Building A Four Door FJ40

[FouadHafeez]

I'd love to see their joyriding captured and posted here Fouad.

Hi, Tom. Long time no type, mate. And yeah...absolutely...whenever we get this idea to work, you can rest assured I'll post dozens of such pictures here!

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.

Thanks for the kind words. Cheers!

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

Thanks, Mike. With me standing at 6 feet 3 inches...the Phantom pretty much towers over me...cheesy hat, notwithstanding

Actually I HAD incorporated a set of sheet-metal mud-flaps for the rig (which can be seen in some earlier photos of the thread)...but later, discarded them because they looked somewhat unwieldy. However, they very much still are part of an "unfinished agenda"...so let's see how that goes.

 

[voodoobillyman]

I spent some time in the kunar area of Afghanistan, Korengal valley, Really beautiful. The hindu kush mountain range is formidable



Whats you take on this? This guy wheels it also

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMw7yIvJHts[/URL]

 

[romey]

now THAT is one islamaBADASS 40!! lol. too sweet! i'll never get tired of hearing a 1hz purring along. music to my ears.

and a huge thanks for sharing that biryani recipe! wow! there's some process to it, but i promise you i will give it a shot, i should be able to get all the spices at our local indian grocery. hungry just reading it! lol.

and thanks for sharing a little more on how you were brought up. i'm sure the folks, grandma and the wife and kids are more than proud. hope the 40 brings you and your family years of reliable enjoyment!
cheers.

 

[FouadHafeez]

I spent some time in the kunar area of Afghanistan, Korengal valley, Really beautiful. The hindu kush mountain range is formidable



Whats you take on this? This guy wheels it also

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMw7yIvJHts[/URL]

Thanks for some beautiful pictures. To the best of my knowledge, the Kunar Province of Afghanistan is opposite the region of Chitral in Pakistan; an area of my country that is also well-known for its rugged, stark, savage natural beauty.

With regards to the 40/70 hybrid build shown in the YouTube link: WOW. It's absolutely stunning...but with all the bling and chrome and shiny metal-work...I don't know if I'd ever be able to muster up the guts to give it a good going over, or not. In that way, if the owner does indeed wheel it hard...he's a much braver man than I could ever possibly aspire to be!

That being said...I can't help but admire the builder's vision, tenacity, and attention to detail...even if it's diametrically opposed to how I would personally build a 40.

Thanks, once again!

 

[FouadHafeez]

now THAT is one islamaBADASS 40!! lol. too sweet! i'll never get tired of hearing a 1hz purring along. music to my ears.

and a huge thanks for sharing that biryani recipe! wow! there's some process to it, but i promise you i will give it a shot, i should be able to get all the spices at our local indian grocery. hungry just reading it! lol.

and thanks for sharing a little more on how you were brought up. i'm sure the folks, grandma and the wife and kids are more than proud. hope the 40 brings you and your family years of reliable enjoyment!
cheers.

I really appreciated the torque of the 1HZ on a couple of occasions yesterday, which were pretty hair-raising! On one occasion, we got caught on a tricky little side-slope, with a sheer 40 foot fall into the Soan. The narrow path had been eroded by a seasonal spring, which gave some pretty sharp entry and exit angles over the ridge we had to cross. Understandably, I was more concerned with safety (Shayaan was promptly evicted from the rig, and sent a fair distance away), so we don't have photos or videos of the event...but the 1HZ behaved like a champ. Despite the fact I was running 20 psi in the Super Swampers (since our journey was mostly on-road and only partially off-road), the rig handled the pass with great poise. And the readiness with which the engine takes on obstacles at low revs is truly a treat.

At the same time, it was pretty unflappable through mud, too. Plowing through it with ease. And the slope-negotiating skills of the rig are pretty damn good (even if I say so myself).

On the other hand, though, for specialised tyres like these an on-board air-compressor is pretty much a necessity, or you end up not utilising the full potential of the tyres' ability to perform. Also, at some point in time, I'd like to get air-lockers installed on the Phantom, too. While the 7:37 ring/pinion setup gives phenomenal takeoff, air-lockers would be the perfect solution to ensuring all the power goes to ground surely.

This outing has served more than just an adventurous purpose...it's been a true test/trial of the capabilities and shortfalls of the rig!

And re: The Biryani. As my friend Rudi would say..."salamat makan", Have a great meal!

 

[myquestoyota]

It must be truly boring to wake up each day with a pristine stock LandCruiser and drive it down to the malt shop and pose with the other douche bags. .

really?

 

[FouadHafeez]

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. The purist ruin creativity. It must be truly boring to wake up each day with a pristine stock LandCruiser and drive it down to the malt shop and pose with the other douche bags. The guys with the classic rigs that only drive them on sunny days.
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.

High praise, indeed. Thanks for the appreciative words.

To be completely honest, when I set out to originally build this Cruiser, if someone had prophesied that I'd end up doing the things that HAVE been done to the beast, I'd have chuckled at them for being dead wrong. This build evolved, somehow...and I imagine it will continue to do so, in the future as well.

