"Detour" - FJ62 Fire Truck Ute - soon to be 80-chassis swapped (1 Viewer)

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Looks great!

Is that 'Water Winter Wonderland' plate a vanity plate in Michigan, or a standard issue? I have some old ones that say that, and they are cool.
 
Looks great!

Is that 'Water Winter Wonderland' plate a vanity plate in Michigan, or a standard issue? I have some old ones that say that, and they are cool.

Thanks!

That's a new standard plate available in Michigan (new this year).

-Rob
 
3,500 mile update!

Attended the San Antonio Cars and Coffee event at Six Flags last weekend. I parked in the "JDM" section surrounded by a sea of Civics. The Fire Truck was a hit, and had a ton of interest.

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I spent last night in the garage installing a Snorkel and a set of eBay ute boxes I picked up. They really help tie the room together. I was originally going to mount them as rearward as possible, but it didn't quite look right framing the wheel well like that. I ended up mounting them closer to the tire for now. When I stretch the wheelbase, I have room to move them back to match.

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I'm gearing up to attend the Lone Star Cruiser Roundup this weekend, planning to arrive Friday morning.

I hope to meet some of you in person there!

-Rob
 
I didn't realize they were still doing San Antonio Coffee and Cars or they had a JDM section. Pretty cool to see.
 
I didn't realize they were still doing San Antonio Coffee and Cars or they had a JDM section. Pretty cool to see.
Yea, it was a huge turnout, 1,200+ vehicles. Lots of cool cars to take a look at.

One of the sponsors had a wide open spot for Land Cruiser parking, next time I'll join his group.

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-Rob
 
Is that brown prado a local 70 series? Glad to know I am not the only 70 series owner in San Antonio if so.
 
4,000 mile update!

Made it out the Katemcy Rocks for the Lone Star Land Cruiser Roundup! It was great meeting some cruiser folks and putting faces to names.

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As for progress on the truck, I've added a backup cam / Sony headunit, added a leaf back into the rear spring pack, installed the dual stainless battery trays, replaced my hood latch and cable, and mounted my dual spare tires on the back.

I have a few things in the works still:
Some misc work, install fender marker light, rear view mirror camera, wire high beams, and install the fuel level converter
I have a deposit down on a used OME 2" lift, just need to pick that up
I'm working out a deal to swap my old-school ARB bumper for a new model - the newer one just fits the 62 better
I'm starting to collect parts to install Power Steering - I have the pump in-hand, and I'm working on sourcing a steering box and lines

-Rob
 
5,000 Mile Update!

Lots of little things done recently
  • Installed fuel level converter, fuel gauge works now!
  • Installed rear view mirror camera
  • Installed new marker lights

I totally revamped the suspension on the truck:
  • OME 2" Medium springs
  • OME front shackles
  • Bilstein 5125 Shocks
  • Valley Hybrids 4 degree shim
  • Man-A-Fre extended sway bar links

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We had a great time camping with some friends in the Texas Hill Country.

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I finally made it to Jimmy's barn! We swapped out my Gen 1 ARB bumper for a Gen 2. The new bumper really does look a lot better on the 62-series! I installed my axle shims, and we found a loose wheel bearing. Jimmy busted out the kit, that was corrected in short order. I also bought a power steering box from him for my eventual power steering swap.

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Up next, final road trip prep: We're headed to Michigan next week.
 
5,000 Mile Update!

Lots of little things done recently
  • Installed fuel level converter, fuel gauge works now!
  • Installed rear view mirror camera
  • Installed new marker lights

I totally revamped the suspension on the truck:
  • OME 2" Medium springs
  • OME front shackles
  • Bilstein 5125 Shocks
  • Valley Hybrids 4 degree shim
  • Man-A-Fre extended sway bar links

View attachment 2989056

We had a great time camping with some friends in the Texas Hill Country.

View attachment 2989054

View attachment 2989055

I finally made it to Jimmy's barn! We swapped out my Gen 1 ARB bumper for a Gen 2. The new bumper really does look a lot better on the 62-series! I installed my axle shims, and we found a loose wheel bearing. Jimmy busted out the kit, that was corrected in short order. I also bought a power steering box from him for my eventual power steering swap.

View attachment 2989057

View attachment 2989060

Up next, final road trip prep: We're headed to Michigan next week.

Do you happen to be selling your old arb bumper?

I see these modified fire trucks a good bit here Japan, especially out in the country side! Really cool idea.
 
Do you happen to be selling your old arb bumper?

I see these modified fire trucks a good bit here Japan, especially out in the country side! Really cool idea.

Very cool! I've been seeing more and more being built here in the states as well. They really are a great platform once you de-firetruck them.

My old ARB bumper has already been placed in a good home, joining the herd at Jimmy's barn.

Thanks!
-Rob
 
Very cool! I've been seeing more and more being built here in the states as well. They really are a great platform once you de-firetruck them.

My old ARB bumper has already been placed in a good home, joining the herd at Jimmy's barn.

Thanks!
-Rob
Deal of the century for him. Those things are like unicorns.
 
This past weekend we attended the RadWood Austin event, and had a blast! The fire truck was a hit, with tons of positive comments! There was also an FJ75 fire truck in attendance, and a VW Fire Truck took home the "Best Truck" award.

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-Rob
 
I agree Rob. Those that know me will fall out of their chairs knowing I actually sold something. And that RHD box could be classified as a unicorn here in the lower 48 :). Bottom line you and I did some serious bartering which is what I prefer as it provides a true "win win" for us cruiser heads.
 
One last camping trip before leaving Texas! We joined @LandyCruiser for a quick overnight camping trip on the banks of the Colorado River before the adventure home to Michigan.

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-Rob
 
Road trip time!

My assignment in Texas came to an end and it was time to move back to Michigan. We packed up the 62, my 4Runner, two cats and a 4 year old to hit the road!

You can't leave Texas without a Buc-ee's stop!
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Adventure cat
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Home!
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Overall the fire truck soaked up 1,450 miles without a hitch!

Now it's time to really make some plans with this thing.

-Rob
 
It's been about a month since my last update, currently sitting at 20,500 miles.

I did get the truck out on some Michigan trails with some buddies, it did better than expected!
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-Rob
 

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