Well...... I went deep today. Over this past week I spent a lot of time working on removing and restoring/refinishing items. One thing that kept happening was almost everything was falling apart from rust while I was trying to. I soaked bolts and the body mounts in PB for a week and when I slightly went to loosen it the whole bottom of the perch twisted and broke apart. I also found a few spots that had metal plates sandwiched between fiberglass. Long story short it’s 3/4 tub time. This project is absolutely killing me, but I’m in now! I’m going to try to get the rest of the tub off tomorrow. I’m leaving the cowl, because somehow it’s in great shape comparatively. Then going to get the frame done and painted and some other bits now that I have room. Now for the questions:
1. Aluminum or steel tub? I know it’s a loaded question, but I’m on the fence leaning towards aluminum from aqualu. I haven’t seen a bad review yet, and I did see one in person a few years back. Land cruiser heaven seems to have the best price on steel, but I have heard some stories about fitment, shipped condition, and wait times. I can’t afford a new one from Classic Cruisers or HFS ones.
2. If I go aluminum does anybody have one I could check out? Did you have any issues? Fitment, hard top, does it have mounts for gas tank, heat shields and such?
3. Is there another option I’m missing?
Any and all input is greatly appreciated. Also, I’m not looking for resale value or trying to do a stock restoration, so take that into consideration please. I just want to build this and have a bunch of fun with the family.
Thanks, Sean
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