Truck Bodies that is.
There are topics where you can post pictures of your 40 based on its color. . . why not have one for trucks with an aluminum tub?
This thread could also be a reference for people installing or considering the aluminum route. When I started my project truck an Aqualu 3/4 body was in place but that was about all the information I had to work with. I searched the archives and found some helpful posts here and there; I will try to attach several links to past threads of relevance.
First, a link to the Aqualu website (specifically the 40 category): FJ40/ FJ45
From there you can see different options/offerings. While some pictures/instruction was provided on the website I did not find it to be very thorough and moderately helpful. Thus my attempt at starting a reference/pictorial post.
As I moved thru my build I had several other members ask me questions about tub fitment and my overall thoughts on Aqualu. I was happy to answer questions but I do not know everything -- you've been forewarned. My take on Pros/Cons (which probably holds no real value
):
Pros:
1. Biggest in my opinion is time savings. This is in comparison to repairing a rusted tub (obviously buying a rebuilt steel tub is just as efficient). I probably would have had as much time involved repairing the rusty tub as I had in rebuilding the chassis, if not more.
2. Rust. There should never be any.
3. Aluminum tubs are available and "standardized;" you know what you are getting when you buy one.
4. Stainless hardware is included with the new tub for mounting, seats, etc. -- (but it is SAE).
Cons:
1. It is not and never will be OEM. No stamping pattern on the floor, has a different transmission cover, etc.
2. Because its not OEM fitment may require some tweaks here and there just like any aftermarket product.
3. An acid or etch primer is helpful for painting the aluminum (although people have used two part epoxies with some success).
4. No predrilled holes for rear doors, seats, etc. Careful measurements are required and it is difficult to weld up a hole if you make a mistake!
There may be many more thoughts on Pros/Cons. Those are just what popped into my head.
How about some pictures??
Here is what I started with:
On the plus side the body was in place. On the negative side any instructions were lost and any accessory items that came along with the tub where thrown in with all the other parts.
Mounting. This is what my cowl/frame looked like after I removed the tub. The PO actually removed too much of the cowl floor and I had to add it back before putting everything back together. The A Pillars were correct though.
First remounting of the Aqualu Tub after proper treatment of the chassis, cowl, etc.
Tub back off and sprayed with an acid etch primer:
And lastly tub bolted back on for the last time along with several other accessories:
Thought I should also add several archive links that discuss the Aqualu tub -- most information is relevant but pricing may be dated!
@White Stripe acquired/installed a new Aqualu tub along the same time I was rebuilding my truck; there is good info in his build thread:
Fj40 Daily and Wheeler build
General Aftermarket Tub Discussion:
The Aftermarket Tub Scene
Agonizing over Tub- Fix, or buy Aqualu?
Seams from Welds:
Aqualu tub weld/seams?
General Installation:
installing Aqualu tub, pics?
After all is said and done I am very happy with the Aluminum. The ONLY thing I miss on my tub vs. the steel are the OEM inner fender well flares, but those probably collect mud and gunk on the inside anyway so who needs that.
I hope this thread going forward will be of some help when considering the Aqualu Option.
If nothing else post a picture of your rig with an Aluminum Tub installed!
There are topics where you can post pictures of your 40 based on its color. . . why not have one for trucks with an aluminum tub?
This thread could also be a reference for people installing or considering the aluminum route. When I started my project truck an Aqualu 3/4 body was in place but that was about all the information I had to work with. I searched the archives and found some helpful posts here and there; I will try to attach several links to past threads of relevance.
First, a link to the Aqualu website (specifically the 40 category): FJ40/ FJ45
From there you can see different options/offerings. While some pictures/instruction was provided on the website I did not find it to be very thorough and moderately helpful. Thus my attempt at starting a reference/pictorial post.
As I moved thru my build I had several other members ask me questions about tub fitment and my overall thoughts on Aqualu. I was happy to answer questions but I do not know everything -- you've been forewarned. My take on Pros/Cons (which probably holds no real value
):Pros:
1. Biggest in my opinion is time savings. This is in comparison to repairing a rusted tub (obviously buying a rebuilt steel tub is just as efficient). I probably would have had as much time involved repairing the rusty tub as I had in rebuilding the chassis, if not more.
2. Rust. There should never be any.
3. Aluminum tubs are available and "standardized;" you know what you are getting when you buy one.
4. Stainless hardware is included with the new tub for mounting, seats, etc. -- (but it is SAE).
Cons:
1. It is not and never will be OEM. No stamping pattern on the floor, has a different transmission cover, etc.
2. Because its not OEM fitment may require some tweaks here and there just like any aftermarket product.
3. An acid or etch primer is helpful for painting the aluminum (although people have used two part epoxies with some success).
4. No predrilled holes for rear doors, seats, etc. Careful measurements are required and it is difficult to weld up a hole if you make a mistake!
There may be many more thoughts on Pros/Cons. Those are just what popped into my head.
How about some pictures??
Here is what I started with:
On the plus side the body was in place. On the negative side any instructions were lost and any accessory items that came along with the tub where thrown in with all the other parts.
Mounting. This is what my cowl/frame looked like after I removed the tub. The PO actually removed too much of the cowl floor and I had to add it back before putting everything back together. The A Pillars were correct though.
First remounting of the Aqualu Tub after proper treatment of the chassis, cowl, etc.
Tub back off and sprayed with an acid etch primer:
And lastly tub bolted back on for the last time along with several other accessories:
Thought I should also add several archive links that discuss the Aqualu tub -- most information is relevant but pricing may be dated!
@White Stripe acquired/installed a new Aqualu tub along the same time I was rebuilding my truck; there is good info in his build thread:
Fj40 Daily and Wheeler build
General Aftermarket Tub Discussion:
The Aftermarket Tub Scene
Agonizing over Tub- Fix, or buy Aqualu?
Seams from Welds:
Aqualu tub weld/seams?
General Installation:
installing Aqualu tub, pics?
After all is said and done I am very happy with the Aluminum. The ONLY thing I miss on my tub vs. the steel are the OEM inner fender well flares, but those probably collect mud and gunk on the inside anyway so who needs that.
I hope this thread going forward will be of some help when considering the Aqualu Option.
If nothing else post a picture of your rig with an Aluminum Tub installed!
