Build FJ55V : This little piggy came home.

[fre55h]

It's a tight fit, but the 80 cluster 'fits' inside the 55 dash surround. Needed to cut back the plastic cover as it was the wrong shape, and will make a PVC facia later down the track after paint.

Now I can work on making better mounting system as it's jerry rigged into place at the minute.

 

[61twpw]

That’s a creative and great mod. Looking better all the time.

 

[fre55h]

Tucked up the harness behind the dash so I can start on mounting the ECU, Fuse Box, Relay Box and all the other smaller Relays to the fire wall. Routed the cabled for the indicator stalk, key barrel and accessory buttons.

Also remounted the battery Tray between the fan and fusebox. It's a bit inconvenient now to check the transmission dipstick, but I can live with it.

Certainly glad to be doing this now and not when painted.

 

[fre55h]

80 cluster now fitted. Will be a peice of plastic infront. Also fitted the ECU.

Im been putting all the cables together to start the motor, forgetting how many plugs the 1FZFE has. Next steps are Battery Cables, Starter and Alternator wiring to get a few cranks of the motor.

 

[PabloCruise]

Took a side quest today and fitted up the last peice of rear quarter chop.
Also being sunday enjoyed a slow cooked beef chilly and VB.

Great Australian advertising below.


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Gosh, your pictures make it look easy!
And the tattoo is still awesome.

 

[PabloCruise]

80 indicators/wiper stalk fits the 55 nicely.
Used the backing plate from the 80 and redrilled to suit the steering column bearing holder.

This'll make rewiring easier.
Im using the entire FZJ80 Loom inside the FJ55 including Dash Cluster

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I remember when I got to drive @FJBen RHD 70 series, I kept turning on the windshield wipers when I meant to use the turn signals!

 

[fre55h]

Had a play around with Google Gemini's Nano-banana model. Pretty impressive what it can produce from two photos.

 

[fre55h]

Have been busy working on the fuel system. Throwing in a Bosch 044 and new pressure regulator. Updated to 3/8 fuel line.

I've also taken up a side quest to start the barwork on the car, time is right. I've drawing a rough diagram of what's on the cards.

 

[xtiaan2000]

That thing is going to be capable!

 

[fre55h]

Soft update, has been a few weeks of planning the next build stage.

55 is being re-united with sliders I made for the original chassis, now being fitted to suit the 80 chassis.

Barwork front to back has been designed and is now in build stage. Keen to show off the designs.

Also in the process of designing and engineering some gullwings to fit the FJ55 windows. Should give lots of access to the rear.

 

[xtiaan2000]

Gullwings!!
That has been on my mind forever! Very excited to see what you come up with!!!

 

[PabloCruise]

Soft update, has been a few weeks of planning the next build stage.

55 is being re-united with sliders I made for the original chassis, now being fitted to suit the 80 chassis.

Barwork front to back has been designed and is now in build stage. Keen to show off the designs.

Also in the process of designing and engineering some gullwings to fit the FJ55 windows. Should give lots of access to the rear.

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Gullwing cargo windows for the 55 would be some next-level stuff!!!

 

[xtiaan2000]

WagonGear used to make some killer ones for 60s. Had been trying to get him to make some for 55s. Thought I was close, then he went awal.

 

[fre55h]

A cheeky taste of the bullbar so far.
Based from an FZJ80R Highmount ARB Bar.
Wings cut and lifted to suit the 55 body.
The rest is NSFW, you'll have to wait

 

[PabloCruise]

I can’t wait!!!

 

[fre55h]

The front bar is super important, and usually the first aesthetic thing you see before the tyres. I took way too long going back and forth but landed on this design.

Remembering this bar used to be a ARB High Mount bar to suit an 80, its looking pretty good.

Now on to scrub bars

 

[PabloCruise]

The front bar is super important, and usually the first aesthetic thing you see before the tyres. I took way too long going back and forth but landed on this design.

Remembering this bar used to be a ARB High Mount bar to suit an 80, its looking pretty good.

Now on to scrub bars

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That is awesome!
Who made your cat art?

 

[fre55h]

That is awesome!
Who made your cat art?

Google Gemini.

 

[fre55h]

The 55's really don't give much in the way of body lines to follow. Here's the front scrub bars dialled from the front bar to sliders.

Rollcage joiners to help easy removal & far more strength then conventional methods.

 

[PabloCruise]

Those look like they would be some pretty tricky bends to make!