Field find 1965 FJ45 SWB restoration with BTB Products

[Vossie]

a short wheel base 45... how i have dreamed of one of those. look, each to their own and everyone is entitled to do whatever they want to their own rig. im a firm believer in making a car your own. but i will say that in my own personal opinion, turning a 45 this rare into just another v8 40 is a bit sad. i think many of us would be way happier with a modern toyota engine and tranny if it has to be upgraded.

but like i say, each to their own. im sure many of the things i have done to my 45's have had people cursing me

 

[Tank5]

Any chance your going to put an aluminum bed of that 45. I am looking for a SWB bed so if do send me a message.

Worth a try right.

 

[T-ridecruiser]

What a way to mess up an original truck. Let's see if he is cruising around in it in ten years from now. Doubt it!

 

[4WD Toyota Owner Magazine]

All good feedback--we have no dog in the fight--BTB built this for a customer who had his own drivetrain requests and let us document it...it is a beautiful piece of work although I certainly understand these sentiments as well!

 

[4WD Toyota Owner Magazine]

Any chance your going to put an aluminum bed of that 45. I am looking for a SWB bed so if do send me a message.

Worth a try right.

Call Brian at BTB...tell him you saw the 4WD Toyota Owner thread about the FJ45...they are indeed putting an aluminum bed on it...

 

[4WD Toyota Owner Magazine]

These two photos highlight the new engine, transmission, and transfer case to be installed in the truck: a new version GM Ramjet 350 with all the GM serpentine drive system in front and a 700R4 transmission. An Advance Adapters 4:1 Orion transfer case was assembled and installed behind the transmission. Upgraded air intake, GM cast valve covers, and Sanderson headers complete the engine assembly.

 

[4WD Toyota Owner Magazine]

Completed powder coated frame received and ready for assembly. Steering box and mounts setup on the frame. Front frame brackets and rear frame hitch mounts installed.

 

[4WD Toyota Owner Magazine]

Front and rear axles assembled and ready for installation. Late model front and rear axle assemblies from a 1978 FJ55 and completely rebuilt with all new parts including disc brakes front and rear. In went a rear Auburn limited slip and powdercoated the housings. The brake lines were hand formed and assembled with Earl’s fittings on the front and rear housings. The factory rear sway bar and links were retained on the frame and rear housing.

 

[Vossie]

even with all the different opinions flying on this build, its still great quality work. as sad as i am its not a yoda engine, im still glad that theres one less rusting away in a field and one more on the road

 

[greenbeasty]

WOW, do what you want, but I cringe from my house. What a waste.

 

[White Stripe]

I don't know how many times I've been through Corona, but not too much time off the main highways. I'm always on the lookout for "abandoned" Land Cruisers.

We wish u had looked a little better lol.

 

[Captn Conch]

If it were me and I just had to change the engine and did not want to go Toyota, I would go with one of the old GM inline 6 maybe a 292. But what overkill on this old PU. Maybe it's going to be a freeway flyer? I know I changed to a 350 back in early 80's, But different times different age.

 

[65swb45]

Sensing a trend here.

In post #26 you use the term "built" as in past tense, done deal. And it's not your rig, or your customer's rig.

Isn't that what you have a magazine for?

 

[4WD Toyota Owner Magazine]

Started installing engine assembly and drive train components. Front and rear axles installed using re-conditioned OEM front and rear leaf springs. All fuel and brake lines have been hand formed and installed along with custom built drive shafts front and rear.

 

[4WD Toyota Owner Magazine]

Rolling chassis completed. Custom aluminum radiator and fan shroud installed. All new A/C condenser and lines assembled. Power steering lines and fittings installed, and a new front bumper assembly has been mounted up with a new Warn 8274 winch. A stock set of late model OEM wheels were widened and powder coated to mount a set of 31x10.50x15” BFG tires. They then added a set of early retro Land Cruiser bubble style center caps.

 

[4WD Toyota Owner Magazine]

The original short bed was too rusted and replaced by an aluminum bed by Aqualu. They are very similar to the original and required little modifications to install. A drop-down metal tailgate was set up at the rear for that factory look. Hinges and fasteners were replaced along with hardware.

 

[4WD Toyota Owner Magazine]

The cab and bed were set up on the frame to pre-fit everything prior to paint. This truck gets a new set of OEM front fenders and recon sheet metal parts. Preliminary wiring is also started.

 

[4WD Toyota Owner Magazine]

Traditional Bushwacker rear fender flares were chosen for the FJ45. The flares will be painted to match the truck when finished.

 

[4WD Toyota Owner Magazine]

BTB went with a Lokar transmission-mounted shifter on the 700R4. BTB says a bell crank setup makes for better shift controls. A late model transfer case linage setup was modified and installed for transfer case controls.

 

[4WD Toyota Owner Magazine]

BTB went with a retro looking steering column from Ididit. No tilt and simplicity was the goal here with shafts and linkage down to the steering box. An extra universal joint was added for clearance at the headers.