This is incredible! I hope I can find a write up on the proper way to prep the vehicle for Al's Liner, as I'm planning on doing this same thing. Before I'm ready to do that I'll be doing my wheels. How has the paint held up offroad?
Builds Introducing FZJ 80 "Dingo" (6 Viewers)
- Thread starter shermantank55
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What, does EVERYBODY here know auto body but me??
Sheesh...
Truck looks cool though. Great idea.
I'd love to drive across Afghanistan. Well, maybe when the shooting stops anyway.
I actually considered a Trooper before I got the 80.
.
shermantank55
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- Thread starter
- #183
Both the wheels and the Al's liner are about the same as when applied almost 2 years ago! I would recommend both to anyone wanting a durable easy to care for finish. I have touched up my rims when scraped using a spray can, but other than that, nothing.
As to prep, Al's comes with good instructions and its own primer.
Cheers.
I read through the thread and may have missed this, but are the Center hub caps the stock ones or did you source some other ones? They seem to surround the lug nuts better than my stock caps. Nice job with the truck. Referring to the pic of your wheel after the black paint applied.
shermantank55
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- Thread starter
- #185
Not sure which picture you are referring to, but I have now discarded the caps and just painted the hubs.
Cheers
What method did you use to black out the grill? Which paint did you use?
shermantank55
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- Thread starter
- #188
Grille
I used Krylon Fusion in satin black. http://www.krylon.com/products/fusion_for_plastic/
For prep I scrubbed, sanded with scotchbrite scuffing pad and washed with soap and water.
http://www.summitracing.com/search/brand/3m/product-line/3m-scotch-brite-sanding-pads?autoview=SKU
Cheers
I used Krylon Fusion in satin black. http://www.krylon.com/products/fusion_for_plastic/
For prep I scrubbed, sanded with scotchbrite scuffing pad and washed with soap and water.
http://www.summitracing.com/search/brand/3m/product-line/3m-scotch-brite-sanding-pads?autoview=SKU
Cheers
I'm curious to know how the Al's Liner is as far as cleaning. Is it tough to get clean again? Any residual dirt/scratches/marring in the finish that you can't get out? This seems to be the biggest word of caution when doing an entire vehicle.
shermantank55
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- Thread starter
- #190
After 3 years the Al's is doing well. The worst marks were from driving through a forest fire deadfall area. Lots of what I thought would be permanent scrapes and scratches. Nope, came right out. There are a couple other small dark marks that I have not bothered to scrub out, but probably could. I use a pressure washer and nylon scrub brush. For tough stains I have used scotchbrite pads. I have not had any issues with scratching or marring.
shermantank55
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- Thread starter
- #191
After another adventure I thought I'd update the thread with some new photos of Dingo. In October we traversed part of Nevada from the Utah border along the Pony Express trail. 250 hard miles in 3 days/nights. A lot of the trail hadn't been used for a long time, as evidenced by the tree growth across the trail and lack of identified road surface. Someone pointed out the trail was only designed for a skinny horse not a Land Cruiser.
Dingo was usually out front breaking trail. The brush wires and Al's Liner again saved the day and recovery involved scrubbing the tree marks off the sides.
Dingo was usually out front breaking trail. The brush wires and Al's Liner again saved the day and recovery involved scrubbing the tree marks off the sides.
Great build. I live in the southwest of Arizona and I am looking at some tall skinny km2 tires. How do they work in washes and sand areas. Again great build.
shermantank55
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- Thread starter
- #193
Thanks. I have had zero issues in the terrain of eastern California or anywhere in the Nevada deserts. The KM2s when aired down offer excellent traction. I drive in low range with center diff locked and have a rear Aussie Locker. If you are looking to drive on dunes, I would consider more of a flotation tire, but otherwise would endorse the tall skinny tires (255/85 or 235/85).
Here is a quote from an article from Expeditions West:
"As quoted from Sahara Overland, a Route and Planning Guide by Chris Scott (2004, ISBN: 1-873756-76-3):
'...Note that it's the diameter or height of the tyres that makes the difference in sand, and not, as many imagine the width... For the desert, you want tyres with a high aspect ratio of around 80 because this represents a taller sidewall so corresponds to added ground clearance when firm, and a longer contact area when deflated.'
