feed back on fibreglass tubs (1 Viewer)

[taupo4x4]

Ok team,
“Snifter” the 73 fj40 joined the family a few months back and I’m formulating a plan of attack. Initially I was planning to keep it all as original as possible. But as I looked closer at the condition of the body and what it will take to make it compliant and road legal for the road here in New Zealand I’m contemplating swapping running gear and goodies from my Swb 86 70 which is to rusty to ever make the road here again.
But this is the part where you come in. I’m considering swapping the tub for fibreglass. What are the pit falls, pros and cons of this idea? For me I see the advantage of less corrosion issues I’m a wood worker by trade so can work with fibreglass to modify bits I need steel work for me involves paying someone else.
The down side is of course the initial out lay for the tub.
I really would appreciate some feedback from anyone who may have gone down this road?
Cheers in advance Chris.

 

[bikersmurf]

Fiberglass isn't as popular, so resale would be somewhat less. Properly built it can be strong, but most feel roll bars should be tied to the frame.

Pro: won't rust, fairly easy to repair.

Con: dosen't dent... instead cracks, non conductive (need to run grounds), not as flexible.

I've got home made glass fenders... don't rust, and work well. Knock them around though, and I know I'll be picking up pieces.

 

[singletrackjunkie]

I have a Gozzard fiberglass tub and it is very strong. I'd wager it is way tougher than the original steel. It fits very well and most people can't tell it's glass unless they inspect closely. I've talked to Mike personally and he states he has laid his on its side doing 80km/hr and it stood up to the abuse very well From what I hear there are other vendors who's tubs are not as nice but not sure what your options are in New Zealand. Here's a link to his website

Gozzard Composites

 

[Enigma]

The entire front clip on my 40 is fibreglass from an unknown vendor that tilts up to expose the engine. When I rolled it many years ago, it was the only piece of the truck that was straight after.
The entire front clip is also the only part of the truck that isn't rusty.

One of these days, I want to retub it with a Gozzard unit. There was a beautiful fj45 at this years Cruiser Days that had a 'glass tub and box, and without the owner telling me so, I would have never realized it.

 

[sadam_husain]

for the money you'd pay for a fibreglass tub you'd probably be better off throwing a bit more money in the kitty and buying a really tidy 40 series cruiser, its a buyers market out there and theres usually a few really good examples sitting around not selling at around the $10k NZD mark

my mate had a full fibreglass cruiser about 10 years ago and the non stop squeeking and rattling drove you crazy as well as everything always needing tightening and adjusting and ongoing maintenence, Steve does a good job making them in NZ but they only ever fit 90% and dont come up as good as origional parts

I put one of his roofs and windscreen frames on my FJ75 cab, not a good pic but you can see the windscreen and roof tapers away from the door and I cant get the weather seal to seat and seal properly making it leak like a sieve which is only going to lead to more rust problems again the fibreglass has been cast too thick to get the metal plates in and nothing really lines up and fits properly I've had 40 series guards, windscreen frame, radiator panel etc and they have been fine but I wouldnt do a full fibreglass truck or tub

 

[Enigma]

Didn't notice the NZ location, so that might put a real canker in shipping a Gozzard unit. But from what I have seen, they are fantastic units. Here are some pics of the 'glass 45 I had mentioned.
It does have a roof, which I was told fit's quite well, but the weather here is currently topless mandatory
There were some issues with the build, and while I can't recall all, most where related to the thickness issues, grounding, and general appearance. All were addressed and in my books it turned out quite nice.

 

[Enigma]

Not relevant to the thread, but it also has a Cummins 6BT

As does the white 45 beside it in the other pictures.

 

[taupo4x4]

thanks

The feed back is fantastic, i have crunched some numbers ,and will weigh up the options. I did wonder if noise was an issue. The thickness issues are interesting too.

 

[fieldsken1]

I brought a steel complete body for 1 thousand dollars with little repair needed so take your time and kept looking

 

[Enigma]

I think noise is more of a problem with aluminum than with 'glass. Especially once you get a hard top on, rocks pinging off the Aluminum tub echo like crazy. I cannot see that happening with 'glass.

 

[FJsnoozer]

I brought a steel complete body for 1 thousand dollars with little repair needed so take your time and kept looking

I did the same. Donor tub from an abandoned frame off. about 1k into it in work and repairs.

here is a member who is in the middle of installing a gozzard.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/diesel-tec...yet-another-bj42-frame-off-dbradford04-4.html