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

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White Stripe said:
Pretty awesome you got it running. I'm not sure that steering column will look right, it just doesn't fit the vehicle-its a plastic looking column amongst cool old iron. Personally I would have to stretch that tub about 24" for me to fit. But I drive leaned way back.
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I’m not saying you’re wrong.... but I really like the integrated column with wind shield wipers, windshield spray, headlights... no wiring headaches. Also with having those on the column, that will make the dash much cleaner . With how far back I need it away from the dash, I’ll have to make some sort of metal trim to go around the column anyway. Maybe I can fabricate some metal to replace some or all of the plastic. I am going to move the ignition switch to the dash. Just noticed that the tundra switch has seven pins, whereas the older Fj 40 switch only has four pins, so I’ll have to figure that out. I assume one of them is the accessory position, that the original switch likely did not have.
 
I'm hoping to find a column/wheel that gives me all the amenities... I'd especially like radio controls!
 
I hear you @2fpower I am 6"2" as well. I think I moved the drivers seat back 4" just on the mounts. And the slides of the new seat went back even more. I do have a 10" stretch Aqualu tub. Which unbelievable how much difference that makes!! Keep up the good fight, she's looking good!
 
woytovich said:
I'm hoping to find a column/wheel that gives me all the amenities... I'd especially like radio controls!
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I want something like this for the radio. All the bluetooth fun, without a clunky thing in the dash.

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www.crutchfield.com

Rockford Fosgate PMX-2

Marine digital media receiver with Bluetooth® (does not play CDs)
www.crutchfield.com www.crutchfield.com

love the clean look of this. I will be adding a/c, so will have those holes

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Likely have some rocker switches for rear cargo light, front and rear offroad lights and lockers, so something like this maybe?

I plan to use the gauges from the tundra, and make a trim ring for them, so they will be a little longer on the dash.
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65swb45 said:
Peter, you don't know how close you are! I actually have some preliminary drawings to move a subsection of the firewall forwards 3", as well as moving the footwell down 1" to allow for modding the pedals. I give credit to Ray over at TLC for the final part of the plan, which is to section out part of the trans tunnel and move it inboard a couple of inches.

I think it is going on these 3600 mile road trips that has given me too much time to work all this out!

Best

Mark A.
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Mark, this is a quote from you from a few years back. Do you know of anyone that has done this? I am looking for pics and ideas at this point.
 
I have one in my 60 in-dash and it really looks like it could be OEM.
 
Had @kc_chevota and @tornadoalleycruiser come by and brainstorm pushing the firewall forward and everyone thinks that will work for what I want. Heck of a bunch of work, but when did that scare me off.

Think my plan is to finalize the steering wheel, and get that hole cut for it to penetrate firewall, then a couple inches below that cut the firewall and push it out about 3-4 inches. I can also widen the foot area as there is plenty of room for the tranny. Along with this get rid of the hump made for the engine. Don't need it either. Getting rid of that will make more room for the hurricane A/C system too.

Erik and I worked on the radiator fitment, and it will need to be dropped to fit where the fan is on the engine, so that raised the question of going to electric fans. If we do that, we could definately bring the engine forward 1.5" or so (could do 3" and go back to the stock transmission mounts; however, limited by the oil pan clearance). Doing this would also give us more clearance for pushing the firewall forward.

Question: What is a good electric fan/sensor kit for use on an FJ40?
 
Thanks for the advice.... went to junkyard today and found...,
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So I Took out the fan clutch and put radiator and shroud in the car with the Volvo fan and looks like I have about 3 inches. (Pic-below) To make room for the air-conditioner condenser, I will move the radiator back about a half inch... so, That confirms that I can to move the engine forward about two inches
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Many thanks to @tornadoalleycruiser, @kc_chevota for helping work through the issues regarding moving the engine forward and the Volvo fan. @StucknKS came over yesterday and help me move the engine forward.... first 2 1/2 inches to the stock location. I knew the oil pan would be at that point at risk for getting hit by the drag link, at full compression it looks like it still half inch above the dragline. Once I put in Castor correction, I think that will get larger??
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However the issue was going back to stock location, not enough room for the fan, especially knowing I wanted to add and a half inch for the condenser
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So we move the engine back 1 inch from stock location, and things look much better... and the best news is that at that location, it appears the transfer case will fit in, without further modification to the tub
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Not much lately. Been working to finish my trailer when time allows. It is going to moab in May, so has my attention.

Still hoping someone @65swb45 will post up with ideas on how to adapt the floorboards to gain legroom.

May just have to call Mark to get his thoughts.
 
2fpower said:
Not much lately. Been working to finish my trailer when time allows. It is going to moab in May, so has my attention.

Still hoping someone @65swb45 will post up with ideas on how to adapt the floorboards to gain legroom.

May just have to call Mark to get his thoughts.
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To borrow a line from my son: I got nothing.
 
Cut the cowl in front of the a post and dash all the way across and add a couple inches. It would be a lot of work but it would create more leg room behind the dash to firewall.
 
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