All that's left is the work... shop recommendations?

justeric · 09-29-09, 06:21 PM

New guy here, sorry I missed the meeting tonight.

I just picked up a 78 FJ40 and plan on wasting no time getting it fixed up (and a little souped up). The two big first jobs are body work and putting in an H55 (and split transfer case).

Body comes first, particularly the top. It's all there, but it's had a hard life. There's some rust around the fiberglass, and the fiberglass looks like someone put rhino liner on it (really? no, really?).

So, having nothing to offer in return, I wonder if y'all can make any recommendations for shops? I figure I'll drop the top off first, and decide on who will do the rest based on that.

I'm not interested in showroom, but I do want a fix that will last. I live next to Colvin, so that has some appeal, but I have the feeling it's not a good match. I'm willing to take it out of town (there's a posting about a privateer in San Marcos?) if that'll get the best results for the $$.

Thanks for reading this far, and for your help. Maybe we can talk transmissions at next month's meeting.

-eric

PS yes, I'll be sending my dues TLCA and LSLC right after I send Nelda Wells Spears her check.

lolo62 · 09-29-09, 09:02 PM

I highly recommend Edwin (lcspec.com) for anything mechanical or any mods you want to have done. he is THE LC specialist in town. years and years of experience.. if you are wanting any fab work, then go see Jason at JK customs in Round Rock. welcome to MUD!

grant5127 · 09-30-09, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justeric

(there's a posting about a privateer in San Marcos

LOL.......

tucker74 · 09-30-09, 07:43 AM

Grant is with Wimberley 4x4 down in San Marcos, I hear he has a new body guy who is pretty good? A few of the guys here in town have used Ed's Auto Body, it's and old school body shop that's willing to do this sort of work and pretty close to you (183/290). Edwin at LCS is right around the corner also does great work -

Wimberley 4x4
830-626-3111

Ed's Auto Body
3412 Duke Rd
Austin, TX 78724-2512
512-928-2175

Land Cruiser Specialist (LCS)
5309 Jeff Davis
Austin,TX 78756
512-420-0012

Tucker

davegonz · 09-30-09, 07:50 AM

That privateer needs to move to Austin

justeric · 10-04-09, 02:48 PM

A long time ago a coworker coined "Burke's Law of Initial Maximums" which states, simply, that everything looks best the first time you look at it. The more I look, the worse it gets, but I'm still optimistic.

Among the first things to get fixed (and pass inspection) is going to be steering. Since I'd rather not touch it twice, it'll be time to put in PS as well. Any thoughts on the JT Outfitters kit? Also I'd like to go back to the stock rims and tire size, should I do that at the same time?

I'm taking it over to Edwin on Tuesday for help.