Builds Brunt Force Trauma's fj80 thread. (1 Viewer)

[Brunt Force Trauma]

So I decided instead of starting a bunch of different threads every-time I wrench on the cruiser. I will just start a "build" thread and update it as things progress. You will probably notice a trend with me. I tend to cut/remove/chop things off quite a bit. I take a minimalist approach to things. If I dont need it, its gone.

So here was the rig the day I bought it, only picture I took:

I immediately removed the flares/flaps and 3rd row seats *SEATS/FLARES/MUD FLAPS HAVE ALL BEEN SOLD*:

 

[Brunt Force Trauma]

Today I continued with operation "get rid of stuff" and started removing various parts I deemed unnecessary.

Started with the spare tire crossmember and hook tool. Going to mount the spare on the roof when my rack comes in.

Then I got on a roll and started unbolting stuff. Ended up taking out the 3rd row belts, retaining straps, and floor mounts. As you can see the rear carpet/husky liner had trapped some water and a bit of corrosion had started:

I noticed how worn the rear carpet was under the husky liner. Plus it was a bit damp and smelled like mildew. So I decided to pull off the interior panels and have a look under the carpet. It may not look bad in the photos, but the whole underside was wet and green. Plus it stunk! Decided it wasnt worth trying to save, so I pulled it out. Ill probably end up line-x'ing the cargo area. Or possibly the whole interior. While I had the panels off I removed the factory sub that was trashed.

Thats all for now. More destruction to follow.

 

[yoopercharged]

the 80s strip tease, I like it!

 

[97 40th]

If it offends the, cut it off...

 

[greentruck]

Going to mount the spare on the roof when my rack comes in.

Man, you must be eating your Wheaties. Makes my back hurt just thinking about that.

Are you going to install one of those little cranes up there that you see on Unimogs for help with changing tires?

Not dissing the idea so much as thinking about the pitfalls

 

[Brunt Force Trauma]

Man, you must be eating your Wheaties. Makes my back hurt just thinking about that.

Are you going to install one of those little cranes up there that you see on Unimogs for help with changing tires?

Not dissing the idea so much as thinking about the pitfalls

I have no problem getting the tire up on the roof. I had a spare 38x12.5 mounted on top of the cage of my old bronco, and that thing was over 9 feet tall. Ill probably install some sort of step or ladder to stand on for accessing the roof rack. But for now the tire works fine. Besides, in my entire 15 years of driving I have only had to use a spare maybe a dozen times, so its not a huge issue.

 

[Memphisacc]

I dig your approach of minimalism. I will be interested to see what you deem unworthy and worthy from here forward. Keep it updated. I two would consider the roof mounted spare but still very undecided on a rack.

 

[fjc8871]

What size tire you planning on throwing up on the roof? Jeebus a 34" is hard enough for me to put on the rear . Keep the updates comming

 

[Brunt Force Trauma]

More stuff just keeps falling off.

Drivers side rear bumper trim. It was bent to hell:

Dash speakers grille mesh. I like the more industrial "work truck" look without them:

 

[Eicca]

Likin' what I'm seein'...

 

[Brunt Force Trauma]

Edit* Double Post

 

[Brunt Force Trauma]

Ok. So I noticed this on my passenger floormat when I was out in the truck today. Ive never noticed any dripping and nothing under the dash was wet, but I havent driven the truck since yesterday morning so it may have dried. It did appear to have a greenish tint to it though so I am guessing its coolant. Whats my next step?

 

[steveLX450]

I know,bypass the heater core,then rip the dash and core out of the truck because you wont need them ?

 

[Brunt Force Trauma]

I know,bypass the heater core,then rip the dash and core out of the truck because you wont need them ?

Haha. That would be logical following my pattern. But i do like having heat when I go on my snowboarding and camping trips. So I would like to remedy this situation before it gets worse. Is it my heater core for sure? DO i need to tear apart the whole dash to find out?

 

[Eicca]

Oh yes. The heater core is a fun job. EVERYTHING comes out.

 

[Brunt Force Trauma]

Chop, chop, chop...

 

[Eicca]

Chop, chop, chop...

Do I hear a glasspack coming on...?

 

[Brunt Force Trauma]

Still figuring out the plan for exhaust. I just did the O2 sensors and it made a HUGE difference in the way the truck ran. Once I finish chopping the fat off the rear end Ill make a final decision on exhaust.

 

[thestunts]

Subscribing ...

 

[Brunt Force Trauma]

Ill be going under the knife again in the next couple days to lose the factory bumpers. They are in good shape except for the drivers side rear. If anyone needs them let me know or else they are going on craigslist... pics to follow.