3 years of collecting - Starting to build the 40. $200 (1 Viewer)

[Mikesta]

Got about an hour on the cruiser today... and about 5 in the garage. Cleanup is a serious task. Had to catalogue 2 cruisers worth of crap.

I threw in the Engine Mounts... one from CruiserDrew and one from LCS. Thanks a ton for the free parts!!! They were in great shape as well.

Then I backed in the 40 (It took 4 hours to clean the garage to do this) and got the engine ready to drop in.

I was really curious to see if the Engine mounts on the 2F would line up with the mounts on the frame. The did and the bushings will work I think! I was very stoked to see this sitting in the frame.

Next will be figuring out the tranny mount... don't think it will be too hard. Going over to a buddies tomorrow to bend up a rear sill for the body as well. Hope to have the body on within a week. Mounts and all.. The the front axle will be next. Lots of work, but thouroughly enjoyable.

 

[Mikesta]

Some more pictures

 

[hicruise55]

Red X's?

 

[Mikesta]

Fixed it... I think it was the server update that messed them up.

 

[Mikesta]

Its been a few days.... life is busy. Family is sick.

Was able to get out and clean off the FJ60 Tranny support. This succer won't fit as expected. I'm thinking about keeping it and cutting the outer supports and welding them back so they fit within the frame rails. Or finding a 1985+ tranny mount (doh just sold one) and custom fitting that. That would probably be easier. Now I'm forced to look through all 1500 pictures I have to figure that out.

What have you guys done?

You can see I lowered the engine to show how much wider it is within the frame rails.

 

[hicruise55]

Hey Mike, when I did that swap on one of my other 55's I just cut the end of the ears off and redrilled holes, I think I had to notch the crossmember a little but it turned out really well. I just welded the mount ears(?) to the frame. No pictures cause this was waaaay back before digital cameras

You still wana pick that motor up today?

 

[Mikesta]

Ok, need to get down there and grab that engine. When are you available Aaron?

Sorry guys, been put on hold for some business decisions. NO ITS NOT FOR SALE... everything else is though

 

[hicruise55]

I will be around pretty much all of this weekend, would love to get the motor outta the way! Plus I just put the 40" Swampers on my 40 today, ya gotta see it! Aaron

 

[Mikesta]

fun day

Aaron, I hope to be out there tomorrow around 3Pm if that works? Do you have something to hoist it up?

Fun day today... hung out with cruiser guys from the Raincitycruisers group. They stopped by and picked up a FJ62 frame. They pull up with this little trailer.

I laughed out loud... but the laugh ended up being on me! That thing streched out. I crawled all over it. Had to be a great mind behind the builder of that trailer.... We put a frame and parts of the H55 60 body up there and he drove off after 2 hours of cruiser banter.

Then some folks stopped by from New Orleans... Flew up with intentions of buying my wife's Clean 60. Yep, we are probably going to the minivan. We will see... if it doesn't sell, I'll be stoked and will keep it as a icon of a company.

These guys helped me lift the FJ40 body up and over the engine. After I get the tranny mount situated, I'll start cutting into the clean tub... making it work with my extended wheelbase.

We will see, I might slap in the 3FE first.

I slapped the FZJ80 Booster Master in there and there is room with the desmogged 2F

 

[Mikesta]

Some pictures of the build

 

[Mikesta]

few more

 

[Mikesta]

Here is the 3FE I picked up from Aaron. 3 hours round trip with my son. 2 Mountain dews and 4 PS box bolts got it on the stand.

I don't know what I'm going to do yet... but Pappy's 2FE walkthru is freeking awesome.

 

[RockDoc]

2fe, 2FE, 2FE, 2FE, 2FE

 

[Mikesta]

2fe, 2FE, 2FE, 2FE, 2FE

Ok, RockDoc.... 2FE it is!!!! You talked me into it.

 

[hicruise55]

Looking good Mike! You should see the shop... its looking WAY better! It was good to see you again! Its good to see that that motor is going to be used, I have some other stuff for you: maf, aircleaner, computer, ect... Aaron

 

[Mikesta]

Awesome Aaron... you coming up tomorrow night for the cruiserhead meeting? Pork ribs, bon fire etc etc.

It is with deep sadness and regret that I need to clean out the garage for other ventures. I loaded up 4 engines, 5 tranny / transfers, 2 axles and a FJ40. Yes... the trailer may die from the weight.

It will be covered for 6 months till I can get some finances together.

Tomorrow night will probably be the last night that I work on cruiser till next summer. Need to get the house in order and finish the remodel during the winter.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

That poor trailer! LOL

 

[hicruise55]

Sad to hear the project is put on hold, I wish I could make one of the meetings, but my schedule is pretty solid and I work Tuesday nights I really would love to get up there and meet the rest of you guys!

 

[D'Animal]

Any updates on the progress?

 

[ksollinger]

Glad to see Chia is finally being built! Hows the hoist working out for you? I see it's been getting some use. I'm subscribed so I can keep up with the progress.