We’re writing this thread to share our observations and lessons learned as we repair and outfit an 1996 FZJ80. It will be used for overlanding after we retire and to do backcountry trips. Here are the pictures of it when we purchased it.
1996 FZJ80 Backcountry and Overlanding Build (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter fzj80crew
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
- Thread starter
- #2
ORI in Winchester had done two JK builds for us so we went with them for our overloading project. The first thing we did was start tearing it down to evaluate everything. Here is the body separated from the frame. We were surprised at how much rust was on the top of the frame and hidden by the body. Good news is that the frame was still solid.
for a 22 year old car , it looks very well preserved , despite some rust .
also the body looks nece and clean.
will be an interesting project to follow .
bye Renago
also the body looks nece and clean.
will be an interesting project to follow .
bye Renago
- Thread starter
- #5
Renago thanks. We hope so.
To treat the rust on the frame we decided to have it sandblasted and re-powdercoated to prep it for POR15 rust prevention coating and Eastwood's "Internal Frame Coating". You can see the divots in the frame where the rust was getting started. That said we are extremely please with how well the frame turned out.
To treat the rust on the frame we decided to have it sandblasted and re-powdercoated to prep it for POR15 rust prevention coating and Eastwood's "Internal Frame Coating". You can see the divots in the frame where the rust was getting started. That said we are extremely please with how well the frame turned out.
- Thread starter
- #6
Once the underside of the body was media blasted any remaining rust was mechanically removed. All the seam seals were repaired using commercial grade seam seal and then POR15 was added. Below are pre-media blast and post POR15 pictures.
So where does one go to find that kind of work done in an expedicious manner like that? Engine is
gone, so what's the plan?
gone, so what's the plan?
Super job
Might do it as well in 5-10 years .
Depending on how my car performs
Costing ?
I how you will keep all OEM original , it will be a plus value to such a well preserved car .
Bye Renago
Might do it as well in 5-10 years .
Depending on how my car performs
Costing ?
I how you will keep all OEM original , it will be a plus value to such a well preserved car .
Bye Renago
- Thread starter
- #9
We are working with Off Road Innovations in Winchester, VA. Chris Lockridge (owner) and John Robinson (Chief Operating Officer) are great to work with. We brought them our design and continue to work closely with them on the build. The work posted above was done over a couple of months. The rest of the build we will post as various aspects of it are completed.
ORI
1954 Abrams Creek Drive
Winchester, VA 22602
540-665-0123
The engine: is currently being rebuilt by Victory Precision Machine with a Brian Crower stroker kit and possibly a turbo. This is a much debated topic going on in the 80's tech section. in the end, to get through VA emissions it may just be the stroker kit.
96 LC Stoker Kit and Turbo ECU/Tuning Advice
Below are pictures of the engine still in the frame, the block stripped down to go for the rebuild and one from VPM of it during the build.
Victory Precision Machine
- Thread starter
- #10
The costing will vary based on what you want to have done to it and the products that you use. I would suggest finding a couple of shops, discuss what you want, and get quotes when you are ready.
We are trying to keep it OEM where we can but it will not be pure due to our design for its new purpose of doing backcountry and overloading.
