Builds FJ55V : This little piggy came home. (6 Viewers)

[fre55h]

In a turn of events, I've impulse baught a roof.
But it's not what you think.
And it's for a VW.

Let you have a guess.

If it fits, it ships.

 

[bobm]

Pop top??

 

[DirtyPepper]

G'day all!
After stalking around the threads I've decided to start this thread.
I've been hooked on FJ40 / FJ55s since being invited to the Australian FJ40s meet in Victoria's "High Country" names O.C.K.A (Old Cruisers Kicking Arse)

- Check the socials for details.

I picked up this all original - factory rusted - FJ55 a few months ago sitting on a farm after the owner couldn't figure out some issue.
After a firm handshake it was at my property to start work on.

The second photo is after a few modifications.
= 60 Series Front Hubs with Discs onto FJ55 Diff.
= 60 Series P/Steer (55 Steer Uni, 60 Intermed Shaft, 60 Box, 75 Steer Arms onto 60 Hubs)
= 75 Series F/R Suspension w/ Extended Shackles. 150mm R/Perch spaced back. Total 190mm Lift.
= Original Carby and Airbox. Came with a poorly tuned Holley 350.
= HZJ78 Troopy Split Wheels (235/65-R16)
= Swivel Hubs, Bearings, Brake Boosters, Clutch Cylinders and all the essential stuff.

Hoping to make some headway with this to meet the 2019 OCKA meet.

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Great find! And it looks great!
Hope to see more!

 

[fre55h]

Pop top??

Winner winner chicken dinner.

 

[xtiaan2000]

No way!
That’s going to be so cool! A one off for sure!

 

[fre55h]

No way!
That’s going to be so cool! A one off for sure!

That's what I am going for!

 

[fre55h]

Finally got my act together and sorted the chassis for the 55-80.

Cut the rear 140mm. Plated and refit.
Lower control arm styled to suit.

 

[fre55h]

Photo dump.

 

[fre55h]

Willow approved.

 

[RUSH55]

I think that’s the first time I’ve seen the cut made at that particular location (front suspension arm mounts), most do it further forward in the center of the straight run of frame.
Any specific reason for making the chop there?

 

[Ol Yeller]

My guess is utilizing the “free” doubler plate that the control arm hanger is?

 

[fre55h]

I think that’s the first time I’ve seen the cut made at that particular location (front suspension arm mounts), most do it further forward in the center of the straight run of frame.
Any specific reason for making the chop there?

Cut is at the rear lower control arm mount section. Australia has pretty high standards with engineering.

This is a straight section of the chassis which my engineer was happy to approve of.

Needed to be braced and fish plated. Also means I only need to source a new tailshaft and not have to find any other specific parts. The type of touring I was to do make take me 12-20 days in the desert unassisted. Pays to have easy to replace parts.

It's also where the two C Channels meet at the factory as stated.

 

[samc2447]

I think that’s the first time I’ve seen the cut made at that particular location (front suspension arm mounts), most do it further forward in the center of the straight run of frame.
Any specific reason for making the chop there?

This is the easiest area to do it because the frame is straight and parallel there. The rest of the frame is tapered as it moves forward. The control arm mounts also act as reinforcement on the inside of the frame so you really only need to add a fish plate to the outside of the frame like he did.

 

[Megadoomer]

Ya, I believe @brisveganbj42 made his cuts in the same place, just about.

 

[brisveganbj42]

Ya, I believe @brisveganbj42 made his cuts in the same place, just about.

Sure did... not at 45deg but at 60deg. My fishplates also had 300mm each side of the cut and on both sides of the chassis rail. Each state in AU has different engineers who have different requirements before they sign things off..

 

[fre55h]

Gutters in, trimmed and primer.

 

[fre55h]

Now to start on the A Pillars.

 

[scrapdaddy]

Looking forward to seeing the top go on. Several major things happening all at once, but seems you've got them handled.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Not looking forward to dealing with my A Pillars. We have an extra bedroom if you fancy a working vacation.

 

[fre55h]

Not looking forward to dealing with my A Pillars. We have an extra bedroom if you fancy a working vacation.

I am planning on a USA trip with the wife. Hopefully you don't need me still by 2025.