Biodiesel Piggie #2 Buildup (was Sad Sad day...)
- Thread starter dieselcruiserhead
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- Joined
- Sep 28, 2002
- Threads
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- Location
- Kamloops, BC Canada
- Website
- www.shopraddcruisers.ca
The Fisher single speed, this is at Uinta Bicycles, the shop in my sig. (The website needs to be badly worked on, I'm working on this... It is a single speed rigid and is possibly my favorite bike of all time currently
I remeber the days of marin ti with rigid forks and weighed in at 22.5 pounds with 21 speeds, full xtr.
Single speeds are for kids....................... oh ya you are a kid in comparision to me.
No worries man!
This is just too cool of a project to not get finished so we just have to give you a little ribbing every now and then. I look forward to seeing what you have done. Congrats on the upcoming marriage!
Dan
You have something like eleven months, sir, before a return. No Pressure.
Unless I go to Antartica for a while. Then you just have more time.
Unless I go to Antartica for a while. Then you just have more time.
Andre,
Im new to the mud (first post) and yours is one of the first threads I have read top to bottom. Looks like you have been taking quite a bit of time off.
Im looking at picking up a 55 shortly and would love to do a diesel conversion at some point, so obviously I would love to see how yours turns out.
Congrats on the engagement!! And no hate for the MTB and snow addiction, I ride too. Santa Cruz Bullit. And, I run a small web based startup in Los Angeles. If you are still interested in doing web work, let me know if you have Flash/AS3 skills, we should definitely talk.
Get on it man, cant wait to see more of that conversion, and the roof cap!! Need more info!!
Thanks
Jaxon
Im new to the mud (first post) and yours is one of the first threads I have read top to bottom. Looks like you have been taking quite a bit of time off.
Im looking at picking up a 55 shortly and would love to do a diesel conversion at some point, so obviously I would love to see how yours turns out.
Congrats on the engagement!! And no hate for the MTB and snow addiction, I ride too. Santa Cruz Bullit. And, I run a small web based startup in Los Angeles. If you are still interested in doing web work, let me know if you have Flash/AS3 skills, we should definitely talk.
Get on it man, cant wait to see more of that conversion, and the roof cap!! Need more info!!
Thanks
Jaxon
No worries, I won't be around trying to spread imperialism by attemping to teach penguins English.
They pay people money to work in Antartica, vs. here where I get random pieces of sheep entrails as payment.
You remember me asking about the phrase you used, "communist made crap?"
I completely understand now.
- Thread starter
- #808
Thanks guys, you are are going to kill me..
I do have some small little updates including re-doing the shop and some killer parts acquisition for the piggie including a possible super cheap aftermarket AC unit... As this stuff rolls in I'll take pictures and start posting. I also cleaned the crap out of the 55 too to get it ready for more work... And a neat surprise for the rear door situation as soon as these parts come in... You guys are going to be psyched... I also acquired a sweet *couple* of trailers that are sweet little units that I'm sure I'll post up on too...
But... I also managed to acquire a pretty clean '91 extra cab truck with low mileage that was just collecting dust at the shop... I am loving my little mini truck (that was bought sort of as an experiment) and started going back and forth on what to do: being patient and working closer on the 55 or building a quick litttle DDer that i'll probably use well after the 55 is done anyway and the time is right to build it now versus later... I posted a thread on the Wasatch Cruisers (our local TLCA club) board for their opinion too and ultiamtely went with the advice of my buddies who thought it was a good idea. Also has some sweet photos of the new trailers...
Plan of Action? - WC Forums
So I basically I decided to run with it and started a light build on that just last week, acquiring a front FJ62 axle, and related parts. As usual I think it is some good outside the box thinking I think I really learned a lot about suspension by just looking/understanding this FZJ80 suspension and am really getting to like its style so I'm goi ng to apply som of that to the mini truck. The good news: it won't be crazy or really custom so my goal is to bang it out really quickly. No body work required, for example no frame-off or anything of the sort. I'm not even going to bother with lockers or gearing yet or anything of the sort, for now, and usual as cheap as possible. Fairly quick solid axle swap, and a Mercedes OM617 to mini truck 5 speed. I'm doing the buildup thread on Expedition Portal (where I've been hanging out here and there, and it is a DDer/expedition style build (small, haul a load, etc), so here is the link:
The Plan... - Expedition Portal Forums
Also to let you guys know Carrie and I tied the knot on "10-4" which was just awesome. Kurt from Cruiser Outfitters was there as were a couple of long-time buddies mostly from San Diego and local here I've swayed to the dark side who own FJ40s now. So there was some cruiserhead presence As usual I continued riding the bike like crazy all summer and fall and got down to a consistent 225 (which is pretty good for me at 6'5) and was basically in some of the best shape I've been in. My whole fam suffers from "Dan Akroyd" syndrome where you hit 30ish and all of a sudden get kind of fat. So it is important to nip this in the bud before it takes over my life.. And as mentioned I got a killer new bike (a Ventana El Bastardo that uses 650b/27.5" tires). So it doesn't help that I got way into bikes too (now that I have the bike that died off quite a bit) and as usual I did a build up thread on that too... http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=432535
About 3 weeks ago winter hit strong (but oddly it just resumed back to fall here) but it got me psyched and back in the shop. If you guys check out the ExPo thread there is some good stuff there. And finally, I can't believe this thread has gone on so long (literally years now) so I appologize for that... I turned 30 on Thurs... Crazy!
