Project Hatchet. (1 Viewer)

[sentient schmoo]

So @AJR what's going on the bed, if anything?

 

[AJR]

The bed will 1/8” tread plate. It will carry my spare tire, a cooler, and a toolbox with spare parts, tools, etc. and any other junk I pick up.

 

[AJR]

I’ve now got the interior completed, rock lights completely wired in, and last night finished swapping in the T case that I put low range transfer case gears in. Corrosion made for a real fight getting the old T case out. Also started grooving the boggers, it’s going pretty fast using an oscillating cutter. Getting closer to ready for GSMTR.

 

[AJR]

In the rush to get this completed before GSMTR, I sort of ran out of time to update this thread. I finished the t case low range gears, the bed, the rear lights etc. and got it mostly done and ready for a shake down at Windrock.

I didn’t take any pictures in the last couple days of working on it, but I did take one once I got to GSMTR.

 

[AJR]

It was a blast to wheel an 80, and not have to worry about that giant rear quarter and windows. Definitely a game changer as far as picking lines.
I went through a few alternators. Turns out 3 of the used alternators that I had on the shelf that were good, actually went bad. We spent a little time in the rain swapping bad alternators back and forth before getting a reman from an Autozone in Knoxville.

 

[AJR]

 

[AJR]

A steering upgrade is definitely in the near future, I turned the relay rod into a pretzel. Made a quick trail repair using a winch, a strap, a log, and a jack. The repair lasted the rest of the trip. I’m considering using D.O.M. and heim joints with the Hellfire knuckles I have... if I keep the 80 axles.

 

[AJR]

I would like to come up with some sort of pinion guard for my rear diff, that way I can abuse my junk with out having to worry about this happening.

Although in this case I’m not sure that would have really helped. We got it off the trail, back to camp and found a u joint. I was able to get it repaired to do some wheeling that night.

 

[AJR]

 

[weejub]

That is just the coolest and amazing write-up and pics!

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

Here’s all of the time lapse of the first weekend of building. Even after cutting a bunch out, there’s still 20 min of video. Now I know to record slower when we chop my 40...?

 

[AJR]

Awesome video. What’s this about chopping a 40?

 

[IcutYourCruiser]

Awesome video. What’s this about chopping a 40?

might just be a pipe dream, but I’ve got some ideas

 

[Bama4door]

Any updates on Hatchet lately? Was cool to check it out at GSMTR.

 

[AJR]

I haven’t had a whole lot of time since GSMTR between work and other projects.

I did some work with Hatchet.

Also made a slider kit with the help of @GLTHFJ60 but have not yet welded everything together.

 

[Ragnaroek]

Awesome build! Any Updates on this?

 

[AJR]

I guess it’s been a while since I posted. I’ll have to make some posts, lots of upgrades since the last post.

 

[GW Nugget]

Nice front dove tail.
Did you relocate the battery?
Picture with the hood up please.
A fj40 bezel might fit perfect.... heck, maybe even a fj40 hood might fit.
Edited later: I see the battery under the flatbed.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Edited later: I see the battery under the flatbed.

Battery spot could be better, for easier removal, to run a battery powered welder on the trail

 

[GW Nugget]

I've look at the 24R battery & it easily could be rotated 90° to allow room to dovetail or at least make room to trim fenders up for biggers tires. I've only seen three 80s dovetail so far. The 80s are legends already & people are getting more bold to cutting fenders nowadays.
Great build, keep posting the adventures.