The "restored to stock" Vs. "restomod" debate is like the debate about dogs Vs. cats, or apples Vs. oranges, or baseball Vs. basketball. At the end of the day it's largely a matter of personal preference. In the case of the Phantom, what I WANTED from the rig was what prompted the build (the way I think it should always be). My requirement was for a tough-as-nails, no-frills, hardcore, off-road vehicle that would go pretty much anywhere...whilst seating two adults and three grown-up children with absolute ease. There was also a requirement for a place to store essential tools, spares, and some gear/luggage. It'll be air-conditioned (which purists might frown upon). It'll have Sparco seats up front, and the seat from a GMC Suburban in the rear, for comfort (another less-than-puritanical notion). BUT...it won't make a radical departure from the very spirit of the FJ40. It would very much BE one...whilst not strictly being one. And that was the design philosophy behind the beast.

A final word on restored Vs restomodded. I am lucky to own two Impalas...a restomod '65 and a restored '67. And I love BOTH to bits. But the one that I thrash around like a maniac is the '65...which is infinitely easier to drive, repair and maintain. Does that make me a purist, or otherwise? I really can't say. Discussion is still open on THAT score.

Once again...thanks for your post, and your appreciation.

Oh...and dogs, oranges, basketball, and brunettes, by the way.

 

[voodoobillyman]

I didn't pay enough attention to my post, I didn't mean to sound negative. I was trying to say say It is like have a gun and never shooting it , a bike and never riding it. I just was saying I didn't understand that . Then the dislike of posers crept into my post, sorry

 

[lostmarbles]

I didn't pay enough attention to my post, I didn't mean to sound negative. I was trying to say say It is like have a gun and never shooting it , a bike and never riding it. I just was saying I didn't understand that . Then the dislike of posers crept into my post, sorry

To give another perspective ... the "posers" could well be considered the ones who

• deliberately leave their cruisers covered in mud for fear of being considered by anyone as "pavement-only"
• always tackle obstacles at full throttle for fear of being called a wuss
• accumulate dents, cracked/smashed lenses etc and drive in the sea etc - to further distance themselves from drivers of "shiny vehicles".

When someone asks me "Do you ever take it offroad?" - I'm likely to shout "HELL NO!" (with an accompanying look of amazement that I think I'm beginning to perfect after a lot of repetition....).



PS. You can't continue to own the same vehicle and keep it in top condition for 30+ years (no matter what your budget) without looking after it. That's the bottom line.

So the owners with the attitude I've described above are all what I'd call "short-term owners". They usually change their vehicles well within the decade or else end up with one that is wildly different (due to constant modification/repair) than what they started with.

And the 40-series is the pinnacle of Landcruisers. (What a waste to keep destroying good examples of them!)

That's why I like Fouad's build here so much. It is true to the style that is "the pinnacle" (and is not at all like the style of the one you posted).

 

[cult45]

Stole this from FB the other day. I forget who from

 

[FouadHafeez]

I didn't pay enough attention to my post, I didn't mean to sound negative. I was trying to say say It is like have a gun and never shooting it , a bike and never riding it. I just was saying I didn't understand that . Then the dislike of posers crept into my post, sorry

I completely agree with that line of reasoning. Some things are BORN to be used - HARD. I think the FJ40 seriously qualifies as one such thing. Which is why I intend doing exactly THAT: using it hard

And about the posers / pavement-pounders...don't let the note of irony in your words bother you, or feel the need to apologise for it. Freedom of expression, mate...it's always a good thing. And besides...it's one of the few true "freedoms" we have going for us anyways.

Cheers.

 

[FouadHafeez]

PS. You can't continue to own the same vehicle and keep it in top condition for 30+ years (no matter what your budget) without looking after it. That's the bottom line.

So the owners with the attitude I've described above are all what I'd call "short-term owners". They usually change their vehicles well within the decade or else end up with one that is wildly different (due to constant modification/repair) than what they started with.

And the 40-series is the pinnacle of Landcruisers. (What a waste to keep destroying good examples of them!)

That's why I like Fouad's build here so much. It is true to the style that is "the pinnacle" (and is not at all like the style of the one you posted).

As always, Tom, your words inspire me. Thanks for that, from the very outset.

The thing about the Phantom is, I could very well see this ride being bequeathed to my children (or grandchildren, in due course of time). And in exactly the way you never truly "finish" a 40 build...you never really "own" a 40, either. You simply keep it - as a custodian - in as good condition as you can, for the next owner / next generation. And these bizarrely-proportioned, odd-looking, spartan vehicles have a habit of growing on you. These hulks of steel actually have a character, which sticks to you like a second skin.

My son Shayaan, for example. After his first "real" off-roading session from a few days back...his comments were: "Dad, I love the Impalas, and the pickup (FZJ79)...and I can understand your attachment to the Range Rover (my late Father's ride)...but NOTHING we own (note: pointed use of "we" here) compares to this ride".

