Builds Sancho the Pickup Truck Build

[newmexicokid]

A little back story here. My boy and I have been working on his Freeborn In The USA truck since June of ‘23. It’s been a great truck and we’ve had a ton of fun with it. All of the adventures are found in my signature. We found a great 45 behind a guy’s house last summer so we’ve decided to change course. Every boy needs a truck! Here we go.

 

[newmexicokid]

So I’m not sure what year the 45 is. It’s got a removable top. The front clip from the bulkhead forward is from a ‘75. They also converted the doors to the newer style by grafting in the bumps on the B pillars. Here’s some pictures of what we are dealing with.

 

[newmexicokid]

More pics from the beginning.

 

[newmexicokid]

The truck had a shackle reversal kit and a Saginaw power steering setup almost completed. Also has v8 motor mounts and some kind of transmission adapter mounts too. No drivetrain. Unknown axle condition. Nice dash. All good glass. VIN has been covered up so we’ll have to see about titling the thing.

 

[newmexicokid]

Today was the first day of work on the truck. First thing is to get the cab off. Next reverse the reversal. New perches and motor mount brackets on the way. This will be more of a patina build.

 

[newmexicokid]

Boom! Found this through a friend of a Mud friend. 2025 is off to a great start.

 

[3_puppies]

nice project
the frame looks like a swb frame looking at where the front mounts of the rear springs are located
the lwb bed will take mods to fit it to the frame or lengthen the frame to fit the bed
take some measurements to verify
did you find the vin on the frame horn?

 

[newmexicokid]

nice project
the frame looks like a swb frame looking at where the front mounts of the rear springs are located
the lwb bed will take mods to fit it to the frame or lengthen the frame to fit the bed
take some measurements to verify
did you find the vin on the frame horn?

The VIN is pretty screwed up. I need to do a little more research. It is a SWB. Any idea what year ranges have removable tops with a SWB?

 

[3_puppies]

The VIN is pretty screwed up. I need to do a little more research. It is a SWB. Any idea what year ranges have removable tops with a SWB?

SWB rigs were only produced from 1962 or 1963 thru 1967 and were either fixed top or removable
more and better info here in the 45 section:

FJ45 Owners Club

Restoration and information for the FJ45LV and 45-series Land Cruiser

forum.ih8mud.com

looking again at the pics, is a later firewall looks grafted to the tub?

 

[newmexicokid]

It is a later firewall grafted on as well as newer style doors.

 

[newmexicokid]

The boy made more progress on Sancho today. Removed the remaining suspension mounts and started on the motor mounts and transmission mounts. There’s a bunch of broken bolts we’ll have to figure out. He loves the forklift almost as much as the truck…almost.

 

[newmexicokid]

Cleaned out the tub a little more too. Not too clean as it still lives outside for the time being.

 

[newmexicokid]

Got all the stuff stripped off the frame and then bolted on the new stuff. Got new suspension mounts and used motor mounts from BTB. I’m on the hunt for frame extensions and bumper brackets for this thing. Does anyone have a set they would sell me please?

 

[newmexicokid]

More pics. Next step will be to media blast and refinish.

 

[newmexicokid]

So my man has been practicing for a couple days. This is the results of his practice and then some real beads on the frame. He’ll burn in the motor and transmission mounts later this week. Then off to sandblasting and chassis paint.

 

[newmexicokid]

Also on a side note we cleaned up the frame rail and discovered the VIN. I think this means it was built in March of 1965?

 

[ferg]

I'd say overall you've got an easy piece to start with. No butchered wiring or major drive line issues. Work, yes, but a real good starting point.

 

[pb4ugo]

I recently was searching the internet looking for info on welding sheetmetal and body panels, and got sidetracked when i ran across this video. I thought it was very enlightening. I'm in the middle of body work right now, but plan on trying the pros' techniques. I thought you guys might enjoy it.

Google Search

 

[newmexicokid]

Can you post up a link again to the page or videos? I can’t get it to work.

 

[RevISK]

Works for me.