CycloSteve
SILVER Star
Well, I finally found my "project" truck. Based on it's current condition, I have dubbed it the Ugly Duckling. It is FJ4523365, and is registered as a 1967, though the SOR site lists that VIN as a May 1965 build date.
Hiding beneath the veneer of primer and odd-mods (tube frame rear end) is actually a very clean cab, and most of the bits and pieces. The only original "major" part that I am missing is a bed.
The truck has been with Scott at Eco-Offroad for some time, and comes with an uncut frame, and a clean title. I just happened to troll through the old classifieds, and contacted Scott.
Plans so far are to get the rig to Georg at Valley Hybrids to start the tear-down and rebuild sometime in July. The long-term goal is to secure either a 1HD-T or 1HZ (add a turbo) with a five speed gear box. Currently it has a 2F with a 3 speed/3 speed t-Case. Beyond the diesel swap, will likely be upgrading brakes and driveline so that the truck is capable of decent trail runs, and possibly the Rubicon (if I decide to bob the frame, and add a tray). Nothing too extreme, but setup as functional and tough enough for a bit of abuse.
Since my 80 is essentially all "done" with the expo-build, this project will be fun indeed and burn my weekends once back in my hands.
Here are a few shots of how she looks today. Let the build begin.
UPDATE - Since most of the links to pictures have broken with the new version of Mud, here are the original albums.
Project "Ugly Duckling" FJ45 LWB - The Beginning
Project "Ugly Duckling" FJ45 LWB - The Build
Project "Ugly Duckling" FJ45 LWB - The Build II
Project "Ugly Duckling" FJ45 LWB - The Build III
Project "Ugly Duckling" FJ45 LWB - The Build IV
Steve
Hiding beneath the veneer of primer and odd-mods (tube frame rear end) is actually a very clean cab, and most of the bits and pieces. The only original "major" part that I am missing is a bed.
The truck has been with Scott at Eco-Offroad for some time, and comes with an uncut frame, and a clean title. I just happened to troll through the old classifieds, and contacted Scott.
Plans so far are to get the rig to Georg at Valley Hybrids to start the tear-down and rebuild sometime in July. The long-term goal is to secure either a 1HD-T or 1HZ (add a turbo) with a five speed gear box. Currently it has a 2F with a 3 speed/3 speed t-Case. Beyond the diesel swap, will likely be upgrading brakes and driveline so that the truck is capable of decent trail runs, and possibly the Rubicon (if I decide to bob the frame, and add a tray). Nothing too extreme, but setup as functional and tough enough for a bit of abuse.
Since my 80 is essentially all "done" with the expo-build, this project will be fun indeed and burn my weekends once back in my hands.
Here are a few shots of how she looks today. Let the build begin.
UPDATE - Since most of the links to pictures have broken with the new version of Mud, here are the original albums.
Project "Ugly Duckling" FJ45 LWB - The Beginning
Project "Ugly Duckling" FJ45 LWB - The Build
Project "Ugly Duckling" FJ45 LWB - The Build II
Project "Ugly Duckling" FJ45 LWB - The Build III
Project "Ugly Duckling" FJ45 LWB - The Build IV
Steve
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