Builds Meet Ivy, 1976 FJ40 w/VW TDI (1 Viewer)

[fjdiesel]

Got the tub on the trailer and ready to be blasted and then to the powder coater!! It will be nice to put the tub back on for the last time!! I hope...

While the tub was on the floor I welded a couple mounts on the bottom for the fuel lines to run throught. And I didn't like the way that Aqualu welded in the fuel pocket so I welded all the way around it and frenched it in, so to speak.. Looks way cleaner and won't fill with dust and mud, etc..

 

[White Stripe]

What is being powder coated on the tub?

 

[fjdiesel]

What is being powder coated on the tub?

I am having the whole tub powder coated. They already did the half doors, tailgate, and the cover for the rear storage compartment. I originally thought I would paint over the powder if it didn't match very well, but the doors matched the cowl so nice I don't think I will be in a hurry to paint it. The only reason I planned on powder coating it was that was what Aqualu recommended for the best adhesion on the aluminum... Seems like it does stick well.

 

[White Stripe]

Oh OK. My tub needed a bit of body work. The weld for the floor and inner fenderwell sucks in the quarter panel and makes it bow slightly. At least on mine.

 

[fjdiesel]

I will have to look at that. I didn't notice that. Thanks.

 

[fjdiesel]

Over the next couple days I am going to try to get the back of the frame painted. It has only been in black epoxy primer so far..

 

[thecrazygreek]

Reading through this thread I didn't see where you stretched the frame to accommodate the 10" stretch?

Did I miss it? Looking real nice btw...

 

[fjdiesel]

@thecrazygreek That's a bummer I forgot to document that... Here are some pics from that day.

Thanks! I do keep telling myself it's a driver, not a trailer queen!!

First I cut the outer frame off to get a measurement of the inner and outer channel.
Then I had both halves bent on a brake to match Mr. Toyota.

I then cut out 10 inches from the inner channel and 14 inches from the outer channel. I cut it where Aqualu recommended. So it matches the stretch on the tub.

Then we slid it apart and tached in the inner channel.

 

[fjdiesel]

And the finished project. Well, after this I did get two new tubes bent that I welded in behind the trans. The factory tube was in the way with the NW Black box and split case t-case... I can get a pic of that to show you.

 

[thecrazygreek]

Thanks for the update!

Great work...

 

[fjdiesel]

I got this from Fedex yesterday! I have a long list of things I wanted to get done while the tub is getting blasted and powder coated, but now I want to put this in right away!! I had DD change the tach, put red needles in, and have blue back lighting. Now it matches my aftermarket VW EGT gauge.

 

[forestderp]

Sweet project, just read through the build thus far, I recently sold my tdi swapped toyota pickup. I'm just north of you up in duluth.

 

[fjdiesel]

@forestderp That was you, cool. I seen it on CL. There are a couple parts I am looking for locally, ie. rollbar, so I try to scan CL every couple days. We will have to meet up sometime, I would love to see a Defender in person.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Awesome build!! Awesome skills!!

 

[forestderp]

@forestderp That was you, cool. I seen it on CL. There are a couple parts I am looking for locally, ie. rollbar, so I try to scan CL every couple days. We will have to meet up sometime, I would love to see a Defender in person.

Metal tech makes a very nice kit for the fj40, my defender is in pretty rough shape at the moment. Anytime this summer I'm usually down for adventuring around the superior national forrest.

 

[fjdiesel]

Awesome build!! Awesome skills!!

Thank you sir! I enjoy reading your posts and seeing the beautiful places you adventure and hike. Keep it up!

 

[fjdiesel]

Metal tech makes a very nice kit for the fj40, my defender is in pretty rough shape at the moment. Anytime this summer I'm usually down for adventuring around the superior national forrest.

Sounds good to me!

 

[fjdiesel]

I have gotten a little behind.. Last weekend I got the rear frame section painted. And have been working on wiring for the taillights, rear aux light wiring, trailer plug wiring, etc. anticipating the tub getting back so I can mount it.

 

[fjdiesel]

Friday my powder coater called and said he had everything done already. Which was a nice surprise since he said later next week!!

Had him do the strikers for the doors, tailgate, and rear storage compartments as well. On the dash bezel and glove box I had him do a light texture.

And of course, might as well make the trips to the sandblaster and the powder coater worth while since I was gonna put new tires on the motor home. Had the rims done for that as well.

 

[fjdiesel]

We haven't had internet or phone at home this last week since the storm last monday(lost a few things from the lighting, fencer, phone and internet, you know...). They are supposed to be out on Tuesday to fix the problem. I had a break today at work so I wanted to get this updated.

I did work on the shifters this week. Thanks to @orangefj45 for the parts order to finish them up. I will get a pick of them in the next few days. Pretty happy with how they are coming out.