Build My 1965 FJ45 LWB

[kunzma]

Final fitting of the upper panels. Back panel is in place, still needs the six rivets installed. Driver's side rocker needs final welding to replicate the original spot welds.

 

[apeterson]

Looking great

 

[kunzma]

Thanks Aaron. Tim's doing a great job on the metal work. Really pleased.

 

[kunzma]

I brought a set of doors over for Tim to test fit and make sure everything lines up. Then final welding today followed up with lots of grinding on the topside. The rockers still need the holes to be drilled for the running boards.

 

[kunzma]

Floor panels are out. More sandblasting to get rid of the last of the rust.

View attachment 1591478

 

[kunzma]

Last of the rust and rot being replaced. Using Real Steel's panels on the floor and toe boards. They don't currently make panels for the FJ45 so Tim is modifying the 1965-78 FJ40 panels. They are different dimensionally requiring some additional metal added and a step down stamped into the toe boards where they meet the floor.

 

[Michael B]

Wow! This is one more extensive rebuild. Keep up the good work.

 

[kunzma]

Wow! This is one more extensive rebuild. Keep up the good work.

Thanks. More than I thought it was going to be. Tim was able to press ribs into the new metal that closely replicate the originals.

Floor panels are coming back.

View attachment 1597688

 

[kunzma]

The perimeter of the floor pans still need some work. The panels are mocked up in place with the new sections. With everything clamped and the transmission tunnel in place this will ensure that it is as close as possible to the original dimensions. Tim will then scribe the cut lines from the backside. Disassemble, cut the extra off, and weld the floor pieces together.

 

[kunzma]

More metal work. Floor pans are done.

View attachment 1595969

 

[47coeman]

I’m going to need new floors on my 45 later hoping to get some floors from real steel, I am sure many of us are in the same shape. Great full that you are pioneering this for us.

 

[apeterson]

So i was down at steves today.... i got to see a sneek peak. Omg.. your pics dont do the justice to how cool the color is! Seriously it looks so nice. Cant wait to see the tub on!

Merry Christmas

 

[kunzma]

Tim gets all the credit for the good work, I wish I had half his ability. Stopped by to see some of his work today. The rockers look fantastic and he managed to replicate much of the original welds.

 

[kunzma]

Rivets installed in the back panel accurately replicating the originals.

I had Tim move the lower rod clips down so I could put a Toyota toolbox behind the seat.

Lots of grinding of plug welds.

 

[kunzma]

Replaced the tool roll footman loops and brackets.

Passenger side toe board repair.

Driver side floor and lower toe board repair. Tim ended up making the forward half of the floor from scratch. This area of the FJ40 Real Steel panel didn't match the original, so I asked him to give it a shot. Very pleased.

Bottom of the driver side A pillar replaced.

 

[kunzma]

Just a couple of minor things to finish. Adapted a later tunnel cover to fit.

Back window panel from CCOT needed some adjustments but seems to now line up well with the back wall of the tub. The original was extensively rusted and we thought we would be ahead to use the after market panel.

 

[kunzma]

The tub gets another shot with the media blaster to give everything an even finish and clean away any new rust that might have formed. Then, next week is paint and Lizard Skin sound and heat coatings.

 

[cppilot]

This truck had come a long way..... I'm excited for you..

 

[kunzma]

Welding is done. Tim gave the cab a quick sandblast for an even finish.

 

[kunzma]

More shots...