Builds Tucker and Roma's 75 FJ40 Restore

[roma042987]

Tucker also picked up a gobi roof rack and ladder. upon fitment we were a bit disappointed to find out that it will not work with a soft top or with an auxillary fuel tank if the fuel door is on the quarter panel. Soo we went to the drawing board and fabbed up a couple of brackets to raise the rack up an 1'' or two and also move the frame mounts (which I REALLY did NOT like) up a couple of inches to clear the auxillary fuel door. Here is what we came up with.

 

[roma042987]

At this point the rack was functional but I really did not like the design of the rear frame mounts for the rack since they actually use the sheet metal on the quarter panel for support and have way to many sketchy brackets and gadgets holding the thing together. Since this truck has a shiny new paint job the mounts HAD to go. Saturday morning we got an early start and got back to the grinder, welder, and cut off wheel and came up with this! The plate bolts to the frame with 7 8mm bolts on each side and is extremely sturdy. It picks up existing holes in the frame so we didn't need to drill new holes in the powder coated frame. (powder coated or not I hate drilling holes in places where they don't belong) I wouldn't hesitate to use it as a jacking point for the high lift and it offers a good bit of protection for the rear quarter almost like a miniature slider.

 

[roma042987]

we used 3/16 steel for the plates and gussets and I believe the tube was .30? (pretty thick) the new brackets don't touch the body and are much much stronger. I reinforced the two horizontal tubes with 6-7'' gussets the vertical tube is reinforced on the back with 1/2 plate gussets. The tube we cut at 45 degrees with our newly purchased harbor freight chop saw I know my welds need some work to be pretty but they do have sufficient penetration at least and shouldnt fail in this life time. They will come off once again for black powder coat when we turn in the next batch of parts.

 

[eman375]

Dang! That looks good. I admire your innovative nature. You guys don't just think about it. As soon as it is planned, the plan is executed. That's why your Cruisers look so good. Great job!

 

[1Fine40]

Stellar!!!

 

[DPV7070]

we used 3/16 steel for the plates and gussets and I believe the tube was .30? (pretty thick) the new brackets don't touch the body and are much much stronger. I reinforced the two horizontal tubes with 6-7'' gussets the vertical tube is reinforced on the back with 1/2 plate gussets. The tube we cut at 45 degrees with our newly purchased harbor freight chop saw I know my welds need some work to be pretty but they do have sufficient penetration at least and shouldnt fail in this life time. They will come off once again for black powder coat when we turn in the next batch of parts.

As long as the welds have penetration, like you mentioned, you're fine. You should see what the bottom of some of my frame plates look like. I hate welding upside down...

Always remember this: "A grinder and paint, makes you the welder ya ain't"

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Just curious, do you have any plans to turn one of the side supports into a ladder to access the roof rack?

 

[roma042987]

Dang! That looks good. I admire your innovative nature. You guys don't just think about it. As soon as it is planned, the plan is executed. That's why your Cruisers look so good. Great job!

Thanks!

Stellar!!!

Thank you!

As long as the welds have penetration, like you mentioned, you're fine. You should see what the bottom of some of my frame plates look like. I hate welding upside down...

Always remember this: "A grinder and paint, makes you the welder ya ain't"

You got the last part right

Just curious, do you have any plans to turn one of the side supports into a ladder to access the roof rack?View attachment 1036783

The gobi rack actually has a ladder that attaches to the passenger side. All the brackets we welded up are getting black powder coat this week and will go back on this weekend. Im waiting to attach the ladder so i can test fit it with another big piece of the project, that's finally ready to go on the truck.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Outstanding!!

 

[roma042987]

Outstanding!!

Thanks Danny! I enjoy reading your thread. As a matter of fact it has inspired me to start planning my next adventure.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Always have a plan ready... You never know when you may need an adventure!!

 

[shipmag]

Who's soft top did you buy and are you happy with it?

 

[roma042987]

It's a custom ocd top. Custom because it has zip out windows plus they are tinted

 

[shipmag]

if you dont mind me asking with the customization what did your top cost? I like the zip out windows makes them replaceable when the plastic windows are scratched and cant see out of them.

 

[roma042987]

I have no clue but Tucker should be able to answer that

 

[Gun Runner 5]

The gobi rack actually has a ladder that attaches to the passenger side. All the brackets we welded up are getting black powder coat this week and will go back on this weekend. Im waiting to attach the ladder so i can test fit it with another big piece of the project, that's finally ready to go on the truck.

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I'm sure the end result will reflect the same attention to detail that your previous work has.

 

[shipmag]

How do I get a hold of tucker?

 

[cruiserfj08]

I bought upgraded material, large tinted windows, straps (like standard top), all windows zip out and it was $1800. Top was made by Marshall Shepherd (Trollhole). Contact info below:

Marshall Shepherd
TrollHole's Cruisers
Greenville, SC
864-414-0563
M@trollhole.com

 

[shipmag]

Ouch didnt realize it would be that much!

 

[1973Guppie]

beautiful and creative work! you should be proud......