Builds Blender, My LX450/FZJ80 + FJ45esk + GM + Land Rover crazy concoction

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can't say I'm a fan of your door latch idea. I'd be looking at some mini bear claw, or bear jaw latches that could be recessed into the door.
or retrofit something from another car.

the hotrod world has loads of mini latches that would be far more secure than a tool box slam latch

DAK-BCL-2_xl.jpg
 
mudgudgeon said:
can't say I'm a fan of your door latch idea. I'd be looking at some mini bear claw, or bear jaw latches that could be recessed into the door.
or retrofit something from another car.

the hotrod world has loads of mini latches that would be far more secure than a tool box slam latch
Click to expand...

While I mostly agree. The packaging with what I have in mind for the 2pc door becomes a pretty big headache...



Isn't the stock early latch the same exact design?
 
Tonight's bite.....





With parts trickling in for 3-4 different projects, I need to bounce around a bit to speed things up. I started laying out some of the intake plumbing and the bracket that will hold the filter. I am not 100% sure I dig the bracket for the filter, but I have a goal of not having anything mounted to the fenders. I want to be able to roll the hood back and remove the fenders to work on anything in the engine compartment.
 
The filter is probebly the first thing you need to take off anyway and it will be only one big hose connection.
Might just put it on the fender and take it off with it when you need to wrench.
 
Rough intake layout on the #LX45 is done. Now to make some brackets to hold up everything.....without attaching anything to the fender. I still need to drill and weld in the MAF mount, but it hasn't shown up yet. Eventually I will make a duct from the cowl vent to the front of the donaldson filter. Might have to play with some fiberglass or 3d printing for that!





 
waiting for time said:
The filter is probebly the first thing you need to take off anyway and it will be only one big hose connection.
Might just put it on the fender and take it off with it when you need to wrench.
Click to expand...

I don't think it is much extra work to make a mount to the frame and/or shock tower. With the LS engine there will be a MAF sensor in the intake tube. It would be a bonus to be able to run the vehicle normally without a fender if you are working on things. Small details. On my past builds having stuff on the fender was a bit of a pain. I don't think it will require much extra time to do it this way....
 
Today I work on the door project.....









I wanted the hinge to bolt into the stock FJ40 hinge mount slot. The door side needs to use a Jeep TJ mirror. The custom door width changes the offset slightly. I also want the doors to be able to lift out.

If my McMaster order would show up I could add proper bushings and pins.

Hopefully tomorrow I can round up some more fasteners and make the lower hinge. I will also add the holes for the mirror to the upper hinge. The door might even hold it self on tomorrow! Then I can start to mount the paddle handle latch and make the strike plate. If all goes well I will be able to start making the aluminum door next week!
 
2nd hinge done along with a test fit of the Jeep TJ mirror. Overall it all worked out pretty well.....





The next step is to attach the wood door to the hinges and do a final check fit and trim. I can then cut the pocket for the door handle and make the strike plate.
 


The mockup door swings and latches. Now to figure out how what the final shape of the window will be and figure out this 2pc door thing is going to work.....
 
I love those mirrors. They have slapped trees so hard, I swear they left a dent in the branch. Have not failed me yet.
 
Tonight was window shape roulette....



Option 1



Option 2



Option 3

Which one do you like and why?
 
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I like your mirrors, I think I may go a similar route but see about making a bracket to attach them to the windshield hinge rather than the door. I had been thinking about buying Icons mirrors but so far couldn't bring my self to spend that kind of money on mirrors. Your TJ mirrors look like a good alternative. Are the frames and arms plastic or metal?

Good work on your build, I enjoy seeing you piece it together and making your own parts. Keep it up.
 
I like option 2 the best. No real reason I just like the look.
 
I like option 3, I think they will look the best with windows removed
 
A few things to note....

I think option 3 is the only one that may allow to have a dual slide window. The other two options will only be able to have a slider that opens at the rear.

It didn't annoy me at 1st, but option 3 is the only one where the front slope matches the fender and kick vent. The others don't and not that catches my eye badly.
 
What if you make the window the same size as the 40 has and install a mechanism in the top part. You can connect the sliders to the top part and have a cap on the top when the upper part is out. It would give you a solid door.
 
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