Need some advise!

[propilot]

I need some good advise on which direction to go with the tub on my '76 40. I have added up the cost of what is needed to pretty much completely rebuild my tub using CCOT parts and pieces from Real Steel. The cost is pretty much the same as purchasing a 3/4 tub from Aqualu. I like the aluminum for the idea that it won't rust and it is already assembled. But I do like the idea of keeping it all steel. I don't mind the work involved with the re-skinning in fact I do enjoy it and have friends in the body repair industry who are willing to help. However I do like the idea of just bolting a new tub on and be done with it. Someone help me make a decision!!!

 

[71FJ40]

lets see some pics of how bad the existing tub is...

 

[JohnnyC]

where are you located?

 

[FJ40 MNTCRZR]

My .02, if you enjoy working on it, then stay with the steel. I love being out in the garage and hanging out working on stuff, besides its a cruzah and do you ever really finish one ..



Besides, i think steel will do better when banging against rocks ..



GL ....

 

[propilot]

No pics right now, but here is the low down. Quarters are bad, wheel wells are bad, rear sill is bad, rear bed is bad, drivers floor is bad. There is probably more, just haven't found it yet! I want it to be right so that is where the thought of completely re-doing it comes from.

 

[propilot]

Located in the most incredible place in the world...Montana!!

 

[Kent]

Rebuild the whole tub, it's fun

Here is the progress so far on mine. I'm in not so warm South Dakota with an unheated garage so progress has been slow lately!!

Oh and I patched in the floor on drivers side as it was very rusty on mine too. Small patch under the tank on passenger side otherwise the front part of the tub was in good shape.

 

[propilot]

That thing looks great! I bet it would withstand an RPG hit!! Not so warm here yet, but I do have a garage I can work out of that does stay pretty warm.

 

[Dieseler]

Or just fork out the big bucks and buy a complete tub from CCOTs $6,000 or spend less and get one from EBI in Canada $2,000.

 

[propilot]

Haven't heard alot of good about lead times from EBI. I really want to be driving this thing this spring and summer! $6000 buys me the tub and the cowl from Aqualu. And believe me I have thought about just doing that! I am also rebuilding the motor and trans/t-case at the same time so I am trying to stay with in some sort of a budget. Got to keep piece in the family!!

 

[FineWynsFJ40]

If you want to drive it this spring and summer, best bet is to go with Aqualu. I have one on mine and it was well worth the investment. They are a great company, great customer service, and have a quality product. I'd go for replacement, but if you really enjoy metal & body working, that's your choice. My vote is Aqualu tub. Either way, have fun!!

Brian

 

[propilot]

Thanks Brian! Did you go with a complete tub and cowl or just the tub? My thoughts are if I go aluminum it will be all aluminum. No sense to me to mount a nice tub to a steel cowl, only to have the cowl continue to rot.

 

[JohnnyC]

since it montana...and if you drive it in the snow...i would say go alum...because with the snow comes the salt...my new fenders 8? years ago are swiss cheese today.

 

[propilot]

NIce thing about Montana is we don't salt. We just plow. And what isn't plowed we drive through! It is a Land Cruiser heaven!

 

[JohnnyC]

NY is sucking my pockets dry with all this salt


I would in that case go and rebuild the tub...are you going for a full resto?

is this going to be a DD or a weekender that sees lil wheeling...or are you wanting to wheel it alot?

 

[propilot]

It's my daily driver and it is getting tired. I want to take it down to the frame and just really clean things up. I bought another 2F to rebuild, along with transmission and t-case out of an '82. Engine is going to get a different cam ( haven't decided which one) header and TBI. I am looking at the complete kit from Affordable Fuel Injection. I already have an OME lift with shackle reversal as well as rear disc brakes. Not sure if I want to do the power steering. We'll see how much cash is left after all the other work is done. Would really like an H55, but that will have to wait!

 

[S4Cruiser]

I recently bought a 40 that had the tub replaced with Aquala about 10 years ago and the thing still looks near new on the underside.

I was hesitant at first when considering buying the truck b/c some would think it wasn't 'all Toyota', but I didn't buy it for a complete restore. I wanted to drive it at the beach and on the trail and not worry about rust.

No regrets and if I ever own another 40 that needs a tub replacement it will be Aquala...

 

[UltraFJ40]

Personally, I'd go with the aluminum tub. It seems much easier to screw with. I replaced my rear quarters a few years ago and after some light pin striping and humidity, I need to repair the rust thats coming through.

If I ever do a tub replacement, it'll be aluminum for sure.

Fiberglass is for boats IMHO.

 

[propilot]

Ditto on the fibreglass! I am leaning more and more towards the full Aqualu package. Anyone use the aluminum fenders? I have just recently installed new steel, but never really liked the way they fit.

 

[Colorado Boy-74-FJ40]

Buy a tub from a donor rig that isn't in such bad shape, Still steel and less work