Builds Another 40 80 hybrid build. Panama style

[redstang410]

Hi guys, Its been a while since i posted here. But I finally got another cruiser, or better yet cruisers.

I've been wanting to build a 40 on an 80 chassis since i got my first 40, but that one was too nice to chop up, so I sold it a while back to a customer who really wanted it.
It was this one

Since i got my hands on Joeri's Land cruiser. This one.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/vehicles-trailers-sale-wanted/514603-bj-40-1hdt-ff-cable-lockers-ready-rock-roll.html

I figured it was worth more in parts than what i paid for so I chopped it up and parted it out

Sold the coils first.

Engine and trans next.

Basically I was only going to keep the body, doors soft top, winch, tires wheels, guages and assorted parts, everything else was getting sold.

Braced the body

So off came the body.

The body wasn't as nice as i wanted, and i needed to stretch it any ways so we chopped it in half.

Being a "panama special bodyshop victim" the body tub had been welded together, and generous layers of bondo was used.

Slipped her on the 80 chassis for a test fit.

Thats a 69 corvette motor BTW 427 overhauled with aluminum heads.
T400 trans with splitcase T case with Advance adapters kit.

I figured it was easier to sell the 1HDT than the 427 down here.
I already have a diesel rig anyways.

checking the ride height with no springs.

 

[redstang410]

The body was kinda bad so I took the decision to cut it all out and build a super strong frame for the whole body tub.
The stock 80 body mount bushins are used, with 40 frame mount perches.

2x4 tube for the rockers realy make the body bullet proof.

Checking flex to see where the rear inner fender had to go.

I was going to reuse the factory tub, But decided it would be cleaner and stronger just to fab everything new, but still be able to use the soft top hardware. After stretching the soft top of course.

Tapage let me borrow his 40's so I could build the body with extra clearance in mind. Tanks dude

37's and door fit with soft top frame.

reinforced the door pillar with 2x4 x 3/16. Needed to make it sturdy, it moved when slamming the door.

 

[redstang410]

The exhaust system is a pain.
The Front D/S won't let me run block huggers, so we modded some old camaro header to run outside the frame.
The muffler is larger than i expected, Not really happy with the lost clearance under the body, but i'll have to build a skid or frame to protect it.

The exhaust is going to run all the way to the rear. I hate loud exhaust noise on long trips.

Tube fender flare mock up.

I'll post some more picts ans progress advances.

 

[waiting for time]

Nice build so far.

 

[green40]

Nice ! Looks like you are thinking things out.

 

[Tapage]

Tapage let me borrow his 40's so I could build the body with extra clearance in mind. Tanks dude

welcome my friend .. any time . !

 

[40TUDE]

nice, subscribed

 

[redstang410]

Coming along slowly.

Fender flares and side step/sliders.

 

[Tapage]

that's gonna by a heavy ass hybrid ..

 

[redstang410]

I'm used to heavy.

Giv it enough power and it'll be good.

 

[PAToyota]

Would love a FJ45 with modern running gear...

Darn you for giving me another build idea!

 

[redstang410]

I almost went with the pickup idea. Extra cab and soft top, but i already have a one ton truck to wheel, so i decided to go for the family hauler theme.

I'm toying with the idea of a soft top hard top hybrid build, or maybe a super roof idea live the rovers have. Not sure yet. I'm getting some hard top sides to fit and see what i decide.

 

[BenZZilla]

Me likey alot

 

[Waggoner5]

Great job. I like the cab mounted much farther back and lengthening the rear tub to fit. How much did you stretch the body?

 

[angerhater]

the framing work looks so good, you should skin the body with lexan or something clear

 

[Tapage]

Spy pic

 

[redstang410]

I stretched the body at least 12 to 14 inches, maybe more, i haven't really measured after we ditched using the factory body rails.

I was thinking of skinning the body with aluminum riveted and bonded on with aircraft epoxy, and mybe use a composite panel for the floor. It depends if a friend that works in the aircraft industry can get me some stuff.

But most likely it will be 16guage steel.

 

[redstang410]

Sliders for the exhaust.

Winch mount for toyota winch.

 

[Tapage]

hey where did you get that yellow thing .. ?

 

[redstang410]

Painted the stock one with primer