" Traction in soft surfaces: It is a common misconception that airing down a tire for off-road traction only makes the tire contact patch wider. That is not the case. In fact, only 20% of the increased contact comes from the width. 80% of the increased contact patch comes from the tread patch becoming longer. A tall, narrow tire allows for a very long contact patch when aired down. That, coupled with the minimal frontal resistance (area), negates much of the downside to narrow tires in flotation situations. The taller tire allows for a long contact patch and still maintains good ground clearance."
Here is the complete white paper link: http://www.expeditionswest.com/research/white_papers/tire_selection_rev1.html
Cheers,
Greg
Here is a quote from an article from Expeditions West:
"As quoted from Sahara Overland, a Route and Planning Guide by Chris Scott (2004, ISBN: 1-873756-76-3):
'...Note that it's the diameter or height of the tyres that makes the difference in sand, and not, as many imagine the width... For the desert, you want tyres with a high aspect ratio of around 80 because this represents a taller sidewall so corresponds to added ground clearance when firm, and a longer contact area when deflated.'
" Traction in soft surfaces: It is a common misconception that airing down a tire for off-road traction only makes the tire contact patch wider. That is not the case. In fact, only 20% of the increased contact comes from the width. 80% of the increased contact patch comes from the tread patch becoming longer. A tall, narrow tire allows for a very long contact patch when aired down. That, coupled with the minimal frontal resistance (area), negates much of the downside to narrow tires in flotation situations. The taller tire allows for a long contact patch and still maintains good ground clearance."
Here is the complete white paper link: http://www.expeditionswest.com/research/white_papers/tire_selection_rev1.html
Cheers,
Greg
Excellent, thank you for replying so fast. I do not plan on dunning as the hourse power just is not in my favore. I am running a 15" wheel and was looking at the 33x10.5r15 km2. I love the look and the thought process and science makes sense to me.
Different subject. What locker did you go with in the rear?
Different subject. What locker did you go with in the rear?
shermantank55
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- Thread starter
- #195
Aussie Locker http://www.aussielocker.com/
How do you like the locker so far?
shermantank55
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- Thread starter
- #197
It was easy to install, offers great traction when I need it and makes very little noise. No complaints at all.
I just discovered this thread, and man, we gotta know each other. We were in some of the same places at the same time, for sure. Great job on the ISAF-mobile, btw. I was inspired, as you were, by the Land Cruiser I drove (and occasionally rode in) in Afghanistan, and think they are brilliant.
I just bought an FZJ 80 in Phoenix and will be driving and fixing it up to basically match my Afghan ride. In fact, I'm driving to San Diego from Phoenix with my work partner, who I worked with in Afg around the end of this month. (26-29 Jan).
Here's my Afghan ride: Maybe you recognize it/me?
Here's my new ride:
I think I am going to shamelessly steal a bunch of your ideas, though my lovely bride insists on dark blue or red for a color.
My blog:
https://hotmilkforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2015/01/16/magic-carpet-ride-3/
I just bought an FZJ 80 in Phoenix and will be driving and fixing it up to basically match my Afghan ride. In fact, I'm driving to San Diego from Phoenix with my work partner, who I worked with in Afg around the end of this month. (26-29 Jan).
Here's my Afghan ride: Maybe you recognize it/me?
Here's my new ride:
I think I am going to shamelessly steal a bunch of your ideas, though my lovely bride insists on dark blue or red for a color.
My blog:
https://hotmilkforbreakfast.wordpress.com/2015/01/16/magic-carpet-ride-3/
shermantank55
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #199
Close, but not yours...best of luck with the build. Happy to help with whatever lessons learned I can provide. This forum has fantastic ideas and participants. We will definitely have to link up. As to your color choices, if you are contemplating bed liner, maybe look at Monstaliner they have a lot of great colors.
http://www.monstaliner.com/
Actually, I know who's ride that is. The snorkel and the windscreen bling give it away. That vehicle had a persistent and intermittent door locks failing "locked" issue if I recall correctly. Friggin' death trap, imo.
I helped pick those up from BAF when they first hit country.
Certainly you remember this chick? Possibly we "whiffed" each other, though. Lots of times I've met guys who were in exactly the same place at exactly the same time, and not only didn't meet, but often had diametrically different experiences/perceptions.
I helped pick those up from BAF when they first hit country.
Certainly you remember this chick? Possibly we "whiffed" each other, though. Lots of times I've met guys who were in exactly the same place at exactly the same time, and not only didn't meet, but often had diametrically different experiences/perceptions.
