FJ45 SWB/LWB Fixed Top 1964

[FJ45VTOZ]

Hi Just picked up a 4 FJ45 16793 Fixed Top. It has extended wheelbase which i understand was a factory ordered extension by the importers. There seems to be quite a few in Australia with this extension. This one was a Tanker on the Snowy Mountain Hydro Scheme. Plan to revive it rather than restore it. I have a spare Styleside lying around so i think ill put that on. Im sure there will be a small gap as the cab is 2" shorter, ill sort that when i get there. Not sure if i should add this to the SWB Fixed Top list. thanks

 

[a.greenspan]

Nice piece of art... preserve it.
There was a guy west aussie
on Mud haven`t seen him here since ....?
Great guy he had or has similar pieces of art.

Don`t know if he still use 45s or if changed the brand & switched to a Ferrari or a Bugatti or a Citroen 2CV Fourgonette

 

[middlecalf]

It’s obvious the frame rails are longer from the rear spring shackle to rear of the frame but the frame pict you show looks like there’s more distance from the torque tube to the rear spring perch (which is under the cab not the bed so that would mean a longer cab). And there’s that box weld in front of the perch that’s different from the fixed top SWB’s I’ve seen and is also different from the lpb welded box doubler (@wngrog ‘s Kardashian strengthener). Where is this “extension” added? What’s the wheelbase? Should be 2650mm (104.33”) for a SWB iirc.

 

[FJ45VTOZ]

it is extended from the torque tube back; between it and the spring perch. This pushes the spring perch from near under the cab to the rear. It has the same wheelbase as a standard LWB 45. If i measure from the rear of the cab to the rear of the chassis; it is 50mm a (almost 2") longer distance (not longer chassis) than a HJ47. Measured in the same way. This is because of the tighter radius on the rear of the FixedTop cabs, amking them a couple of inches shorter.

 

[middlecalf]

Plan to revive it rather than restore it.

I'm borrowing this. It is what I'm doing to my rig. Long live the revival!

 

[FJ45VTOZ]

did a few small things. Added a replacement front bar, put a side mirror on and popped out the roof. Also removed a swallows mud nest from on top of one of the wiper motors in cab and replaced the mangled bezel for a straight one.

 

[FJ45VTOZ]

small update got the seats recovered and its a great match for the sample of original trim left. Just test fitting before i weld a hole in the roof and give the cab a thorough clean. I have an old yellowed headliner to install ( even though from headliner remnants, it seems it should be grey)A new windshield is being cut at the moment. Will have to get a matching transfer shifter boot done too. Just ticking off small easyish jobs as time allows. Thanks

 

[middlecalf]

Dang, those are great. Do you by chance have pics of the seat frames prior to recovering?

 

[FJ45VTOZ]

i dont but i have a bare passenger frame i could take a pic of; but they will be different to yours as they are RHD. It took some will-power not to sandblast and paint the frames first

 

[FJ45VTOZ]

sad to say circumstances changed and i had to sell this one. It went to a good home though. It will be kept original. Thanks.

 

[middlecalf]

Another mudder so we can keep track of its progress?

 

[FJ45VTOZ]

no he is not on here, that i am aware.