I'm back with another big block, doubler, one ton build.

[brokenparts]

I picked up a a rolled Fj60 today that has a completely hammered body. I got a fair price on it and my wife for some reason let me buy it. Although the entire body is junk, it has some nice parts to start my build.

-Recently refreshed Big Block 454
-Griffin Radiator
-Gov lock 14 bolt rear end
-Dana 60 front with a TBD locker in the front
-203/205 with NWF shifters/cables
-TH350 with an art carr shifter
-PSC steering ram and pump
-Drilled and tapped Chevy steering box
-63 in rear springs
-TBD chevy springs up front
-Drivelines
-Etc...

Option 1- Cut off the body, build cage, Run it...
Option 2- Find new body, replace, Run it
Option 3- Tapage "tencha" style body/cage
Option 4-10- ?????- insert your ideas here

Other important info:

1. I have two kids that I'd like to haul around
2. Its cold and wet here
3. Not into slow technical "crawling" anymore.
4. I am going to run at least 42 inch tires.
5. Its cold and wet here
6. Has to be cool
7. Must peel out
8. Its cold and wet here

pics if my new POS:

Before it was rolled:

and now..

 

[brokenparts]

 

[Wheelingnoob]

New 60 body, that thing looked sweet!

 

[GW Nugget]

New body.
Make it the family wagon.
What happened to the blue one, still have it?
That one is AWESOME!

 

[brokenparts]

Blue one was sold to a fella in Colorado some time ago when I fell on rough times in my personal life. I regret not being able to continue that build to its completion but that's how life goes sometimes. I did learn a lot building ol'blue though.

Life is good again and I'm excited to be part of the cruiser community again. Now I just need to figure a plan for this rig as it just kinda fell into my lap today and I bought it on a whim. I had been previously searching for a 40.

 

[boots4]

Welcome back! Where will the build take place?

I'd say hack off that body and check out the frame. If the frame is still good get another body, doesn't necessarily have to be an FJ60 body (stretched 40 could be cool). What kind of use do you anticipate for this rig? If it'll go on trips then additional fuel storage is probably a must. Are you planning to keep it on leaves? Will you convert it to EFI?

Let me know when the grinder party is and that body will be off in a day.

 

[GW Nugget]

Welcome back.

Most people go from the body down, you'll be going from the frame up. That's a better start all the major parts are there.

I'm sure boots4 will help.

I have read all hundred plus pages of your build and boots4 build it seems you are a good friends.

Family comes first. Projects second.

Money comes. Money goes.

I sold my FJ40 20 years ago and I'm just now coming back times are good for me also.

I shoped for 60s for a long time then went with an 80 I just don't have a shop to do all that modding, looking forward to watching your build.

 

[dirtyboots]

Bobbed body

 

[brokenparts]

I'm not sure about where I'm going to do the build yet... It wont be at my house that's for sure. My wife made that abundantly clear. My buddy agreed to at least let me store it on his property for now (out near Manning, OR). He is building a house out there with a shop but that wont be even started for quite some time. I may ask my boss if I can move my tools back to the warehouse but I'm not really sure I want to do that either as I'm not anticipating this build to be like the last one.

This build I want to keep simple and make use of what has already been done... no coils, no links, no fuel injection (for now), simple wiring, simple systems.... KISS method. The frame looks fine although I'll need to measure it up when the body comes off to be sure. Rear frame rails are bent a bit because they weren't boxed but I think its doable to fix. That being said... I'm not opposed to moving the parts to a different vehicle/platform if I have to.

Again, my preference is to run this as a 60 and keep the build simple. I just dont have it in me to re-invent the wheel if I don't have to. Driving to the coast or the trail with the kids on board is ideal. Cage will be MANDATORY in whatever I do. Seeing this rig and what could have happened to the fella if the circumstance were different by even a few inches scares the POOP out of me. He is truly lucky to walk away with only minor injuries.

Grinder Party sound great Mike... probably wont be for awhile but that would be awesome. Hopefully I can get you out one of these days and you can put some eyes on it too and give me your opinion.

