Builds FJ45 Custom Troopy build (1 Viewer)

Timbo FJ45 · Aug 5, 2014

This is going to be backwards seeing that the LC is already done. I had always meant to do this earlier just could never find the time. So here it goes. Over the next few weeks I am going to try and add photos and info concerning the build. Hope you all enjoy. Cheers -Tim

Below is the finish product. Although, I guess it will never really be finished, right?

Timbo FJ45 · Aug 5, 2014

How it all started. Below is a drawing I did which I sent to Don Haywood over at Wolf Creek Rod Works.
I asked: Can you build it? He said: Yes I can.

He came down to Albuquerque and picked up our Land Cruiser. Loaded it up on a trailer and took it up to Pagosa Springs to start the build.

Timbo FJ45 · Aug 5, 2014

Here it is heading up to Pagosa. Some of you might freak on the idea of a FJ45 Long Bed turning into a Troopy. The Long Bed still lives. It didn't go away. Two LCs were born from one. Attached is the finished Long Bed which does not belong to me.

Timbo FJ45 · Aug 5, 2014

Some early thoughts were to extend the cab and put a short bed on. Then extend the cage all the way to the back with a custom top over the whole thing.

Timbo FJ45 · Aug 5, 2014

Don got it down to the frame and started test fitting the Ram Jet 350.

Specs are: Chevy Ram Jet 350, GM Serpentine belt system, Griffin Cross Flow Aluminum Radiator, Dual 11 inch Spal fans (independently controlled), CS 144 200 amp Alternator, NAV 4500, 5 speed overdrive, Orion 4 to 1, Advance Adapters Twin Stick Control

Timbo FJ45 · Aug 5, 2014

We put a lot of thought into the suspension. I wanted 37s but also wanted to keep it Spring Under. Alcan came through with some custom springs and AllPro with the Walker Evans Bead Locks.

BF Goodrich 37inch Krawlers. Walker Evans Bead Locks. Alcan Springs with Bilstein 7100 Shocks. Front Shackle reversal. Disc brakes front and rear. ARB lockers front and rear with 4:11 gear ratio.

Timbo FJ45 · Aug 5, 2014

Just a random photo showing the Lowrance 10 GPS in action.

taterhead · Aug 5, 2014

That is beautiful...

Timbo FJ45 · Aug 5, 2014

taterhead said:
That is beautiful...

Thank you. Is your brother Hank Young? Youngchoppers.com? Your LC looks a lot like one he built. I was jealous. You have one hell of a LC yourself.

boozewz · Aug 5, 2014

Subscribed....waited a long time to see this thread started!

CycloSteve · Aug 6, 2014

^ x2. Glad to see this thread come-to-life. I was scratching my head previously about a 66 front-end, and troopy rear.

Timbo FJ45 · Aug 6, 2014

Thanks Guys. @boozewz @CycloSteve

Below are the drawings we sent to Pacol so they could get started on building the new Troopy bed. This is after we cut about 10 inch off the back of the frame. We did this so we would have a better departure angle. But we wanted to leave enough room for a Man-A-Fre 21 gal tank and keep it looking nice. The photos are pictures Pacol sent us after they finished and were ready to ship from Panama.

Timbo FJ45 · Aug 6, 2014

A couple of photos of the rear tub being attached to the front

Timbo FJ45 · Aug 6, 2014

Test fitting the 21 gal tank.

Timbo FJ45 · Aug 6, 2014

The body starting to come together.

Timbo FJ45 · Aug 6, 2014

Original FJ45 body/bed was sold. Donor 1966 FJ40 was cut behind door pillars, retaining the forward portion. Extended custom rear section was fabricated by PACOL, including custom flat floor for passenger compartment. The 1966 cowl was mated to the new rear section. Front fenders were replaced with new OEM fenders (not shown here). Doors, hood and front bib original from my FJ45.