SWB 45 Build for Expedition

[Eco 45]

Well, toward the middle of January 2010 I was asked to be a part of a Carbon Neutral Expedition traversing 900 miles through parts of Utah and Arizona with the journey ending at the 2010 Overland Expo (Details). I have a very capable 1963 Series II Land Rover I could use for the journey---but decided to challenge myself and build a new vehicle for the expedition. I happen to have a SWB 45 that I had bought with plans on building much much later this year---change of plans. The truck looks decent with an older restoration and it really just needed some love---here is what I am starting with:

 

[Eco 45]

This will not be a full frame off restoration but close and will need to be completed in very limited time. I am hoping to have the truck almost fully operational by the first part of March to work out any bugs. As my plate is already extremely full I have enlisted the help of some of the best mud vendors (Cruiser Outfitters and Marks Offroad) to help me put together a couple items for this truck. Current build plans are as follows:

Build plans:

-Cummins B3.3 install w/ intercooler
-fine spline axles with 3.7 diffs and disk brakes up front
-shackle reversal
-saginaw power steering install
-power brakes
-NV4500 with Toyota split case transfer case with special gears
-33 inch tires on stock rims
-powder coat the frame
-second fuel tank

If there is time I may also:
-install Vintage A/C and heating system
-rear ARB locker
-custom seats and seat belts
-SVO system
-rear bumper with tire/fuel carrier
And the tearing apart has begun…..

 

[DomSmith]

Subscribed.


Don't forget heated seats...

 

[abecker]

Subscribed.


Don't forget heated seats...

900 mile expedition could use the front and rear video camera wired to the center console stereo/iPod/DVD screen setup you have also...

damn, I wish I had a "started" with a vehicle in this condition....

 

[TMACK]

Really, what a great specimen to start off with.
Can't wait to see the finished product. Looks like a fairly nice paint job.

 

[AATLAS1X]

Hit me up for any decals that you may need for this....Would love to donate.

Shane

 

[rockcod]

Very clean 45 to start with, I too, have subscribed to this one. I can hear the self proclaimed purists bitching and moaning already............. I love it!!!

 

[destin]

saweet rig!

Stoked to see what the cummins will be like
I was reading a thread the other day some where and it sounded rad

If ya want to sell any bits ( like the big window carb or canvas tool wrap ) hit me up

 

[Eco 45]

Well parts have definitely been flying and my shop looks like a cyclone hit it, but I have made good progress. The paint on the truck is not bad--however I would equate it to a Maaco paint job. Nothing was removed just new paint sprayed over every thing. I had to chip off the window hinges as there were rust streaks appearing behind them and I treated the metal with a rust converter. I already have the front fenders at my body shop to have them stripped and undercoated. I will also have the bottom of the cab and bed stripped and undercoated. With any luck I will get the frame out this week for Powder Coating---but I have a lot of welding to do. I do love my sledge and air tools!!!!

 

[Shawn Russell]

I should have traded you for mine, and kept that one stock...

 

[Eco 45]

Subscribed.


Don't forget heated seats...

Have never had a vehicle with heated seats--so why start now. Besides who needs heated seats when you can attend a local chili feed.

900 mile expedition could use the front and rear video camera wired to the center console stereo/iPod/DVD screen setup you have also...

damn, I wish I had a "started" with a vehicle in this condition....

For the most part I like the KISS method when building things. Plus the extra money spent on gadgets takes away from money being spent on the reliability of the mechanicals. This vehicle does beat having to play with a totally rusted field truck--but it still has its challenges.

Hit me up for any decals that you may need for this....Would love to donate.

Shane

Thanks for the offer---I will see how things progress may have to give you a call.

 

[Eco 45]

I should have traded you for mine, and kept that one stock...

When I bought this truck I did try to drive it back 850 miles to my home---but the water pump had other ideas. So I ended up bringing it home behind a Uhaul truck. I know all the pure stock individuals are probably , however I do spend a lot of time behind the wheels of the these old trucks--so for me its about drive-ability. I want something with a lot of the original attributes the truck was designed with but with some safety and comfort we expect from vehicles being built today. The technology that was used to build the truck was great for the 60's but can get you killed today--as many with the single circuit Brake Master have experienced.

 

[Eco 45]

Front fenders are down at my Body shop to have the underside stripped and then uncoated. So far in pulling this truck apart I have found 22 shells, a crown royal cap and a crescent wrench that was stuck under the radiator. Been some long nights but I really want to hear this puppy run. I was also lucky digging through my bone pile and found an old Man-a-fre rear tire/cooler carrier that I had my body shop through a new coat of paint on. Did the initial fitting and drill--but I still need to make spacers so that it clears the tailgate hinges.

 

[Eco 45]

And now we come to one of the best parts of this build.....the heart that will carry the truck over many many more miles of it long life:

 

[TemeculaTim]

900 mile expedition could use the front and rear video camera wired to the center console stereo/iPod/DVD screen setup you have also...

damn, I wish I had a "started" with a vehicle in this condition....

me too.

 

[TemeculaTim]

Very clean 45 to start with, I too, have subscribed to this one. I can hear the self proclaimed purists bitching and moaning already............. I love it!!!

hah-Thats soo funny cause I had the same thought- This build is gonna be sweeet

 

[Eco 45]

Was able to do some fitting of the engine. The truck is going to need a full rewire as a lot of the truck has been wired in the same color wire--I can understand in an emergency--otherwise there is no excuse for this.

Which blue wire shall we trace???? The cab mounts had to be cut off--very long time since the cab has been off the frame. Here are some more progress shots:

 

[Eco 45]

Progress slowing...

Well I have been making good progress on the truck thus far---however did run into a bit of a challenge this weekend when a drill kicked back and broke at least one bone in my hand. Got a temporary cast from the ER and will get a more permanent one mid next week when the swelling goes down. I was able to finish welding left handed on the frame. Custom rock sliders and rear fuel tank mounts have been installed. Here are some photos of the progress made to this date.

 

[Alaska45]

ARB locker

Scott,
If you end up ordering a ARB locker they are running a promotion until April 30th.

Buy any one (1) ARB Air Locker, locking differential and receive
one (1) ARB Compact Compressor (part number CKSA12) absolutely
FREE!

-OR-

Buy any two (2) ARB Air Locker, locking differentials and receive
one (1) ARB Hi-Output Compressor (part number CKMA12) AND
one (1) ARB Tire Inflation Kit (part number 171302) absolutely FREE!

Thought you and others would want to know about this.
Hope for a speedy recovery, and a smooth build.

-Ehren

 

[Eco 45]

Thanks for the heads up on the deal!! Things will be slow for a while---very hard to even drive a stick shift car/truck right now. Getting some local help with a few things so maybe middle to late march the truck will run.