72 FJ40 Chevota Build

[Tokamak]

Thanks guys

The PO hit something and that drove the apron back. They are not connected so the apron bypassed the louvered piece and it bent in. Don't take much.

I just gotta make sure I don't jack it up trying to fix it.

Thanks again, I' ll keep you posted.

 

[Tokamak]

Body Work

Mocked up the hood to align the vent wings. They do align with the doors. Really easy to bend back no problem.
Then removed rusted out spots over the whole body. Made patches and started welding.
On the rear fenders I decided that if I needed to bolt through in the future I would fab up and paint a plate to go under instead of the rust prone stock ones.

 

[Tokamak]

Welding, Grinding, More Welding

 

[Tokamak]

Rear Sill Replacement

Saving the worst for last. The replacement is 2.5x2.5x.120 tubing. I plan to cut pockets for my body mount nuts then put covers over the pockets to keep the s##t out. Once I curve the tabs I'll decide if I need reinforcement to the ends.

 

[Tokamak]

Fit the rear sill in place last night. Just need to fine tune the ends of the curve.

 

[Diskord]

well done, that looks great!

 

[iam_turner]

Looks great...
Motivating, and a little intimidating - your cruiser is going to look amazing!

 

[Tokamak]

Thanks for the compliments. It sure helps with my motivation. The body work is the most intimidating for me, why I saved it for last. Never done this before, learned how to do it from fellow Mudders on this forum.

 

[MicahMan]

The rear Sill is sweet!

 

[Tokamak]

Last night I was able to get the body mount holes drilled and one of the pockets milled out before the called for dinner.

 

[bikersmurf]

Millas, I'll try to to keep it interesting and useful. Thanks

Spent all day looking for exhaust help then found a local custom exhaust shop (2 miles from home) that made up some manifold reducers and had a wall full of clamps and exhaust donuts. These are 2 1/2 to 2 1/4. I'll make my Y pipe bends from 2" then get one end expanded to 2 1/4 to butt weld to the reducer.

The new fuel tank fits nicely. I may be able to use the straps from the old GMC donor. Plenty of clearance for exhaust.

Which heep tank is it? Model/year/PN? It looks like an excellent option for a very reasonable price.

 

[Tokamak]

Bikersmurf,

I'ts a Dorman 576-654, 87-90 Heep Drangler, 15 Gal

 

[Tokamak]

Here's an update on my progress the past few weeks.

Formed and installed the lower quarter panels that were rotted out.

 

[Tokamak]

Found that Cabinet Magnets work pretty good for sheet metal.

 

[Tokamak]

With the quarters done I started the sill install.

 

[Tokamak]

Cut the bed, added angle iron for support, then plug welded the sill.

 

[Tokamak]

Sill and Quarters Complete. Still need to attach the bed sheet metal to the angle.

 

[Pierps]

Impeccable work my friend! Keep it up!

 

[Chamba]

Sill and Quarters Complete. Still need to attach the bed sheet metal to the angle.

Man, that is a beautiful weld...

 

[Tokamak]

I only take pictures of the good welds. Some times I get lucky. Thanks!

Thanks Pierps.