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View Full Version : Daily Build Rav4: Mokocchi "Am I Popular Yet?"



artcentermiata
12-24-2013, 02:13 AM
Welcome to Something a Little Different!
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/0_zpsb1b4f961.png (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/0_zpsb1b4f961.png.html)

As Ive dug deeper into the modification of my Miata- I found myself needing a platform that can provide me some versatility with everyday activities: Mainly- grocery grabbing, school supply hauling, transport for bikes and parts.

So in an effort to find a vehicle that suited my needs, i started a search! I know i wanted something compact- I am already using my one provided space to hide the Miata away, So i needed something i could sneak into the extra nooks around my complex (But i couldn't give up any versatility).

Of course, Ive always had an eye for unique and underdog vehicles- Which led me to sniff out the outcast of the American automotive culture, the Micro-SUV


The History

There has been soft spot in my heart for early generation, small, and economical sports vehicles since i was young. This all started when i first was introduced to the Isuzu Vehi-Cross, a smart and highly capable SUV with polarizing styling. I could honestly say it was one of the Influences that led me to Transportation Design. While it wasn't well received, I feel it was a brave attempt to push boundaries while offering a functional drive-train and chassis.

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/01_zpsd1514e6b.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/01_zpsd1514e6b.jpg.html)

The likes of other small 2 door SUVs have since been an interest to me- A few examples being the Geo Tracker, Suzuki Samurai, Mitsubishi Pajero, Toyota FJ, and some American offerings such the Explorer Sport-Trac / Blazer ZR2 / Wranglers.

There is just something purely "cute" about the scrunched proportions, short wheelbases, and tall height!


One Canidate

Lets not forget a prime contender- Frankly, one of my favorite Micro-SUV selections: the Toyota Rav4

While the 4-door selection is a prime example of a standard and vastly popular economic vehicle choice- The 2-door configuration is just stunningly cool!

The early generation Rav4 in my opinion carries its styling quite well over its age- Large curvacious lines, two-toned graphical indications, short approach / departure angles primed for terrain tackling.

While it was marketed in the US as a capable family tote- In truth a durable chassis and a grippy AWD system made it great for hitting the dirt!


One Just for Me!

I actually set off my search a long time ago for a 2-door Rav4- Just browsing as if i wanted to purchase one, But not until recent events did i take the hunt seriously.

I learned that they have become incredibly hard to find in the US- Looking through enthusiast forums and country wide ads led me on wild goose chases that yielded minimal results.

And then one night when i had been lackadaisically searching local ads- This little red box appeared!

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/2_zps526461bf.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/2_zps526461bf.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/3_zpsf35c5d7a.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/3_zpsf35c5d7a.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/1_zps2fa45bad.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/1_zps2fa45bad.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/4_zps4dd2d54e.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/4_zps4dd2d54e.jpg.html)

An unburdened by abuse- 1997 Toyota Rav4 2-Door Tin Top

I was in luck to nab one of the more rare "Base Non-Power" configurations- The most basic of basic models. No assists, No electronic interior features, 5-speed manual transmission.

These have become a commodity simply because most of these configurations were shipped to the Asian continents as a bare bones, cheapened, "nothing to go wrong"- get around vehicles; A few made there way to the US, but not many.

The only bummer being that i was not able to find the AWD drive-line configuration... A very rare sight state-side, there are very few to be had as they were mainly configured in an Automatic transmission special edition model-

So i will make way with this more than adequate FWD model with 68,000 miles and immaculate appearance.


Mokocchi?

I chose to name this little red box Mokocchi in an effort to channel one of my favorite anime characters: Tomoko Kuroki

She is a small and awkwardly hap-hazard example of a high-school student that despite her misguided efforts to be popular, only brings herself embarrassment

I think this somehow works out for the quite unpopular and horrible sales reflection the 2-door Rav4 presented during the late 90's- It tried so hard to popularize a market that just didnt have a spark.


Continued

artcentermiata
12-24-2013, 02:50 AM
Not a Grand Effort, But a Valiant One

Of course, as we all promise ourselves with a Daily-Driver... Modifications should be a touchy subject- Spending money on a car you plan to use as a scape-goat for mileage and cargo seems counter-productive; Especially when other builds are on the drawing table.

With that being said, i couldn't help but want to liven up the tiny Rav4- Nothing extensive or damaging / nothing affecting performance or reliability / only enhancing the outward theme of the vehicle slightly.

I decided to make a quick render as i did with the Miata, just to play out an idea- Dakar Support Cube!

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/6_zpsc701c385.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/6_zpsc701c385.jpg.html)

Borrowing wheel specs from popular Rally Raid vehicles and the capacity racks from some off-road configured trucks Ive seen over the years- This became something i really wanted to execute.


Round Meat

Keeping on a short budget, i opted to fulfill the wheel / tire selection from the render.

Sparco Terras shipped quickly after, mounted to Kumho Venture tires
16x7 with a 45mm offset strapped to 225/75/16

The stance of the Rav4 changed drastically, now it looks more appropriate for some gravel duty rather than parking lot lounging!

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/5_zps72ec1ccf.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/5_zps72ec1ccf.jpg.html)

Looks like a happy relationship between small car and compact SUV!


As it Stands

I got out the polish / wax and gave her a nice bath- Lathered Mokocchi up with some care products and took it out for a short photo capture!

Mind the silly tow-straps... It was a joke that went too far...

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/7_zps83115dc1.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/7_zps83115dc1.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/8_zps0284d443.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/8_zps0284d443.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/9_zps433626b5.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/9_zps433626b5.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/10_zps56b58a9e.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/10_zps56b58a9e.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/11_zpse9507a9c.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/11_zpse9507a9c.jpg.html)

Despite its effort... It's still quite unpopular!


