Builds Stretched 1-Ton FJ40 (7 Viewers)

[Mike Shull]

More progress. That tail section was challenging to get the brake close enough. I’ll work it a bit and cover with texture. It should look fine when it’s done.

 

[DangerNoodle]

I'd highly recommend topcoating the lizard skin. Its pretty fragile.

 

[Mike Shull]

I'd highly recommend topcoating the lizard skin. Its pretty fragile.

I will. I ran out. The underside is top coated. I’ll get more coming. I will also raptor line the inside.

 

[Mike Shull]

My wife and I got back from Alaska a few weeks ago and we had some home repairs to make when we got back. All is good. I’m back on the Cruiser project!

The transmission tunnel is fully welded and ready for grind, prime and texture. I’ll mount the emergency brake lever tomorrow, trim the edges and grind, then I’ll move on to some other bodywork before texturing.

We found an early 70’s FJ40 on one of our hikes. It looked like it had been there for a decade or two and it actually looked to be in decent shape.

 

[White Stripe]

That's a nice fj40 in the bushes. There is a really good cruiser shop in Alaska.

 

[Mike Shull]

That's a nice fj40 in the bushes. There is a really good cruiser shop in Alaska.

here is a shot from another angle. I wanted to bring it home.

 

[Mike Shull]

Sometimes folks DM me to ask how I build my parts. The truth is, I experiment until I find something that works, then when that doesn’t work, I turn to the Cruiser for inspiration.

I took a few pictures while building a simple mount for the e-brake cable bracket and the first attempt with my hose pliers did not work. BTW, hose pliers usually work great as a hand metal brake for 16 ga and thinner, but not on this 14 ga. The Land Cruiser frame worked better to get the bend started so that the piece would fit into my press brake.

Emergency brake lever is in!

 

[Mike Shull]

Final fit!

The emergency brakes are in use for the first time!!!

 

[Mike Shull]

I’ve been tinkering with miscellaneous items for the last few weekends. This weekend I decided to switch gears and start on the rear fenders. I’m just making something simple to add a little flair. Yes, I’m full or terrible puns today.

 

[Paul]

I’ve been tinkering with miscellaneous items for the last few weekends. This weekend I decided to switch gears and start on the rear fenders. I’m just making something simple to add a little flair. Yes, I’m full or terrible puns today.

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[Paul]

Nice work. What bender are you using? I’m in the market and have been considering JD Squared 32. Any comments or recommendations would be appreciated. This will be my first bender. I have some builders do good work with the affordable bender.

 

[Mike Shull]

Nice work. What bender are you using? I’m in the market and have been considering JD Squared 32. Any comments or recommendations would be appreciated. This will be my first bender. I have some builders do good work with the affordable bender.

Mine is the affordable bender. It makes great bends though I prefer using a bench mounted bender like you mentioned. I would purchase a JD2 or similar bender next time. I can tell that this one will be a two person job when it comes time for the cage. The tube is hard to slip into the bender so you have to put it on the side and stand it up a bunch, otherwise I would have mounted this one to something. It’s good for the money, but it definitely takes longer to use. Plus you can’t bend larger than 1-3/4 x 0.095 DOM.

 

[Mike Shull]

Tapered or symmetrical?

 

[Mike Shull]

My wife made the decision for us…

Tapered to somewhat match the front taper.

 

[Bripars40]

My wife made the decision for us…

Tapered to somewhat match the front taper.

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Good call!

 

[peesalot]

That will land nicely on the rocker as well, looks good.

 

[Mike Shull]

That will land nicely on the rocker as well, looks good.

Thanks! I plan to run the lower part of the tube on either side through the bender and cut it smooth with the body.

 

[peesalot]

I would offer that the body right there will fold inward fairly easily may want to tie into rocker or run a hidden support to frame at front , the back looks like it will land right where the hidden support in fender is for tire carrier so IMO the back end could be good and strong. You just dont want to rub a rock and have it push the whole fender wonky.

 

[Mike Shull]

I would offer that the body right there will fold inward fairly easily may want to tie into rocker or run a hidden support to frame at front , the back looks like it will land right where the hidden support in fender is for tire carrier so IMO the back end could be good and strong. You just dont want to rub a rock and have it push the whole fender wonky.

Thanks for the tips. The aluminum body is very thick and it does not have or need the extra support like the steel body came with for the spare tire carrier. I will have rock guards under the rocker panel so hopefully I will hit those first before colliding with the fender. I’ve hit that area before with rubber flares, but my new axle/tire combo will now stick out an extra 4-6 inches so I’m not sure that I will have that concern.

 

[peesalot]

Stupid me, totally spaced n the alum body.