Local (Central Mass.) Fabricator???

[NE07FJC]

Can anyone recommend a good (meaning "you have been very happy with the quality of their work and would highly recommend them" kinda guy), local (New England), fabricator? I'd prefer someone who can fabricate and paint (or can easily get things painted and/or powder coated).

I'd like to consult with them on:

a) replace FJC factory tow points with hooks
b) front-end-mounted 2" hitch receiver (no plans to replace factory bumpers in the short term)
c) some sort of protection scheme for the rear-end hitch receiver and trailer lighting harness (again, no plans to replace factory bumpers in the short term)

Thanks in advacne for your recommendations.

 

[Leaping Deer]

Dave there are a number of good fabricators here are part of the club. Wally (VT) who built my bed, Kina (NH) who is currently building my cage and Mike Fox (RI). Unfortunately none of them are in Central Mass.

Not to sounds like I am questioning your plans but if in the long term you plan on replacing the bumpers I would look into that first. Having a fabricator do custom work can sometimes be expensive and if thats not what you ultimately want you might be better off waiting it its a cash issue.

I would even offer to help you put the bumpers on.

 

[NE07FJC]

Thanks, Jason.

For now, I am trying to strike the right balance -- enough mods that I can comfortably do some easy-to-moderate wheeling here in New England while NOT turning my everyday ride into a "trail beast," and breaking the bank.

So, for now at least, here is my modification plan...

NOTE: This FJC came with Toyota rock rails and skids AND a "decent" after-market Steelcraft grill/front bumper guard that was installed by the previous owner. A quick aside about the grill guard: Chris H. was actually surprised by how well it held up at the FG and from what I've been reading, this particular unit is a reasonable getting-started substitute for a real, trail-ready front bumper for those who cannot afford one. I.e., at least it offers some protection to the factory bumper.

Here is what I plan to do next:

---------NOW----------------
1) OME "medium" suspension, front and back (on order)
2) AllPro Pro Link lower control arms (on order)
3) TLC lower control arm skids (on order)
4) AllPro shock mount skids (on order)

---------LATER----------------
1) Goodyear Silent Armor 285/70/17s (when the tread on the factory tires forces me to, which won't be long now as they already have 40k miles on them)
2) Better skid plates for rest of undercarriage (when I can afford them)
--------------------------------
3) Researching snorkel/breather options -- not sure I really need them *but* I do have an ATM and the stuff I've read about the breathers being mounted too low on FJCs with ATMs has me a little nervous
4) Researching fabricated protection / recovery gear described above as a potentially less expensive alternative to "real" trail-ready bumper replacements. If it makes sense $ wise this might hold me over until my FJC is no longer my everyday ride. Maybe this list should be broken into 3 things though:

• Tow hooks to replace factory tow points - I think I need/want the hooks sooner rather than later
• Some form of "protection" for the rear hitch receiver assembly and wiring harness might make sense for me because I use that hitch for toys and trailering, a lot, and I'm told by many FJCers it's one of the first things to "go" on an FJC that does not have trail-ready bumpers.
• The front-mounted hitch receiver could hold a winch (when I can afford one) and toys (when I am not wheeling)

As I say, I am "researching" 3 and 4 because a) I am not yet sure I really need them and b) I'm not sure "4" really will be cheaper than real bumpers - which is what I am assuming.

Anyway, I'm glad to hear there are fabricators in the group (that's what I was hoping to hear) AND while I would prefer someone in central Mass., NH, VT and RI are not that far away. I'd love the exchange ideas and discuss costs with them to figure out what makes sense (thanks for the leads).

Thanks again. Still very open to more comments on my plans.

 

[rblank]

Call Lou at Elias 4x4 in Townsend, MA is the closest "Central, MA" shop I know of.

 

[NE07FJC]

Thanks, Roger. I've actually met Lou. I bought my Hi-Lift Jack from him. But I got the impression he was more of an "installer" and "repairer" than a fabricator. Do you know differently?

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

Call Justin Zuffante at Seamless Custom. He's in Worcester. 774-289-5344
Seamless Custom Home Page (774) 289 - 5344
He's my cousin. He does good work.

 

[rblank]

Thanks, Roger. I've actually met Lou. I bought my Hi-Lift Jack from him. But I got the impression he was more of an "installer" and "repairer" than a fabricator. Do you know differently?

He can probably handle what you're looking for. If not Try Bob at Bay State Off Road. But they in Middleboro, down towards the Cape. Be he's a definate fab shop.

 

[NE07FJC]

Thanks, everyone! Some good leads here (but happy to receive more).

 

[Sporin]

when you get your skid plates, definitely check out budbuilt.com. Bud is/was a member fo this club and his stuff is fantastic. I've had his tcase skid/cross member on every 4runner I've owned. Beefy stuff.

BudBuilt Frames & Accessories

 

[JJS]

There's a shop called Full Tilt Fabrication in Springfield or Westfield that I've heard good things about. I say you should give first consideration to someone who gives back to the local Cruiser scene, though.

 

[NE07FJC]

There's a shop called Full Tilt Fabrication in Springfield or Westfield that I've heard good things about. I say you should give first consideration to someone who gives back to the local Cruiser scene, though.

Good idea. Once I am down to a "short list" I'll PM a few folks I met at the FG for feedback (I'm too new to know who's who).