Building A Four Door FJ40

[FouadHafeez]

Another recent purchase (new old stock or NOS, of course) is the acquisition of 6 IPF (4 white, 2 yellow) searchlights / foglights.

I have a feeling I'm going to have a great deal of fun in figuring out various combinations and mountings on the Phantom.

 

[bj40green]

Sniff, sniff, sniff.........do I smell paint?

Rudi

 

[78fj40mg]

Beautiful pic of the Trango Summit in northern Pakistan's Karakoram mountain range taken by helo:

Article here:http://tinyurl.com/cr7k3am

 

[78fj40mg]

Sniff, sniff, sniff.........do I smell paint?

Rudi

Rudi, I agree it does smell like paint!

 

[FouadHafeez]

Beautiful pic of the Trango Summit in northern Pakistan's Karakoram mountain range taken by helo:

Article here:http://tinyurl.com/cr7k3am

Great photo, Mike! Thanks!

The Trango Towers are actually a group of mountains and peaks which are present in the Muztagh of the Northern Areas of Pakistan. They range from 5800 meters to 6200 meters, and comprise of some of the most challenging rock climbs in the world. The group consists of The Great Trango, The Nameless Tower, The Trango Pulpit, The Trango Monk and The Trango Castle (amongst other minor, less well-known summits). The Great Trango is the world's greatest near vertical drop, as the peak juts out more than a kilometer above it's surroundings, and it's east face cliff falls at a more or less vertical drop for about 2000 meters!

I've had the pleasure of seeing the area around The Trango Towers...although I've never mustered up the courage (or the technical know how) to even contemplate scaling it. Perhaps a visit to the base camps of the Trango Towers, on the Phantom, would be just the thing! Y'know...live vicariously, and the like.

Once again...great pic. More on the peaks in this wikipedia article:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trango_Towers

 

[FouadHafeez]

Sniff, sniff, sniff.........do I smell paint?

Rudi

You do indeed, Rudi! Although, to be honest, for now I've just been in contact with a professional regarding the Pumpkin Orange paint colour that we should eventually be putting on this beast. When I have some definitive colour shade finally done...I'll be sure to share.

 

[fJ4ever84]

I have a 2003 FZJ79 Pickup, which I'm VERY seriously thinking of converting to a four door, as well. But shhhh...don't tell my wife I have plans for another monstrous conversion / rebuild on the cards.

Hehhehehe Im thinking to get me fj47 so i dont know what will happen when my wife see it why don't wait one year more and buy the door and other stuff from Toyota dealer. It'll be easy.

 

[FouadHafeez]

An Update

Today I spent an idyllic afternoon at the High Temple of Off-Road Vehicles...a place in Rawalpindi called City Saddar Road.

I've alluded to this place before. It's where the Phantom was conceived, built, and is continuing to receive attention (and physical implementation) for all of its modifications, upgrades, and fanciful ideas.

This place is quite mind-boggling. It's a narrow, winding street which is lined with several dozen shops that cater to every body-mod, engine-upgrade, interior-scheme, exterior-embellishment that one can possibly imagine. And not just that; it also caters to the purists...the ones who insist that everything has to be bone-stock.

Here, we build FJ40s that are bred for participation in rallies; with 1UZ, 2UZ, or even Mopar / Chevy small block engines. We build Willys Jeeps to original specifications. Wranglers, Pinzgauers, Unimogs, Ivecos...the list is endless. Too, there are the "niche" specialists; electricians, upholsterers, frame-workers, second-hand parts dealers, sheet-metal workers, suspension maestros, painters. In short; the works. A vehicle can very easily be transported as JUST a frame into this Mecca of off-road vehicles, on a cart...and roll out as a 6 second speed demon, wearing the colours, body style, and interior of one's choice. Amazing stuff...which NEVER fails to make me go goggle-eyed at the talent of these blokes.

My reason to be summoned there, was my electrician...who wanted to show me the preparations that've been made for installing the wiring harnesses, and connections for the Phantom. The entire loom - connected by means of easy-to-fit grips of course - was hanging from a nail in his wall. The switches, the gauges, the meters, the fascia, the dashboard panel; all beautifully cleaned and ready. Damn my eyes, for not having had the presence of mind to take phone-camera shots of it all!

