Build Meet Ivy, 1976 FJ40 w/VW TDI, 2.8 CRD, OM606

[fjdiesel]

The wiring for the dash took longer than I had expected. Mostly because of my ocd tidying things up... But the dash is in its home. The module I still need to fasten down in the glove box.

 

[fjdiesel]

While I was building wiring harnesses, I got the tail light harness made and put in the tail lights. They were a little bigger than I expected. But overall a really nice light. Expensive...

And while I was under the hood I finished the home made air cleaner/cold air intake. I really don't like this style air filter. But until I find something different this will do to get it on the road.

 

[White Stripe]

The wiring for the dash took longer than I had expected. Mostly because of my ocd tidying things up... But the dash is in its home. The module I still need to fasten down in the glove box.

I use heavy duty velcro for modules like that. Then it's easy to remove if I need to mess with it.

 

[fjdiesel]

I use heavy duty velcro for modules like that. Then it's easy to remove if I need to mess with it.

Thank you! That is an excellent idea!

 

[fjdiesel]

I got some time to work on Ivy today!! Got my bedliner machine fixed and got the rear fender wells sprayed!! Glad to finally have that done, it's been eating at me every time I walk by it and haven't been able to get to it.

Not I can put the body back on for the last time!! Hopefully..

 

[fjdiesel]

My wife, daughter, and her boyfriend helped lift the tub back into place. Starting to take shape again!

 

[FJ40Jim]

Lots of nice work going on here.
Just a small suggestion: instrumentation.
A heavily loaded TDI will make high boost and high temps. This engine will be heavily loaded just dragging a built FJ40 through the air at 65MPH. Consider adding an oil temp and boost guage.

 

[fjdiesel]

Lots of nice work going on here.
Just a small suggestion: instrumentation.
A heavily loaded TDI will make high boost and high temps. This engine will be heavily loaded just dragging a built FJ40 through the air at 65MPH. Consider adding an oil temp and boost guage.

Thanks. I hadn't thought about that. I agree, a couple gauges are cheap in comparison.

 

[fjdiesel]

Slowly plugging away.. Got the body all mounted down, front fenders adjusted, almost done with the twin stick shifters. Started putting the top back on. I have an appointment on Wed to get it inspected for license plates. So I need most of it together for that. They said they really didn't care about the interior.. It doesn't look much different, but hours putting things back on.

 

[fjdiesel]

Pretty big day yesterday.. Off to the DMV to have them inspct the rig.. I was a little nervous. You never know if the inspector is having a good day or a bad day.. It was an hour away in Duluth. That was the closest station. Here we are heading out.

 

[fjdiesel]

Everything went perfect. All he really wanted to do was make sure the frame and door jamb serial number matched. And he looked closely at the rivets on the plate to see if I changed them. I didn't tell him about the plate on the fender(because I put new stainless steel screws in that one...) Good to go for tabs!! That is a good feeling.

So, when we got home I took my wife and son for a ride on some trails in our neighbors woods and got it dirty for the first time!

Still plent to do, filler neck, need to figure out mirrors.., rear bumper/tire carrier, heater!!! lol.

 

[thecrazygreek]

Sorry if I missed it, (I'm sure I did) but is that a ICON top? (sure looks similar) If so, what was the coin on that if you don't mind me asking...?

 

[fjdiesel]

@thecrazygreek It is made after the Icon top. I just wasn't willing to spend the $$$ on Icon... I went with a semi local guy in Spooner Wisconsin. I seen an ad on CL for him making insulated fish house trailers and I really liked how tight they looked and so on. The top he made for me is insulated and it is 800 denier rather than 600. (just a little back story here before the price...) He did an awesome job and learned a few things that I think he would do differently. I ordered the Tenax fasteners for the bottom that he used. (Just like Icon). He only charged me $1600. He will not do another one that cheap. lol. I think the next one he would be about $2000. If you need picks or anything let me know. I really am very impressed with it.

 

[fjdiesel]

This last weekend we spent up on the Gunflint. My wife found this shirt!!

 

[fjdiesel]

Got a little time to work on it the last couple mornings. Got a bump out built on the trans hump for the underdrive, built oversized aluminum trim rings for the underdrive and the twin stick shift boots. I think they will seal much better. I think I am going to use the 60 shift boot. I will machine a bushing on it to seal it to the shifter. Or so that is the plan right now..

 

[fjdiesel]

Painted my twin stick shifters today at work. Hoping I can get them put on and take it for a little ride in the woods this weekend!! It's a little wet here, lots of rain, want to make sure I can put it in 4wd...

 

[fjdiesel]

I wanted to give a shout out to @SMG for such an amazing product!! Thanks again!!

 

[White Stripe]

I wanted to give a shout out to @SMG for such an amazing product!! Thanks again!!

That looks awesome!

 

[fjdiesel]

@White Stripe Yes, he makes some pretty awesome stuff!! Really dresses up the 40, and its pretty cool having it all match the drivetrain.

 

[fjdiesel]

I was thinking I would spend the money on the Icon mirrors... And the more I thought about it, I just couldn't get myself to spend $1000 when I do plan on them getting hit by branches... So, my solution was to get some used J--p mirrors and fabricate the mount. The mirrors were $65 for the pair with shipping. Here is the rough draft. Just tacked together to see if I like it.