Builds 79 Aussie BJ55 build (5 Viewers)

[RUSH55]

Run it with the patchwork! Doesn’t have to be totally finished unless you’re trying to win the show ‘n shine.

 

[J Mack]

im struggling on mobile..

You're doing great. Thank you for taking the time to bring us along!

 

[brisveganbj42]

Run it with the patchwork! Doesn’t have to be totally finished unless you’re trying to win the show ‘n shine.

You're right. It doesnt have to be totally finished as its only a first pass but im still paying for travel time and services so id like tio get the most bang for my buck.

the expensive redarc guage wiring goes through the dash to the pod and on setting up the guage id's i noticed the plugs get pushed into the back of the guage.. i think ive got 1 or 2 shots at installing the wiring before i need to make a warranty claim so id like to avoid repeated installs if i can. the wiring goes through the dash. the front door hinges are hidden behind the dash so any hinge adjustments on the body need to be done with the dash out.

i might get the both fenders, front and rear doors on prior to paint so i can install the front door hinges on the body. the 80 series door rubbers will need to be glued on so thats another dependency on paint. but setting up panel gaps without the rubbers on might be a guessibg game.

im less likely to worry about bonnet and rear doors but it would be nice to not have to revisit paint and panel if i can help it.

 

[brisveganbj42]

tackled the remaining rust repairs on the drivers door today... the bottom hinge mounting face was fun.. hopefully my mod should last another 40yrs..

it surprised me to see the backing plate was also cracked...

 

[brisveganbj42]

got some rustic green in rattle cans.. that'll let me do the door hinges and small bits without having to bust out the 2pack.

 

[brisveganbj42]

 

[brisveganbj42]

front doors are welded out, drivers needs more love with the fap disk. bonnet skin welded, need to test the end brace and catch are good before welding those.

cleaned up and painted frond door hinge, put a door pin and bush set through one. bolted them on and adjusted the door position while i have access to the hinges..

checking the gap between the door and fender and noticed its a bit big. wondering if its worth adding 5-10mm to the end of the fender to make up the gap. i know why its there and this is the easiest way to make up that gap..

 

[brisveganbj42]

had a few early starts and sleepless nights so was feeling it today.. i had a slow start cleaning up the rear barn doors which thankfully dont need any rust repairs.

i then moved onto the dash , hoping this will be the last time i nees to install it.. its not much fun. aiming to get the dash completed tonight..

 

[brisveganbj42]

reckon the dash has come out ok...

 

[brisveganbj42]

 

[tucker74]

That 70 dash looks like it was made for that truck, good work …

 

[brisveganbj42]

I've been trying to get my old tyres remounted on the +30 offset 80 series split rims I have here. The original plan is to run these as they fit under the factory guards without the need for flares.. However, they are likely too old (from 2003) and questionable roadworthy condition. If i wanted to continue down that line of using those rims i'd need to splash out another $1200 AUD or so on 4 x 7.50R16 tyres, fitting and balancing.

As an alternative I'm looking at adding flares to accommodate the 8.25R16's on split rims (0 offset).. the kicker being I need to ensure the edge of the body is no more than 400mm from the edge of the headlight. If it is I need to move the head light to the fender so it's within this distance.. Keep in mind these are the tyres I want to daily anyway..

The wife picked up a single length (1400mm) of Large wheel arch flare from Clark Rubber this morning for a test fit.. I just vice gripped them to the fender and they cover the wheel well... but a straight edge on the side to the front shows the edge is 420mm from the light.

rough measure

Clark rubber offer the wheel arch flare in a smaller size so I might try a length of that and see if that gets me within or too the 400mm distance required for engineering.

In other news regarding engineering I called earlier in the week to defer the inspection until I've completed more. While I'm still continuing to work through the remaining jobs its less frantic. There are still lots of rust repairs to do on the 2nd row doors to get done prior to paint.

I'm also mid way through the last week of my leave.. the change in engineering inspection schedule means I can relax a little prior to having to go back to work...

Yesterday I added the central locking wiring to the rear harness and ran it under the carpet for good. Pleased to see that everything reaches without further mods. I'm currently finishing up the fenders and bonnet repairs, and rust converter prior to body filler and paint.

 

[sneaky]

Not a fan of the flares, and they create more problems down the line. I'd hit up the local Toyota dealer and see if they have any takeoff tyres from a new vdj or a second hand set of tyres. Its only so the engineer ticks the box, what you do later is ... pure speculation. And I think he told us something similar.

 

[brisveganbj42]

Oh and i got the parcel shelf installed. i just need to drill holes for the child seat restraints.

 

[brisveganbj42]

Not a fan of the flares, and they create more problems down the line. I'd hit up the local Toyota dealer and see if they have any takeoff tyres from a new vdj or a second hand set of tyres. Its only so the engineer ticks the box, what you do later is ... pure speculation. And I think he told us something similar.

been trying to track some down. i asked the service manager at toyota previously with no luck and more recently several tyre mobs for 2nd hand tyres.. but ill give toyota another go

 

[brisveganbj42]

yay back on with the original plan for rims and tyres. picked up some brand new 225/95r16 bridgestones for 130$ each.. rrp is closer to 300$ each. I also managed to get the split rims off the crusty tyres.

 

[brisveganbj42]

woo. mounted tyres on all 4 split rims and lived to tell the tale!

also added a 20mm strip to the back of the fender to try and close that panel gap a bit. still needs a grind back to match the shape but it looks a bit better already.

 

[scrapdaddy]

Yep, that'll work!

 

[Gordobe]

Nice pizza cutters My favorite way to roll

 

[brisveganbj42]

bonnet, fenders and front doors are pretty much ready for paint. made captured nuts for the arm rests and a bracket for the central locking actuator.

then thought i better sh!t or get off the pot and start on the 2nd row doors.

last day of leave tomorrow....