man this is a great build! your body work is top notch!
"Flood Resistant" Build Up
- Thread starter fj x8
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
You're doing a great job man! Keep it up!
- Thread starter
- #103
Thanks for the compliments.
For easy access, I'm going to install angle grab handle in the A pillar. This I can do it easily for sure. But not sure about this one: tray table behind the front seat with grab handle above it. RV, Bus style. I really want it and I think my kids will love it. Feel like in an airplane and they could use it for playing toy car.
For easy access, I'm going to install angle grab handle in the A pillar. This I can do it easily for sure. But not sure about this one: tray table behind the front seat with grab handle above it. RV, Bus style. I really want it and I think my kids will love it. Feel like in an airplane and they could use it for playing toy car.
- Thread starter
- #104
Oh and the clamp in Icon makes me drool, so ordered the similar looking one. Mine is the '81 with screw, but will change it to this. It gives such an antique look.
Not to mention the stainless knob.
I've been thinking about the color for the fj for so long, and finally decided to have the color like in this picture. I'm planning to buy some sample and put the 1st coat tomorrow and see if it matches. Yeah that's what I mean, I'm rather color blind
and never sure what I choose. That is the color I'm aiming at. If kids ask me about color I'm not sure, I always say, " what do you think?" or "you'd better ask your mama". 
Not to mention the stainless knob.
I've been thinking about the color for the fj for so long, and finally decided to have the color like in this picture. I'm planning to buy some sample and put the 1st coat tomorrow and see if it matches. Yeah that's what I mean, I'm rather color blind
and never sure what I choose. That is the color I'm aiming at. If kids ask me about color I'm not sure, I always say, " what do you think?" or "you'd better ask your mama". - Thread starter
- #105
I've been busy lately, and finally got some time to work on the fj last week. Bought some paint, tested it, and didn't really like it when the paint dried up. So returned to the store a couple times until I finally got the one that I like. And these are the pics of two coats of paint. I'm planning on three coats of color, and three clear coats.
- Thread starter
- #106
Some pics from diff angle. I haven't paint the inside yet cos there are some bodywork left like the dashboard, and speakers in the rear fender. Also, I like the look of clean color painted underbody, but that is quite tiring consider it has been painted in the past with anti rust stuff, glue, and noise absorbing material. Scrap, and scrap amd scrap...... 
When I felt some backpain, I gave up and paid somebody to do it instead.
When I felt some backpain, I gave up and paid somebody to do it instead.- Thread starter
- #107
Remember I got dome shaped diamond knurled stainless knobs, and they look awesome.
Sometime ago, I saw this picture of custom switch in the racing car, and the label couldn't be funnier.
I was thinking of using holycr@p in my hazard/emergency flasher button.
But then again how can I explain that to the kids.
I remember reading in the MUD there's this guy call amaurer- cruiseruser.com who could custom cnc knobs,
so I contacted him for my knobs. Too bad, he couldn't. Not couldn't but he never tried on stainless steel before
and didn't want to risk breaking something. The knobs he made are really cool btw, they look so oem.
I finally found somebody who could do the cnc, and gave him some images.
Just picked them up yesterday, and they turned out much better than expected.
Sometime ago, I saw this picture of custom switch in the racing car, and the label couldn't be funnier.
I was thinking of using holycr@p in my hazard/emergency flasher button.
But then again how can I explain that to the kids.
I remember reading in the MUD there's this guy call amaurer- cruiseruser.com who could custom cnc knobs,
so I contacted him for my knobs. Too bad, he couldn't. Not couldn't but he never tried on stainless steel before
and didn't want to risk breaking something. The knobs he made are really cool btw, they look so oem.
I finally found somebody who could do the cnc, and gave him some images.
Just picked them up yesterday, and they turned out much better than expected.
- Thread starter
- #108
Next step will be to paint the underbody and start working on the suspension. I got the axles, radius arms,
shocks, and coils ready except one thing. CABLE LOCKER. Been trying so hard to find it with no luck.
Ox doesn't make one for LC either.
Hope they do soon, I'll be the 1st one to get it.
I don't wheel hard and could survive with only LS, but you never know one day you might just need it.