We're installing everything day after tomorrow, hopefully. Along with 4 absolutely brilliant roof-mounted lights. The ignition switch (for the 2F engine) has been swapped with that of a BJ42...allowing for the "heater" position of the diesel engine. Steering column housing (which was pretty shabby) has been replaced with a brand new set. The AC and heater are good to go...and will be plonked in the same day. The original sealed beams of the Phantom are getting an eye transplant, too; 55 watt HiD lights...which should mean dazzling clarity at night. I also have a pair of IPF yellow foglights (big, beefy brash ones) which should add to the excitement. Also installed: the spare can (it looks as if it had always MEANT to be positioned in the tub).

Another momentous development was the setting of the dateline for the paint job: two weeks from now. And...Pumpkin Orange, it is. Which is where I'm going out on a bit of a limb, because in ALL my years of off-roading, and addiction to such rigs, I have NEVER seen that colour on an FJ40, here. We have a ton of Nordic Greens, and Freeborn Reds, and Dune Beiges, and Cygnus Whites and Mustard Yellows...but NO Pumpkin Oranges. It's certainly going to be an interesting experiment, to say the least!

For the colour scheme, I've decided on the following basic parameters:-
a) Matte black frame.
b) Matte black under-body.
c) Black bumpers.
d) Black fender flares, sidesteps and (possibly) front mudguards.
e) Black insides to the pickup tub.
f) Black kick vents, snorkel, filler cap, exhaust.
g) Black "Phantom" plate to the rear wheel cover, with white lettering on the black.
h) Black bezel.
j) Black jerry can.
k) Black dashboard.
l) Black engine bay.

m) The rest of the body and interior will be Pumpkin Orange, as will be the spare wheel mount (less the top plate at "g" above)

n) The fiberglass roof will be white (matching the lettering on the spare wheel mount)

o) Chrome accents for: the custom radiator grille, the heat shield of the exhaust, and the rims of course.

p) The seats - front and back - will be upholstered in black and orange leatherite...which is not only nice and waterproof, but is sturdy as well. Matching designs, on the inner walls of the four doors. Possibly embellished with the "Phantom" lettering

...do I seem excited?!

 

[FouadHafeez]

Paid a long overdue visit to the Sacred Site Of Vehicle Rebuilds, today.

There've been a couple of things I've been working upon. The first, doesn't really pertain to the Phantom, at all. In fact, it pertains to the FZJ79 I own. Well...after having seen that the pickup made a GREAT berth for Shayaan's ATV, I decided that we should house it there, and make a set of ramps for mounting and dismounting the bike. This task was given to the same fabricator who built the Phantom, and I must say, the end product is absolutely wonderful! It's robust, sturdy, saves on space, and can also double as a treadway of sorts for much larger vehicles if they have to cross swampy/marshy terrain. Another positive development has been getting the FZJ's winch to work properly.

Finally - on the FZJ score - I've decided to craft a vinyl top for the beast. A lot of people, on various threads, have evinced a keen interest in Pakistani-built tops (mostly for FJ40s). Well...within a couple of weeks, when I'm done with the FZJ79's top, I hope to be able to share pictures of the standards of craftsmanship that is present here. The top is going to be a very elaborate one...built in two pieces, which won't disturb the fine lines of the pickup and its roll-cage. At the same time, it'll be airtight, waterproof, and yet, have the option of allowing four guns to take up firing positions in the cargo bay (yep...hunting season is just round the corner!), through the roof. Interesting thing, this promises to be.

On the Phantom's front, I'm super pleased with the way things are shaping up. The dashboard has received the treatment, and all the gauges/switches are working perfectly. Through some nifty hidden wiring, the winch now has the option of being operated via a remote, or from a switch located within the cabin itself. All the sending units have been nicely done. The instrument cluster has received a set of LED lights, which make the cluster nice and bright. The cabin has received a set of LED lights, as well, and will be thoroughly well-lit for those dark nights on the road. We've also changed the key switch for that of a BJ (Diesel), and now, the key has the all-important "glow-plug" position for the 1HZ diesel engine. As does the dash panel light.