We said, Shayaan. And 'nuff said, too.

 

[FouadHafeez]

Stole this from FB the other day. I forget who from

I REALLY like the look of that rig. And the workmanship and labour on it (if it's not a photoshop production, that is) is simply breath-taking.

You're a very bad man for putting such ideas in my head for a subsequent build of this type, Cult.

Edition: And upon (repeated) closer inspection, it appears that this IS an actual vehicle rather than a photoshopped one. WOW. That's simply @#$%ing incredible!

 

[cult45]

Found them: Cruiser Outfitters, no affil. Some Aussie mob who know a bit about J4's.

And yes it is for real.

 

[Canarias]

the 6 wheeler pic is fake.

- the tyre writing and the hole patterns on the wheels are exactly the same. To get the tyre fitter to align writing with hole patterns like that, and then parking it in such a way that the orientation is exactly the same is very unlikely.
- look at the creases on the plastic side windows and the soft top fabric below and above the windows; it's a repeated section of image.

Someone went to a lot of trouble to make that image but hasn't corrected the obvious telltales so I think it's a concept picture rather than an attempt to mislead. Maybe the vehicle does now exist, but that pic is definitely not a real photo.

 

[FouadHafeez]

This is my first post to this thread, but I have very much enjoyed it. The last three weeks. I've been running crazy due to three family reunions, church family camp, a wedding, and now leaving within minutes for Spokane Washington (about 500 miles away) for another wedding. My daughter is a bridesmaid in a friends wedding and we'll get to see several of my cousins.

So I've just now caught up with this thread, only to get behind again in the next few days. I have absolutely enjoyed this thread!! I think SHUSH has captured my feelings better than I could have portrayed them.

I think the magic of this thread really starts with the personality and attitude of the originater of the thread. You have a way of encouraging and building others up that makes others feel comfortable. I'd love to someday meet you, although I know full well that is something that will most likely never happen.

Got to go now, should have been on the road 45 minutes ago.

Don

My apologies for having not replied to your post earlier, Don. I had read it, and was thoroughly heartened to see it, and had made a mental note to thank you for it as well...but somewhere along the line, it must have slipped my mind.

You know, mate...never say never. At some point in time, we very well MAY meet someplace. I believe that the common strand of humanity ensures that THAT remains a very distinct possibility.

Years ago, while I was working in Africa, I met a very charming young lady who was employed in a UN organisation at the time. I'd gone to call on her boss (she was a secretary), and was waiting in the adjacent office (her office, that is) for my appointment, when she peered at me somewhat suspiciously and remarked that I sounded like I'd come from Surrey rather than Somalia. When we got to talking, it turned out that we'd both grown up in Thornton Heath, Surrey...we'd both gone to the same school (I'd gone to Winterbourne Boys' School, and she'd gone to Winterbourne Girls' School...and we'd BOTH gone to the Winterbourne Junior Section, together)...we'd grown up living not more than 300 yards from one another (I, on Chipstead Avenue...and she, on Zermatt Road)...and that she remembered me playing Rugby for the School Team!

So...we grew up in England not really knowing one another, I moved to Pakistan as a kid, she moved to the US as a teenager, and still, we were meeting in Africa, when we were both in our mid-twenties!

So, yeah...never say "never". We don't know what fate has in store for us, mate.

Thanks for the words of appreciation, and encouragement.

Cheers!

 

[cult45]

the 6 wheeler pic is fake.

- the tyre writing and the hole patterns on the wheels are exactly the same. To get the tyre fitter to align writing with hole patterns like that, and then parking it in such a way that the orientation is exactly the same is very unlikely.
- look at the creases on the plastic side windows and the soft top fabric below and above the windows; it's a repeated section of image.

Someone went to a lot of trouble to make that image but hasn't corrected the obvious telltales so I think it's a concept picture rather than an attempt to mislead. Maybe the vehicle does now exist, but that pic is definitely not a real photo.

Yep, fair enough.

 

[FouadHafeez]

With regards to the 6 Wheeler FJ up above: I would personally be at a loss as to what such a vehicle would be USED for. The extended wheelbase would imply it would have limited off-road capability, viz bellying. The oversized "cargo" compartment would imply its primary use would be hauling loads; which goes against the grain of being a four door people carrier. And removing that top would be some effort!

Now that Canarias has pointed out some of the copy/paste similarities, it DOES appear to be a photoshopped "concept car" rather than an actual one. Well spotted Canarias!

That being said though, it certainly LOOKS utterly radical. I'd offer a long-necked one to the man brave enough to attempt building a beast like that!

 

[78fj40mg]

Fouad, I found many pictures of the "Phantom" beast here:

https://www.google.com/search?q=fj4...WE6aQiAKgq4HgCw&ved=0CCwQsAQ&biw=1440&bih=736

 

[FouadHafeez]

Right you are, mate. A lot of them are from this very forum!