Tanuma Body 田沼ボデ一

Fresh paint

admin — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 01:02:34 +0000

The van was delivered to 2M Auto Body in San Diego for a fresh coat of paint. They used PPG base in the Infiniti QX56 Smoke color along with Transtar clear. After the color sand and buff its looking showroom fresh. Visit 2Mautobody.com

“Mission” Accomplished

admin — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:31:58 +0000

The biggest thing that has held back the van build is the transmission. We have tried transmissions from the QX4, G35, Titan, and finally we have found the correct combo, the 05+ Pathfinder / Xterra / Frontier tranny (less bellhousing because in the USA this mission bolts to a VQ40). Unfortunately there is no published info out there on input shaft length, shift lever position, output shaft style, computer, plugs, and bell housing so we just had to see what worked. At least this expensive trial and error transmissions has finally concluded with a $700 2008 Xterra unit obtained from San Diego Wrecking yard Tapatio. They are very professional and actually let you warranty or exchange parts within 30 days if it does not fit as you planned. The JDM bell housing and the Xterra torque converter bolted everything together. JDM exhaust manifolds and engine mounts will allow for a smooth install.

Suspension, Wheels and Body Work

admin — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:04:23 +0000

3M panel bonding adhesive to attach the door panels and then we did some bodywork to smooth out the lines to make the parts look one piece with the doors.

MRR design 20″ wheels with 235/40/20 tires fill whe arches.

Parts Shop MAX customized some coilovers using parts from S13, S14, Genesis, FD RX7 and custom fab pieces. The coilovers are adjusted as high as they can go, so you know this thing can really be in the weeds, and while the front end sits a little higher in these photos, it should level out after the engine is bolted in.

USA Donor Vehicle

admin — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:23:01 +0000

For the van project a the complete US spec drivetrain, subframe, emissions equipment etc. will be coming from US spec 2001 Infiniti QX4 that was sourced on craigslist for $1000

With all of the good bits left to sell from the QX4, the donor may just pay for itself!

Container arrived, kit installed.

admin — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:58:21 +0000

This van body shipment was great at proving our method of importation because it got selected for physical inspection by US customs TWICE. It was x-rayed, processed and physically inspected at the Long Beach terminal and then processed and physically inspected in San Diego before being released for delivery. I guess customs wanted a christmas bonus this year performing redundant inspections, but the extra costs were well worth it in exchange for absolute confidence in the legitimate and legal Tanuma process.

If you have us send the container direct to you, when the 20 foot container arrives you need to unload in a warehouse that has both a truck level loading dock and a ground level loading dock and space inbetween to push the body from one door to the other. You also need a hammer with claw, crowbar etc. To remove the blocks that are nailed into the container floor (which was made of bamboo in our “eco container”). Also a broom to clean up the inside of the container after its unloaded.

The Fabulous brand body kit fits like a dream come true!

Now the next thing that needs to get done is to find a US EPA spec vq35de drivetrain from a pathfinder. Stay tuned!

Container Loading

admin — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:50:21 +0000

Sorry this is a late post since the container has already shipped a while ago, but here are the loading pictures that show how the body is protected from damage during shipping:

Down to the metal

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:57:58 +0000

Looks like the ElGrand is almost ready to ship!

Work in progress

admin — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:01:06 +0000

Eisuke San is hard at work removing the JDM drivetrain and other components.

More pix after the jump…

Fresh delivery at Tanuma Body service center

admin — Tue, 26 May 2009 19:14:40 +0000

The Elgrand was delivered to Tanuma body for processing. As you can see Eisuke San has selected a body without any damage in pristene condition. Even the interior is immaculate (and is even wrapped in plastic). The complete aero package has arrived as well from Fabulous.

more pix after the jump.

ElGrand project build

admin — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 22:22:56 +0000

This is the type of ElGrand body we are looking to source for Dan at Parts Shop MAX USA. This is a good example of a base model around the extra low rock bottom price of ~$8000 USD. This platform was chosen to replace Dan’s Tundra which he uses as a daily driver and to tow drift cars to the track.

The Tundra being worth about $19,000 should fund this special construction ElGrand pretty well. Of course it will be a bit more unique because it will be the first Tanuma ElGrand in the USA. The van body was chosen to replace the truck because it will give similar utility while having a bit more VIP style after readily available accessories are installed. This van body will easily accept a US spec EPA certified VQ35DE & auto tranny drivetrain from many possible donors such as the Frontier & other USDM junk yard Nissans. The total project cost is projected to be about $18,000 after the Tanuma remanufacturing process, shipping, the US VQ drivetrain, and do-it -yourself construction.

To enhance the look of this Tanuma ElGrand, A Fabulous aero kit will be used to complete the transformation to that classic VIP style.