Build Do I have your attention.... I call it VERA.

[2fpower]

Then it was time to make a pattern for The new pieces of metal. Are use a scrap of half-inch steel, there are used to form the new piece. I will take this opportunity to add 3 inch additional metal so the floor only has one weld

 

[2fpower]

Started Cutting out the cancer. First thing was to confirm what gauge steel was original and it’s just about 16 gauge... so I found some sheet stock.

So then I made a cardboard cut out of the replacement size with additional depth

And then started cutting out first step was to get rid of the additional body mount piece

 

[2fpower]

Next step was some more cutting first cut out the corner section

then marked what section I need to replace on the outer skin

Then start working on a replacement piece using an old template form I made years ago for an FJ 40 rear corner

here’s the rough fit before I use the offset press tool to be able to make this such that the outside is about flush

 

[2fpower]

Here’s the before and after pieces...

then it was time to bend the new corner section

 

[2fpower]

Tore out the driver side this weekend. First step was to weld in that reinforcement piece on the outside when I did the metal just puddled It was some old bodywork where they use lead filler. I got it all out and I will metalwork that spot.

 

[2fpower]

Sandblasted in all corners.

And got the other corner fabricated

 

[Tank5]

Looking good. I don't envy you having to cut all those spot welds. It will be solid when your done.

 

[2fpower]

Looking good. I don't envy you having to cut all those spot welds. It will be solid when your done.

Yeah, glad I am about done with these, but now I need to weld a ton of them. Jaws of my pinch welder are not big enough to do many of them...

 

[2fpower]

Alright, my mind is wondering on the steering column again. it appears that the splined end of the stock tundra column will just peek through the firewall, at the old depth, just above the section I made deeper. Trying to figure out how to do the transition through the firewall, knowing that the first u joint will be right there, or should i extend the column there a few inches before the joint? Thoughts?

on my 40, it had something like this..

something like this might be even better.

finally found this one....

Ididit 2401500040 Steering Column Ball Swivel Lower Mount, 2 Inch

www.speedwaymotors.com

 

[frankenyota]

I made a plate for the firewall and welded it to the column, mine is 71 model with the original two piece metal surround.
I extended my shaft to suit my 60 series conversion but yours may be different depending on which intermediate shaft you use.

 

[2fpower]

I made a plate for the firewall and welded it to the column, mine is 71 model with the original two piece metal surround.
I extended my shaft to suit my 60 series conversion but yours may be different depending on which intermediate shaft you use.

how did you extend your shaft? Ahhhhh... why does that sound so wrong to ask???

 

[2fpower]

Both sides welded in! For those looking for details I decide not to weld in the heavy plate used for the body mount, instead I will make a plate out of stainless to act like a big washer, that way it will not rust between the parts

 

[White Stripe]

That looks great.

 

[2fpower]

Center out

 

[frankenyota]

how did you extend your shaft? Ahhhhh... why does that sound so wrong to ask???

Every one wants a longer shaft Hahaha
I welded the spline section from a spare steering shaft from my 83 hilux spares to a standard column shaft. Then made up the rest of the intermediate shaft from my spares collection.
Once I'm happy with the correct length i will cut down the shaft from the early steering box and have that splined.
I also put a bearing into the lower column for support.
I'll see if i can find a picture.
Loving the extended cab, something i would like to do one day.

 

[2fpower]

Got Center section ready to put in... going to Sandblast first if the weather holds out today...

 

[Broski]

Outstanding fab work!!!

 

[47coeman]

Sandblasted in all corners. View attachment 2287302View attachment 2287303View attachment 2287304View attachment 2287306And got the other corner fabricated View attachment 2287307

Nice work!!!

 

[2fpower]

Did a quick test fit with @FZJ80 in KC View attachment 2293708View attachment 2293709

 

[2fpower]

Next to the list was to move the frame mounts however this is the same section where the frame was lengthened so there were a bunch of plug wells that I wanted to fill in completely. After getting that done the challenge was the frame widens 5/8 of an inch between the two mounting points so I had to move the mount holes 5/16 on both sides. While I was at it I decided to go ahead and make the mount larger.