The term "donor vehicle" refers to the vehicle you're going to use as the basis of your build. The most important parts that you'll use from the "donor" are the frame, suspension, axles and driveline (engine, transmission, transfercase... if 4WD). Depending on how much of the "donor vehicle" you use, you may utilize other things from it such as (steering column, interior items, wiring harness, lights). You get the idea.

The donor gives you the basis onto which you build your truck. Beyond that, to construct your cool looking and functional TremorMUV, you'll utilize the TremorMUV plans and the skills that you have, or have yet to develop.

To give you an idea of what kind of donor you need for a project like this, the donor you select must meet the following two minimum requirements.

Provided your donor meets these requirements, you're all set. Be sure that the donor you select is mechanically sound, or be prepared to invest some time and money into making it mechanically sound.

The TremorMUV prototype used a 1978 Chevy Suburban 4WD as the donor. It was purchased at the very early stages of the TremorMUV development. Long before it even had a name! Over the 4 year period prior to the construction you see documented on this CDROM, the Suburban served me as a daily driver. Over the years, I did some maintenance work here and there, bought my tires and rims and had a great time with it.

It was tough after having served me so well, to cut it apart for this project, but I knew that what I'd be creating would long outlast the old Suburban I had bought for this purpose.

As you can now see, the old Suburban has been transformed into something far from its original design.

This project is all about destruction and creation. What you end up with is a vehicle that's far superior to its humble beginnings!

- wider track width - larger wheels - more wheel travel - lower center of gravity - superior front to rear balance - more cargo room - stronger and overall safer for the occupants - incredible looks - higher overall value - a vehicle that retains its value over time

 

There are so many positive things to be said about converting a rusty old pickup truck or suburban into a TremorMUV. It just makes sense.

And, the beauty of the donor vehicle concept is that outwardly it can look completely and utterly terrible! Completely rusted out and trashed with a mechanically maintained driveline is your ideal vehicle. What's really great about this is it helps you drive the purchase price into the ground! A vehicle that looks bad, doesn't sell for much! This is where you can save yourself a bundle!

Now that you know what the donor vehicle concept is all about, and what you're looking for, start shopping! Find that perfect donor. And if you're wife/girlfriend, husband/boyfriend doesn't have the vision to see beyond the rusty old hulk you're about to drop some hard earned dollars on, direct them to your computer, and let them see for themselves what an ugly old truck can turn into with some dedicated effort and the right direction!