Builds My 78' Barn find FJ45 (1 Viewer)

[Michael B]

So it’s working well without a shroud. That’s good to know. What were the specs on the radiator? Is there a model number or did you tell them vehicle and engine and they built from there?

CD it has always worked without a shroud. I sent Ron my old radiator and we worked it up from there. He had no references material for a 78' HJ45 with a 12HT, until now I don't have any specs on this unit. I'm sure you could call Ron and ask for them. His number is 800-842-5166.

 

[cuteo100]

Looks great! Would be interested in seeing the bottom outlet of the radiator and how you addressed the P/S pump spacing, since that is the problematic area for me. Thanks!

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

^^x2. Thanks for the info!!!

 

[Will Van]

After almost 6 months of remote engineering my custom radiator from Ron Davis is finally in place and working well.

View attachment 2429639View attachment 2429640

Ron Davis is the best. I put his radiators in both my FZJ80 and FJ40. If you find a shroud template, I’m sure he could fabricate that too.

On my 80 series, there were a couple small issues with his off-the-shelf design. He took the radiator back, no questions asked, and modified the design to my specs. Really great business.

 

[Michael B]

Looks great! Would be interested in seeing the bottom outlet of the radiator and how you addressed the P/S pump spacing, since that is the problematic area for me. Thanks!

The bottom outlet was the entire problem. Ron finally resolved this issue with a mandrel bent outlet. I will post the pictures of that shortly (they are on my phone).

 

[Michael B]

It’s a little difficult to make out but the big fuzzy piece is the power steering pulley.

 

[Michael B]

Ron Davis is the best. I put his radiators in both my FZJ80 and FJ40. If you find a shroud template, I’m sure he could fabricate that too.

On my 80 series, there were a couple small issues with his off-the-shelf design. He took the radiator back, no questions asked, and modified the design to my specs. Really great business.

Will, Ron was very patient with me and reworked the brackets and the bottom outlet several times and covered the fix and shipping each time. It would be tough to find a pattern for a shroud with my setup. It has worked for 11000 plus miles including climbing the Continental Divide in August and operating in the San Jaun's at altitude on multiple days without any cooling issues.

 

[cuteo100]

The bottom outlet was the entire problem. Ron finally resolved this issue with a mandrel bent outlet. I will post the pictures of that shortly (they are on my phone).

Thank you for those pictures! My 2H setup also requires the exact outlet bend. I may have to call Ron to make me a radiator like yours!

 

[Michael B]

That's part of the reason Ron hung in there, was to get a new pattern on file. It should be good to go now.

 

[Michael B]

I gave Samson a bath and put him in a local carshow. There were almost 2000 cars entered into the show. Here are some of my favorites.

This 55 Willys was driven an hour in 40 degree temperatures this morning by the 70 year old son of the original owner, who purchased it new in 55’. It is unrestored.

@whitey45 Brian this 34’ Plymouth with a 392 Hemi made me think of you. It was my favorite Hot Rod.

 

[Michael B]

This bad boy is a bagged 49’ Diamond T with a 6bt and my personal favorite of the show!

 

[Michael B]

A few more note worthy entries. This two tone 38’ Buick is as long as my living room is wide!

Who doesn’t love a clean 55’ Nomad?

 

[Michael B]

I will leave off with these two. The first is a 50’s era Chrysler crossfire intake. You just don’t see one of these every day! Especially in a rat rod.

The second is a fleetside 58’ Chevy that the owner custom made the all metal rear of the bed. The taillight bezels are exact replicas of the the headlight bezels in miniature. Oh and the license plate is on a rotating electric motor. When he starts the truck the DMV plate rolls into view.

 

[Michael B]

Today I took care of nagging problem. I have had this hoist for a couple of decades now and the cylinder on it has leaked from the beginning. I just tolerated the leak thinking one day I would fix it. Well today was that day! I bought a replacement cylinder from Harbor freight. I’m sure I could haves rebuilt the old cylinder but my time is worth more to me than what I paid for the replacement. Hopefully I will be using it soon to remove a 6bt for another project.

 

[Michael B]

Warm is making a completely new type of cover for the 8274 and I like it!

 

[Michael B]

As an update to my 6 October post, the new cylinder on my hoist leaks. I have not even used it yet and there’s a small puddle on the concrete underneath it. I am not amused!!

 

[Michael B]

I upgraded my dash lighting last weekend. These are the led lamps @ToyotaMatt sells. Hopefully my led headlights will arrive soon.

 

[Michael B]

This weekend our local LC club teamed up with a couple of other local off road clubs for a cleanup day/ trail ride at some nearby trails. We had a terrific turnout! There were more than twenty rigs. We bagged a lot of trash, had a lot of fun and made some new friends. Here are a few pictures from my day.

 

[daniel.watters]

@Michael B Nice!

 

[Michael B]

Thanks @daniel.watters !