Thanks guys as always,
Andre
Ps I promise I'll post some pics when I get a chance/get home!
I do have some small little updates including re-doing the shop and some killer parts acquisition for the piggie including a possible super cheap aftermarket AC unit...
As this stuff rolls in I'll take pictures and start posting. I also cleaned the crap out of the 55 too to get it ready for more work... And a neat surprise for the rear door situation as soon as these parts come in... You guys are going to be psyched... I also acquired a sweet *couple* of trailers that are sweet little units that I'm sure I'll post up on too... But... I also managed to acquire a pretty clean '91 extra cab truck with low mileage that was just collecting dust at the shop... I am loving my little mini truck (that was bought sort of as an experiment) and started going back and forth on what to do: being patient and working closer on the 55 or building a quick litttle DDer that i'll probably use well after the 55 is done anyway and the time is right to build it now versus later... I posted a thread on the Wasatch Cruisers (our local TLCA club) board for their opinion too and ultiamtely went with the advice of my buddies who thought it was a good idea. Also has some sweet photos of the new trailers...
Plan of Action? - WC Forums
So I basically I decided to run with it and started a light build on that just last week, acquiring a front FJ62 axle, and related parts. As usual I think it is some good outside the box thinking I think
I really learned a lot about suspension by just looking/understanding this FZJ80 suspension and am really getting to like its style so I'm goi ng to apply som of that to the mini truck. The good news: it won't be crazy or really custom so my goal is to bang it out really quickly. No body work required, for example no frame-off or anything of the sort. I'm not even going to bother with lockers or gearing yet or anything of the sort, for now, and usual as cheap as possible. Fairly quick solid axle swap, and a Mercedes OM617 to mini truck 5 speed. I'm doing the buildup thread on Expedition Portal (where I've been hanging out here and there, and it is a DDer/expedition style build (small, haul a load, etc), so here is the link:The Plan... - Expedition Portal Forums
Also to let you guys know Carrie and I tied the knot on "10-4" which was just awesome. Kurt from Cruiser Outfitters was there as were a couple of long-time buddies mostly from San Diego and local here I've swayed to the dark side who own FJ40s now. So there was some cruiserhead presence
As usual I continued riding the bike like crazy all summer and fall and got down to a consistent 225 (which is pretty good for me at 6'5) and was basically in some of the best shape I've been in. My whole fam suffers from "Dan Akroyd" syndrome where you hit 30ish and all of a sudden get kind of fat. So it is important to nip this in the bud before it takes over my life.. And as mentioned I got a killer new bike (a Ventana El Bastardo that uses 650b/27.5" tires). So it doesn't help that I got way into bikes too (now that I have the bike that died off quite a bit) and as usual I did a build up thread on that too... http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=432535About 3 weeks ago winter hit strong (but oddly it just resumed back to fall here) but it got me psyched and back in the shop. If you guys check out the ExPo thread there is some good stuff there. And finally, I can't believe this thread has gone on so long (literally years now) so I appologize for that... I turned 30 on Thurs... Crazy!
Thanks guys as always,
Andre
Ps I promise I'll post some pics when I get a chance/get home!
Last edited:
Congrats on the nuptials Andre!
Carrie was with you when you came to Portland huh?
Super stoked to hear you are having great fortune and moving along in the world of Biodiesel too...
Keep on keepin' on with the FJ55
john
Carrie was with you when you came to Portland huh?
Super stoked to hear you are having great fortune and moving along in the world of Biodiesel too...
Keep on keepin' on with the FJ55
john
- Thread starter
- #810
OK guys as promised, photos!
