Body chop idea or ih8repairing rust

projektdotnet · 01-15-07, 07:32 PM

Ok so here's my idea. Move the fenders all the way to the bottom of the hardtop channel, replace outer fenders, inner fenders, and cargo area with tube framed, metal skinned box of some sort. Would look something like the following, assuming I can pull it off.

Also please ignore my horrible MS Paint skills

Texx · 01-15-07, 07:55 PM

That's quite literally gonna be more trouble than doing it right....

JohnnyC · 01-15-07, 08:24 PM

not too bad for ms paint...ive seen people do worse with photoshop...thats not bad...alot of work thou...i take it your not a purist?

clemson55 · 01-15-07, 08:36 PM

Sounds like a heck of a lot of work to me. Not sure getting some replacement panels wouldnt be easier.

rusty_tlc · 01-15-07, 08:44 PM

I'v seen serveral rigs chopped up this way. Most just hack the outer fenders up to the HT channel and box the inners inward far enough to stop them from limiting the rear axle up travel and mount taller shock towers.

D'Animal · 01-15-07, 08:49 PM

What are your suspension components? I would think that you would need to do this only if you are running bigger than 37" with absolutley no lift at all adn crazy soft springs..

camcruiser13 · 01-15-07, 08:58 PM

an awful lot of cuttin involved here, you sure about this dogg?

wanabecruisen · 01-15-07, 09:50 PM

sorta like I did on mine. The rust demon had a party on mine so there wasn't any harm in trying. I can stuf my 42's real well and use every bit of the BBCS 15" shock travel. Here's a pic -

bustanutley · 01-15-07, 10:45 PM

sounds like gunmetal's old ride, mace did the same thing, I don't think it would be that much work, I would like to do the same for when I up tire size but I would have to completly remake my cage.

LT · 01-15-07, 11:29 PM

Do it. I am going to be doing this mod this winter. Just like Mace, Gunmetalcruzer, and wannabecruisen. I am going to get the raised fenders CAD drawn and have it bent into shape. Already have a mock up piece done already using some old rusty fender skins

projektdotnet · 01-16-07, 05:43 AM

The reason for doing this is that a few bends, notches, etc and you've got a whole rear cage then just skin it to make it a "tub" but I would essentially have to re-build everything but the HT channel starting at the doors to do it right so this would actually be less work and prep to paint when it's done. I think I'm gonna get a friend to do the CAD for me so I know what I'm looking at for material and go for it. I only have puney 33" right now but I'd like to go to 37"+ tires in the future.

camcruiser13 · 01-16-07, 10:46 AM

even with 37 would you have to cut that much out,
i am debating between 35, 36, 37's got no idea, im thinking 36. tsl/sx's
the middle of the three. i hope they fit

Dedtruk · 01-16-07, 11:20 AM

I've considered a similar approach using wheel tubs from Summit (or Jegs or ...). That way, the outer fender can be cut to the hardtop rail and the inner fender (so you have tire room without needing to lift more) behind the seats can be cut out for more leg room. The flat parts of the inner fender that you cut out to fit the wheel tubs can then be used to patch the inevitable rust holes where the factory roll bar attaches at the rear of the body tub. Waddya you guys think? Been sniffin' too much gear oil have I?

rusty_tlc · 01-16-07, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D'Animal

What are your suspension components? I would think that you would need to do this only if you are running bigger than 37" with absolutley no lift at all adn crazy soft springs..

Probably true for the outer, but if there is a bad case of cancer what is there to loose?
My inner fenders are limiting the up travel on the rear. I am SOA with 36" TSL swampers. I pulled a couple of leaves out of my spring pack so they are almost flat with the rig static. I would like to box the inners out to get more up travel and to reduce the shock angle with taller shock towers. But with not much space for gear already I don't think that will happen.

I would also like to shorten the front aprons and raise the front fenders up, either using the Metaltech tube fenders or someting from a local shop. For now I will just install taller bump stops.

2badfjs · 01-16-07, 11:45 AM

projectdotnet,

look at post #29 I Think I Need Longer Shackles!
this is my 40 with 36" iroks with my modified 2.5" 60 springs.
i'm cut to the bottom of the inner fenderwell.
i plan to wrap the cut around the back.
but.....
your SOA and want to run 37s'
i think you'll cut to much if you go up to the h/t channel.

my .02

Sputnik40 · 01-16-07, 12:45 PM

The nicest example I've seen of that mod was done by R.J. Stout - took pics of his rig a few years ago at GSMTR and have meant to do the same, but just havn't gotten around to it. His SUA 40 is in last Summers TT - can't remember if there were any side pics. He redid it with heavier sheetmetal and moved the fenders up following the original lines. That and a sweet welded in rear tailgate and it looks fantastic...

Think he runs 37" MTRs SUA - and it is super low.

projektdotnet · 01-16-07, 04:03 PM

the advantage to doing it now is that if I ever turn it into the hardcore, lower to the ground rig I'd like to make it that I would have plenty of room to do so (for one) and for two as I said the whole rear body needs to be replaced short of the H/T Channel anyways so why not make a killer storage unit and open it up for more travel while i'm at it?

I think when i have the money for the tube i'm gonna do it for sure

Thanks for all the input.

Good pics Jim...I remember seeing that when I was down there. My fenders are cut all the way to the back of the body already

sputnik40: useless description without PICS!

Twisty · 01-17-07, 04:42 AM

Found these pics on my computer of kinda what your describing....I reckon it looks pretty sweet!

A hardtop one.....pretty sure they are 36's, so with it trimmed to the bottom of the hardtop there is tonnes of room for big rubber!

D'Animal · 01-17-07, 06:00 AM

The red one is my Buddy Frank's rig. He lives in Reno, NV. You won't recognize it now since it is painted 2006 FJ Cruiser Yellow.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twisty

Found these pics on my computer of kinda what your describing....I reckon it looks pretty sweet!

A hardtop one.....pretty sure they are 36's, so with it trimmed to the bottom of the hardtop there is tonnes of room for big rubber!

rusty_tlc · 01-17-07, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D'Animal

The red one is my Buddy Frank's rig. He lives in Reno, NV. You won't recognize it now since it is painted 2006 FJ Cruiser Yellow.

He had it built by SamCo?
Sam is a super cool dude. He welded up my Metal tech cage and did some custom stuff for me.
That 40 was in his shop forever, its a very nice rig. Seeing it first hand it looks like it would handle rockcrawling and open desert the way it is set up.