Builds "Chunk+12ht" version 2.0 (1 Viewer)

[dogfishlake]

Finally making some headway. I welded in the patches to close off the fender vents. I tacked from the outside then welded from the inside. Still have grinding and cleanup but went well. Also closed off the holes for the rocker trim strip. I used a piece of smashed flat copper pipe as a backer and welded it shut. The weld won't stick to the copper but gives a base for a large hole for easy fill in. Hopefully tomorrow I can get the grinding done and maybe even powder coat some pieces with white.

 

[dogfishlake]

I've gotten most of the remaining body parts blasted. The fenders have some work where the patches are and a few other dents that need some love but overall pretty nice pieces.

 

[dogfishlake]

I also recieved a nice care package from @cruiseroutfit . Front end kit, Koyo bearings, diff gaskets, tie rods, hub rebuild pieces. Also a few duplicates for my fj55. I want it to be my fall back plan in case I don't get this truck ready for Solid Axle Summit 2.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Thank you!

 

[POTATO LAUNCHER]

You should have started a year and a half back to get this to SAS #2 Pat. SAS #3 is definitely a possibility given your quality work at a fast pace. Either way I'll see you in about 4 months. Keep plugging away my friend, looking awesome.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Definitely doable. You did a tranny swap on your 80 in an evening? Apple pie.

 

[Trapper50cal]

i did those tie rod ends 4 or 5 years ago...with Japanese 555's...from kurt at cruiser outfitters...LOL!

 

[dogfishlake]

i did those tie rod ends 4 or 5 years ago...with Japanese 555's...from kurt at cruiser outfitters...LOL!

I should have asked you first, or read the original thread again. I bet they are still fine. I may leave the ends on Chunk be and save these new ones for later.

The front axle assembly on the US 60 series is supposed to be the same as the hj61 front axle assembly, other than the locker differential (going by what I have read thus far). With that in mind I may be swapping the diff into the front end I have because it is in a little better shape appearance wise. They both would have to come apart anyway for paint/powder and gaskets so I will just evaluate as I go.

 

[Trapper50cal]

I was thinking you could put the new ones on Chunk and put Chunk's on the plow 60.

I should have painted them before installation but didn't...

 

[dogfishlake]

I was thinking you could put the new ones on Chunk and put Chunk's on the plow 60.

I should have painted them before installation but didn't...

They look pretty good. Everything has that tiny surface rust going on but it is so light it is crazy to a Michigander. It should have all kinds of flaking scale on it. Alien.

It all gets cleaned/blasted up anyway.

On the plow truck, that think is so rock solid (running wise, not the body). I can't get over how easy it starts, even at -5 no problem. The doggies and I love a low range first gear idle around the woods with the choke for a hand throttle. Makes it easy to hold a beer! I will probably keep selling parts off of it but probably nothing that keeps it from being useful around the homestead. It will never go on the road but sure is fun in the woods.

 

[dogfishlake]

The sandblast, seam seal, epoxy powder coat, and white base powder coat is finally done on all the body parts. Just brought everything home to do final bodywork and prep for paint. I REALLY want to be done with paint before April but not looking good with a week to go.
Everything got a hot iron phosphate wash on the bare metal, then zinc epoxy powder coating, then a color matched white on the inside of all panels. The outside gets the same paint as the body.

 

[Trapper50cal]

Wow! The hood looks especially amazing!

I thought it was a good hood when I got it.

Did those lower/outer corners on the front doors clean up okay?

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Awesome indeed!!! See 1fzfe head gaskets are in your future

 

[dogfishlake]

Wow! The hood looks especially amazing!

I thought it was a good hood when I got it.

Did those lower/outer corners on the front doors clean up okay?

Yeah the hood is nearly perfect. I used the original doors from Chunk. The replacements had a little rust and the passenger one had previously been bondo'd up. I clamped vise grips on the bottom of the door where it was smashed upward and beat them down with a bfh, pulling the metal back down. Then I made a tool to fit in the door and drive the seam back down from the inside. Should have taken some pictures of that but it went well.

 

[dogfishlake]

Awesome indeed!!! See 1fzfe head gaskets are in your future

Those are dead soldiers on my wall. One was blown and one was PM. Figured I'd see how many I can have up there in my lifetime.

 

[cruisermatt]

That’s a killer paint prep process you’re doing. That’s going to be super durable and look great for years.
Baking everything in the PC oven probably cooks a bunch of moisture out too.

 

[dogfishlake]

That’s a killer paint prep process you’re doing. That’s going to be super durable and look great for years.
Baking everything in the PC oven probably cooks a bunch of moisture out too.

I'm hoping it helps, it definitely should. It's an odd thing for me because this is the cheaper way out since I am set up for powder coating. I am kind of thinking it through as I go because I haven't done it before.

 

[dogfishlake]

And in other news: My long search for an old style arb bumper is coming to a close. Mud member @Ian Crawford sold me his bumper off of his 60. It needs a little work but not too bad. It will have a spa day at the powder coat shop. My buddy Pete (who went with me to get Chunk in CO) picked it up for me in Louisville. Of all things, it is riding around in the back of a Jeep Wrangler! Hope it doesn't get Cooties. I am meeting Pete later this week for the dinner/beer payoff for hauling it for me.

Thanks Ian and Pete for the help!

 

[dogfishlake]

 

[dogfishlake]

And more: I actually OWN Chunk now. Just got the title in the mail. I was a slight bit late getting it transferred.