Build 1977 FJ40 LS3 Aqualu Build

[NorCal]

New build project. 1977 FJ40 Frame with a full Aqualu aluminum tub, cowl, fenders, radiator support, tailgate, windshield assembly, etc. Stock doors, top, and hood. Plan is to do an LS3 6L80 conversion, Redline Cruisers lift, Vintage Air, Dakota Digital gauges, disc brake conversion with ARB air lockers, a full powder-coated body, and lots of other goodies.

 

[NorCal]

 

[NorCal]

 

[NorCal]

Sandblasting.

 

[Chamba]

Sweet plan, but almost lost me at the automatic. I love these Aqualu tubs. Will you go with the mustard yellow from the pre-'77 top on the finished rig? Front doors look to be '75 or '76.

 

[NorCal]

The Aqualu tubs are amazing, but some tweaks are needed here and there. Work began on fitting the hard top to the tub.

 

[NorCal]

 

[NorCal]

Since the top was off, we decided to finish it off and set aside in storage.

 

[NorCal]

 

[NorCal]

ARB Air lockers installed.

 

[cruisermatt]

nice part of the country to use it, I love Healdsburg

 

[peesalot]

I'm in Windsor, do you rent that blast booth out ?
If not extending wb you may find the 6l80 too long, 4l65 fit nicely but requires a bit of wb over stock.

 

[Chungas Revenge]

You’re going to like this mod….a lot.

 

[cruisermatt]

I'm in Windsor, do you rent that blast booth out ?
If not extending wb you may find the 6l80 too long, 4l65 fit nicely but requires a bit of wb over stock.

I agree on the wheelbase, it is crazy to do all this work and not extended wheelbase 4-5"

 

[peesalot]

however the idea of reworking the new tub for wheel opening wouldnt be high on my list.

 

[Chungas Revenge]

The Aqualu tubs are amazing, but some tweaks are needed here and there. Work began on fitting the hard top to the tub.

Some assembly required for the HT to Aqualu windshield frame…


Not a criticism just curious why the full powder coat on the body?

 

[NorCal]

Some assembly required for the HT to Aqualu windshield frame…


Not a criticism just curious why the full powder coat on the body?

I love the ICON builds look with the powder-coated body, they look amazing in person. I am still 50/50 powder versus paint, though.

 

[NorCal]

I'm in Windsor, do you rent that blast booth out ?
If not extending wb you may find the 6l80 too long, 4l65 fit nicely but requires a bit of wb over stock.

I used to live in Healdsburg but relocated to San Diego, the FJ however, is currently in Colorado. Might still do the 4l65, haven't purchased a drivetrain yet.

 

[NorCal]

I agree on the wheelbase, it is crazy to do all this work and not extended wheelbase 4-5"

I like the stock look, but a restomod.

 

[NorCal]

Sweet plan, but almost lost me at the automatic. I love these Aqualu tubs. Will you go with the mustard yellow from the pre-'77 top on the finished rig? Front doors look to be '75 or '76.

Automatic, so the future wife can enjoy as well

No idea on color direction yet, still a ways off from making that decision.