I have a 98 gator with 115xxx miles, and NADA lists it for ~3500 in the condition it's in. I owe 3000 on it now. This truck has served me well the last 4 years, but it has it's problems which i'll describe below. I am in dire need of a pick-up truck. Nothing special, just a bit more hauling area than the gator has, with the top being the limiting factor in my load space. My question is, would there be a way to convert it to a pick up? I would rather keep the truck as I know it's history and how it works. If i were to sell it and buy a true pickup, it would be an 80s or early 90s truck for 1500 or less that is simple to work on, no electronic gadgets to deal with. but again, i will have this truck paid off next year, and i think converting it would be an interesting project as well.

Here are the problems, which reduce the amount i could ask for if i sold it:

Horrible misfire: i changed the plugs, and nothing changed. might be coils, might be something worse.
A/C doesn't work. it blows hot air but the compressor is charged with refrigerant, so something else is the problem.
Interior is in bad shape, leather is torn, carpet is less than good.
rear bumper is broken on the corner, grille has a broken pillar, hood has a nice big scratch from a garage door incident, rear wheel well has a nice big scratch from the wife backing into a wall, rear vent motor is broken, so that window is hanging from the hinge.

pretty much, i'm looking at much less than NADA price for excellent condition.

Would there be anything I would need to deal with as far as bracing and stiffening if i chop the top off from behind the driver and passenger seats so i could create a bed? thanks for any tips and suggestions!

 

I think you'd be better off buying a truck.

 

Bracing or stiffening would by far be the least of your problems. Your biggest hurdle to overcome is all of the electrical wiring, relays and modules that are up in the roof and sidewalls. Rewiring all of that or bypassing would be a nightmare.

 

i WILL BUY THAT BAD BOY FROM YOU FOR 3000 I NEED A NEW PROJECT

Im working building a 700 hp 5.4l and need somethin to strip down the weight in and take it to the track lol

 

Have you considered getting a trailer? Depending on the trailer you could haul alot more than you could with your converted Gator and have a lower loading height.

 

PM coming your way.

 

i wouldn't be too concerned about much of that. if i were to convert it, i would only be concerned with required systems, like brake lights and stuff. what all wires are in the roof section? basically if i was to convert it, i would pretty much strip it down to the necessities. i am mechanically inclined, and have all the tools necessary for such a job.

 

In 98 they still used a GEM, which means 99.99% of all the systems run to the GEM, making bypassing virtually impossible. I'm not trying to discourage you, I'm just trying to make you aware of just how deep the pile is you're about to step into.

 

so what harnesses run through the ceiling behind the front seats?

 

Before starting on this project you should get a Ford service manual and a body parts manual and do some research.
You really should take the $3,000.00 offered and buy a pick up truck. I think he's offering you too much for a Navigator in that condition and that old. You could get a nice truck and spend a few bucks making it the way you want it and still have some cash left over.