Builds Bell the FJ45

[dogfishlake]

I have a knuckle kit and other front axle items, plus a double seal t-case output cover coming from @orangefj45, steering parts and other related items coming from @cruiseroutfit, and a Dobinsons lift with IMS shocks coming from @samc2447 aka Northwest Design & Fab.

 

[dogfishlake]

I found the perfect tool to straighten out the bent rear cross member

A couple of strategic whacks was all it took

 

[dogfishlake]

Much better now. Had to do some final hammering/finessing but I like it

 

[dogfishlake]

The only other items to prep are a couple of spots from cutting off the crappy rear bumper, and bending the frame back where the tow hooks go. Someone must have looped them and pulled something out, pulling the hooks towards each other. Dad's old pipe wrench fixed it up.

 

[dogfishlake]

I had one broken bolt in the frame to get out. Got the easy out ready, got mentally up for total Murphys Law, started drilling, and the thing screwed itself in and out (open on the back but no room for vice grips) like it was nothing! Easiest bolt extraction of my life!

 

[dogfishlake]

Even though I have new fender emblems coming, I couldn't help cleaning/painting one of the originals up. Amazing results.

 

[dogfishlake]

The horn button was/is in terrible shape as well. I got the center looking good with polish and steel.wool. the outer part will get blasted and powder coated to freshen up as well

Center:

 

[dogfishlake]

For as unbelievably bad as it looked to start, I guess it isn't terrible. Still might go for a repop. We'll see.

 

[dogfishlake]

Bigger news, I got the frame and some of the parts powder coated tonight after work was done. I am pretty pleased with the result. I did zinc/epoxy powder primer, then a base of semi gloss black, sanded some rough spot out, then two more layers of semi gloss black. All layers were undercured then the final bake bonds them all together.

 

[dogfishlake]

 

[1969FJ]

I found the perfect tool to straighten out the bent rear cross member
View attachment 3714438View attachment 3714441
A couple of strategic whacks was all it took

This is funny, but reality. I love it. I would do the same adjustment.

 

[KT40]

Bigger news, I got the frame and some of the parts powder coated tonight after work was done. I am pretty pleased with the result. I did zinc/epoxy powder primer, then a base of semi gloss black, sanded some rough spot out, then two more layers of semi gloss black. All layers were undercured then the final bake bonds them all together.
View attachment 3718918View attachment 3718922

Looks great! Benefit’s of having a powder coating business!

 

[dogfishlake]

We are using 1970 FJ-55 housings front and rear, FJ-60 front disc/fine spline birfs/knuckles, FJ-60 thirds for fine spline and 3.70 gears.
The rear is getting an ARB air locker because I have one (so why not?).
I got the knuckles coated tonight. We got the axles on the assembly rack (I fabbed up out of scrap steel), and the front diff installed.

 

[Michael B]

Pat if that is your “semi gloss” I don’t have sufficient sunglasses to view your glossy work Maybe my welding helmet would work, but probably not.

 

[dogfishlake]

Pat if that is your “semi gloss” I don’t have sufficient sunglasses to view your glossy work Maybe my welding helmet would work, but probably not.

I was in a hurry to take some of the pictures. Semi gloss parts come out of the oven pretty shiny and flatten after they cool down. Those were right out of the oven

 

[dogfishlake]

A few more progress pics. Hopefully will be setting shims up on the front axle tomorrow and getting the knuckles done. Rear is pretty much done with new wheel cylinders, hardware and shoes from Cruiser Outfitters. I did forget to order new studs so those are ordered and coming. Suspension should be here any day and we will get the frame on the hoist at that point and start assembling.

 

[dogfishlake]

I am getting really close to having to order tires for Bell. Size will be 255/85-16 on steelies with repo hubcaps. I have been a Yokohama G003 fan for several of our trucks so far. That is my #1 so far but I am open to/welcome input on any other brands that people love. I LOVE the knobby tire look on an old truck so that is a must.

 

[dogfishlake]

I'm half tempted to try these, but I may be crazy. Good chance.

 

[locklaw]

I'm half tempted to try these, but I may be crazy. Good chance.
View attachment 3722479

Buckshots, Swampers and all nostalgic aggressive tyres always look awesome. For the ultra-skinny aggressive look yet with a good ride Michelin XZL's look great.

 

[dogfishlake]

Buckshots, Swampers and all nostalgic aggressive tyres always look awesome. For the ultra-skinny aggressive look yet with a good ride Michelin XZL's look great.

I forgot about those!