Back From The Dead ! Dr_Claw's FJ45 Build (1 Viewer)

[dr_claw]

Hello Everyone.....

For some reason my old thread is now closed. I went to update it.... but I was unable to.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/fj45-owner...s-fj45-build-up-rusty-well-lets-find-out.html

Either way, I though that I would update everyone in Cruiser Land.

It has roughly been 2 years since I have touched my FJ45.

I have officially finished my Masters Of Arts in Technology and Education from Royal Roads University. It was the most difficult and rewarding 2 years of my professional life. Either way, I am thrilled to be done.

As for the 45, I have literally parted out / bought / traded or robbed parts from over 25 different trucks to get this thing where it is today.



Right before I put it in storage, I took it to work to install a trailer hitch, full floater rear axle and air helper springs. I intend to have a truck camper in this thing!


EDIT: Thanks to Mike (a fellow 45 owner) for helping me with the tow!

 

[dr_claw]

Here is a pic of the gas tank I made.

16 gauge steel, bent with my large press break at work.

Should be about 35 gallons or 120-ish liters.

 

[dr_claw]

Here are a couple pics of the tank finished and installed.

I was going to TIG the tank, but I opted for MIG because is was faster, with more material. That, and 16 gauge was a breeze to weld. Unfortunately it is a little heavy.

I pressure tested it to about 5 PSI, with water in the tank. No leaks, but I was not sure.....

I spent the $70 ish dollars on a POR 15 tank sealer kit as insurance.

We will see...

 

[dr_claw]

I actually finished the exhaust today. All is 2" in a single outlet.

There is not much room under there!

This thread was great FYI

Tech contest Vee Eight Xhaust - Pirate4x4.Com

Walker part no 42087 OEM application is 58-66 Chevy pickup with a 283 engine is the down pipe I used for my Ram Horn Manifolds.

This down pipe uses the factory flapper or.......

A flapper delete plate available here....

Chevy Exhaust Heat Riser Delete, Small Block, 2", 1957 - Eckler's Classic Chevy Parts

I finished all of the welds off with spray on cold zinc - galvanizing / weld through primer. Apparently it holds back the rust!

Pic of the delete plate....

 

[FJ40 MATT]

Great Job man that thing is nice

 

[dr_claw]

More pics from today...

Here is the finished gas tank sitting in the truck.

Hopefully the cruiser gods are not angry, because I used a TJ filler neck on my 45

It worked great and almost looks factory!

( That is a piece of stainless connecting the cut down TJ factory filler tube)

 

[dr_claw]

Another update....

I sold off the Holley Projection setup that I was intending to use for this project.

I have heard many pros / cons of that system..... but more cons. so I ended up selling it for what I paid for it. ($450 ish on ebay)

I bit the bullet and I ordered the Fast Fuel injection Master install kit.

EZ-EFI by FAST™ - The Easiest Way to Convert Your Carb to EFI

I ended up getting the Master kit for $1800 at an industry trade show, which was the price of the normal kit. I couldn't resist but my bank account really hurt after that

I also bought a Rebel wiring harness.... I am going to pull out all of the 40 + year old factory stuff.

 

[kellyo]

Very impressive. Must be nice to be so friggin handy at a multitude of things.

 

[esh]

Thanks for the tank setup pics! I am still trying to figure out what to do with mine. My bed was flatbedded with a tank between the rear rails, then it was bobbed and part of the tank removed. I am going to re-extend the rear frame and put the stock bed on and so far I am thinking of an L-shaped tank in the bed with a tool box over it.

ps- on the thread locks, woody runs a script once a year or so that takes any thread older than 6 months with no posts and locks it to keep spammers down. You can request it be unlocked.

 

[dr_claw]

thanks for the heads-up about the threads being un-locked.

I will send Woody a PM to see if he can unlock the old thread... and maybe add some of this stuff.

As I may have mentioned, I teach high school metalwork. The school start up was a gong show as usual so I have not done too much on the 45.

That, and I have been working on other projects......

My bike gained another 50 cc

I will update this thread with actual cruiser pics on the weekend

 

[dr_claw]

Here is an updated pic of the engine bay.

One wire alt, triple row pulley for AC, and PS pump installed.

NOTE: The plug wires are not going to live there forever I just threw them on.

The rad is out of a BJ42.

The steering cooler is out of a 96 Ford Exploder.

The steering box is out of about the same vintage (96) GM 1500.

The high pressure line was out of a 1978 CJ with power steering. Only issue was that they require a bubble flair instead of the single flair. I hope it doesn't leak, but we will see.


As for the bonehead move of the last little while..... apparently B+M coolers are brittle as FAWK!

I go to tighten up the lines, and the "input" cracks instantly on the cooler. :S

The place I got it from ordered me another one free of charge. Not sure why this happened, but I was a little disappointed. I didn't heave on it or anything, almost felt like the factory attachment was faulty.

More pics when all lines are installed.

 

[miker]

Really curious on what you think of the EZ-EFI FAST system after you get it running. I've been considering this for the Gen I SBC in my 40. The only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger is the price. Not cheap but looks very slick and easy.

 

[dr_claw]

Well our house is for sale. We have our eye on a larger property 15 min. away.

I rolled the 45 outside to make the garage look a little bigger, and I snapped a pic with my phone.

It is dusty!

Now that all of the lines / plumbing is finished.....wiring is next on the agenda.

 

[toomanytoyzz]

VERY NICE!!

 

[dr_claw]

Okay...

My new years resolution is to more frequently update this thread.

I have been busy with life, and I have neglected to let ya'll know what is up with the 45.

I have a bunch of pics I intend to upload later this week.

Upcoming highlights... All new wiring and underseat battery...steering cleaned up and finished...driveshafts...and now onto the fuel injection.

 

[dr_claw]

Here are a few pics as promised...

Lokar Throttle Cables / Th400 Kick down cable

New Steering Bearing as the old rubber bushing was shot!

+

Hot Water Shower!

 

[dr_claw]

AND A SEA OF WIRES!!!!

Did I mention that I really like all aspects of working on vehicles... all but wiring!

 

[dr_claw]

I really like the Brother label maker I borrowed from my work!

I am trying to cut out as much random wire as possible. This also includes the switches.

 

[dr_claw]

couple shots of the front shaft I figured out with the AA adapter...and the BJ42 rad + B+M cooler + Explorer PS cooler

 

[dr_claw]

Although it doesn't look like I have accomplished that much... wiring takes forever!

I have most of the engine compartment finished, battery loosely installed under the drivers seat, and most of the major stuff figured out.

I still probably have a few months in this yet. I hate wiring but it is a necessary evil.

Here a some gauges I just figured out where to install.... and although you might say "ooooo lights" these took me better part of a week to drill the frame, solder, wire and loom. I used LEDs from www.superbrightleds.com.

I am very happy with them.