'77 FJ40 buildup in Charlotte (finally)

[BELMONT148]

 

[Cirbo]

Shift knobs installed. I still need to find a jamb nut for the Toybox shifter.

 

[jackbrad]

Beautiful work Jim.

The shifters look really good and I like that you were able to make this shifter blocks worked (and it made sense to you).

Thanks for answering about the boots... I will get me some also. I got to get down there.

 

[schlaker]

double drool...

 

[Cirbo]

Been a while, but I'm still here.

Finished installing, wiring, and calibrating the lokar shifter. When I took the billet knob off to install the boot, the threads gauled. Luckly, the nice folks at Lokar were more than willing to replace it. Fastened the transmission tunnel down (I really hope) for the last time.

Next step was to install the American Autowire fuse block. I bent a piece of aluminum to create a suitable mounting surface. (sorry about the diamonplate Greg....)

 

[Cirbo]

Next step was to tackle the fan shroud. I farmed this out to a small local shop that had a plasma table. I worked up a sketch on Solidworks and hoped for the best (with my measurements, and their fab work, as we've not had much luck with sub's lately)

It's tough to see in the pictures, but their work was perfect!!

 

[Cirbo]

Installed product. Next step was the final install of the fuel tank and protective cover. The Line-X made everything a really snug fit, but it all works.

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

Is that a tilt steering wheel?

 

[Cirbo]

Yup. Flaming River.

 

[Hugh Heifer]

Nice build.

 

[ocdbeetle]

I don't know how you sleep at night....I'd probably sleep in the garage.....very nice

 

[Cirbo]

The radiator was ordered with a built in transmission cooler. We decided to add an additional radiant cooler for extra protection. As things are getting tight in the engine compartment, it found it's way under the truck. This is kind of shaky, as I still need to find a place for a couple fuel filters and an electric pump down there.

 

[Cirbo]

Looked for a better solution than the supplied tubing stays that came with the radiator, but decided I had waisted enough time without any success. I needed to be sure that nothing moved up there, as tolerances are pretty close. It's tough to see in the pictures, but I only left 1/2 inch between the fan blades and shroud.

 

[Cirbo]

I still need to fab up brackets for the battery tray, mount an AC drier and radiator overflow bottle, and route all the lines over here yet.

 

[Dianna]

I'm surprised to see that this rig is coming this way (Cleveland), maybe I'll get to see it in person! I was wondering what kind of tailgate you have and how you mounted it. Great build!

 

[okie]

that is beautiful and i love your color, is it metallic? Does the hood close ok with the readiator that high?

 

[alkarich]

Nice custom work. VEry well thought out.

 

[71cruiser71]

Early in the thread you talked about removing some springs from the front and rear packs. I have the same kit from man-a-fre and i dont like the shackle angles either. i was wondering which springs you removed, i want better ride quality and m hopeing for a little more flex too. how did removing these springs help on ride quality and flex?

Oh btw fantastic build man, really perrrdy

 

[Cirbo]

I'm surprised to see that this rig is coming this way (Cleveland), maybe I'll get to see it in person! I was wondering what kind of tailgate you have and how you mounted it. Great build!

Yup, it's headed for the west side of town. If that's your hangout, watch for it (oh... in about a year or two!)

The tailgate used was one of the older style two piece units, which doesn't actually fit very well on a newer style tub. I split the gap as well as I could, and will install some weatherstripping when all is done. I measured and installed the hinges with rivnuts while the tub was bare.

Thanks,

jC

 

[Cirbo]

that is beautiful and i love your color, is it metallic? Does the hood close ok with the readiator that high?

PPG British Racing Green, with no metallic. The hood actually closes with room to spare.