aprons are the pieces between the front fenders and the hood. the lower section under the grill is the valance.
74' FJ55 Build... (6 Viewers)
- Thread starter Cruiser Innovations
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aprons are the pieces between the front fenders and the hood. the lower section under the grill is the valance.
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- #102
On the twisting frame issue with the scout box... my fab guy(probably same as pighead's) felt strong enough about the issue to add a support:
Of course, I'm a bit over built and the frame twist issue is lessened by hydro assist
Your radiator looks much bigger than the one I'm using for my Vortec. It cools my Vortec easily without a shroud
That looks really nice... I'm not saying that the fab guy who built that steering setup is wrong about the possibility of the chassis twisting but I'm still having a hard time accepting that this fully boxed frame with sleeves is going to actually twist this frame.
I may throw in a similar style brace just for safe measure but in the mean time if anyone can prove to me that this is a real potential issue can you post some proof to the matter. I'd like to be sure that I'm not building something that is under built or unsafe...
Thank you Lil'John and Pighead in the mean time for expressing your concern... I'll be installing the extra brace today...
I have no proof, just anecdotal experience. I have seen an FJ40 frame twist in response to a steering box, and once you see it you'll have no trouble accepting it's possibility.
I think that the additional frame plating is as important as the diagonal brace.
Maybe post the question in the Hardcore section. Maybe even over on POR...our fabricator hangs out over there and could perhaps probably explain his reasonings better than I.
I think that the additional frame plating is as important as the diagonal brace.
Maybe post the question in the Hardcore section. Maybe even over on POR...our fabricator hangs out over there and could perhaps probably explain his reasonings better than I.
I knew that Suzy Homemaker would know the difference between an apron and a valance...
- Thread starter
- #105
The little brace is easier thrown in before engine and such get in the way.
In your case, with the 2F, I would definitely toss the brace in if you have easy access now. With mine, my engine mount is a cradle and adds another cross member right behind the PS box... you can just barely see it in that picture.
On mine, what you don't see is the sheer amount of plating my fab guy did on the outside frame rail in addition to the sleeving.
The sleeving is only to prevent the box from pulling off the frame. It won't prevent the frame from twisting.
My fab guy(FC Fab) is somewhat of a FJ55 expert. He has done at least six pigs that I'm aware of in addition to mine... with mine being the mildest of them all
Thus, if he thought putting that brace in was a good idea, I'll trust him.
I'll take your word for it... If the pig needs it, it will get it! Thanks for helping me prevent a potential future problem... When I put the diesel drive train in I think I'll add an additional crossmember as well for good measure..
- Thread starter
- #106
The little brace is easier thrown in before engine and such get in the way.
In your case, with the 2F, I would definitely toss the brace in if you have easy access now. With mine, my engine mount is a cradle and adds another cross member right behind the PS box... you can just barely see it in that picture.
On mine, what you don't see is the sheer amount of plating my fab guy did on the outside frame rail in addition to the sleeving.
The sleeving is only to prevent the box from pulling off the frame. It won't prevent the frame from twisting.
My fab guy(FC Fab) is somewhat of a FJ55 expert. He has done at least six pigs that I'm aware of in addition to mine... with mine being the mildest of them all
Thus, if he thought putting that brace in was a good idea, I'll trust him.
Lil'John
I just got done going through one of Don's builds and I must say his work is with out question AMAZING! I own a shop myself and am new to the Pig world, but after looking at Don's work on FJ55's I will no longer question his judgement on the matter of design. I just hope he doesn't get to mad when I copy some of his techniques LOL! Maybe some day I'll plan a trip to his shop. My neighbor coincidently knows Don...
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- #108
Long over due for an update!
Doug's been working on stripping the floor in prep for paint and undercoating.
I worked on the seat frame which was a little challenging to say the least. These old pig floors have a million different contours to the floor, and setting up an even mounting surface proved to test my patients... I'm just about there! I fabricated a custom center cross brace to hold / relocate the rear heater which turned out nice.
Just have to weld int the floor plates to bolt the seat frame down, paint everything, and bolt it all in.
Bryan worked on the rear vents. He has been removing all the chrome from the plastic housing in prep for paint.
Doug's been working on stripping the floor in prep for paint and undercoating.
I worked on the seat frame which was a little challenging to say the least. These old pig floors have a million different contours to the floor, and setting up an even mounting surface proved to test my patients... I'm just about there! I fabricated a custom center cross brace to hold / relocate the rear heater which turned out nice.
Just have to weld int the floor plates to bolt the seat frame down, paint everything, and bolt it all in.
Bryan worked on the rear vents. He has been removing all the chrome from the plastic housing in prep for paint.
- Thread starter
- #109
Front axle is installed, and I'm just waiting for Luke from 4X4 labs to send out my correct high steer kit... Hope to have this pig on the road next week if all goes well!
PabloCruise
SILVER Star
PabloCruise
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #112
I would have gladly traded you my vents w/ peeling chrome for yours...
My were peeling as well... You wouldn't have wanted them...
The frame was painted with Satin Black rattle Rustoleum... When the time comes for the wagons complete resto-mod it will look like this:
This is a 1979 BJ40 (Custom Turbo System) that I'm building for a guy up in Quincy, CA powder coated in a "Platinum Wrinkle" finish...
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- #113
Sprayed the floor with under coating and finished the front seat frame installation..
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- #114
Built my y pipe out of Summit racing's 2" Mandrel bends
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- #115
Mock up photos... Fits like a glove.
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- #116
A few more photos of the mocked up y-pipe
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- #117
A few photos of the headers with y pipe installed...
I figured the wagon would have been road worthy last week but I'm still waiting for my high steer parts from Luke... No worries however, I still have plenty to keep me busy!
I figured the wagon would have been road worthy last week but I'm still waiting for my high steer parts from Luke... No worries however, I still have plenty to keep me busy!
- Thread starter
- #118
Finished up the exhaust today...
Stripped the headers down and painted them with a little high temp paint. I realize that heat paint doesn't last very long but at least it will keep the headers from rusting for a little while.
The rest of the exhaust system was built from a Magna Flow glass pack, 2 1/2" Exhaust tubing, (1) 2 1/2" Mandrel bend, and (1) 3" mandrel bend for the tail pipe.
I welded a grade 8 bolt to the bottom side of the floor support brace for the hanger attachment..
Stripped the headers down and painted them with a little high temp paint. I realize that heat paint doesn't last very long but at least it will keep the headers from rusting for a little while.
The rest of the exhaust system was built from a Magna Flow glass pack, 2 1/2" Exhaust tubing, (1) 2 1/2" Mandrel bend, and (1) 3" mandrel bend for the tail pipe.
I welded a grade 8 bolt to the bottom side of the floor support brace for the hanger attachment..
- Thread starter
- #119
More photos
- Thread starter
- #120
And more photos
