Build Stretched 1-Ton FJ40

[Mike Shull]

Looking good. Gonna be a sweet cruiser. The alum roof skin I did was a 4' x 60 " , I made a 2" eyebrow that sticks out front, used the soft top channel to slide little nuts into and then 6 small SS phillips pan heads to hold the front, used U bolts to secure rear at roll cage corners, used a rubber stopper from Ace to glue onto cage above dome lite to create a nice subtle arch in skin. Then I riveted 3/8 alum angle along the sides for a gutter/drip rail, works perfect and the 48" wide is about 2" short of ideal but to comes to 1" past roll cage at top of driver & pass door. A full 4x8 sheet of alum to go all the way back is a few hundred bucks. I did not put anything under it but I did put solar on top.

This sounds cool. Can you link or post a few pictures?

 

[peesalot]

I'll snap some pics, its got a tarp over it now. I am collecting my link stuff, only real decision left is to use partsmike hiems & johhny joints or spend the extra and get tmr stuff for the ends. Parts mike is reasonable cost - $60 for the 1 1/4 hiems with spacers/nut/insert & $55 for the johnny joint with same, only thing i dont like is the 9/16 bolt in the johnny joint vs the 3/4 on the hiems.

 

[Mike Shull]

I'll snap some pics, its got a tarp over it now. I am collecting my link stuff, only real decision left is to use partsmike hiems & johhny joints or spend the extra and get tmr stuff for the ends. Parts mike is reasonable cost - $60 for the 1 1/4 hiems with spacers/nut/insert & $55 for the johnny joint with same, only thing i dont like is the 9/16 bolt in the johnny joint vs the 3/4 on the hiems.

I will consider Johnny Joints when mine wear out, or if I get too much feedback from the road. I went with hiems because they came with my mounts from Ruffstuff.

 

[peesalot]

I think there differences in price which equates to the lined hiems vs. non lined, the Ruff Stuff ones are lined and from reports should last quite awhile.

 

[Mike Shull]

I don’t know what kind of tree you were thinking but this is what I came up with.

 

[Mike Shull]

Final epoxy primer coat has been applied. I’ll need to glaze a few pinholes on the left fender, and sand out a few missed scratches, then sealer/surfacer, paint and clear next weekend!!!

 

[Mike Shull]

Glazing and sanding today.

 

[Mike Shull]

if anyone is watching this for tips I’d recommend doing your own research. Ha. I am putting new plastic down as the primer was flaking off of the old plastic. Next time I’d paint first, then texture last.

No big deal though. I’ll tape this and call it a day. Paint tomorrow.

 

[Mike Shull]

All is going well this morning. The sealer/surfacer is quite light so I’m betting that this will make the red really pop. Color goes on in about an hour!

 

[Mike Shull]

Wow!

 

[peesalot]

2.5 hrs , pull the tape already, I been waitin ?

 

[Mike Shull]

2.5 hrs , pull the tape already, I been waitin ?

Ha! We went out to eat. Soon!

 

[Mike Shull]

Here you are, @peesalot

 

[Mike Shull]

Finally. I have some fab work to do to the bumper before I paint but at least it’s not taking up space on the floor anymore. The radio is in, too.

 

[peesalot]

Mike, did you need special snap pliers to install the ring at bottom of Radflo's that hold lower seat on ?

 

[Firemedic831]

Mike, did you need special snap pliers to install the ring at bottom of Radflo's that hold lower seat on ?

you can install without pliers. its getting it off that you will need them

 

[Firemedic831]

Mike your 40 looks great. Merry Christmas

 

[Mike Shull]

Mike, did you need special snap pliers to install the ring at bottom of Radflo's that hold lower seat on ?

Those are actually King coilovers shocks and Accutune assembled them for me.

 

[Mike Shull]

Mike your 40 looks great. Merry Christmas

Thanks! Merry Christmas to you.

 

[peesalot]

I assumed they were to tight to get on without tools so thats good to know.