Project Space Shuttle - 5.0 powered '84 FJ60 on Coilovers

[FordFascist]

Going back a little bit, but you wrote that you dyed your steering wheel gloss black. I have never heard of this, but it looks great. What process/ product did you use?

I used the standard parts store Dupli-color vinyl paint / dye. It's different than regular paint in the way that it actually soaks into the vinyl.

I used different colors to change the scheme of all of my interior panels.


http://www.amazon.com/Dupli-Color-HVP104-Gloss-Performance-Fabric/dp/B00098PO1S/?tag=ihco-20

Here's a video from Gearz. I did almost the same thing - I found that my panels did not require the adhesion promoter.

 

[Sethro60]

Thanks Ford man. I learned something today, good info. I passed up an overly brown rig before due to the color.

 

[BigBenFJ]

Like the the Stacey David reference.

 

[FordFascist]

So I just got my Cruiser back from the paint shop. I'm not super impressed with the quality of the paint job, but seeing as this is a combo Expedition Rig/ Daily Driver, I didn't really want a Concourse-winning paint job.

I got a hold of the body shop owner and he's going to refund me some money so all is well. More money for parts!

Returning to its lair...

ARB Bumper installed with a HF 12K winch. That is one heavy SOB to manhandle by yourself - or as I call it: Life CrossFit

Blacked out Toyota Logo:

Imitation Dynamat (FatMat) on all doors, quarter panel and tailgate:

 

[FordFascist]

I got my 37s on my FJ Cruiser wheels on 1.5 spacers. All seems to be well. I need longer sway bar end links however (which I already knew).

It's sitting a bit high in the back. It still needs all the glass, carpet, MLV, seats, stereo, sliders, panels and bumper which should sink it down a few inches.

 

[enfield]

I think you are right about the back end coming down with all of that weight. I'm always surprised at how much mine squats with camping gear and 4 adults.

 

[cruisermatt]

What are you doing for all the window gaskets? This build is coming along nice, good to see another hardcore 60 again.

 

[The Machinist]

This 60 is looking awesome. That new paint is making me want to go visit a body shop... especially after finding a big rust bubble in my roof at the gas station tonight..

Looking forward to seeing this thing hit the road, there's probably a good chance I'll run into you around town at some point.

 

[FordFascist]

I think you are right about the back end coming down with all of that weight. I'm always surprised at how much mine squats with camping gear and 4 adults.

That's my guess. There's at least 200-300 lbs of interior stuff going into this so it should come down a bit. Plus I need sliders / side steps because it's kind of tall.

What are you doing for all the window gaskets? This build is coming along nice, good to see another hardcore 60 again.

I'm reusing my stock rubber. It's in fine shape. But I can't put that back in until I do the headliner. Everything is a damned process around here.

This 60 is looking awesome. That new paint is making me want to go visit a body shop... especially after finding a big rust bubble in my roof at the gas station tonight..

Looking forward to seeing this thing hit the road, there's probably a good chance I'll run into you around town at some point.

I'll let you know when I do my test run jumping those speed bumps at the San Jose Airport. I think my first smaller test run will be Inglewood Ave in Los Gatos - those speed bumps are a little bit smaller.

 

[The Machinist]

I'll let you know when I do my test run jumping those speed bumps at the San Jose Airport. I think my first smaller test run will be Inglewood Ave in Los Gatos - those speed bumps are a little bit smaller.

You might try the ones on Short Rd. between Shannon and Blossom Hill too. They are big and mellow. My friend used to beat on his '83 Jetta over those when it still had the stock, blown, cushy suspension... the back seat was interesting...

 

[FordFascist]

I added some more stuff to it today. I finished off soundproofing all the doors with MLV which was a heck of a job. The doors sound SOLID now. It's pretty awesome how much this stuff works. I also plan on adding MLV to the interior panels as well so this thing will be whisper quiet on the road.

I have all the rear windows tinted, so now comes the process of installing all of the door glass and trim. It really wasn't too hard to do on the front doors. The rear doors are kind of a bitch to do - but I got them done. I also installed the mirrors and all the locks / latch assemblies around the 'Cruiser.

My next order of business is to work on putting the headliner back in the thing so then I can put the glass in it.

