4 door Fj45 on 80 series chassis (1 Viewer)

[Blackknight1]

We decided not to use the windshield frame that was on the truck. That one was badly rusted, like almost everything else on this thing. I had taken one off of my 40 series project. It was in better shape. Needs some repairs too but not as extensive as the original.
We cut off the rusty spots, welded in new sheetmetal pieces and now all we have left to do is grind the welds and reinstall.

 

[Mike Shull]

You are doing great work. I wonder what the worse windshield looks like! Is this a hobby or professional trade for you?

 

[Blackknight1]

Thanks. It's a hobby.... unfortunately it's addictive as hell

 

[Mike Shull]

Yeah, tell me about it!

 

[Blackknight1]

Today, the fiberglass top finally met the new home made gutter. We first bonded the top to the gutter using eurethane glue (same stuff used for glass). We did this to prevent water from entering the truck from where the 2 meet . We then riveted the top to the new piece. I love it !

 

[Blackknight1]

The top and the gutter are a a perfect fit ! Yeah l
We used 1/8" rivets....

 

[Blackknight1]

Windshield frame is fixed and mounted back on the truck until final disassembly for paint preparation

 

[Blackknight1]

Few more of the window frame and the truck as it sits today.

 

[JLawson]

As you can see in the last picture, we kept the 16 gauge sheetetal support and applied a thin coat of fiberglass all inside of it. Next week we'll work on the outside. It's coming along slowly but surely.
As fabrication and sheetmetal repairs are nearly done,, it becoming evident toe that I should have done this with a less rusted truck to start with.
2 whole years of pure madness. Trust that I'll never start another project with a decomposing body. My only satisfaction is that I learned a lot from it.

Well, just count your blessings it's not and LV!?!

 

[Blackknight1]

Well, just count your blessings it's not and LV!?!

Sorry but what is an LV ?

 

[Blackknight1]

We worked today on the lower rear cab corners .Those were also badly rusted and required the 16 gauge treatment .

 

[Blackknight1]

Some more.

 

[Blackknight1]

As the sheetmetal boys worked their magic on the cab corners, I decided to look at wheels and tires. It's time to make a decision.... hopefully I can make this one without letting my ego decide.
See , if you read this thread from the start, you'll notice that iwanted 37" tires from the start.then I realized that because of the shape and length of the frame, I was forced to lift the body about 2" off the chassis . That's a 2" body lift to start with.... I was considering a 4" Suspension lift . It would look nice but I did not spend this time and money to have this thing simply look good. I want it functional with looks to die for. So I think I'll drop the idea of the 4" Suspension lift and rather go with a conservative 2-2.5 " max. This is one place I do not want to go cheap so I'd like some advice from the Mud community on what Suspension you all think would be best.
The truck will see its fair share of street use and will see rough trails and rallies a few times a year.
As for wheels and tires, I tried on some 37 x 15 on it. They really look good !

 

[Blackknight1]

Last picture is with some 18" Black Rhino wheels that a friend generously gave me. They look ok and one of them needs some repairs. They're old but they were free , and that my dear friends helps more than you could imagine....
So , I'm debating using the 18" wheels in 37" tires.
I have looked everywhere 37x15 and no one seems to make those anymore.
Do you guys think that the 18" wheels would be good for street and trails ?

 

[peesalot]

65 Mustang convertible looks like it got bombed.

 

[Blackknight1]

65 Mustang convertible looks like it got bombed.

Be nice. We'll fix it . Maybe some day

 

[peesalot]

Do you have the hood ? is it a 64 1/2 by chance ? any pics of the bronco on the other side ?

 

[Blackknight1]

Do you have the hood ? is it a 64 1/2 by chance ? any pics of the bronco on the other side ?

I have 2 broncos , 2 65 mustang convertible , a 67 coupe, a 69 mustang fastback and a 69 camaro convertible.

 

[Blackknight1]

Back to the Cruiser. The only part we had not given any attention yet is the cab's rear section. I was hoping to simply buy that other 45, cut the rear section from it and adapt it to this one. The owner swears that he's gonna fix it some day , so, no deal.
I can forget about finding another one here, so I will not even try.
I am left with one option and only one.... but this time , the section is so badly damaged that fixing is not the proper term .
We're remaking the upper and lower rear sections out of New sheet metal. I'm glad it's the last of it.
I think I'm gonna install a 6 point roll cage when it's all said and done..... for now, let's make some parts.

 

[Blackknight1]

And some templates .