Tips on welding in new '81 FJ 40 Tub needed

[KY Longhunter]

I purchased replacement sheet metal from IPOR for my rusted out 1981 FJ 40 tub. Is this quality stuff?

Rear Quarter Panels with wheel wells already welded in

complete Rocker Panels

New Bed

What measurements should I take before removing the old rusted tub?

Any tips before starting project.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[xjnation]

I took 1" square tubing and welded it into the tub when I did mine. basically making a jig of sorts to hold everything in place. front to back, side to side (front and rear), and one diagonal. Just tack them in, easy to grind off later. Tim

 

[Coolerman]

Got any pics of what state it's in now? Would help us give advice....

I would as stated use some tubing to square up your existing tub so that ALL the doors close properly. You may even consider replacing all your body mounts first. Then take careful measurments across the tub from door post to door post, across the back, and top to bottom where the doors fit and wheel well to wheel well. Now start cutting the old tub off. Once you have the tub off you can address the frame and anything else you want to fix.

 

[Diesel42]

Take EVERY CONSEVABLE MEASUREMENT you can think of whether you think it's useful or not. Write them down twice. Good luck

 

[Coolerman]

Take EVERY CONSEVABLE MEASUREMENT you can think of whether you think it's useful or not. Write them down twice. Good luck

Sounds like someone speaking from a painful experience?

Share what happened by not doing it so he doesn't repeat it!

 

[Diesel42]

Well you guessed it. I just finished rebuilding my tub(front floor pans,rockers,L&R well wells and fenders,corner channels,well supports,etc) Most was bought from CCOT. I took a series of measurements before the tear down. CCOT's stuff is by no means "right on the money". A ton of extra fabrication ws necessary for fitment issues. Luckily i have a sheetmeat finger brake and shear,etc. I could have used alot more referrence points when cutting in quarters,etc. One has to consider when the body is pieced back together, the rear doors(or tailgate), the front doors, and the top(which is several pieces) has to fit perfectly(within acceptable limits). He has bought the entire assembly so it's not near as important as piecing each piece as i did but it only takes a few extra minutes to reorc every mearure one could take off. Best of luck

 

[Coolerman]

When I was doing mine I left the hard top on as reference until I had replaced the quarters, cargo floor, main center channel and mid bed. That way I KNEW everything would line up.

 

[Weedhopper]

Spencer from Canada Cruisers says to do that too.

 

[cruiserhead]

Absolutely put the top on and all the doors.Making sure they all open and close properly before final welding.Good luck and post some pics.
David

 

[KY Longhunter]

Here are some pics to help with suggestions. I had already thought of putting top back on, although I have already removed windshield frame. Is it necessary to put windshield and doors back on?

http://picasaweb.google.com/ARios2539/1981FJ40