EBI (Extreme Bend Inc)

[SalmonMan]

If I recall Gozzard makes fiberglass reproduction Trans tunnels. If your in Oregon I would just get a aqualu 3/4 tub or one of their full tubs.

I wrote Gozzard off. In several attempts to contact them through their website, they never responded. I really don't care for the looks of the Aquala 3/4 tubs. Just doesn't seem to match the original. As of today 01/01/20, decided I'm going to restore this puppy to the best of my abilities. Just needs some TLC and someone who really cares. She has some potential. I'm going to do the best that I can to bring her back to her glory days, including the Freedom Red color. The PO obviously didn't appreciate what they had or didn't care and just wanted to screw over the next owner. Ok, I bit for $16K. But since I can do a lot of work myself, not an issue.

 

[workingdog]

Yee-haw, and it begins

 

[White Stripe]

I'm not sure what you mean about not matching the original. They look pretty close to me if done well. One of these is a aqualu tub, one isn't. I guess if your doing a nut n bolt all original restoration it makes a difference. But if you just want a solid cruiser a aqualu works great.

 

[SalmonMan]

I may be wrong, but from what I've seen, the interior is nothing close to the original. And everything I've read, there are issues with aluminum and steel welding connections. Correct me if I'm wrong.

You do have a sweet looking rig!!

 

[SalmonMan]

I'm not sure what you mean about not matching the original. They look pretty close to me if done well. One of these is a aqualu tub, one isn't. I guess if your doing a nut n bolt all original restoration it makes a difference. But if you just want a solid cruiser a aqualu works great.View attachment 2170994View attachment 2170996

I just revisited their website. Sorry, I just can't go in that direction. Thanks for the input.

 

[SalmonMan]

Yee-haw, and it begins

LOL!!! You're funny!

 

[White Stripe]

I may be wrong, but from what I've seen, the interior is nothing close to the original. And everything I've read, there are issues with aluminum and steel welding connections. Correct me if I'm wrong.

You do have a sweet looking rig!!

Thanks! The interior is missing the ribs and looks very different if the aqualu trans tunnel is used. I used the original trans tunnel instead. The missing ribs dont bother me because u could never see them with the old tub on mine with the mats and seats obstructing most of their view. Sometimes I'll have people approach me and tell me they like my cruiser but it's too bad they rust so bad. When I tell them it's aluminum they are usually pretty amazed

 

[Varty Yo]

This will get spendy!

 

[bigtreads]

I will add my support for the Aqualu products - strong and fit well. I have yet to see with my own eyes any dissimilar metal issues regardless of peoples claims - not saying it isn't possible but theory can be different than reality. If in doubt use stainless hardware. For me no rust far outweighs floor ribs. Also Steve at EBI is the real deal 100% quality guy.

 

[SalmonMan]

I will add my support for the Aqualu products - strong and fit well. I have yet to see with my own eyes any dissimilar metal issues regardless of peoples claims - not saying it isn't possible but theory can be different than reality. If in doubt use stainless hardware. For me no rust far outweighs floor ribs. Also Steve at EBI is the real deal 100% quality guy.

Ok, some questions. I have ambulance doors. I didn't notice any holes in the photos as to where the bolts and latch mechanism would go in the rear sill. Any issues with installing the ambulance doors, jump seats, spare tire carrier, and connection to the cowl? I noted Aqualu mentioned something about notching. How did you connect the front floor pan to the remainder of the pan under the cowl? Any other issues with installation? I also noted they supply all the mounting hardware, which is a nice touch.

I agree, that it'd be nice not to have to worry about rust.

 

[White Stripe]

Ok, some questions. I have ambulance doors. I didn't notice any holes in the photos as to where the bolts and latch mechanism would go in the rear sill. Any issues with installing the ambulance doors, jump seats, spare tire carrier, and connection to the cowl? I noted Aqualu mentioned something about notching. How did you connect the front floor pan to the remainder of the pan under the cowl? Any other issues with installation? I also noted they supply all the mounting hardware, which is a nice touch.

I agree, that it'd be nice not to have to worry about rust.

Take a look at my build thread. It will give u an idea on the install process. I set up my tub so I could use a soft top or a hard top with ambulance doors.
Builds - Fj40 Daily and Wheeler build

I personally wouldn't use the factory tire carrier. Mine always rattled and I happily ditched it with a bumper carrier. The aqualu can definitely handle the weight of a body mounted tire carrier, but its a good oportunity to upgrade to a bumper mounted tire carrier like the 4plus products bumper or 4x4labs. Their are no captive nuts in the aqualu tub, so you have to use nuts and bolts. I used some of the hardware from aqualu, but since its all standard hardware I bought some stainless metric hardware just because Im picky. Their is a lot of mock up to be done with the aqualu before you actually permanently mount it. I went the extra mile on my install with a few items to make it look somewhat factory although my cruiser is not at all stock.

 

[Fedtime]

I tried to get EBI. For months they told me they were waiting to get steel. Finally gave up and got Real Steel. Very happy with their products.

I had exactly the same experience with EBI. I sent messages, called, and even spoke with Steve twice. Following that conversation, I sent him personal messages with my order - and never heard back. I ended up using Real Steel and Aqualu.

I've heard many times that EBI runs a great business, but I'd go elsewhere for my body panel needs.