On Saturday of last week we basically cleaned the crap out of the shop. I wish I had some better photos of "before." We were also able to talk Dirk into letting us have the whole shop... There are 4 of us total (Damon with the BJ42/100/FJ Cruiser, Scott with a FZJ80 (and my old Saab now), Bill with his dirt bikes and Honda motorcycles and FZJ80 and WVO converted Dodge, and me with my mini truck(s) now and various other projects and the 55 of course. So it was getting crowded. Plus all the parts, so it was a welcome addition...
On Saturday of last week we basically cleaned the crap out of the shop. I wish I had some better photos of "before." We were also able to talk Dirk into letting us have the whole shop... There are 4 of us total (Damon with the BJ42/100/FJ Cruiser, Scott with a FZJ80 (and my old Saab now), Bill with his dirt bikes and Honda motorcycles and FZJ80 and WVO converted Dodge, and me with my mini truck(s) now and various other projects and the 55 of course. So it was getting crowded. Plus all the parts, so it was a welcome addition...
- Thread starter
- #811
We moved the tools to the middle so we have 5 bays. Each of us has their own bay and then the middle is for in-out projects/nothing more than an evening. We are super pumped...
Then my little corner. Looks like a mess but actually not too bad...
The last pic shows our new work bench (with rolling chair, for projects like rebuilding t-cases) and I moved the vice over and put that little steel piece in the corner for using as a section for fabbing/fab table...
Then my little corner. Looks like a mess but actually not too bad...
The last pic shows our new work bench (with rolling chair, for projects like rebuilding t-cases) and I moved the vice over and put that little steel piece in the corner for using as a section for fabbing/fab table...
- Thread starter
- #812
I'm going to have to borrow a bay for someone for my mini truck project. This pic shows the front axle and FZJ80 radius arms for it... Hopefully I'll get to this fairly soon here... If anyone is interested in this project read up on the expedition portal. This will be my daily driver/solution for wheeling until the piggie is done... Again, using 4x4 labs stuff...
- Thread starter
- #813
On to parts acquisition...
I figured out/worked out the "which rim" dillema with four of these. In near brand new shape, $85 locally on ebay! From the same guys I just bought a 5th on ebay to have a complete matching.. So $135 for 5, works for me
A couple other acquisitions that I'll probably sell. A FJ Cruiser chrome wheel and a 17" Tundra spare complete with tire. Didn't like how this rim turned out so I'll turn around and sell...
I figured out/worked out the "which rim" dillema with four of these. In near brand new shape, $85 locally on ebay! From the same guys I just bought a 5th on ebay to have a complete matching.. So $135 for 5, works for me
A couple other acquisitions that I'll probably sell. A FJ Cruiser chrome wheel and a 17" Tundra spare complete with tire. Didn't like how this rim turned out so I'll turn around and sell...
- Thread starter
- #814
I was also looking at the Hummer 35's again on the Hummer wheel and I really think I'm going to like how they turn out on the truck and with those 7.5" wide rims, I think they'll be about perfect. Also again if my math is right they should look pretty good on the truck width-wise even with the wide 80 series axles...
- Thread starter
- #815
Here is the rear tailgate from the piggie. I dragged it and all the the rest of the important body stuff from outside and under a tarp as I was worried about one more winter and possible damage. I'll be actually selling this in favor of something else that will be custom for the rear door as I hate the heavy 55 door. Not sure if anyone needs a super clean complete tailgate? Not sure what to ask for this, I was thinking $300?? (thoughts??)
- Thread starter
- #816
More parts acquisition...
These are OEM cummins parts for a complete regasketing kit and new bearings.... I got them from Tennesse Diesel Conversions which is a vendor on our www.4BTSwaps.com board. Vendor Info (awesome deals on OEM Cummins parts).
And finally this bitchen Billet valve cover (cosmetic) that will dress the engine when it's done. Also another vendor from www.4BTswaps.com (Vendor Link).
These are OEM cummins parts for a complete regasketing kit and new bearings.... I got them from Tennesse Diesel Conversions which is a vendor on our www.4BTSwaps.com board. Vendor Info (awesome deals on OEM Cummins parts).
And finally this bitchen Billet valve cover (cosmetic) that will dress the engine when it's done. Also another vendor from www.4BTswaps.com (Vendor Link).
- Thread starter
- #817
And even more vendor info. With the economy and all, one "achilles heel" I had was by not having the 29 spline input gear from JB Conversions for the Dana 300. I decided I'm going to just run the stock t-case gearing (2.62 -- again, just like the last 55) with that low 1st of the trans it will be plenty/killer low.