Here's a video of me firing it up:

 

[Tapage]

so long we didn't have this kind of project in the 60 section .. thanks !

Couple of dumb questions ..

1. what did you use for lower rear shock mounts ..? ( likely you fab them .. had to ask )

2. did you re use the stock upper rear shock pins and move inwards or just fab new ones .. detail on this ?

3. have a part number to share on those rear bilsteins you use ..? ( best place to buy them?)

4. maybe I miss it, but you mention your coil rate selection for front .? I see you lower the adjuster to get to the ride height you want .. to compensate for a low spring rate coil ..?

5. Your CO are pretty vertical .. did you measure how much distance between them and the tire when flexing ..? since there is no much extra room on the axle to move the lower mount out .. ( maybe the wheel spacers are helping now to clear those CO )

sorry for all the questions .. ubber nice project .. which I have your craftsmanship ..

 

[FordFascist]

so long we didn't have this kind of project in the 60 section .. thanks !

Couple of dumb questions ..

Only dumb if you don't ask them.

1. what did you use for lower rear shock mounts ..? ( likely you fab them .. had to ask )

RuffStuff Jeep shock brackets:

2. did you re use the stock upper rear shock pins and move inwards or just fab new ones .. detail on this ?

I cut and plated the factory cross member and sleeved it with 1/2 x 6" bolts to make new shock mounts.

3. have a part number to share on those rear bilsteins you use ..? ( best place to buy them?)

Bilstein 33-185576, 14" travel, 255/70 Valving. I bought them through a buddy, but you can shop around on the internet for the best deal.

4. maybe I miss it, but you mention your coil rate selection for front .? I see you lower the adjuster to get to the ride height you want .. to compensate for a low spring rate coil ..?

150/225 lbs/in. Combined total of 90 lbs/in and a step up ratio of 250%. Right now it has about a little less than an inch of preload to the springs. I haven't adjusted the coil overs since putting them on since I don't have this thing fully loaded just yet. It rides awesome, I'm very pleased with it. I am using a huge sway bar to combat body roll.

This is much more preferable than using a stiff spring and having to use a tender coil to keep pressure on it when you fully extend the shock. My goal was to keep consistent spring pressure throughout the shock travel.

There's a lot more to what I did for the coil over calculations that would take up another thread.

5. Your CO are pretty vertical .. did you measure how much distance between them and the tire when flexing ..? since there is no much extra room on the axle to move the lower mount out .. ( maybe the wheel spacers are helping now to clear those CO )

There's 4" between the tire and CO at ride height. There's 4.75" up travel and 9.25" down. They are not at risk of hitting the tires.

sorry for all the questions .. ubber nice project .. which I have your craftsmanship ..

Thanks.

 

[Mace]

I'm curious to see how you like those spring rates. They are way light..

 

[Tapage]

I'm curious to see how you like those spring rates. They are way light..

I have the same impression .. pretty sure you did your numbers carefully before your selection, just if you have the time, would love to read more numbers you did to end with your rate selection ..

 

[FordFascist]

I'm curious to see how you like those spring rates. They are way light..

No, they aren't. Trust me I spent a lot of time calculating this out, I don't just throw parts at stuff. I have all the weights of EVERYTHING in this vehicle factored into the suspension. Also, keep in mind that the 302 is 400 lbs lighter than the 2F and its weight center is back about a foot.

I find that most CO newbies put entirely too much spring rate on their rigs. This so far appears to be a damned good combo.


Recommended reading:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/coilovers/Part_1/
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/coilovers/Part_2/

 

[Mace]

Glad you actually put some thought into it.

I'm still curious to see how you like those rates.

 

[FordFascist]

I've now began the process of putting in the headliner - since this is really what getting this thing roadworthy is now contingent upon my headliner installation skills.

Once I get that done, I can throw the dash in, get the A/C functional and start on the carpet.

But now I'm taking a break to go smash my GPW rock crawler into some rocks on the Rubicon.

 

[mk4leo]

Awesome work

 

[OGBeno]

GREAT WORK.... Epic.

All it takes is a man, some welders and grinders and a dream.....

Oh yeah... some $$$$ too.