1966 FJ45LV - Magic Bus

[gonzopancho]

I acquired 1966 FJ45LV 25453 from @greenbeast and had @mattressking transport it from Tulsa to @samc2447 at NW Design and Fabrication

The truck is in good shape cosmetically but needs a few things to make it right.

 

[gonzopancho]

I have some pics from the previous build in 2011/2012 by @55guy

 

[gonzopancho]

And how it looked when I bought it.

 

[gonzopancho]

Rough plans:

• Refresh brakes (calipers, pads and soft lines)
• Rebuild birfs
• Add FZJ80 PS box
• Restore parking brake
• Replace Chevy wheels with Toyota w 32x10.50 km3s
• Dakota Digital cluster
• Repower with a 1fz-f and h55f/split case
• Custom fuel tank like found on the farm fresh build (fuel pump in tank)
• Dobinson’s springs with IMS shocks

@FJ60Cam at Mosley Motors was already building a 5.2L (100.5mm bore, 108mm stroke) 1fz-f with a carb intake I’d acquired. The rotating assembly is from Brian Crower with CP pistons at 10:1 compression ratio and the I-Beam rods.
The bottom end is probably good to 8,000 rpm. But it’s going to be limited by the sniper. At a displacement of 313ci the motor passes 575 CFM at 7500 rpm. The 2bbl Sniper will only pass 580 CFM, so if nothing else limits it, the sniper will. If it gets too annoying I’ll order the Plasmaman intake for it.

@orangefj45 built a h55f / split case combo with a factory parking brake and the Sumitomo 3:1 low-range gear. The truck has 3.73:1 gears in the thirds.

I don’t plan to spin it that tight… most of the time. It’s a torque build.

100.5mm is 3.956”
108mm is 4.252”.

Dad had a dragster with a 427 ci “small block chevy” in it. 4.0” bore, 4.25” stroke. Oldsmobile “Rocket Block”. It made 893HP at 8,000 rpm on methanol.

This engine is essentially the same stroke and bore with 3/4th the cylinders. Conservatively, I figure 275HP at the crank, 225 rwhp.

But this 45lv is a driver, not a race truck. It’s just nice to be able to squeeze the throttle and get results. Just a bit of boogie in the Magic Bus.

 

[55guy]

WOW i want it back , I sold it because as a 4x4 you would not want to wheel it hard ,The rear fenders would have gotten THRASH , was great in the Dunes , Great to see it get finished to Museum quality . Enjoy

 

[swamp-thing]

I’m familiar with this LV and have seen it up close and gone for a spin. She’s a gem no doubt about it — give’er the works!!!

 

[gonzopancho]

WOW i want it back , I sold it because as a 4x4 you would not want to wheel it hard ,The rear fenders would have gotten THRASH , was great in the Dunes , Great to see it get finished to Museum quality . Enjoy

I have a 1974 FJ55 that is armored and SOA on built 60 axles that I can thrash. (Old bumpers in pic.). It’s currently being painted because the rattle can job from 2012 was getting thin.

This LV (I have 2) is getting no (additional) lift. I’m not throwing ARBs in the pumpkins or regearing it. It’s a road truck. I’ll probably take it on light trails though. Gonna do a bit of fishing, I hope.

 

[gonzopancho]

I’m familiar with this LV and have seen it up close and gone for a spin. She’s a gem no doubt about it — give’er the works!!!

You’ll probably see it again then. It will be based out of CO when I’m done.

 

[gonzopancho]

Toyota wheels w/32” km3s

 

[NOSAJ]

Amazing what correct wheels can do! Much better!

 

[55guy]

I love it , But please fix the wipers arms

 

[gonzopancho]

I love it , But please fix the wipers arms

It’s on the list !!

 

[JLawson]

Oh yeah, you are going to have many smiles per mile in that one!!

 

[island45]

What NOSAJ said x four!

 

[gonzopancho]

What NOSAJ said x four!

x five, actually. Spare is inside.

 

[gonzopancho]

@FJ60Cam is starting to assemble the engine.

Check out the cool custom 1/2” headgasket.

 

[55guy]

Looks awesome ! The V8 motor mounts on that 45lv are one of a kind , Icon 4x4 , I found on e-bay years ago .
Smoked windows look good

 

[gonzopancho]

Geez, it's been nearly a year since I updated this thread. Plans changed slightly. It's getting a turbo 1fz-fe, no, the green valve cover isn't staying You can see the lizard skin or rhino lining (I forget which) on the firewall to restore that "factory black" look.

 

[gonzopancho]

money shot on the turbo.

Also, underside completely stripped, rust repaired and then undercoated.

 

[gonzopancho]

In-dash AC, coil pack conversion.