And I like simplicity and durability in which ARB and elocker are not. Most of my buddies use ARB and I can sense they'll laugh at me fiddling with the cable like Flintstone.
If any of you guys have the cable locker for sale, please email me ok.
What I have now is LS in the rear, and open front. My ideal would be cable in the rear, and LS in the front. Otherwise LS both ends.
shocks, and coils ready except one thing. CABLE LOCKER. Been trying so hard to find it with no luck.
Ox doesn't make one for LC either.
Hope they do soon, I'll be the 1st one to get it. I don't wheel hard and could survive with only LS, but you never know one day you might just need it.
And I like simplicity and durability in which ARB and elocker are not. Most of my buddies use ARB and I can sense they'll laugh at me fiddling with the cable like Flintstone.
If any of you guys have the cable locker for sale, please email me ok.
What I have now is LS in the rear, and open front. My ideal would be cable in the rear, and LS in the front. Otherwise LS both ends.
This really fantastic work Josh...I like the details you are looking after, and I appreciate the methodical process in which you are working...looking forward to seeing it finished
Its looking great Josh, love the knobs.
Keep the pics comming.
Keep the pics comming.
Really great work. I love the idea of building a vehicle for the possibility of flooding. I just went through that this year, now I have a 40 project.....
I wish I had the skills to do what you are, but I will be lucky if I can repair what I have without modifications.
I wish I had the skills to do what you are, but I will be lucky if I can repair what I have without modifications.
Really cool build and I LOVE the dash knobs! I've read through your thread and didn't catch what part of the world you live in. Would love to find a source for those same knobs for my dash.
Keep it up!
-Ed
Keep it up!
-Ed
- Thread starter
- #114
Glad you like the knobs too. I'm in Indonesia. There are three options for the knobs material: aluminum, steel, and stainless steel.
The steel is the one with black oxide finish. Have to return them last time because I mistook that for the stainless steel.
Amazon only states steel. Alu is clear anodize finish. I ended up ordering from the company directly: reid supply company.
You can choose between blind tapped vs reamed hole. Mine is the tapped.
Here is the link to the one I returned (steel/black oxide):
Amazon.com: 3/4" Dia., #10-32 Tap, Steel, Dome Knurled Knob (1 Each): Industrial & Scientific@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41fQncynWZL.@@AMEPARAM@@41fQncynWZL
- Thread starter
- #115
Practice makes perfect. This is my 2nd buildup project, I bet I never tell you more about my 1st buildup, K5. I chose it for the same reason, it has amazing ground clearance and its huge size let you lift it high without getting overwhelmed with big tires. Imo, 42" tires on a smaller fj will make it look like a toy.
It took me 2 years to build it, and when I thought all was done and checked, it is so NOTTT. Reminisce the time I drove it for the 1st time on highway 1 in Long Beach with never ending wide smile from cheek to cheek. Suddenly, the hood popped up to the windshield!!! and blinded everything but the sides!! I was going 40mph, and pulled over right away by focusing on the distance to the curb. See, simple hood latch misalignment could get you killed. Got lucky and learnt my lesson well.
Indonesian law changed and I couldn't bring the k5 home from US.
Months later, I was in Indonesia and the k5 is in my girlfriend's garage. Got a phone call from gf and told me the car just exploded. I say, "what??!!" Apparently she wanted to warm the engine and the radiator hose burst. I calmed her down and after some arguments, I said, "okay ok.... just sell it!" to my surprise she said "already". HOLYCR@P!! how much??.... $3200... 
I told her do you know how much I spent on that rig?? Broke up and ...... 3 years later, she is my wife!! it's true what they say: man are dumb. Now, I hide the pink slip of that FJ just in case...
Merry Christmas guys!!
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #116
FJ40 being a SWB with leaf springs on solid axles has its share of discomfort harsh bumpy shimmy wandering rides.
I drove my friends’ rigs with diff combo: oem, ome, coil over, bottom leaf taken out, and I could never be happy with it.
The 80 rides good with a bit of bottoming out in the rear when loaded. Other than that, it is ideal, comfortable yet firm enough.
I read it all started with the 70 series that used coil spring suspension with control arms and panhard in the front
while still maintaining leaf springs in the rear. Then they produce the light version of the 70 series named Bundera
that uses coil springs with control arms and panhard in the rear, but people complained it was too tipsy.
