- Thread starter
- #261
Way cool, Jim.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Building A Four Door FJ40 (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter FouadHafeez
- Start date
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Fouad ,
Your build has been incredible and being a fabricator/welder makes me really appreciate the craftsmanship that went into this amazing rig .
It's also very heartwarming to see the true heart of Paki's , not what we see here in the clouded US News circles , or Circus as I call it ....
Color , that one is easy -
I'd either stick with a really proper matte black/soft white combination that is fitting of the rig's name - Phantom .
Or, dune beige would really make it stand out and keep the metalwork looking superb . High gloss, high-contrast colors will make some of those panels differences show up too much and may ruin the overall look .
Again , I can't thank you enough for taking the time to share this build with our community , truly a generous contribution !
Sarge
Your build has been incredible and being a fabricator/welder makes me really appreciate the craftsmanship that went into this amazing rig .
It's also very heartwarming to see the true heart of Paki's , not what we see here in the clouded US News circles , or Circus as I call it ....
Color , that one is easy -
I'd either stick with a really proper matte black/soft white combination that is fitting of the rig's name - Phantom .
Or, dune beige would really make it stand out and keep the metalwork looking superb . High gloss, high-contrast colors will make some of those panels differences show up too much and may ruin the overall look .
Again , I can't thank you enough for taking the time to share this build with our community , truly a generous contribution !
Sarge
- Thread starter
- #263
Thanks for the wonderful words of encouragement, Sarge. The moral support, praise and appreciation are truly welcomed!
I admit...dune beige has always been on the "preferred" list, and I think that is what we're going to go with. Dune beige body, pewter (or matte black) accessories (bezel, bumpers, hood knobs, kick-vent, gas filler flap, engine bay, pickup tub interior, cabin interior etc...maybe even the tube doors, too), and white roof. The undercarriage and chassis are going to be rubberised-coated black. I think the "stock" colours would be the best possible tribute to the "spirit" of the 40 Series, which this vehicle tries to capture
It's truly my pleasure, mate. Once again...thanks for the encouragement and support.
- Thread starter
- #264
A Visit To What May Well Be The "Mecca" of Rebuilt Off-Roaders
One of those niggling affairs that seemed to be dragging on, was the rear plate for the spare wheel mount. Now this plate has pretty much come to "embody" the spirit of the Phantom - easy to say, since the plate is what carries the beast's name
The problem which we were facing, pertained to spot welding the plate itself onto its supporting circular frame. Which, was quickly solved by what we have come to call in the local dialect a "jugaar". Loosely translated, a jugaar is an out-of-the-box modification or adapted solution, which is resorted to in case there is trouble in finding a more traditional solution to a problem.
The jugaar spot welding you're about to see is one such example. To prevent the frame and plate from warping under traditional (less sturdy) torch and stick welds, we drilled a series of holes along the entire rim of the plate (and the pipe frame beneath it) which were later electro-welded so as to fuse plate and frame to one another. Grinding it over to ensure a smooth finish, is de rigeur.
To ensure structural strength, the frame received cross-members (also welded to the plate) so as to keep it nice and straight, and prevent warp and/or buckling.
Some pictures, of the maestro at work!
One of those niggling affairs that seemed to be dragging on, was the rear plate for the spare wheel mount. Now this plate has pretty much come to "embody" the spirit of the Phantom - easy to say, since the plate is what carries the beast's name
The problem which we were facing, pertained to spot welding the plate itself onto its supporting circular frame. Which, was quickly solved by what we have come to call in the local dialect a "jugaar". Loosely translated, a jugaar is an out-of-the-box modification or adapted solution, which is resorted to in case there is trouble in finding a more traditional solution to a problem.
The jugaar spot welding you're about to see is one such example. To prevent the frame and plate from warping under traditional (less sturdy) torch and stick welds, we drilled a series of holes along the entire rim of the plate (and the pipe frame beneath it) which were later electro-welded so as to fuse plate and frame to one another. Grinding it over to ensure a smooth finish, is de rigeur.
