My 1976 FJ40 "Kit Car"
- Thread starter FJSeattle
- Start date
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Funny.... 2 FJ40's being worked on / built not too far apart.... worlds apart in how they're being done 
Don't paint it...polish it and add some pin striping. It will be a one of a kind
- Thread starter
- #64
I've decided to use a spray on Line-X type material for paint. Super tough, easy to grind and patch, doesn't need to be super matchy match like paint or powder.
With that said, I am shopping for front left/right doors and a hard top (sides, top, etc.)
-Any reason why I shouldn't go fiberglass on the hard top?
-Anyone got a set of doors or recommend a shop with some? (Tor Fab?)
-Air to Air intercooler vendor for the Cummins?
Stuff ordered last week for rolling chassis setup:
-Gas tank (man-a-fre)
-Steering tie rods, power pump, column, etc. (BTB Products & Man-A-Fre)
Need to bolt it all together and start fitment for the radiator, fan, and have an intercooler mocked up. Install brake and fuel lines, bolt on body work and send to "paint".
Man a lot of work!
With that said, I am shopping for front left/right doors and a hard top (sides, top, etc.)
-Any reason why I shouldn't go fiberglass on the hard top?
-Anyone got a set of doors or recommend a shop with some? (Tor Fab?)
-Air to Air intercooler vendor for the Cummins?
Stuff ordered last week for rolling chassis setup:
-Gas tank (man-a-fre)
-Steering tie rods, power pump, column, etc. (BTB Products & Man-A-Fre)
Need to bolt it all together and start fitment for the radiator, fan, and have an intercooler mocked up. Install brake and fuel lines, bolt on body work and send to "paint".
Man a lot of work!
Doesn't compliment the trailer as nicely as it did when sporting the galv but it will look a whole lot better under the rig.
the frame looks amazing...going to love watching the progress on this.
What does body material have to do with a/c? Curious.
Re: harness - Get Coolerman to make you a custom one.
i'm sure that sitting in an alum tub that has been sitting in the florida sun, would be akin to sitting in a frying pan over a hot fire.
FJSeattle,
Sorry for the hijack...
Brian, makes sense, but I think AL or Fiberglass would both be hot. I guess the AL would transmit heat a little less....
Anyway, FJSeattle, for a guy who's not mechanical, you are bold!
- Thread starter
- #72
As for the harness - it seems that you're pretty mechanically inclined... If you feel you have the skills then I would recommend wiring it yourself from scratch. You have control over how it's wired, where the wiring is run, what connectors, switches, gauges (etc) to use, where items are located and more.
It also provides you the ability of knowing where things are in the event that you need to know later down the line.
I've been in the MR2 community for a long time.... I've also used a standalone ecu known as Megasquirt for a long time (since about 2006 before 90% of the users had heard of it).... This is a DIY system where you essentially build the system and wire it up. Fast forward to now and there are pre-built systems and many options for a plug and play system. However since MS is essentially a universal system there's usually still some custom stuff that has to be done. It's extremely common to see a LOT of frustrated people because instead of taking the time to understand how it works and how it's wired they struggle with the more simple custom pieces they need to complete themselves. I see the same thing for engine swaps where people send the harness out and something happens a year down the line.
I'm finding that a vehicle to be used off road really should be understood by the driver.... I don't think there could be something much worse than being far from camp and/or a tow vehicle and not sure what someone else did in order to put your vehicle together.
As for the temps.... an alum, steel, or FG body temp would more depend on the color of the vehicle in terms of retaining heat. A white aluminum tub will be cooler to the touch than a steel black tub.
It also provides you the ability of knowing where things are in the event that you need to know later down the line.
I've been in the MR2 community for a long time.... I've also used a standalone ecu known as Megasquirt for a long time (since about 2006 before 90% of the users had heard of it).... This is a DIY system where you essentially build the system and wire it up. Fast forward to now and there are pre-built systems and many options for a plug and play system. However since MS is essentially a universal system there's usually still some custom stuff that has to be done. It's extremely common to see a LOT of frustrated people because instead of taking the time to understand how it works and how it's wired they struggle with the more simple custom pieces they need to complete themselves. I see the same thing for engine swaps where people send the harness out and something happens a year down the line.
I'm finding that a vehicle to be used off road really should be understood by the driver.... I don't think there could be something much worse than being far from camp and/or a tow vehicle and not sure what someone else did in order to put your vehicle together.
As for the temps.... an alum, steel, or FG body temp would more depend on the color of the vehicle in terms of retaining heat. A white aluminum tub will be cooler to the touch than a steel black tub.
Looks great! What are you doing for brake lines?
- Thread starter
- #77
No idea! I am basically tackling each task as it comes along, haven't gotten there yet. Any recommendations on a kit and/or bender for the hard lines?
Tackling the steering (saginaw) next.
Very nice project. I love your garage too!
Yes, he's active on here and is all about wiring. If you want to rebuild custom, he can source all the different colors and stripes of wire so you can keep them straight. Or he can build you a custom harness.
Agree. Epoxy floor?
Looking for a lift myself. How do you like your two post? Who makes it? Which model? Consider other types - one post, in ground, portable two post, etc?