 

[Varty Yo]

This aqualu tub looks fantastic on this build! Again go with a aqua tub.

Builds - Classic Cruiser Giveaway #1 - 1978 FJ40

Cool to see what you are doing to my Cruiser ;).. I see what you did there

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[SalmonMan]

Ok, had a nice long conversation with Steve (EBI). He said they are working on a new website and should have it up and running soon.

He said he no longer supplies sheet metal - body panels and tubs. Said the stuff comes from Columbia and not worth his time. He said that he still supplies fenders and other parts. Also told me if I could get it cheaper in the States, he'd advise. He is currently working on 3 cruisers, one of which is his 65 FJ. He said he's going with aluminum bodies on all 3 rigs. Easier to do than working with sheet metal and will last much longer. As for the aluminum to steel issues, he said in his 20 years experience has never seen that. Of course need to prime and paint both metals before connecting. He said he uses a super industrial grade adhesive, didn't catch the name of it. He told me to check the frame, especially around the rear and shackle support. If that area is shot, probably don't want to spend $7k on a rebuild.

He quoted me $4247 Canadian for a 3/4 aluminum tub, which equates to around $3265 US plus shipping.

My overall impression of Steve is what others have mentioned. He is definitely the real deal and a standup guy, the kind of person I'd continue doing business with. He also told me that if I have questions at all about the installation process to call him and he'll walk me through any issues I may encounter. Works for me.

Told him about the only thing not rusted is the cowl. He laughed and said that's about all anyone salvages on these things.

I took a couple of hammers as I crawled under the FJ. Took my pick hammer and pounded on anything that had even the slightest bit of rust. To my delight, everything is solid. Once the body is off, I'll pressure wash everything and then sandblast the frame and reinspect.

Once the body is off, the only thing that will beremaining is the cowl. Won't be a pretty sight.

 

[SalmonMan]

Take a look at my build thread. It will give u an idea on the install process. I set up my tub so I could use a soft top or a hard top with ambulance doors.
Builds - Fj40 Daily and Wheeler build

I personally wouldn't use the factory tire carrier. Mine always rattled and I happily ditched it with a bumper carrier. The aqualu can definitely handle the weight of a body mounted tire carrier, but its a good oportunity to upgrade to a bumper mounted tire carrier like the 4plus products bumper or 4x4labs. Their are no captive nuts in the aqualu tub, so you have to use nuts and bolts. I used some of the hardware from aqualu, but since its all standard hardware I bought some stainless metric hardware just because Im picky. Their is a lot of mock up to be done with the aqualu before you actually permanently mount it. I went the extra mile on my install with a few items to make it look somewhat factory although my cruiser is not at all stock.

I hope I don't have to go through that much. Anyway, I looked into the Raptor product. I think I'm going to spray the frame and undercarriage with this product. Yes, I will prime before using. LOL!!!

 

[White Stripe]

I hope I don't have to go through that much. Anyway, I looked into the Raptor product. I think I'm going to spray the frame and undercarriage with this product. Yes, I will prime before using. LOL!!!

Since I had a large amount of the frame exposed I spend a lot of time cleaning up my frame. It was very time consuming-not hard just time consuming-which I was glad I did. I probably wouldn't use raptor on the frame, I would use durable chassis paint. Bedliner is not a good choice for a frame because it is very difficult to get good coverage in all the nooks and crannies a frame if missed allows moisture to get underneath and actually accelerates corrosion. Chassis paint is also easy to touch up if needed. But for the underside of the tub and inside bedliner is great. Yes use the primer.

 

[SalmonMan]

Since I had a large amount of the frame exposed I spend a lot of time cleaning up my frame. It was very time consuming-not hard just time consuming-which I was glad I did. I probably wouldn't use raptor on the frame, I would use durable chassis paint. Bedliner is not a good choice for a frame because it is very difficult to get good coverage in all the nooks and crannies a frame if missed allows moisture to get underneath and actually accelerates corrosion. Chassis paint is also easy to touch up if needed. But for the underside of the tub and inside bedliner is great. Yes use the primer.

oops! Sorry, I meant Chassis Paint. Hmm, now I can't remember what product you used.

 

[Varty Yo]

You are making a good choice going with a Aqualu tub! You will be hours ahead of the game.

Ill be going aqualu once i get around to pulling mine apart.

 

[White Stripe]

oops! Sorry, I meant Chassis Paint. Hmm, now I can't remember what product you used.

I used por15 chassis black. You can buy the aqualu tub directly from aqualu as well fyi. For the rear ambulance door lower catch I had to grind the floor a little because the stock tub is the same way. It has the catch recessed into the floor a little. I also had to cut access holes with a hole saw underneath to access the nuts to it. Easy stuff to do but takes some forthought during the mock up process.

 

[SalmonMan]

I used por15 chassis black. You can buy the aqualu tub directly from aqualu as well fyi. For the rear ambulance door lower catch I had to grind the floor a little because the stock tub is the same way. It has the catch recessed into the floor a little. I also had to cut access holes with a hole saw underneath to access the nuts to it. Easy stuff to do but takes some forthought during the mock up process.

Is this what you used: POR-15 45904 Top Coat Chassis Black Paint, 32. Fluid_Ounces