Jacks 40 to fake 45 build (4 Viewers)

[bikersmurf]

Jack you might consider a reinforcement bar across the roof, inside, from left to right. I have a glass replacement top on my 45 and it flexed pretty good at speed. During the rebuild an inch wide strip of steel fixed the issue.

That seems like a good idea... I'd also consider using 1/8" plywood that would be absorbent enough for resin to actually bond to.

Alternatively, 1/16" aluminum scuffed up, coated in resin, and secured in place. A few layers of glass on both sides, rolled over with some resin, covered with PVA plastic, and then squeegee out the excess resin. Once it cures, coat both sides with some gel coat and/or resin mixed with micro-balloon to fill in the imperfections. Once it's all cured, some body filler, paint, and call it a day.

 

[jim land]

Or a piece of the leftover cap, 4" or 6" wide to cover the joint from inside , it already have the good shape

 

[JackA]

This is all good info. I was planning to use @47coeman write up on the top cap. The info starts here on page 3:

Builds - Skips FJ 35 BUILD

Looks like that will work well. The 45 cab has a lip on the inside of the lower tub where the top meets the tub.

forum.ih8mud.com

I have also been starring at the bed frame situation.....I mean engineering my plan for the bed. It will be the SWB style but 6 foot long. I will treat the rear of the bed like a stock 40 with bumperettes and tire carrier. Plus weld up the barn doors to make a tailgate.

 

[JackA]

Got more welding and grinding done tonight. There's still a ton more. Gotta love it.

 

[Vossie]

What's your plans for cleaning your welds? I'm new to the body work game, have done an OK job of my welding, but now have no idea of the best way to clean it all up.

 

[JackA]

Flapper disk. Once smooth, cover with body filler.

 

[JackA]

Got the rear frame extension tacked on. I reused a rear oem cross member. I will add a receiver hitch to the center and tie that to the old cross member as well.

Tomorrow we start on the bed.

 

[47coeman]

Got the rear frame extension tacked on. I reused a rear oem cross member. I will add a receiver hitch to the center and tie that to the old cross member as well.

Tomorrow we start on the bed.

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Looks good be plenty strong for the hitch.

 

[JackA]

Got the main bed structure roughed in. Took awhile to get everything as square and level as possible. Kept the floor the same height as a 40 tub.

 

[bikersmurf]

Got the main bed structure roughed in. Took awhile to get everything as square and level as possible. Kept the floor the same height as a 40 tub.

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I’m sure about the spacing from the pictures, but I think I’d be inclined to flip the springs end for end to stretch the wheel base.

Are you going for more of a short box or long box 45?

 

[JackA]

The wheelbase is fine. It's going to be a SWB style bed that's 6 foot long.

 

[bikersmurf]

The wheelbase is fine. It's going to be a SWB style bed that's 6 foot long.

Like one of these?

Versus the more common:

Pictures borrowed from:

Vintage Monday: Toyota FJ45 Land Cruiser - Off Road Xtreme

Introduced in the United States in 1963, this model didn't stick around long, being retired in 1967. But that's exactly why we like it! Check out the Toyota FJ45 Land Cruiser in this week's Vintage Monday.

www.offroadxtreme.com

 

[JackA]

Got more of the bed structure done.

 

[JackA]

Alittle bit everyday........bedside uprights are in place. I plan to utilize the stock 40 tub top rail and rear curved section.
Playing around with this piece for the wheel opening. I can't wait to get the sides tack on and roll it outside.

 

[tls3601]

Alittle bit everyday........bedside uprights are in place. I plan to utilize the stock 40 tub top rail and rear curved section.
Playing around with this piece for the wheel opening. I can't wait to get the sides tack on and roll it outside.

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Looks great Jack!! Man you are kicking ass on this project!!!

 

[JackA]

Bed side mock up.

 

[Polecat]

Looking great. I think you talked about color further back, but is that blue what you’ve settled on?

 

[JackA]

About 90% sure that is the blue.

Got the bed skins tacked on. Cut out the wheel wells.....may adjust if needed. Ran out of time and daylight so, I will roll it out tomorrow to inspect.

So far, I am happy with the proportions.

 

[JackA]

Driveway shots.......to check looks and sweep out the garage. Soon much grinder dust.

 

[Garrissey]

Great!