And on the subject of lighting, I was lucky to get some absolutely stunning IPF lights for the Phantom (4 of 'em). We've fabricated a rather nice mount for them to be affixed at the height of the windscreen frame (along the top edge). Another "fix" that should be supremely practical, efficient, and aesthetically good looking.

Yeah, guys...I know. All of this talk is useless without pictures. Photos...or it didn't happen!

Soon. Very soon.

 

[lostmarbles]

.....All of this talk is useless without pictures. Photos...or it didn't happen!....

ABSOLUTELY Fouad!

 

[78fj40mg]

Paid a long overdue visit to the Sacred Site Of Vehicle Rebuilds, today.

There've been a couple of things I've been working upon. The first, doesn't really pertain to the Phantom, at all. In fact, it pertains to the FZJ79 I own. Well...after having seen that the pickup made a GREAT berth for Shayaan's ATV, I decided that we should house it there, and make a set of ramps for mounting and dismounting the bike. This task was given to the same fabricator who built the Phantom, and I must say, the end product is absolutely wonderful! It's robust, sturdy, saves on space, and can also double as a treadway of sorts for much larger vehicles if they have to cross swampy/marshy terrain. Another positive development has been getting the FZJ's winch to work properly.

Finally - on the FZJ score - I've decided to craft a vinyl top for the beast. A lot of people, on various threads, have evinced a keen interest in Pakistani-built tops (mostly for FJ40s). Well...within a couple of weeks, when I'm done with the FZJ79's top, I hope to be able to share pictures of the standards of craftsmanship that is present here. The top is going to be a very elaborate one...built in two pieces, which won't disturb the fine lines of the pickup and its roll-cage. At the same time, it'll be airtight, waterproof, and yet, have the option of allowing four guns to take up firing positions in the cargo bay (yep...hunting season is just round the corner!), through the roof. Interesting thing, this promises to be.

On the Phantom's front, I'm super pleased with the way things are shaping up. The dashboard has received the treatment, and all the gauges/switches are working perfectly. Through some nifty hidden wiring, the winch now has the option of being operated via a remote, or from a switch located within the cabin itself. All the sending units have been nicely done. The instrument cluster has received a set of LED lights, which make the cluster nice and bright. The cabin has received a set of LED lights, as well, and will be thoroughly well-lit for those dark nights on the road. We've also changed the key switch for that of a BJ (Diesel), and now, the key has the all-important "glow-plug" position for the 1HZ diesel engine. As does the dash panel light.

And on the subject of lighting, I was lucky to get some absolutely stunning IPF lights for the Phantom (4 of 'em). We've fabricated a rather nice mount for them to be affixed at the height of the windscreen frame (along the top edge). Another "fix" that should be supremely practical, efficient, and aesthetically good looking.

Yeah, guys...I know. All of this talk is useless without pictures. Photos...or it didn't happen!

Soon. Very soon.

Hi Fouad, did you take any pics yet?



Mike

 

[FouadHafeez]

Some teaser pics, while I sort out the rest. First time using Photobucket rather than Imageshack...so I have no idea if this will even work, or not.

 

[FouadHafeez]

Progress on the Phantom...with pics in no particular order

 

[FouadHafeez]

 

[FouadHafeez]

Because good pictures should be shared...even if they ARE those of an FZJ rather than an FJ. After all...they ARE related...right?

 

[lostmarbles]

Hi Fouad.

I love what you've done with the bumperettes on the Phantom. Are they extra brake lights, extra tail lights, or both?

And speaking of the Phantom, I demand an immediate explanation of why there is a screw missing from each bonnet hinge! (And it had better be good! )


And I always love to see pics of your Chevvy Impala.



PS. The FZJ is nice too of course..

PPS. And notice that I'm using the word "bonnet" instead of "hood".

(Failure to use the Queen's English" is rife on this site and we have a duty to correct that I reckon...)

 

[FouadHafeez]

Hi Fouad.

I love what you've done with the bumperettes on the Phantom. Are they extra brake lights, extra tail lights, or both?

Hi, Tom! Good to see you around, mate. The bumperettes are what came with the Phantom, as are the lights that you see within them. These are standard military issue "convoy lights" which are used when using the head and tail lights are best avoided. These, of course, harken back to the Phantom's time in military service (being a military auctioned vehicle). I thought it'd be a nice touch to keep the standard issue items on (note: the inimical military towing hook, too!). Admittedly, though...these now have high-performance LEDs for EXTRA rather than DIMINISHED visibility They're wired to the main light cluster, and serve as indicators, tail lights, and brake lights in tandem with the main lights.

