Builds 1978 FJ55 BATPIG

[gonzopancho]

Both sides fully welded it in stages. Check fit between stages. Beads ground flush.

 

[gonzopancho]

Back and inside portions done. The long seams on the sides left to tig weld. Fits close, needs a little massage from the welding.

 

[gonzopancho]

Seatbelts came back

 

[Lifelong40Fan]

How heavy is that beauty and beast of a skid plate?

 

[tucker74]

Wow - that skid plate is crazy complex, my 40 has a similar design made by Don (FC Fab) and he just dropped each side with a notch for the DS. I went to a 70 series rear axle so I could loose the drum on the split case however.

 

[gonzopancho]

How heavy is that beauty and beast of a skid plate?

Guess is less than 20lbs. Mark says he’ll weight next time it’s off the truck.

 

[gonzopancho]

Wow - that skid plate is crazy complex, my 40 has a similar design made by Don (FC Fab) and he just dropped each side with a notch for the DS. I went to a 70 series rear axle so I could loose the drum on the split case however.

There are three sets of 70-series axles at mark’s shop. The locked set off the hzj75 troopy goes on that 1976 fj40 with a 6.0LS and a Tremec 5-speed

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Guess is less than 20lbs. Mark says he’ll weight next time it’s off the truck.

I would have certainly guessed more. Incredible work regardless.

 

[gonzopancho]

I would have certainly guessed more. Incredible work regardless.

It’s 43 lbs.

 

[Pigeaten]

Over. 5 k budget

 

[gonzopancho]

Over. 5 k budget

From the day it was bought

 

[Pigeaten]

Know the feeling

 

[PabloCruise]

Inserts tig welded in at 125amps 1/16" rod. 1/4" mounting plates, 4x 7/16" bolts. Inserts are .75" deep.

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Wow, those are some beautiful welds!!!

 

[PabloCruise]

More

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That is some strong work!!!

 

[PabloCruise]

Preloaded the crossmember up 1/8" to account for the compression in the trans mount.

Added gussetts. Pulled it once to finish on the bench. Reinstalled, then took the temporary brace off the tcase.

Going to add a couple drain holes.

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That is brilliant work!

 

[PabloCruise]

Preloaded the crossmember up 1/8" to account for the compression in the trans mount.

Added gussetts. Pulled it once to finish on the bench. Reinstalled, then took the temporary brace off the tcase.

Going to add a couple drain holes.

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Great view of the header collector:

 

[PabloCruise]

Mark. He does a ton of 60s/70s era C10, Camaro, etc work.

in addition to BATPIG, he has the 1976 FJ40 (formerly known as the Goblin), my two stretched FJ40 projects, and the wife's 1965 Mustang.

The 1976 FJ40 is getting a rebuild: LS364/450(*), TR-4050 5-speed, split case with 3:1 lo-range, the locked / 4 wheel disc axles I have from a hjz75, fabricated fenders, 35s on 15x10 widened Toyota wheels, full cage. It's next after BATPIG, more of a trail truck, but staying SUA. Bunch of work upthread on the 4-plus rear bumper.

(*) people have asked if I plan to do wheelies. The answer is, 'No'.

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I like The Goblin!

 

[PabloCruise]

3/16" gussets added. Tig welded at around 200A, manual pulsed, 3/32" filler rod.

Let it cool, then tune up of edges and it goes back in.

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Man that is a perfect Pig piece!!!

 

[PabloCruise]

On its own weight. Still 3deg down

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Those look like perfect crossmembers.

Remind me, are you still using the bellhousing mounts? Or switching to the H55 mounts?

 

[PabloCruise]

Skid plate taking shape, continuous piece of 1/8" plate. Hugs the trans crossmember and as tucked as possible all the way back.

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These guys are absolute craftsmen...