A Tiny Version? Is That Popular?

No. And that is why the model was discontinued- Sorry for your loss Aoshima

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/16_zps4b1da21b.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/16_zps4b1da21b.jpg.html)


If i Take Photos of Other Toyotas... Will I be Popular?

Not Quite... But there seems to be a nice community of unique Toyota kind around my campus!

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/12_zpse7e67ed0.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/12_zpse7e67ed0.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/13_zpsd240dc6b.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/13_zpsd240dc6b.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/15_zps84b01813.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/15_zps84b01813.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/14_zps9977ac00.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/14_zps9977ac00.jpg.html)


Capacity Bar and Front Brush Guard

Soon, if funds become available, i will hand Mokocchi over to Moti at BlackBird FabWorx to take care of the blue metal scaffolding!

Might be a while though- So stay tuned!

treeafodo
12-24-2013, 09:56 AM
I'll be watching this.

tsingson
12-24-2013, 10:10 AM
I really like these type of builds. I will definitely be watching this thread. Will you be lifting it slightly?

kung fu jesus
12-24-2013, 12:27 PM
Sub'd.

My buddy from college (InD) had a late 80's 4runner. He found TRD flares for it and went with larger wheels and tires like this:

10451

Something similar for this RAV4 would be friggen' KILLER.

tsingson
12-24-2013, 12:41 PM
This is what I want to achieve with my Expedition.

10452

Jeremy, get on it. Give me some inspiration like you did with your silver NB.

Ihatecars
12-25-2013, 02:18 AM
Mokocchi?
You did say you liked WataMote.

Awesome daily, btw. Totally kawaii.

artcentermiata
03-05-2014, 02:32 AM
Nothing new

But a fun California Rain Excursion

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/IMG_10181_zps9b5151d1.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/IMG_10181_zps9b5151d1.jpg.html)

artcentermiata
07-28-2014, 02:21 AM
Some news is good news

Not much new or exciting with the daily.

Regular maintenance and upkeep have keep this little Rav running like a top.

Having a freezing A/C system, 30mpg, and some storage room are making me fall in love with driving this little awkward girl.


TRD sport package

I came across this unique old box at a TRD supplier- It contained a Rav4 stainless catback system / Highflow cats and a Cold-Air Intake.

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/22_zps63916593.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/22_zps63916593.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/23_zps93fecfc7.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/23_zps93fecfc7.jpg.html)

Overall, it didn't add or take away much to the exhaust note- nor did it add much in the way of performance. but the deep groan that now resides in the intake is lovely!


All the same

Outside we are still the same albeit some stickers and a TRD badge

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/20_zps69049bcc.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/20_zps69049bcc.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/21_zps87d26724.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/21_zps87d26724.jpg.html)

You can see the TRD muffler just peeking out, nice and clean.


Inspiration

While walking into our campus one day, i spotted this simply amazing Defender.

I can easily say that this is exactly what i love to see in Micro SUVs! I will take some love from this and apply it to Mokocchi some day.

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/18_zpsb9420b75.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/18_zpsb9420b75.jpg.html)

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/19_zps0eb36ddf.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/19_zps0eb36ddf.jpg.html)


Take me places

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/24_zps9d616ce4.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/24_zps9d616ce4.jpg.html)

I like that Mokocchi will take me places the Miata cant go!

_______________________________________

Thanks for tuning in! hopefully something exciting will happen with this little box someday.

Id like to clean up the corrosion and paint soon. Ill be sure to check in and update progress as i begin!

freedomgli
07-28-2014, 10:36 AM
The 2 door RAV4 is so left field I can't help but like it. Add to the fact it's a golden era Toyota status (just barely) and it should treat u well.

atank
07-28-2014, 01:34 PM
I love it!!!!!!!!!!!

revlimiter
07-28-2014, 02:17 PM
Humble suggestion: Rally Armor mud flaps. Should be simple to make fit.

I love this build.

ScratchNSniff
03-07-2015, 10:46 PM
Needs more updates!!!

Demon I Am
03-07-2015, 11:31 PM
Thanks for resurrecting this, Alex. What a great read

ScratchNSniff
03-08-2015, 09:31 AM
I was thinking about this yesterday and wondering if anything had commenced further...such a cool looking micro suv...

fwdtamiya
03-21-2015, 09:53 PM
Update: This car was sold to another (former) miata owner, seen in this picture. Can anyone guess what he replaced the Rav4 with?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v378/fwdtamiya/11046308_10205589055312932_2965820468819405735_n_z psa0roujfv.jpg

tsingson
03-22-2015, 10:12 AM
Prius?

fwdtamiya
03-23-2015, 12:19 AM
A miata of course! :blaugh2:

artcentermiata
09-11-2015, 12:11 AM
Saying Goodbye

Yes, I have sold my beloved RAV4. No reason really- at the time, i needed some money for school; but after selling her i found a solution to my financial needs. I was left without a daily, so i began the search for another fun car- of course, i chose a second Miata. Stay tuned for my second Roadster build thread shortly.


One Final Shot

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm147/caboosage/Mokocchi%20story/25_zpsnrtmqwff.jpg (http://s295.photobucket.com/user/caboosage/media/Mokocchi%20story/25_zpsnrtmqwff.jpg.html)

oldgrayleather
09-12-2015, 03:30 AM
Farewell sweet RAV4.. I hope you have found a loving new home that appreciates you accordingly...

Trystano
09-12-2015, 08:42 AM
Swap the Miata body on top of that !!!

Phatmiata
09-12-2015, 08:46 AM
That would be the Suzuki Sidekick IIRC