PIG + Chebby Avalanche Trim =?

[ridgerunner]

Anyone ever tell you you're incredibly meticulous?
I mean it in a good way.

 

[merbesfield]

I just checked out your 40 with the "minor upgrades". You must have been referring to mil specs. That thing looks like it was designed to go into battle, with tanks. How long did it take to build that rig, it is incredible.

 

[clemson55]

Those look a bit like what I did just better. Guess it helps not being a college student working with less then optimum equipment.

 

[LC_Hamma]

I just checked out your 40 with the "minor upgrades". You must have been referring to mil specs. That thing looks like it was designed to go into battle, with tanks. How long did it take to build that rig, it is incredible.

Thanks for the props! *Some think it's too heavy, but I built it NOT to break. I could type for hours about it but I'll give you a quick story on my '73 - tore it down in '02, completed a body on buildup, engine & wiring stayed as is. The motor was already rebuilt a few years before the teardown. I took a break sometime in '03 to gather funds & buy the *correct tools. I started mainly on the body, then suspension & finished turning wrenches on the drivetrain. It sat for a very long time at 2 different shops getting driveshafts & rewired. So, it was totally done this September, just in time for a trial run at our clubs annual event. You should come by & attend one of our club meetings.

 

[LC_Hamma]

Those look a bit like what I did just better. Guess it helps not being a college student working with less then optimum equipment.

Yeah, I really wasn't sure if I wanted to post up pics of a modified stock bumper. Seeing how most other things on this rig are scratch-built, this wasn't a big modification. But, I wanted to show everyone I'm NOT taking a break on this buildup like I did on my last rig. As far as my fabrication skills go I think I'm a mediocre fabber but my tools REALLY make this job so much easier. I also don't think too many newer fabbers on here realize that the TOOLS make the DIFFERENCE.

 

[clemson55]

Yeah, I really wasn't sure if I wanted to post up pics of a modified stock bumper. Seeing how most other things on this rig are scratch-built, this wasn't a big modification. But, I wanted to show everyone I'm NOT taking a break on this buildup like I did on my last rig. As far as my fabrication skills go I think I'm a mediocre fabber but my tools REALLY make this job so much easier. I also don't think too many newer fabbers on here realize that the TOOLS make the DIFFERENCE.

They make all the difference in the world. I just can't afford them at this time so I make due with less. Gives the cruiser a nice ghetto character.

 

[LC_Hamma]

Boxing Rear Frame, Etc.

Rear frame gets the same treatment as the front - boxed w/ 1/4" plate. Finished the bumper corners too. I couldn't fit 2x2's for the brace, so 1 1/4" square tube fit better anyway. Next will be the thru the bumper removeable shackle mounts.

 

[projektdotnet]

subscribing to this thread!! How much to build my seat frame/roll-cage and body armor for my fj40?

 

[LC_Hamma]

Slapped On Some Paint...

I added some Ebay special Datsun 280Z hood vents & painted the hood & cowl area. Tons of debris behind the cowl vent area were removed. I also clearanced part of the area around the hood mounts for better drainage & future cleaning:

 

[LC_Hamma]

14 Bolt BTF Truss

BTF doesn't make a mount for an offset LC tcase, so I had to add about 4" in the middle so my link mounts can be centered. Burned it in & cleaned off the old leaf perches. The pinion yoke will be replaced by a custom 1410 flanged yoke made by Jesse at High Angle.......

 

[LC_Hamma]

Scout Box Bracing/ Upper Coil & Shock Mount

Whoa, gotta get busy this thread made it to page 3! I reinforced the frame for the Scout box w/ 1/4" plate & started making the mounts for the front upper coil/ shock mount. I wanted to do this area a little different than I did on my 40. I thought a lot about how this would be fixed to the axle. Looks like the shock will have to mount on the upper link. I had to design this area around where the Scout box is placed. I'll finish this up next.......

 

[clemson55]

Bout time you did something else I have been wondering when we'd see some new progress.

 

[LC_Hamma]

Little More Progress:

Got the upper coil mounts done, next will be finishing up with the shock towers. I tapped 3/8" plate pieces, mounted inside the tube & used the same for the connection:

 

[dsa03cjj]

nice!

 

[LC_Hamma]

Front Upper Shock Mounts:

Done! I tried, like all my other mods, not to make this *too beefy. I usually try to mount all my suspension bolts in double shear, but since there's minimal shock load to the bolts holding the shocks, I felt it was okay:

 

[Lucy_FJ55]

All of your mods and the way you have been able to execute them have been excellent. I check in to this thread all the time- thanks for sharing...

 

[Trapper50cal]

hmmm

I must say, very very nice work and all well thought out...but...a C130 wouldn't be able to transport this thing when you are done, there must be a whole other pigs worth of weight on that thing now.

 

[CandyPants]

It was good to see you last night Chuck. If you ever have need of a pig to look at while you rebuild, let me know. I would be happy to trade some time in Dallas for some help welding a plate onto my rusty floorboards. I am sure I could learn a thing or two from you about these beasts.

 

[Farr off road]

Hey Chuck, Thanks for telling me about this thread at the meeting last Tuesday! I didn't know you were such a CRAZY MAD WELDING, PIPE BENDING, FABRICATING MANIAC!!! WOW!!! Very impressive work DUDE! I live close by, when could I come by and droooool???

Awsome thread! Thanks for the post.

Roy

 

[rutbeer]

Roy showed up at a meeting again? It's been a long time....
Chuck, you bringing this to smitter?