This is suspension diagram for Bundera (light version of the 70 series)
I drove my friends’ rigs with diff combo: oem, ome, coil over, bottom leaf taken out, and I could never be happy with it.
The 80 rides good with a bit of bottoming out in the rear when loaded. Other than that, it is ideal, comfortable yet firm enough.
I read it all started with the 70 series that used coil spring suspension with control arms and panhard in the front
while still maintaining leaf springs in the rear. Then they produce the light version of the 70 series named Bundera
that uses coil springs with control arms and panhard in the rear, but people complained it was too tipsy.
This is suspension diagram for Bundera (light version of the 70 series)
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #117
Many buddies ended up with the soft version of the OME, and that is probably the best setup if you’re keeping the leaves.
I’m aiming at something that rides like a modern suv, so it has to be coil. One thing to note that Mercedes Gclass/Gelandewagen imo
has the best ride, but that can’t be pinpointed to a particular point. I did some comparison between 80 and G, and I notice that
the 80’s coil spring has thicker diameter and shorter height while the G has smaller diameter and longer height. 80 and G weigh
about 4600 lbs and FJ40 3400 lbs.
[FONT="]
[/FONT]I was going to use the coil springs from 80 series but it rides hard on my buddy’s fj, and so I decided to try on the Mercedez coil spring.
This week I began working on the suspension. My aim is like Bundera suspension setup with G’s coil springs. Control arms with Panhard front and rear. [FONT="]For those who haven’t seen a G class before, this is a cool pic from Canadian Army fleet. I personally seen Bundera only once my whole life.
These photos are: G’s front suspension with anti sway bar, Gelandewagen diagram, and G in action.
[/FONT][FONT="]
[/FONT]
I’m aiming at something that rides like a modern suv, so it has to be coil. One thing to note that Mercedes Gclass/Gelandewagen imo
has the best ride, but that can’t be pinpointed to a particular point. I did some comparison between 80 and G, and I notice that
the 80’s coil spring has thicker diameter and shorter height while the G has smaller diameter and longer height. 80 and G weigh
about 4600 lbs and FJ40 3400 lbs.
[FONT="]
[/FONT]I was going to use the coil springs from 80 series but it rides hard on my buddy’s fj, and so I decided to try on the Mercedez coil spring.
This week I began working on the suspension. My aim is like Bundera suspension setup with G’s coil springs. Control arms with Panhard front and rear. [FONT="]For those who haven’t seen a G class before, this is a cool pic from Canadian Army fleet. I personally seen Bundera only once my whole life.
These photos are: G’s front suspension with anti sway bar, Gelandewagen diagram, and G in action.
[/FONT][FONT="]
[/FONT]
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #118
Remember my cousin's shanty workshop I can't stand it anymore, so I started on a side project on cementing his floor.
Spent quite some bucks on that, but that's the least I can do for the guy. His place is quite huge, think it could fit 30-40 cars.
Anyway, got the rear axle from the 60 series, notice the rare full floating one in the pic. The pics are self explanatory.
Still making sure that the measurements are all ok before the permanent weld takes place.
I can't stand it anymore, so I started on a side project on cementing his floor. Spent quite some bucks on that, but that's the least I can do for the guy. His place is quite huge, think it could fit 30-40 cars.
Anyway, got the rear axle from the 60 series, notice the rare full floating one in the pic. The pics are self explanatory.
Still making sure that the measurements are all ok before the permanent weld takes place.
- Thread starter
- #120
The plan was to put oem LS in the front and cable locker rear, but couldn’t find any cable locker around. That’s quite an antique! So a buddy offered me Detroit for a good price and I installed it in the rear. But after some though, I took it off again cos I know I’m not gonna like the noise when it wrapped up from time to time. So now my choice is either LS both ends or LS front and e-locker. Personally I probably don’t need a locker cos I do backcountry adventure/camping/oz style not rubicon rocks. I enjoy going to a remote place with a nice view, camp, fish and sip my coffee. Occasionally I went with buddies to do more hardcore, I admit it’s quite an adrenaline rush, but I somehow feel like deliberately breaking the piggy bank when bashing, sliding the rocks.