 

[White Stripe]

I would do one of two things based on your budget. If u have a big budget-put a stretched fj40 aqualu body or 4 door aqualu body on it. If u don't have as much of a budget then put a somewhat beat but straight 60 body on that u don't feel afraid to scratch up. Either way make the cog as low as possible

 

[brokenparts]

Welcome back.

Most people go from the body down, you'll be going from the frame up. That's a better start all the major parts are there.

I'm sure boots4 will help.

I have read all hundred plus pages of your build and boots4 build it seems you are a good friends.

Family comes first. Projects second.

Money comes. Money goes.

I sold my FJ40 20 years ago and I'm just now coming back times are good for me also.

I shoped for 60s for a long time then went with an 80 I just don't have a shop to do all that modding, looking forward to watching your build.

Very true. I've learned a lot in the past few years and grown as a person because of it. Boots is a great guy and he has been great resource over the years.

 

[brokenparts]

I would do one of two things based on your budget. If u have a big budget-put a stretched fj40 aqualu body or 4 door aqualu body on it. If u don't have as much of a budget then put a somewhat beat but straight 60 body on that u don't feel afraid to scratch up. Either way make the cog as low as possible

Hmmm, hadnt thought about the aqualu route. Not sure I want to spend that kind of money but its an option I may explore.

Things havent changed around here.... great ideas coming together already!

 

[boots4]

Moving back to the warehouse if feasible just during the rig rework sounds good to me (plus selfishly it's closer for me). Having access to a forklift to move bodies around sounds highly desirable and would probably speed up the process. I am certified on the forklift you know.

Glad you added your desired build efforts, that helps in knowing what to appropriately suggest. I agree with that direction because even though the last build was headed toward the elite, being honest, it never fully got there and I'd like to see you out on the trails and on the street enjoying cruiser life. With wanting it streetable, option 2 IMO is your best bet considering your desired uses along with the weather we see here. After finding a suitable FJ60 body replacement and assuming no major changes needed to the frame this could be running in a couple of months. It'll require some work but you are no stranger to that.

 

[mr jits]

I'm surprised you bought that. It's gone through three or so owners in the past two years. Good luck.

 

[brokenparts]

I'm surprised you bought that. It's gone through three or so owners in the past two years. Good luck.

I do remember seeing it awhile back on Craigslist when it was a full rig... the guy I got it from traded a truggy for it (at least that is the information I have). Looks like he went through it pretty well judging from some of the pics he sent me while we negotiating the price. At the end of the day, the price was right for the vehicle and I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for 60s. The fella I bought it from seemed like a pretty straight forward guy (his wife looked more broken hearted to see it go then he did) and has agreed to let me contact him for any additional information or question I may have going forward.

 

[GW Nugget]

Another option is to find a clean virgin 60 and put the running gear in. Even in several stages.
Axles first and later engine, tranny & Tcase. The only negative is the money for the temporary drivelines. Yes center vs left right up down don't mater on drivelines...

 

[mr jits]

I do remember seeing it awhile back on Craigslist when it was a full rig... the guy I got it from traded a truggy for it (at least that is the information I have). Looks like he went through it pretty well judging from some of the pics he sent me while we negotiating the price. At the end of the day, the price was right for the vehicle and I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for 60s. The fella I bought it from seemed like a pretty straight forward guy (his wife looked more broken hearted to see it go then he did) and has agreed to let me contact him for any additional information or question I may have going forward.

It's sad to see that he rolled it after putting a lot of effort into reconditioning the truck. It looks like a great pile of parts to start from though.

 

[rusty_tlc]

Just curious what the odds of finding a 60 body that isn't swiss cheese in Ore are?
Maybe an 80 series would be easier to find?

 

[brokenparts]

Time will tell. This isn't a daily driver so time is on my side in finding the correct path for the build.

An 80 body probably would be easier find on the front end but would be a lot of work to make it work with the parts I have... I want this build to be simple.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

Just a thought, but I think Esh still has that 70-series body over at his place...