To ensure structural strength, the frame received cross-members (also welded to the plate) so as to keep it nice and straight, and prevent warp and/or buckling.
Some pictures, of the maestro at work!
- Thread starter
- #265
Ok...this post certainly represents a snap-shot of everyday life in Pakistan...with the subtle difference, that these photos are a day in the life of a host of 40 Series beasts being "rebirthed".
Here, it's worthy to mention that all of these FJ40s are brought back to life almost entirely by hand. The body mods, the fabrication, the sheet metal work, the lengthening/cropping/modifying the wheelbase and overall length...all by hand. All of them, that way...are absolutely unique pieces that conform to the customer's specific wants/needs.
Within these pictures, you're going to see a"lenghtened" 40, a "really lengthened" 40, some 40s that are being kept fairly close to factory dimensions, and some that will eventually be restored to pristine stock.
Enjoy the photoshoot!
Here, it's worthy to mention that all of these FJ40s are brought back to life almost entirely by hand. The body mods, the fabrication, the sheet metal work, the lengthening/cropping/modifying the wheelbase and overall length...all by hand. All of them, that way...are absolutely unique pieces that conform to the customer's specific wants/needs.
Within these pictures, you're going to see a"lenghtened" 40, a "really lengthened" 40, some 40s that are being kept fairly close to factory dimensions, and some that will eventually be restored to pristine stock.
Enjoy the photoshoot!
- Thread starter
- #266
An 18 seater Troopie "Bus" being fabricated by hand.
This monster (whose wheelbase has been stretched by 24 inches, and whose tail has been lengthened by 30 inches) is likely to ply the roads leading to Pakistan's northern climes, and conquer some of the most challenging terrain and road conditions that our rugged, diverse countryside can throw at it. WITH 18 passengers seated, and luggage / assorted accoutrements strapped to the roof!
This monster (whose wheelbase has been stretched by 24 inches, and whose tail has been lengthened by 30 inches) is likely to ply the roads leading to Pakistan's northern climes, and conquer some of the most challenging terrain and road conditions that our rugged, diverse countryside can throw at it. WITH 18 passengers seated, and luggage / assorted accoutrements strapped to the roof!
- Thread starter
- #267
And...at the very end...a photo of what may VERY well be a future project of mine...
Any Willys fans out there, on a Toyota-centric thread?
Any Willys fans out there, on a Toyota-centric thread?
78fj40mg
TLCA #23510
A Visit To What May Well Be The "Mecca" of Rebuilt Off-Roaders
One of those niggling affairs that seemed to be dragging on, was the rear plate for the spare wheel mount. Now this plate has pretty much come to "embody" the spirit of the Phantom - easy to say, since the plate is what carries the beast's name
The problem which we were facing, pertained to spot welding the plate itself onto its supporting circular frame. Which, was quickly solved by what we have come to call in the local dialect a "jugaar". Loosely translated, a jugaar is an out-of-the-box modification or adapted solution, which is resorted to in case there is trouble in finding a more traditional solution to a problem.
The jugaar spot welding you're about to see is one such example. To prevent the frame and plate from warping under traditional (less sturdy) torch and stick welds, we drilled a series of holes along the entire rim of the plate (and the pipe frame beneath it) which were later electro-welded so as to fuse plate and frame to one another. Grinding it over to ensure a smooth finish, is de rigeur.
To ensure structural strength, the frame received cross-members (also welded to the plate) so as to keep it nice and straight, and prevent warp and/or buckling.
Some pictures, of the maestro at work!
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/6771/20120828170734.jpg
Fouad the maestro does really good work! But NO Eye protection???
- Thread starter
- #270
This was the first weld. He got on some welding goggles pretty quick, thereafter (as did I)!
That'd be a sweet next project. It just needs a long board/SUP to go with it.
Here is a local one that is pretty sweet. Nice v8 and restomod...
Here is a local one that is pretty sweet. Nice v8 and restomod...
- Thread starter
- #272
The Soan Valley
In off-roading terms, today was a "good day".
