Builds My 78' Barn find FJ45

[cult45]

The seats from the early girls have wayyyyy more padding than the later ones. Grab a set from a pre-1972 FJ40 if those aren't up to the job.

 

[Michael B]

Thanks for the advice Cult. I chose the later model seats because of the ascetics. But while they were in the shop I did have the guys add extra padding to the bottom cushions.

 

[Michael B]

After spending about 12 hours building a pedestal for the passenger seat I discovered upon test fit that it is too high. Back to the drawing board!

 

[HJ45]

Cool Build, some of the issues you had, i had also, i used the 60s accelerator cable and foot peddle, used the old "edic" power wire for VSV valve 2.5 inch exhaust, and flanges on tail shafts, as i used 60s 4.11 diff centres.
Drives like a formula 1 compared to my old "H" engines. enjoy your rocket ship.

 

[Michael B]

Thanks HJ. It is a lot of fun to drive! What color is your rig?

 

[Michael B]

That's awesome HJ! What is the name of the color? I'm planning on using Voodoo blue from the FJ Cruisers with a white top and bezel. Your color is a very near match to it.

 

[Michael B]

Seat pedestal 2.0! It still needs some finishing touches but it does fit and I can use all 5 gears plus reverse.

 

[Michael B]

I didn't get to work on the drivers pedestal as mush as I wanted to this weekend, but here is mock up of what I'm shooting for. The passenger seat is pretty much done. The drivers seat will come up in height to match the passenger seat. Maybe tomorrow I can finish the drivers pedestal.

 

[cult45]

Have I lost it or are you converting to LHD?

 

[Michael B]

Oh I'm pretty sure you've lost it Cult, but I am converting it to LHD.

 

[cult45]

Haha yeah sweet. Should be pretty straight forward.

 

[Michael B]

I got some new bling for the old Cruiser today, courtesy of Frank over at YODA TEQ! It's stainless and fits like a glove. What do you think?

 

[cult45]

Got the seats out ready for the cab swap on my rig, so I snapped a few pics whilst I was there. Not pretty, but works.

 

[WaterfowlZone]

Mike your seats look great! Did you have them recovered here locally? I need to have mine done for the FJ40. Thanks, Jason

 

[Michael B]

Thanks Cult.

 

[Michael B]

Thanks Jason. Rods Customs did the upholstery work for me. They are located on Universtiy Dr.

 

[Jespervangfalkenberg]

That is looking good - well done! Getting the seat up and level will in the same time give you a better comfort driving the truck - it is a win-win

 

[Michael B]

That is looking good - well done! Getting the seat up and level will in the same time give you a better comfort driving the truck - it is a win-win

Thanks Jesper. You are correct on the seat placement. I'm not very tall, so getting it higher gives me a better view of the road as well as very comfortable leg position Plus the old seats were worn and would have needed some help before long. I had always admired this type of seat when I was shopping for a 45. So I found a set for my truck last summer to rework and install. Here's a look at the final install and the pedestals I modified for the LHD conversion.

 

[cult45]

Been thinking about your aux tank situation. When you pull her down for the conversion, why not weld a replacement floor pan into the LH floor? But use the type with the recess for the fuel tank, so you'd have two recesses and therefore space to run two tanks.

 

[Michael B]

That's a thought. But what I have seriously considered is the aux tank that SOR sells for 40's that goes from side to side under both seats. I would need to modify the filler neck at a minimum. Not sure if it would clear the end of the transmission tunnel on the 45 as they differ there slightly from the 40.