previous message
Richard Andis is currently offline  Richard Andis   United States
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rcjordan wrote on Thu, 03 January 2013 11:51

>VW

A Thing kept coming up on everyone's "good toad" list so that's the route I'm taking. They are still on Craigslist a couple of times a month and the AZ/CA/CO area appears to be an active region for them.

I could pick up a Tracker/Samuri/Sidekick/whatever for $2-3k less than a decent Thing core. Howevr, I'm interested in going Full Retro with my whole rig --mostly for K.I.S.S. mechanicals, but there is also great appeal in being exempt from all annual inspections by my home state, NC.

>Blue Ox

After checking with JimB, I ordered the Acclaim BX4330 model, which is supposedly self-storing on the Thing.


Expect to pay somewhere in the neighborhood of $6500 for a decent non rusty Thing. There are some good deals out there though.


Valhalla - 1978 GMC Royale rear twin [SOLD]
Walküre - 1974 VW Thing (Toad)

[Updated on: Fri, 25 January 2013 21:24]

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