- Joined
- May 21, 2009
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- Paradise Calgary Alberta Canada
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- Hi guys
Are any of you tired of your tubs rusting away?
If so, maybe you'd be interested in a Stainless steel half tub?
I can make you one as I have done it before - see the attached picture. Let me know if you are interested.
I worked as a welder-fitter for 10 years. In 1995 I worked as a welder and decided to repair some rusted panels. I ended up drafting all the measurements and the shop I worked for produced the parts I drew up.
The bj42 was rebuilt using stainless 304 #4 finish.
Work done :
- cut out existing 1/4 panels up to the hard top rail and reused the rail by welding it to the 1/4 panel.
- Rear channel
- Inside fender wells
- inside fender well support
- floor including a hidden trunk.
- The rockers were also done as well.
All of this work was done in 16 gauge material.
Toyota produced the 1/4 panels in 18 gauge I believe !
I felt I would go heavier as I would be using this off - road and really wanted something '' tough ''.
I drove the truck as a daily driver and wheeled it off - road using it for camping trips for about 10 years. During this time, I put on about 250,000 km on the vehicle with no sign of wear and tear.
The stainless held up just fine with no issues, though there is a slight bend in the floor plate. My new revisions will include more underbed support channels.
The work done is from the door posts to rear inside and out.
All welding done with the tig process.
I can likely produce the early fj40 rear tub as I have one I can get measurements from.
The picture attached was taken around 2004. I will get some current photos in the days ahead.
I can build a partial tub ( am getting pricing on material )
A drop off is also possible where I can re and re with new stainless.
If anyone also wants something chopped or stretched, I am also able to do custom work so tell me what you want.
See the link for my fj45 king cab. rebuilt in 2004 in steel.
More pictures today ! The estimate was based on one quote for cutting and bending the materials. I am seeing about getting other quotes to bring the price down. I'm trying to see if there is enough interest for me to do this. - If anyone is wondering how stainless will hold up after 21 years ! well here you go !
Granted she needs a good wash and as you can see the original metal is not doing good but the stainless is fine !
What will stay the same is the flat sheet, no ribs in the metal unless I can come up with something or I find someone who can stamp it !
This is the first gen tub I've done so Obviously I have some revisions and improvements for the next one !
- like the long weld from ds.to ps. will be eliminated as it will be one sheet.
- more sturdy trunk lid with proper locking latch.
- more underbed supports to keep things straight.
comments welcome
In the above picture the 1/4 panels are enlarged to accomodate running bigger tires, Rocker is stainless as is the 3'' nerf bar.
Stainless steel is twice the strength of steel for the same thickness. With aluminum you need to double the thickness to equal the strenth of steel.
Paint : At the time I drove it and didn't bother painting it for the first couple of years.
The proper process would be to purchase a stainless primer before the finishing coat.
I was how-ever curious to see how the automotive spray can paint would fair.
As you can see not too bad for the budget minded !
My later plans for the bj42 is to refinish the front end metal then prime and paint the whole thing. When is always the question though !
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