Builds Bell the FJ45

[dogfishlake]

More progress on the truck. I masked up the sides to protect them and had the bottom of the truck sandblasted. There were a couple of cracks that I welded up, then put on epoxy primer. Hopefully tomorrow I can get time to put the Raptor Liner on.

 

[dogfishlake]

Sadly, I only have one of the tail light housings, so the plan is to fab some up using newer 40 series housings. I think I have a plan on how I want to do it. Just cut and shape and weld but doing it this way, I get the new sockets/wiring. I will just have to change the plug out.

 

[cruisermatt]

Just go with the Yokohamas. They will drive so much better then any of that retro junk

 

[dogfishlake]

Just go with the Yokohamas. They will drive so much better then any of that retro junk

That's probably going to be it. They are awesome. I have them on 3 Cruisers already. Was just thinking of something different

 

[dogfishlake]

But,
Common sense is not always the most fun route.

Struggling to find Michelin XZL in the 8.25- 16 size. That is about a 34" tire
Very sweet tire.
Looking at Super Swampers too.
Makes no sense, but owning this truck makes no sense, other than it makes me smile

 

[dogfishlake]

Totally honest here. I grew up doing some mildly crazy things (mostly dumb).
Other guys in my younger days would do dumb things like put Super Swampers on the most un-super POS trucks. I defied that, arguing they were idiots- all the while being jealous at how badass their rusty ass Chevys looked
Might have to cave from the idea of reason for once

 

[dogfishlake]

In other news,,
The frame is on the rack and the suspension is going in.

 

[dogfishlake]

I also got the Raptor Liner on the bottom of the box tonight. Forgot a picture! Will get one in the a.m.

 

[dogfishlake]

The Raptor Liner is really nice stuff, and tough as nails. It will make a good border between the patina top and redone bottom

 

[cruisermatt]

I have 28” TSL bias ply’s on one of my 40’s and they actually add a pretty nice cush to the ride. They are pretty loud and they will flat spot if it they sit for more then a few weeks though.

 

[dogfishlake]

Now it is time to get back on refreshing the paint as much as possible

 

[dogfishlake]

More assembly on the chassis.

 

[Dustin68]

I also have one tail light bucket, and was hoping we might have a pair between us, but unfortunately they both appear to be the left side. I’ve been considering the same thing about modifying the 40 ones. Please post pics if that’s the route you take!

Sadly, I only have one of the tail light housings, so the plan is to fab some up using newer 40 series housings. I think I have a plan on how I want to do it. Just cut and shape and weld but doing it this way, I get the new sockets/wiring. I will just have to change the plug out.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

I also got the Raptor Liner on the bottom of the box tonight. Forgot a picture! Will get one in the a.m.

@TeamJB is known to find some odd cool stuff

 

[cppilot]

Great 45 by the way. I can’t wait to see your finished product…I love that color. I am curious about it. Do you know for sure if this is the original paint. I would be super cool if it is….my brother has a 67 FJ40 in this exact color and it’s 100% original. The only colors I’ve seen the 65-67 FJ45’s specifically in
are : the light blue, Lilly white, red and the light green color.

Maybe it was a special job from the factory…maybe someone with more expertise in this will chime in.

 

[dogfishlake]

View attachment 3725930

I also have one tail light bucket, and was hoping we might have a pair between us, but unfortunately they both appear to be the left side. I’ve been considering the same thing about modifying the 40 ones. Please post pics if that’s the route you take!

Will do. I really don't think it will be terrible.

I never looked if they could be turned over and used on the other side.

If I have good success AND left and right somewhat interchange, hit me up. I may have a housing I don't need

 

[dogfishlake]

Great 45 by the way. I can’t wait to see your finished product…I love that color. I am curious about it. Do you know for sure if this is the original paint. I would be super cool if it is….my brother has a 67 FJ40 in this exact color and it’s 100% original. The only colors I’ve seen the 65-67 FJ45’s specifically in
are : the light blue, Lilly white, red and the light green color.

Maybe it was a special job from the factory…maybe someone with more expertise in this will chime in.

I would say I am 99.9% certain it is Yosemite Yellow. The really "faded thin" spots look pretty much white, and if I polish on them I get a combo of yellow and bare metal coming through. I have a really long way to go cleaning it up but I think it will look plainly yellow (with tons of patina) when I am done

*It is definitely the original paint too

 

[dogfishlake]

I am thinking I might do the inside floor of the cab with tinted Raptor Liner. Just the floor and not up the firewall. It is in pretty sad shape but not rusted through at all. Then I can cut new floor mats for it, polish up/restore the dash to a nice patina. I want the truck to look restored with an old patina body exterior and dash , not like I just gave up on details. If that makes sense

 

[dogfishlake]

I have 28” TSL bias ply’s on one of my 40’s and they actually add a pretty nice cush to the ride. They are pretty loud and they will flat spot if it they sit for more then a few weeks though.

Oh man. Now you have me thinking!

My dad had two Ford trucks when I was really young. One was a '73 ish, half ton 2wd Ranger in pea green that was really sweet. Even better, out in the back behind the barn he had a '69 ish Highboy 3/4 ton with the gnarliest skinny mud tires on it. It was kinda rusty and was hard to get/keep running. He hated that thing but we needed it for work around the property. My old man got such a kick out of the fact that I always bugged him to get out the big truck. I am so mentally latched on to that thing vs. the Ranger cream puff.

I think I may be having a "Field of Dreams" moment with my Super Swamper desire for the 45

p.s. RIP James Earl Jones

 

[dogfishlake]

The rear axle went in this morning. Assembly pushes forward. I find at least one item a day I forgot to order but there is still plenty to do.