Builds "40-DAZE" 66' FJ40 build (GOIN' 4 BROKE !)

[MT TUBEKRAFTER]

Then started on front coil spring buckets and side plates

 

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Finished coil spring buckets

 

[MT TUBEKRAFTER]

it is supporting its own weight...finally !!
It is a roller now!! and I am happy with the ride height as it sits ,it is at 23.5" frame height and the springs feel really good ,I think this will be a great setup ,flexy and should ride like a caddy. it just feels right!!!

 

[MT TUBEKRAFTER]

A few more of it standing on its own...

 

[MT TUBEKRAFTER]

Well I have had the "idea" of dovetailing the tub from the beginning ,but figured I would wait to make my final decision once the suspension was done.
Now that I'm at that point , I say a dovetail is in order

Since my hardtop was used as a sled a few winters ago while being stored ,it is going to require some repairs in the same area as I would need to cut it to execute the hardtop dove, so this makes perfect sence to just do it!!

 

[etrnlbzz]

Awsome Build! I'm working (slowly) on a similar proj. What were your 4 link numbers and how much travel are you anicipating out of the taco coilovers? Your welds...... .

 

[MT TUBEKRAFTER]

Awsome Build! I'm working (slowly) on a similar proj. What were your 4 link numbers and how much travel are you anicipating out of the taco coilovers? Your welds...... .

Thanks etrnlbzz!!! What is this project you speak of ??

As for the "link numbers" I have alot of adjustment and havent settled on a specified set up yet, Once I find the setup that works best, I will release the actual numbers

the taco spring setup is a slider style ,set at 5" bump and room to slide 12" + the strech of the spring once it hits the slide stop.

 

[71FJ40]

Great looking welds!!

Pure art

 

[MT TUBEKRAFTER]

WARNING !!!!

THE FOLLOWING CONTENT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR "VEIWING" BY THE "PURIST"!!

VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED !!

 

[MT TUBEKRAFTER]

Ok so I have pretty much spent most my morning prepping myself mentally to cut this tub for the "dovetail". It has been tough bringing myself to actually do it!! After all ,my tubs not in that bad of shape for a 66 !!

So now I am thinking of "doveing" the rear section of frame as well, which would allow for more tire clearance and I think would look cleaner if done together Doing this means I will have to french my rear spring pockets into the framerails, a little more work but I think it will pay off, should I win the lottery and am able to throw some "coilovers" at it with out much trouble



A-D-D kicked in this morning !!
And I went with it... I decided to go ahead and "dove" the frame rails

No turnin' back now!!!

 

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Chop, Chop !!

 

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Snip, Snip,

 

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A little off the other side

 

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viola !!! 1 "doved frame" ;p

 

[MT TUBEKRAFTER]

So I started by cutting out the shock crossmember ,and removing my spring buckets.

Then I began removing the end sections of the rear frame crossmember,I measured in 13 1/4" from each end and made the cut, took the grinder and ground off rivets on top of frame and the bottom ,made cuts on the rear frame crossmember(one on each side of frame rail) top and bottom,a little pry bar action and it popped right off !! After removing both end pieces it left me with 22 3/4" in the center ,which is what the frame rails will be tied into.

Then I made pie cuts in the frame rails to get the required 18* taper to meet the 22 3/4" rear section, the pie cuts were made at 43 3/16" measuring from the back of the frame rail forward.

The whole process up to this point went pretty well !! Time spent so far 2.5 hrs.

 

[MT TUBEKRAFTER]

Frenched spring buckets
I decided to re-use the fj80 spring buckets,I was gonna scrap em and build my own ,but after much thought and a few mock up's I saw thier potential

So I began the process and removed the inner frame brackets for the factory shock tube (more rivets),made a paper template of the top of the fj80 bucket and transfered it to the frame ,then cut it out with the plasma cutter...voila!! Frenched spring buckets

I think they turned out pretty sweet, heres some pics of them sitting in place,still need to weld them....

 

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Spring buckets in place

 

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and the other side

 

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Here are some pics of frame plating and new crossmembers....

 

[MT TUBEKRAFTER]

Dove'n the tub

Started to prep tub for the "dove tail"

Removed fenderwells with a combination of sawzall,cut-off wheel,and plasma.

Then I placed the fenderwells in position, to get an idea of how much interior room I will have after the "dove tail".