And speaking of the Phantom, I demand an immediate explanation of why there is a screw missing from each bonnet hinge! (And it had better be good! )

Er...how do I offer a "good excuse" for the missing bolts? EUREKA! I know...souvenir hunters pinched them off the beast while I wasn't looking! On a more serious (and much less interesting) note...it's attributable to laziness on my part. Will get the bolts on ASAP, Cap'n!

And I always love to see pics of your Chevvy Impala.



PS. The FZJ is nice too of course..

PPS. And notice that I'm using the word "bonnet" instead of "hood".

(Failure to use the Queen's English" is rife on this site and we have a duty to correct that I reckon...)

Thanks, Tom. As always, your encouragement and appreciation is thoroughly heartwarming. And on the matter of policing the grammar, syntax, and sentence construction on here...well...doesn't the bezel squad cover that, too?!

 

[FouadHafeez]

We've FINALLY managed to get the wiring, et al, sorted out. The second-hand triple-action lights were posing somewhat of a problem, since they had broken mounts...but in Pakistan, where there is a will; you can depend upon our technicians to find a way!

The end-product is very satisfying. With the HiD lights installed in the headlights, and the four beefy lights mounted at the roof-line, the field of view at night is VERY well illuminated indeed.

The heater and the A/C have also been made functional. VERY chilled in summers, and nice and toasty in winters.

Yet another thing I found whilst going through the yards, was a nifty little coolbox / freezer / hotbox. I've been led to believe that it's a genuine Toyota component (from a Tacoma, possibly?), and with three settings ("hot", "cold" and "ice") it should be a handy thing for such a rig. Frozen tea, hot soda, and cool pizza. Yummy!

Lastly, I wasn't too fond of the modified instrument cluster, which was backlit with LEDs, but had very poor clarity overall. Sooo...out with the new, and in with the old. The cluster looks much better, stock.

Pictures!

 

[FouadHafeez]

Another One Of Those "WTF Is This Post Doing HERE?!" Posts

During some travels to an obscure neck of the automotive underworld in Pakistan (and there SURE are a lot of them), I happened to stumble across a rather interesting find. One of my mechanics got to telling me about this "heap" which had been parked near his workshop for the past 17-18 years. His considered view was that it was a 60s Chrysler. The owner - who was not at all interested in vehicles - was looking to get the machine off his property, since it was taking up space. The owner, too, had no idea what the car was (having gotten it as a hand-me-down from his past forebears), or what vintage it was.

Here's the clincher. The "find" is a 1950 Lincoln Cosmopolitan. It sits there with a perfect 337 V8, mated to an auto shifter. Whilst it's much the worse for wear, and will require a LOT of work...it's one of the nicest cars I've laid my eyes on in a very long time, indeed.

The 1950 Lincoln Cosmopolitan limo was the US Presidential Limousine for Truman and Eisenhower, and was the forerunner of the later Lincoln Continental (made famous by the Matrix movie. Can anyone forget the car Neo was seated in, when Morpheus had that bug sucked out of his belly-button? ). A cursory inspection reveals it's suicide doors are working perfectly, the basic trim/garnishes etc are all present and accounted for, and the seats (whilst removed in these pictures) are stored away for safe keeping.

In Pakistan, these cars are VERY rare indeed (they probably are, anywhere in the world). I'm in negotiations to purchase the heap, and already, I have demented visions of what this ride is going to look like, once it's done up. The estimated costs I've been given by my mechanic / restoration expert is under $8000. I like the sound of that, when such vehicles fetch more than twice that amount in the US, where they were built!

Some pictures, while I contemplate (and keep my fingers crossed for) adding "1950 Continental Cosmo - Ford 337, V8 238 bhp: stock" to my signature!

 

[FJsnoozer]

Eat your heart out. Here is a local 49 Cosmo...
http://megadeluxe.com/cars/49-cosmo-austin-speed-shop
http://www.austinspeedshop.com/gallery/49-cosmo/

I love the ear of corn in the floor pan. Maybe that lends itself to a nickname.