Their prices are high but look at the craftsmanship... (and the price, gulp). Also one of the best packaging jobs I have ever seen. And it is complete. I strongly recommend JB Conversions, which is popular off the 'mud board. I finally have (at least all the parts for) a nice 'bling' t-case setup. Cost is about $1100 out the door for this built heavy duty Dana 300. Not sure if it was worth it or not. I found some lightly used 29 spline Atlas t-cases for $1800 if if lucky could have maybe gotten something from Kurt @ Cruiser Outfitters, I dunno. But no regrets and I will be happy with a build Dana 300...
Again, when doing this conversion a bling t-case isn't necessary. There is a 1990-ish Dodge chain driven NP241 that would have been fine (this is what I used on my first 55) but I opted for the bling heavy duty gear driven case. But to be clear I never had any issues with that t-case at all. I didn't really like it's long length, but that is OK... I bought one of these for I think $150 on my last build and they have a 2.73 low range (even lower than the Dana 300).
Last pic shows the status of the (guts of the) Dana 300... In a box, under my clutch... (top box is the input gear/gaskets/related parts). The guts are taped together in order in their three major clusters. I'm hoping I can find someone local who really knows these well and we'll build it one night completely to be super tight/solid & non leaking...
Their prices are high but look at the craftsmanship... (and the price, gulp). Also one of the best packaging jobs I have ever seen. And it is complete. I strongly recommend JB Conversions, which is popular off the 'mud board. I finally have (at least all the parts for) a nice 'bling' t-case setup. Cost is about $1100 out the door for this built heavy duty Dana 300. Not sure if it was worth it or not. I found some lightly used 29 spline Atlas t-cases for $1800 if if lucky could have maybe gotten something from Kurt @ Cruiser Outfitters, I dunno. But no regrets and I will be happy with a build Dana 300...
Again, when doing this conversion a bling t-case isn't necessary. There is a 1990-ish Dodge chain driven NP241 that would have been fine (this is what I used on my first 55) but I opted for the bling heavy duty gear driven case. But to be clear I never had any issues with that t-case at all. I didn't really like it's long length, but that is OK... I bought one of these for I think $150 on my last build and they have a 2.73 low range (even lower than the Dana 300).
Last pic shows the status of the (guts of the) Dana 300... In a box, under my clutch... (top box is the input gear/gaskets/related parts). The guts are taped together in order in their three major clusters. I'm hoping I can find someone local who really knows these well and we'll build it one night completely to be super tight/solid & non leaking...
- Thread starter
- #818
Ah, the 55... I also largely cleaned out the inside the 55.
It was fully of all sorts of junk. Also, here are FJ60 hubs that should bolt on to the early FZJ80 axles for part time 4WD...
It was fully of all sorts of junk. Also, here are FJ60 hubs that should bolt on to the early FZJ80 axles for part time 4WD...
- Thread starter
- #819
The beauty of the 55 in the state it's in (this far torn down, which I really really enjoy) is it's just so clean.. You can actually work on it without getting fairly dirty...
Now... You guys are going to s***... I was so pumped tonight with some of the recent work, and because I have all the gaskets now, actually worked on it! It was about 7:30PM and I was hoping to be back by 8:30 (with a 20 minute drive). So I had a little time... With the engine so torn down it was literally the quickest head removal I've ever done.. 20-30 minutes with packing everything up in boxes/packaging to take to the machine shop?
Didn't even change (from what I wore to work today) ((Carrie would kill me if she knew)). But seriously, work gloves and that's it...
Now... You guys are going to s***... I was so pumped tonight with some of the recent work, and because I have all the gaskets now, actually worked on it! It was about 7:30PM and I was hoping to be back by 8:30 (with a 20 minute drive). So I had a little time... With the engine so torn down it was literally the quickest head removal I've ever done.. 20-30 minutes with packing everything up in boxes/packaging to take to the machine shop?
Didn't even change (from what I wore to work today) ((Carrie would kill me if she knew)). But seriously, work gloves and that's it...
- Thread starter
- #820
How cool is this, cold war era I love Cummins, truly a awesome, global (American) company...
Head all looks pretty good. Those white spots are from using non-distilled water (mineral buildup).
The valves all look good, plenty of the normal carbon buildup. And they should be good with the compression readings. The machine shop is to have them test while the head is out...
I love Cummins, truly a awesome, global (American) company...Head all looks pretty good. Those white spots are from using non-distilled water (mineral buildup).
The valves all look good, plenty of the normal carbon buildup. And they should be good with the compression readings. The machine shop is to have them test while the head is out...