- Thread starter
- #21
Test fitting the Brazilian sheet metal and the corner close outs.
Builds Another FJ40 to FJ45ish Thread (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter franken45
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Nice work. Source for Brazilian sheet metal? Local distributor?
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- #23
I got the panels which included the lower and upper back wall and steel top from a company called Pacol. Here is their current website:
It did take 14 months or so from me paying them until I actually got the parts. As I recall they told me it would take 6 weeks or something along those lines. Many calls and emails from me with a lot of excuses. The body panels are clearly hand made and they do take some work to get them ready for paint. They can obviously get the body panels but it may take longer than you want. I guess it gave me time to rebuild axles, install power steering, engine, etc.
- Thread starter
- #24
Rear frame extension. 17.5 inches. I had the C channel formed locally. I welded the actual frame extensions and then bolted the rest in case I need to repair later for some reason.
- Thread starter
- #25
Check out the old school tires. Imagine seeing those bad boys on the rack today!
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- #26
Had to modify this rib on the firewall to install the dual circuit brake booster. This one originally had single circuit drum brakes. I will be installing FJ60 disks up front and a set of 1984 Toyota celica front discs in the back. The discs are about half inch larger than the common Monte Carlo rear conversions and it lets me keep it all metric. The rear conversion however does require you to build your own brackets as I don’t know anyone who sells them.
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- Jan 12, 2008
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- West MI near GVSU
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Are you going to use ‘84 Celica discs or calipers? The discs won’t have the right bolt pattern.
- Thread starter
- #28
Great question. No. I am using a different disc. I’ve had them so long I can’t recall what Toyota they came off. I will have to try to dig that info up so I don’t have to track it down later. They are already on the truck at this point so I know they fit. I will try to dig that info up and post it.
47coeman
Love those 45's
I got a back like that, ya a bunch of excuses along with the quality I was not looking for. Many hours refitting welding to get it close, I suggest to potential buyers stay away unless you want to have a bunch of work ahead.I got the panels which included the lower and upper back wall and steel top from a company called Pacol. Here is their current website:
It did take 14 months or so from me paying them until I actually got the parts. As I recall they told me it would take 6 weeks or something along those lines. Many calls and emails from me with a lot of excuses. The body panels are clearly hand made and they do take some work to get them ready for paint. They can obviously get the body panels but it may take longer than you want. I guess it gave me time to rebuild axles, install power steering, engine, etc.
- Thread starter
- #30
I can’t really disagree based on my experience but it’s been a few years so I was giving them the benefit of the doubt. I do have a lot of hours into making those parts work for sure though.
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- #31
To correct my error above, I should note that I used Celica calipers. Still digging to figure out what discs I used. Everything fits up nicely and works well.
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2008
- Threads
- 285
- Messages
- 3,352
- Location
- West MI near GVSU
- Website
- www.mcdesignsoffroad.com
Have any pics?
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- #33
Very few unfortunately. I’m not sure why I didn’t take many pics of the rear brake installation other than the fact it was done quite a while ago and maybe my phone was clunkier. As you will see in the pics, it sat long enough (and outside) that the rotors got a light layer of rust on them.
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- #34
Changed out the clutch while I had everything exposed. When I removed the old clutch it was clear there was life left in it but a new clutch seemed like cheap insurance and cruiser outfitters had all the parts in stock and ready to ship. They also built the diffs and supplied other parts for this build. Very happy with their service and knowledge for what it’s worth.
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- #35
Working on the power steering install. Bushings In all the holes with a boxed backing plate. FJ 80 steering box and collapsible column. Flaming river U joints and stock FJ 80 collapsible steering column
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- #36
Some of you asked. Here is a little more on the Brazilian body panels and the shenanigans to get the Brazilian parts to fit. The interesting part was trying to get the top to fit since it wasn’t drilled to match the upper back wall which was drilled and threaded. The seller was no help so it was one of those make it up as you go specials. I used ball bearings to dimple the top once I got it aligned. Then drilled it. It ended up fitting quite well.
merbesfield
SILVER Star
Very impressive skills. Where did you learn all the stuff to put this beast together?
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- #38
Thanks for the kind comment. This truck is the result of OJT and working on junk since I was old enough to drive to keep those vehicles running. I still remember cleaning my plugs on a 74 CJ5 every Saturday as a 16 year old just to keep that darn thing running on all 8 cylinders (for another three days till the oil fouled them again). Im just happy to be able to work on something I don't have to drive to work tomorrow morning!
- Thread starter
- #39
I do have to say that, despite the problems with the body panels, I am impressed with the skills of the people who fabricated them. These parts were all done by hand if I am looking at these panels correctly. If that is the case, the misfit should probably be excused since these folks are way more skilled than I have ever hoped to be. I can't explain the delay between payment and delivery but where else are we going to get these parts on 50+ year old trucks. Im not sure and of course the passage of time has dulled my annoyance with the late delivery. Im still excited by this build regardless.
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- #40
Engine installed, power steering box installed, frame painted and lift completed.
