Poor Boy FJ40 tailgate

[Hogan]

Nice work

 

[n8v2tn]

Amazing work!!!
Subscribed

 

[lelandEOD]

I worked on the strikers tonight.

Since there's going to need to be some adjustment once the weatherstripping is added, I needed to add some adjustment range to the positioning of the strikers. I accomplished this by taking some bits of flat stock and threading it for the M6 striker bolts to make floating striker mounting plates, similar to what the factory used.



The real trick was getting to the area where these striker plates needed to be positioned. I had to open up the boxed section in order to make a hole in the bottom to get the plate in position:



Peeled it open like a can:





Sweet!





On a related note. Does anyone have any input as to what position the handle looks best? I can mount it horizontal or vertical.





Here's a short video of all the exciting tailgate action!

 

[lelandEOD]

The outside is finished now.



I put the hatch back on and checked for fit. It looks good.



I think I'm going to cut out this bulge and replace it with a flat filler piece:

I just love making more work for myself.

 

[snaggletto]

Looks good, I'll take one for my '76 when the top and ambulance doors are off. Great work.

 

[SSCR]

Very, very nice work!

 

[mcwinery]

Very nice.

 

[65swb45]

This is a work of art! Amazing attention to detail . I can't decide which I like more: the reuse of the ambi door latches or the saloon door hinges. Either way, a masterpiece of repurposing cruiser parts. I am sure the cruiser gods are pleased.

On the handle position, I think the look of the tire carrier in place will affect the 'call' on this, so I'd put off a final until the carrier is mounted.

 

[lelandEOD]

This is a work of art! Amazing attention to detail . I can't decide which I like more: the reuse of the ambi door latches or the saloon door hinges. Either way, a masterpiece of repurposing cruiser parts. I am sure the cruiser gods are pleased.

On the handle position, I think the look of the tire carrier in place will affect the 'call' on this, so I'd put off a final until the carrier is mounted.

Thanks for the encouraging words, gents. I didn't really say so when I started this, but I was specifically trying to keep this entirely made of FJ40 (or at least Land Cruiser) parts. The ambi door latches and mechanism have worked perfectly and the original hatch strikers serve very well once they are reshaped a bit.

Now I just have to find a fabrication shop in town that is willing to bend me up a back panel so I can close this thing up.

 

[77TLCFJ40]

Thanks for the encouraging words, gents. I didn't really say so when I started this, but I was specifically trying to keep this entirely made of FJ40 (or at least Land Cruiser) parts. The ambi door latches and mechanism have worked perfectly and the original hatch strikers serve very well once they are reshaped a bit. Now I just have to find a fabrication shop in town that is willing to bend me up a back panel so I can close this thing up.

Are you building some storage into the tailgate?

 

[69LC]

I'm guessing the old Metallica has something to do with your inspiration and cruiser madness? Shortest straw. Nice! I love listening to old metal when I'm doing my fab work too.

 

[JohnnyC]

and justice for all brings back some memories... Concert was good ... Queensrÿche opened for them (they stunk however)

I like the position in the video... Opposite the tire carrier... Nice job!!!

 

[lelandEOD]

I cam very close to finishing up the tailgate project today. I had a local fab shop bend me an 18ga sheet to form the rear cover as I didn't have access to a brake large enough to accommodate this thing.



I needed to come up with some sort of access panel to get at the latch mechanism so after some thinking, my best 'cruiser buddy donated a FJ60 rear hatch to the cause and I salvaged the small panel off of it.



After some some grinding, hammering and welding I got it installed to my satisfaction.






Then I was able to finally weld the back onto the box frame. I drilled three holes in the bottom to serve as drains, should any water ever get in there, then seam sealed the whole thing with some 3M seam sealer.

I picked up a pair of FST style tailgate brackets off eBay and found a pair of GM tailgate straps that worked out well. Some measuring, drilling, a couple riv-nuts later and, zang-a-rang, I've got a working tailgate!









Right now, it's drying after being shot with two good coats of DTM primer and tomorrow I will start sanding for paint/rock-it liner prep.

 

[want2wheel]

It needs a couple cup holders. That is an awesome work of art there.

 

[hindsight]

Very nice!

Doc

 

[lelandEOD]

Guess I should finish this thread off as I'm all but done with the tailgate project now.

Everything was painted, powder coated or zinc plated and put back together tonight. Just need to glue in the weatherstripping and it's all done.



Here are a few pics of the results:

 

[SteveH]

That's as good a fab job as anyone should want to do. Nice!

 

[ColoradoFJ40]

You are talented. Awesome work. It looks great. Wish I had some of your skills.

 

[lelandEOD]

Any input on which way the handle looks best???



Down?



Or sideways?






Also, got the weatherstripping glued in:

 

[Ctenosaurian]

I would vote for having the handle point down. Nice work on the tailgate!!