1993 Custom Toyota Mini Truck - Project Dragged Daily, Part I

10. Next, the top rails were bent accordingly at each mark.

11. Again, to keep the accuracy of the rails so both sides were equal, each rotational bend was double-checked with an angle finder.

12. With the top rails bent, each side was test-fit to the bottom rails, and like usual, it was a perfect fit.

13. After all four rails were bent, the front, rear, and center supports were measured and cut.

14. Once all of the supports were cut, each end was notched according to its placement on the frame.

15. As you can tell by all the scars on Aaron's arms from welding and grinding, it's probably a good idea to wear arm protection around the shop. Ah, who are we kidding? Chicks dig scars; just ask Aaron and his all-steel prom date that he designed on his computer. Anyway, back to work, the edge of each piece was ground smooth to help produce a nice, even weld.

16. With all of the necessary pieces of the frame ready to be assembled, the workbench was turned into a jig for the frame. The bottom framerails were measured and clamped into place.

17. The end support was tacked into place.

18. Each corner was double-checked to make sure it was square, then the support was fully welded.

19. After the front and rear sections were in, a couple of center section supports were also welded into place.

20. With the bottom half of the frame complete, Aaron took a cross-measurement of the frame from four set points to ensure that everything was square.

21. After the bottom end was built, we could move ahead to the top rails. Each end had to be measured and notched to mate with the bottom of the frame.

22. Next, the ends of the top rails were cleaned and ready to be welded to the bottom.

23. The top rail was mocked up for measurement and tacked into place.

24. and 25. After the rails were tacked into place, each angle was double-checked one more time before final welding.

26. Here's a look at how the frame was coming along after one of the top rails was in place.

27. Once both top rails were in place, the supports were ready to go in. Each one was checked to make sure it was straight before being tacked into place.

28. After all supports were tacked into place, each one was welded up all the way around.

29. And just like that, we have a new frame for our Project 'Yota. Stay tuned as we piece the rest of the truck together and build a one-of-a-kind suspension setup.