Whilst waiting for some of the parts to return from the fabricators and the painter, me and my son Shayaan decided we should utilise the time available for a spot o' wheelin'
The site for this little adventure is quite remarkable: The Soan Valley.
First off, this river crossing is a mere five minutes drive from my home. Quite the perfect place when you want to go for a bit of a spin, and can't be arsed to spend hours driving to a challenging site.
Second off, this IS a challenging site! The Soan River is basically a perennial stream which swells and recedes with the weather. Fed from snow-peaked hills, it meanders a lazy path across the countryside, before it empties into the Indus River. Now...in winters, when the snows are frozen, the stream becomes a mere trickle. In the hot, humid, rainy seasons (kinda like right now...it becomes a rushing, bubbling, seething, frothing mass of kinetic energy! So this is the place where our intrepid father-son duo went to test this still-largely-untried beast. Along gravel paths lining the gullies, in mud, and through the strewn array of debris from half a million years of floods.
The next reason for the Soan Valley being quite remarkable, is that this is the site of the Soan Valley Civilisation, which existed half a million years ago...and artefacts, stone tools, etc, place this as one of the true cradles of civilisation as we know it. Fast forward several hundred thousand years, and circa 5000 odd years before Christ, the Soan Valley civilisation was a thriving collection of nomadic, pastoral tribes that would roam around the fringes of the Potohar plateau. Not bad for a site that's five minutes away!
And finally...THE reason why this site is so very special.
Earlier today, I'd paid a visit to the SOS Children's Village at the Soan River, after having read about their charitable services online. This is a charity organization that operates in 132 countries worldwide. It deals with the rehabilitation of orphans...including feeding them, clothing them, housing them, and providing them with education. In short, giving the under-privileged a slender tether of hope. I had the chance to meet with the Co-Chairperson of the charity...and the stories she told me were heart-wrenching. Abandoned children...unwanted children...social orphans...outcasts...survivors...refugees.
I think the icing on the cake was my ensuing discussion with some of my off-roading mates. Soon, we'll be planning an outdoor visit for these orphans and dispossessed children. Some sweets and chocolates, perhaps. Some presents maybe. Certainly some good cheer. Hopefully, I'll get some of my mates to chip in with some financial help for the Children's Village there, too. Maybe a joyride in the Phantom...and other vehicles like it. The look on their faces would be something worth seeing. Wheelin'...for a noble cause. Doesn't get much better than that, I reckon.
Soooo...pictures. My son Shayaan is the lensman for all these shots, and he insisted he be "credited" for his artistic talents. Yeah. With a cellphone. Right, son.
Enjoy!
All photos, kind courtesy of Master Shayaan Hafeez.
In off-roading terms, today was a "good day".
Whilst waiting for some of the parts to return from the fabricators and the painter, me and my son Shayaan decided we should utilise the time available for a spot o' wheelin'
The site for this little adventure is quite remarkable: The Soan Valley.
First off, this river crossing is a mere five minutes drive from my home. Quite the perfect place when you want to go for a bit of a spin, and can't be arsed to spend hours driving to a challenging site.
Second off, this IS a challenging site! The Soan River is basically a perennial stream which swells and recedes with the weather. Fed from snow-peaked hills, it meanders a lazy path across the countryside, before it empties into the Indus River. Now...in winters, when the snows are frozen, the stream becomes a mere trickle. In the hot, humid, rainy seasons (kinda like right now...it becomes a rushing, bubbling, seething, frothing mass of kinetic energy! So this is the place where our intrepid father-son duo went to test this still-largely-untried beast. Along gravel paths lining the gullies, in mud, and through the strewn array of debris from half a million years of floods.
The next reason for the Soan Valley being quite remarkable, is that this is the site of the Soan Valley Civilisation, which existed half a million years ago...and artefacts, stone tools, etc, place this as one of the true cradles of civilisation as we know it. Fast forward several hundred thousand years, and circa 5000 odd years before Christ, the Soan Valley civilisation was a thriving collection of nomadic, pastoral tribes that would roam around the fringes of the Potohar plateau. Not bad for a site that's five minutes away!
