Project PHOENIX-Gene's new LV (12 Viewers)
- Thread starter 65swb45
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
It really does. I had 3 body shops turn me down because of the extent of the work but these guys didn't even flinch. I know my wagon was a ton of work and they could have made the same money doing 3 quick insurance claims, but Eddie said he loves the challenge. I wasn't in any hurry to get this back, I just wanted it done right. I didn't expect it to turn out this good.
Gene, she’s beautiful! Looking forward to seeing the LV hauling itself down the road ... really something to be proud of!
Steve
Steve
Thank you Steve. Because of the generosity of the guys on this board I always wanted to make this LV something to be proud of.
Just a few pics of the last week's work. Just a few hours here and there. B pillar covers, 55 mirrors, and now putting the front end together.
middlecalf
SILVER Star
Are those b-pillar things just for aesthetics or do they have lights? Such an incredible build.
greenbeast
GOLD Star
Dang, that LV is BEAUTIFUL!! Somewhere down the line I know a couple LV owners @Tancruiser who would love to meet halfway for play date!!
KT40
SILVER Star
Looks great Gene!
Nice touch on the painted mirrors!
Nice touch on the painted mirrors!
I'm not sure what purpose they actually served on the original FJ35V but they gave me access to the inside of the B pillar where I had a 1/4" thick metal plate welded for the seat belt hanger. I did notice that the FJ35V at the 1960 Tokyo Motor Show does not have them.
Last edited:
Bear
SILVER Star
I in no way am knowledgeable about the 45 wagons, but I thought I had seen a photo or two with semaphore "winker" turn signals on the upper B pillar??
It would be a great place for them. I don't believe I have seen any in this location on any LV or in brochures. Anybody ever seen this?
mmcinnis
Supporting Vendor
Looks fantastic! What a gem.
Mike
Mike
Thanks Mike. I'm having fun working on it. Right now I'm replacing all of the fasteners holding the front body parts together. Somehow the body shop threw out all of the original fasteners and used whatever they had in their shop. Trying to finish the exterior first but I'm jonsin' to get the cargo glass and jail bars in.
I'm also looking at tire options. I'm going 33s but would really like to go with something thinner than a 10.5 since I have stock 15" wheels. I've got 33x9.5 on now, 3 of them new but they're too old. I've got 31x10.5 on my 60 and although they ride great, there's definitely a slight crown in the tread. If you guys have any suggestions post it up please. Thanks.
I'm also looking at tire options. I'm going 33s but would really like to go with something thinner than a 10.5 since I have stock 15" wheels. I've got 33x9.5 on now, 3 of them new but they're too old. I've got 31x10.5 on my 60 and although they ride great, there's definitely a slight crown in the tread. If you guys have any suggestions post it up please. Thanks.
I went through this awhile back with my SWB. I was limited with the 15” rims but finally just decided to go with the BFG muds in 33x10.5. I had the OG KM’s which I loved the look and ride but settled for the KM3s.
They do bulge out a bit and I run them at a little lower psi but overall happy with the ride.
I’m sure there are other great options out there.
They do bulge out a bit and I run them at a little lower psi but overall happy with the ride.
I’m sure there are other great options out there.
whitey45
SILVER Star
Dom, acorns son, acorns!!
tahoe40/45
SILVER Star
Didn't the FJ35 have 16" wheels with the brake inspection hole like on the 20 series?
Yes. A brother here on MUD found me 4 but they were way more than I wanted to pay.
whitey45
SILVER Star
mmcinnis
Supporting Vendor
I have the template still. The wagon is so big I would try to squeeze a 34 inch under her. Bfg, toyos have been good to me. Not cheap options but great tires. If ya need anything let me know.
Mike
Mike
