Unobtainium (12 Viewers)

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roadstr6 said:
I agree about the widened original wheels but it appears that many tire manufacturers are going away from the 15 inch tires. For example, I hear rumors that BFG is discontinuing the KM2 in 33x10.50/15. What would be nice is if someone made a set of 16x8 or 17x8 steelies with clips that would accept the factory caps. That man would make some serious bucks now and especially in the future as the 15" tires go away.
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A few weeks ago I was emailing with Jonathan Ward about this very subject. Watching his YouTube channel I saw a 72 Bronco that they had milled 17 inch aluminum copies of the OEM 15 inch steelies with clips so they could use OEM hubcaps. It looked perfect. After watching, I emailed him about doing the same for the Land Cruiser Steelies. His reply was this,

"Thanks Tyler. Actually, we are developing a wheel based on that exact concept. However, I doubt we will reach a price point tolerable to the mass market, as we are designing and manufacturing it here in the US. You can see it on my YouTube channel, it's the white FJ45 we call the Storm Trooper. Thx".

So basically if I have to ask, i can't afford it. Right? He doesn't seen to think there is a big enough market out there to make them affordable. But there might be. Especially if the 33/10.5-15's go away. My question to you guys is, does anyone know how much it would cost to design and mill something like this? How many copies would take to make the price reasonable? I know nothing about CAD, but you would think you could just copy a 15 inch wheel into CAD then stretch it to 16" or 17". Then send it to the CNC for cutting. It's gotta be just that easy, right. Below are the links to both video's. I think you'll agree that they look perfect.



 
When I get ready to do new tires and a lift, I'll be getting in touch with Jonathan to see what they would run me. Hopefully by then Racer65 will have this all worked out for a profitable and reasonable price.;)
 
Racer65 said:
I assume he's talking about the 2 circled pieces. The U.S. spec part #'s are:
Windshield spacer - 56211-90801
Roof seal - 63168-90307
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That is correct. I had to purchase the still gasket and went with an after market option on the hardtop :(
 
N919HJ said:
A few weeks ago I was emailing with Jonathan Ward about this very subject. Watching his YouTube channel I saw a 72 Bronco that they had milled 17 inch aluminum copies of the OEM 15 inch steelies with clips so they could use OEM hubcaps. It looked perfect. After watching, I emailed him about doing the same for the Land Cruiser Steelies. His reply was this,

"Thanks Tyler. Actually, we are developing a wheel based on that exact concept. However, I doubt we will reach a price point tolerable to the mass market, as we are designing and manufacturing it here in the US. You can see it on my YouTube channel, it's the white FJ45 we call the Storm Trooper. Thx".

So basically if I have to ask, i can't afford it. Right? He doesn't seen to think there is a big enough market out there to make them affordable. But there might be. Especially if the 33/10.5-15's go away. My question to you guys is, does anyone know how much it would cost to design and mill something like this? How many copies would take to make the price reasonable? I know nothing about CAD, but you would think you could just copy a 15 inch wheel into CAD then stretch it to 16" or 17". Then send it to the CNC for cutting. It's gotta be just that easy, right. Below are the links to both video's. I think you'll agree that they look perfect.

roadstr6 said:
Yup. Purrfect! Now if only somebody would take the ball and run with it.....
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alabamatacomaguy said:
I would be in for a 16in set or maybe 17 down the road. To me 16s are big and flashy with to much rim haha
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I would be all over this, either finding a manufacturer or buying a set of 16x8 cruiser wheels from someone else. I think fundementally there's some expense in machining, but the BIG expense is probably DOT approval. I have no idea what that entails, or if it is even required, but in general, no automotive market is legal until the government gets their piece of the pie
 
N919HJ said:
When I get ready to do new tires and a lift, I'll be getting in touch with Jonathan to see what they would run me. Hopefully by then Racer65 will have this all worked out for a profitable and reasonable price.;)
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Please see my previous post. 250 per wheel. Any size you want. Made from billet just like Jonathan Wards. Accepts hubcaps. Wheelsmith.net problem solved.
 
Bookmarked, thanks. I didn't see your previous post for some reason.
 
Transfer lever inner shift boot is now obtainable! All packed up and ready to go. Mud price is $45 shipped.

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Racer65 said:
Transfer lever inner shift boot is now obtainable! All packed up and ready to go. Mud price is $45 shipped.
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sent you a PM
 
Racer65 said:
Transfer lever inner shift boot is now obtainable! All packed up and ready to go. Mud price is $45 shipped.
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PM sent. Thanks for having these made.
 
hey Racer, my breather hose arrived today ... great replacement for the battered original I have ...
 
If you could reproduce the rear slider window gaskets for the early FJ45 that would be great. The only option now is to replace the sliders with a one piece rear glass.
 
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