And finally...THE reason why this site is so very special.
Earlier today, I'd paid a visit to the SOS Children's Village at the Soan River, after having read about their charitable services online. This is a charity organization that operates in 132 countries worldwide. It deals with the rehabilitation of orphans...including feeding them, clothing them, housing them, and providing them with education. In short, giving the under-privileged a slender tether of hope. I had the chance to meet with the Co-Chairperson of the charity...and the stories she told me were heart-wrenching. Abandoned children...unwanted children...social orphans...outcasts...survivors...refugees.
I think the icing on the cake was my ensuing discussion with some of my off-roading mates. Soon, we'll be planning an outdoor visit for these orphans and dispossessed children. Some sweets and chocolates, perhaps. Some presents maybe. Certainly some good cheer. Hopefully, I'll get some of my mates to chip in with some financial help for the Children's Village there, too. Maybe a joyride in the Phantom...and other vehicles like it.
The look on their faces would be something worth seeing. Wheelin'...for a noble cause. Doesn't get much better than that, I reckon.Soooo...pictures. My son Shayaan is the lensman for all these shots, and he insisted he be "credited" for his artistic talents. Yeah. With a cellphone. Right, son.
Enjoy!
All photos, kind courtesy of Master Shayaan Hafeez.
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- Thread starter
- #273
- Thread starter
- #274
- Thread starter
- #275
And...the logo on that shirt looks kind of...well...familiar...
- Thread starter
- #276
And to finish off the day's activities...a short clip of the Phantom, as we negotiate the flood-path of the Soan River.
Yes, Shayaan...you're a terrific cinematographer...sheesh.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y59sPhda9ks&feature=youtu.be
Yes, Shayaan...you're a terrific cinematographer...sheesh.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y59sPhda9ks&feature=youtu.be
.....Soon, we'll be planning an outdoor visit for these orphans and dispossessed children. Some sweets and chocolates, perhaps. Some presents maybe. Certainly some good cheer. Hopefully, I'll get some of my mates to chip in with some financial help for the Children's Village there, too. Maybe a joyride in the Phantom...and other vehicles like it.
I'd love to see their joyriding captured and posted here Fouad.
Great truck build.
And a very beautiful country. I have actually had the opportunity of going in there a few times and i always found it to be beautiful and most of the locals very nice and welcoming.
And a very beautiful country. I have actually had the opportunity of going in there a few times and i always found it to be beautiful and most of the locals very nice and welcoming.
78fj40mg
TLCA #23510
And...the logo on that shirt looks kind of...well...familiar...
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/5013/20120829182059.jpg
Very impressive Fouad, I just love its stance, it's awesome!!
As a suggestion you may want to consider mud flaps, they would really set off the rear of this beast.
Mike
I read all this in one sitting, and approve of everything you have done. To include the choice of Dune for the color. But I am wondering how you got all my ideas and designs. I have been building that cruiser in my brain housing group for two years waiting for the right time and the right donor. I applaud your vision.
A stock vehicle is designed to satisfy the majority. Lets face it a stock cruiser, while a decent wheeler, can't hang with a Icon cruiser, and won't have to. Because those, just like the purist rig, won't leave the pavement. They buy those hoping people they meet will confuse them for someone with a soul. Everyone who reads this thread will agree personalities, like cruisers, are built, not bought. Good job old chap. yours is solid. If Kiichiro Toyoda was alive today I know he would approve of the Phantom.
A stock vehicle is designed to satisfy the majority. Lets face it a stock cruiser, while a decent wheeler, can't hang with a Icon cruiser, and won't have to. Because those, just like the purist rig, won't leave the pavement. They buy those hoping people they meet will confuse them for someone with a soul. Everyone who reads this thread will agree personalities, like cruisers, are built, not bought. Good job old chap. yours is solid. If Kiichiro Toyoda was alive today I know he would approve of the Phantom.
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