Builds AK HJ-75 (2 Viewers)

[coldtaco]

Due to work schedule and the heaviness of the winch and bumper I had dropped off the Ute at a shop to have the winch installed. I wanted to keep this bumper since I like it better than the ARB one I still have that originally had this winch in it on the BJ70 I had. Of course the bumper wasn’t designed for a winch and the plastic grill also caused fitting issues. So a couple extensions were welded to the frame and a winch plate welded in between. The bumper then bolts up to the winch/winch plate and the braces for the wings bolted to the front body mounts. This way you can remove the bumper without the winch and the wings are braced. Got a couple of sturdy shackle mounts installed too. A bit different way to go about it.

 

[coldtaco]

The finished product

 

[jblueridge]

Very slick solution!

 

[coldtaco]

I think the tent is done. The main floor will be propped up. I think I will need to get single person air mattresses.
Going camping tonight, the first time since the re-build. On the to do list is making some interior furniture.

 

[coldtaco]

Well, that didn’t work and haven’t even left. Looks like I will need to come up with a custom padding.

 

[coldtaco]

I still had time before leaving so I cut down the sides of the Alu-cab mattress. Looks like this will work for now as to being able to lift all of the floor up. But still can’t open the little doors like I wanted. Will have to think on this.

 

[coldtaco]

Forgot to post up the stainless skid plate for the radiator

 

[coldtaco]

11:15pm and it’s still raining and blowing. Oh well.

 

[coldtaco]

Back home. After 20hrs in continuous moderate/light rain and winds found one sign of a water leak in the cab. Defrost doesn’t work either so probably will have to disassemble the whole HVAC system and re check everything.

 

[coldtaco]

Oh yeah, I also changed coolant, amazing how much comes out of the block drain, and oil/filter and fuel filter.

 

[coldtaco]

Alright back to figuring out the flooring so I can move the floors up.

Shorter piece for the bigger floor part
Then shorter pieces for the two smaller doors. They have to be short enough so that the floors can open up, if these were the same size as the smaller floors then the foam pads interfere with the end of the tent/structure so these have to be shorter by about 4” than the floors they are on.

 

[coldtaco]

Front section up

 

[coldtaco]

Will try this out tomorrow night hopefully.

 

[coldtaco]

A friend invited me to come along on a different off roading trip

 

[coldtaco]

It stayed dry last night. I think my original plan will work. I just have to come up with a handle/strap so one can raise the little hatch when you are upstairs.

 

[coldtaco]

Camp’t next to Resurrection creek in Hope, AK. One of our favorite places close to town.

 

[coldtaco]

Hope, AK. Museum section

 

[coldtaco]

Hope, AK. Anchorage is probably only 30mi as the crow flies, but about 1.5hr drive

 

[Rigster]

@coldtaco !!

I have spent the last 4 or 5 days going through this build... The sheer amount of blood, sweat and tears! Not to mention bankroll!! lol. Hat's off to thee my friend. This is a true testament to cruiser love.

I remember feeling your pain after you just had it all painted only to find yourself needing to tear it all down again to deal with the engine... I kept thinking - watch the paint... WATCH THE PAINT!!

I also appreciated your relentless drive to doing it right, pushing through the difficulties to get the job done, and the occasional cavalier "well, let's not let fear and common sense stop me now that I have come this far" attitude! It has obviously paid off.

PS - kudo's to your wife as well for her patience with all those hours you spent in the shop! haha...

 

[Bogan]

man, kudos to an exceptionally unique and interesting build. Glad to see you using it too!