Build Bell the FJ45

[cruisermatt]

Hopefully you got shocks for a +74 since you are using the rear lower U-bolt plate location.

 

[dogfishlake]

Hopefully you got shocks for a +74 since you are using the rear lower U-bolt plate location.

I will verify. I appreciate you catch these things. The kit spans a pretty wide year range.
I went with the '70 plates because they were in way better shape than the '65 plaes on the truck. We are at full straight droop now so I guess that means we need a bit more than that for full tuck on one side and flex on the other?

 

[dogfishlake]

The plates are 1970 FJ-55

 

[cruisermatt]

1974 the shock mount went from the axle to the U-bolt plate. So the shocks will be quite a bit longer.
FYI, I make repro’s of the early-style (without shock mounts) plates and keep 70 series plates (with the shock mount) in stock

 

[dogfishlake]

1974 the shock mount went from the axle to the U-bolt plate. So the shocks will be quite a bit longer.
FYI, I make repro’s of the early-style (without shock mounts) plates and keep 70 series plates (with the shock mount) in stock

That's cool. The lift is supposed to be specific to my year, but I will verify

 

[cruisermatt]

Basically, you want the lift to be based on what rear lower shock mount you have.

 

[dogfishlake]

So I caved and bought the Yoko G003's
I love everything about them except I have them on 3 other Cruisers. That isn't enough reason to jump ship. Hopefully they show up quick. I hope to powder coat the wheels as soon as tomorrow, and later this week we should be ready to mount em up and get them on the truck

 

[Ocho77]

Rocking it, Pat. It's looking great, brother!

Excited to be back in Michigan, then I can come watch you work while I sip bourbon.

 

[dogfishlake]

Rocking it, Pat. It's looking great, brother!

Excited to be back in Michigan, then I can come watch you work while I sip bourbon.

WE sip bourbon

 

[dogfishlake]

@Ocho77 , I don't think I can wait to see that 40. I need to visit.

 

[dogfishlake]

Well, I went back and forth on tires. I looked at a ton of brands and lots of thoughts on the bias ply jobs. Interco Super Swampers are sweet but are really a lot of money for an experiment to see if I like the ride. Original Buckshot Mudders are tempting, but I saw some claims that they are only about 32" tall. Then the idea of going back to KM3's came to mind because they come in 255/85-16. Of course they were out of stock and very expensive.

In the end, I went with the old reliable, Yokohama G003's in 255/85-16. They should deliver tomorrow.

 

[dogfishlake]

I did the wheels last night while waiting for a large heavy frame to cure here at the shop.

 

[Ocho77]

@Ocho77 , I don't think I can wait to see that 40. I need to visit.

Y’all are welcome any time!

 

[dogfishlake]

Time for some updates.
Frame and axles mostly assembled. Turning it around to get where we can get the engine in.

 

[dogfishlake]

Engine in. Bolting parts on

 

[dogfishlake]

I brought the bed home and have been scrubbing with Iron Out and CLR to clean it up. After that, it is a hand polish job with rubbing compound. I am really happy with the result so far but so sick of scrubbing. So much to do still too.
Seeing that crazy color come out is a great motivation though!

 

[dogfishlake]

Even better paint rescue on the passenger door. I pulled the access cover off of the inside of the door and the paint on it has never seen weather or sunlight/UV. I cleaned and waxed the door and the color between the two is great!

 

[dogfishlake]

The hood will be a different story I think. There won't be much left after polishing it I am thinking, but we'll see.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

That sticker is where its at!!!!

 

[dogfishlake]

That sticker is where its at!!!!

I wish it was hand painted rather than the sticker but I'll take it