'64 SWB box build

[meat]

I have owned a 1964 fj45swb for the last couple of years. I haven't done any work to it yet, its just sat out under a tarp. No drivetrain, no box. Not much to look at but a good starting point for a project. Since I picked this up I have been looking for a swb box to no avail, except for a very expensive aluminum one in Canada, so I thought I would try to make one. I traced the outline of my fj40 fender onto a piece of construction paper since a swb box looks similar only longer. Then I went out to the fj45 to get accurate measurements. With this I went out to the garage to make a couple of templates out of wood, went to my local welding shop to pick up some steel and got to work. This bed won't be an exact replica of the original bed but will be fairly close. I am making this bed out of 1x2x1/16 tube and 1x2x1/8 with 16 gauge sheetmetal for the actual bed sides. The bed floor is going to be oak with stainless runners similar to the trucks from the 40s and 50s. I have a couple of days into this now and it looks like it will work so if I can figure out how to post pictures you should be able to see what I have done. Thanks, Steve

 

[TMACK]

Big time talent. Looking forward to seeing the finished product. Great work.

 

[kellyo]

Very impressive. Can't wait to see the finished product.

 

[krzyabncanuck]

Need more pics.

 

[meat]

Box build

Pulled the 45 out from under the trees to help get the frame done and temporarily put the sides to see how it looks. What do you think? Here's a pic of my fj40 as well. Steve

 

[krzyabncanuck]

Looks like someone has the garage i need right now.

Looks good though, keep the pics coming.

 

[Jon in NC]

What is the bed length of the SWB and the LWB? I tried search with no luck.

 

[abecker]

Pulled the 45 out from under the trees to help get the frame done and temporarily put the sides to see how it looks. What do you think? Here's a pic of my fj40 as well. Steve

Thats great work...my suggestion is to keep going, s**** that wood bed idea and do the floor of the bed too, just my opinion.

Aaron

 

[meat]

What is the bed length of the SWB and the LWB? I tried search with no luck.

From my measurements I believe the swb bed is 68 in. long and 64 in. wide. Steve

 

[65swb45]

Your box will undoubtedly be way stronger than a stock one, and looks fawkin incredible to me. If my swb wasn't already painted, I would trade your finished bed for my stocker I like the workmanship so much.

 

[meat]

I appreciate the words of encouragement. This has been a fun project so far. Working with metal is fairly new for me. Prior to this most of my time in the shop has been woodworking, which has helped because alot of the steps are similar. The bed is all welded up but no floor or tailgate yet. I am still going with the oak bed with stainless runners. I just ordered the runners and they should be here this week, at that point I will post more pics. Thanks, Steve

 

[krzyabncanuck]

I think this thing is going to come out amazing.

 

[dmaddox]

Working with metal is fairly new to you? Well, then i am even more impressed....Nice job. Keep up the good work!

Dallas

 

[meat]

bed

Its been a while since I posted on this, haven't worked on it much. Doing a motor swap for a friend of mine on a 74 fj40 with a donor motor from a 84 fj60, both motors out laying on the ground. Waiting on a few parts. Also I've been parting the fj60 the donor motor came from. But back to the bed, after a few issues getting the stainless bed strips they finally showed up. Worked on it a bit today getting the oak cut to fit. Cut the stainless strips, welded in the fenders and cross braces the strips bolt to. Here's a couple pics of the progress. Steve

 

[RLMS]

I love it, beautiful, more pics


Justin

 

[krzyabncanuck]

Yep, simply amazing work.

 

[Kief]

Nice! Keep it up. You might consider building a drop down tailgate out of two flip out doors.. I did one and it came out ok, I'm sure you could do it.
What color for the 45?

Did your 40 come from Oregon?

 

[71FJ40]

Impressive!!

Can you explain how you formed this lip?

 

[meat]

wheelwell cutout

On my template I drew the wheelwell cutout about 3/4in. oversized. 3 of the edges are straight, 4 have a radius. I cut a kerf at each straight piece where the radius started, laid it on my welding table which has a very solid and flat top on the actual line for the fender cutout. Then I placed a flat, heavy piece os steel with a sharp edge on the same line but on top so the sheetmetal is sandwiched between them and clamped it. Then I tapped it with a hammer to bend it over. On the radius I put a bunch of kerfs in the metal right up to that same line, bent them over and welded them back up. Not high tech but I am very pleased with the results. Steve

 

[Awl_TEQ]

HAMMER

The only tool a man really needs

Well done. As a sheet metal guy I may have formed the straight flanges with a hand brake or a brake press but the radius I would do the same. Another way is to form the straight flanges however you can and cut away the material outside the radius and then roll a 3/4" wide strip of metal to fit and weld the strip in. Work slow with the welder and keep the heat down, dress the weld to look like it was formed in a press all at once.