Build Lexus lx450 chinook expedition vehicle

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LX Cladding

Anyone have cladding right and level lx450 cladding that they don't want? I was trying to think of how to make the lower cargo boxes and I think the best option is to make them out of fiberglass. If Im going to do that I started thinking that i should use the cladding as a template to match the front doors. I think rear doors would be the best.
 
I do, along with flares and running boards.....and a list of other items.

Would want to depict the clip points for approval, before sending, but more than welcome to what I've got. I'm in Tulsa, for distance.
 
Delancey,
Im going to fiberglass over them so I just need the general shape as a mold. They are getting thrown out afterwards so the condition doesn't matter. I prefer them to be in worse shape in case someone needs a replacement. I think i may be able to get away with the front molding only on either side. as long as i can get the general curvature i could probably use for either side.
 
It's Delancy.

Will depict and post shortly. Odds are the clips are trash, since I opted for the faster removal technique, so they could be considered trash for any purpose other than yours.

If that helps.

PM address and I'll package and ship tomorrow, Wednesday latest.
 
This is a very cool build Chris.... question for you on the chinook. My dream is to put a 70's unit on a 60 series drivetrain. Simply do a body swap. From your experience in splitting the body/fiberglass... is it very rigid.. lets say if lifted as one piece from the frame?? Subscribed!
 
That RC guy should do real world (full-size) work. I bet he would make some nice stuff.
 
Yeah.. I saw that.. Great detail...

About the frame and fiberglass. Its rigid enough to move around assuming the floor is in good shape. Its a little difficult in the sense the sides hang below the floor so you cant use a forklift or something else to lift it. 4 guys cld lift it no problem.
 
so i finally got a few days to work on the chinook while back in AZ before my hunt. Never seems to be enough time!

First i removed the top. We added bracing made of foam which was fiberglassed over. After it hardened i sanded down a few of the sharp edges and painted with an acrylic floor paint. I will likely add headliner and an elastic net to keep items overhead.
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The color matches the taupe color seats BTW. After finishing off the roof I worked on integrating the old tail and side marker lights into the lx450 harness. This was remarkably straightforward. And after crying about not having taillights in my previous posts i forgot that when i picked up the chinook there was an almost new rear taillight that i asked to keep. turns out it was almost perfect. Even the gasket was in good condition:D

Next I had to finish all the additional bracing. I added supports in the middle section of the metal frame, added extensions to the rear part of the drop area which had nothing prior. I also finished welding the support for the freezer which will also serve as a counter top.
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Since you all are so inquisitive and it wouldn't get past you I know in the second pic you can see a little metal piece attached to the upper support arm for the rear. What is tha for:hhmm:

I like to plan ahead and have know for a while i want an awning! I fabbed some brackets which i welded bolts to and sent them through the fiberglass wall. here is the outside pics. I also have some on the other side where the shower is which will provide support for a privacy enclosure!
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All exterior holes are backed with black butyl tape. Seems like the marine community swears by it. Guess i should be good in AZ!

I next went to work on the hot water heater, vent, shower and pump install. I like repair and removal easy so I welded a lot of bolts into the metal frame. That way i only need a single socket/tool to remove just about anything. Pumps are best mounted on wood (not metal) so i cut a piece of ply and mounted between the metal frame. This also allows for easy attachment of other items. I plan to add an additional pump for direct pumping from a water source.
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Thanks Guys! Next up are to finish glassing the body to the metal frame. Tint windows and add new felt and gaskets to the windows. Once thats done Im having a guy build a new fabric popup section. The current arms of the top move up and down via a spring and double turnbuckles. Im not sure if these pieces will cause a lot of racket wheeling but if they do i plan to switch out this system with some dampers much like the rear hatch.
 
Thanks Guys! Next up are to finish glassing the body to the metal frame. Tint windows and add new felt and gaskets to the windows. Once thats done Im having a guy build a new fabric popup section. The current arms of the top move up and down via a spring and double turnbuckles. Im not sure if these pieces will cause a lot of racket wheeling but if they do i plan to switch out this system with some dampers much like the rear hatch.

What fabric will you be using for the pop up section?
 
phil,
going to be using sunbrella fabric for the pop-up, with acrylic tinted windows. Sunbrella will also be used for the awning. I bought some stuff in lt. olive color which should look sharp with the olive color of the exterior. Im so impatient i want to see it done already!!! I went to have it done but the guy I was going to use said he had a sudden rush of business and was tied up for 2 weeks:bang:
 
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