My Jan 81 FJ40 Frame Off Resto Mod

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Then my wife :princess: surprised me on Father's Day with these...

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17x8 American Racing Mojaves with BFG KM2's 285x75.

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It appears the 17" rims clear the steering arms but I may need to run spacers to keep from rubbing. I really dont know yet as Ive yet to set tub on the frame.

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I have grown to really like the look of oem steelies with skinny BFG's but I guess I will keep these...;)
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There were many a night I would sit and ponder how was i going to tackle all the bodywork that needed to be done.

Putting the 1/2 tub together, fabbing new rocker panels, fixing the kick vents. I became depressed just thinking about it.

So I went back to CCOT's website and clicked on their tubs. The idea of getting a pre-fabbed 3/4 tub really appealed to me but dropping $7000 was out of the question.

I read about Paul Pilgrim and did some searches here on mud, etc.

In late 2009 I contacted Paul and asked if he sold some of his infamous tubs outside of said vendor, and he said "sure, what do you need?" So began a very long conversation, or should I say conversations. His website is pilgrimrestorations.com


His price was a little more than half what the vendor was getting, but shipping was going to be a deal killer. He suggested I find others who also needed tubs to go in on a container and share the cost of shipping. Wow, what a great idea!

So I started a thread here on mud and got tons of PM's wanting more info, questions, more questions. People wanted custom requests and so on and so on. But when it came to getting some deposits, silence.

In March of 2010 I had 3 bonafide orders for tubs and Paul had a few he had found to share the ride and we pulled the trigger in April. At the same time I decided to buy 5 sets of Soft Top Bows. One for myself and the rest to sell to you fellow mudheads. BTW, the bows are now all gone.

My tub was delivered to my door in July, right to my door. I was very happy. Oh yeah I also ordered an oem tailgate to use when running my soft top.
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Since my 3/4 tub arrived in July, my :princess: and I have had our 3rd baby. A beautiful baby girl to ride in the 40 with dad and 2 big brothers someday.

But this also meant my very limited time to work on the 40 was even less.

A friend of mine told me of a retired body man so I called him and he told me he charges $20 / hour. SOLD !

He works out of a shop in the back of his property and I might add he is one colorful character. He is a darn good bodyman and quite fast I might add for an ole guy!
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There has been a lot more prep done to tub since these pictures have been taken, but pretty much brings us up to date.

I am currently studying my front doors and addressing the rust at bottoms. Thinking of getting CCOT's door patch panels. Any tips appreciated.

I plan on updating this thread as time goes on. Stay tuned ....:popcorn:
 
Nice, I'm in about the same boat except my tub is not as bad. Helpful to see another later model going back together. That tub looks nice. Color, or did you mention that already?
 
Thats a good look, can't wait.
 
Very nice build!! Everytime I see your tub a happy tear runs down my cheek. Do you happen to know how much Paul charges for the tailgates?

Oh yeah, you're an early bronco guy as well. Great minds must think alike. In regards to autos I rank Landcruisers #1 followed closely by the 66-77 EB.
 
Do you happen to know how much Paul charges for the tailgates?

I believe Paul charges $450 for a tailgate but shipping could be a killer unless you got in on a group order. I can check for you...

The Bronco is not mine, it's a friend's. I have 2 local buddies who drive them. Cool trucks but not a Land Cruiser! ;)
 
Then my wife :princess: surprised me on Father's Day with these...

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17x8 American Racing Mojaves with BFG KM2's 285x75.

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It appears the 17" rims clear the steering arms but I may need to run spacers to keep from rubbing. I really dont know yet as Ive yet to set tub on the frame.

View attachment 450033

I have grown to really like the look of oem steelies with skinny BFG's but I guess I will keep these...;)

I am so glad you posted this picture as that is the EXACT wheel and tire combo I am going wiyh on mine! Great job on the build!
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