Cruiser Mash-up Planning HZJ30/31 (1 Viewer)

[Dirty Koala]

As I get towards the end of my current 80 build, I have found my mind starting to conceive ideas for the next project to take on. Of all the options that I have come up with, there is one that I keep coming back to.

The objective of this next build would to be a good all-rounder, capable of hitting most trails, but most importantly, to be very comfortable in the daily commute and during long distance adventures. For this build I intend to keep all parts coming from Mr T. Let me hear your thoughts on if this sounds like a good mashup, or a ridiculous waste of good parts.

The foundation will be an FZJ80 chassis and suspension...exact suspension components TBD, but I have had good results with SLEE.

The body will start out as either a 60 or 62, and then get cut in half and enclosed as a single cab approx 12" behind the B pillar. For the rear I would build a custom tray/canopy with full Gull-wings on both sides, spare tires would be mounted on the back side of the canopy....no swing-outs to deal with! The canopy would then get outfitted with all the usual camping and storage essentials.

The drive train will consist of a new 1HZ, plus an aftermarket turbo, mated to an H55F and a split case re-worked with higher and lower range gears. The 1HZ is appealing to me because I can still get a brand new one, plus most of the parts are available in the US.

Shaun Whales "Dirty 30" provided a lot of the inspiration, but I just need to have that 80 coil suspension.

I think the most challenging part of this build will be locating a shop in the US experienced with cutting and splicing cabs without the finished product looking Bubba'd. If you know of any body/fab shops that have done this sort of body work before, I would appreciate the names.

So what say you? Thumbs Up or Down?

 

[Fast Eddy]

Thumbs up. Bubba should just get himself a welder though.

 

[Dirty Koala]

I have a welder...rather nice one too...but making the body lines look clean is currently above my sheet metal manipulation skillset.

 

[SNLC]

Do it! I have a similar concept going on the 77 Patrol in my sig. Albeit more like FJ45 on FJ60/62 chassis that is SOA. I got a lot of ideas rolling around in my head for bed and they are similar to the things you mention. Same kind of concept with the truck, again more like 45 to 60/62 though.

I was going to do the whole 62 on an 80 chassis thing. Had/have the 80 chassis, prepp'ed it for the build. Had the 62 body too. Got an 80, did some things to it and liked it enough to can the project. I looked at it long and hard though and did start it a little. Really seems to me if you keep the suspension pretty much the same as stock on the 80, it is an easy swap. Couple places you can shorten the frame,best seems to be at the rear LCA mount but you have to remove that mount to do it there. I was going to run c/o's up front due to limited room in my build for the coils but was going to keep it radius arm vs a 3-link to make it simple, easy and use mostly stock 80 series parts. Any hoo, I say do it! I like custom overland style builds.

Cheers

 

[Dirty Koala]

Since I plan to build a custom tray and only mount the front half of the 60/62 on the 80 chassis, I don't have to worry about shortening the frame. If I were planning on a complete 60 body, then I would need to address that difference in wheelbase.

Also, since I already have a built 80, I won't be lured onto scrapping the project

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

FC...hands down.

 

[Dirty Koala]

FC...hands down.

What or who is FC?

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

What or who is FC?

oh no you dintint...betta aks somebody....>he is responsible for this>

you'll find him lurking on Pirate...he is in Stockton. his work makes me think about throwing away my tools and giving up...

 

[Dirty Koala]

I have stumbled across this truck before. That is some serious fabrication!

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

tip o th' ice berg, my friend...If I could afford to spend money on metal work, it would be at his shop...