Victory - a 1977 FJ45 (2 Viewers)

[Airdale]

Awesome Awesome work. It looks like you are learning a lot
Can't wait to see your work on the cab.

Thanks! It has definitely been a learning experience, but the wealth of knowledge on this forum is amazing. I don't think I would have tried this myself without having read through so many of the threads here.

 

[Airdale]

Welded the wheel arches to the sides. I decided to weld both edges to the side and then cut out around the bottom in the hopes that it would stay straighter. I tried to go slowly building on tacks as I went and cooling with air, but even so, the side panel warped somewhat. I would not have thought that 16ga metal with those sharp bends in it would have warped, but I was wrong .
I tried to straighten it out a number of ways and it got a bit better, but still noticeable if you put a straightedge to it. Hopefully no one looks too close lol.

 

[Airdale]

Box final welded, ready for the once over and off to the body guy for blasting and primer.
Tailgate, rear sill and hooks courtesy of @Awl_TEQ .

 

[Kelpies on Tour]

The inner fenders were in really rough shape, particularly around the mating edges.
I ordered a pair from Japan, and thought I had lucked into the right part for my truck, but as it turned out, they were the same part number but for a later year(?) as they were larger. But they were only $12 each plus shipping, so...score.

I decided to try and cut down the larger fenders and make them fit. Again, they’re not pretty, but they’ll work, and they’re new steel.

View attachment 3948702
New and old.

View attachment 3948707
New cut down to fit.

Awesome work! Where did you source the inner fenders from?

 

[Airdale]

Awesome work! Where did you source the inner fenders from?

I got them through eBay, and they still show them available, but shipping was expensive.
I searched for them as part # 65651-60010, which as it turns out is the wheelhouse panel for a 70 series, which is why it was too big. I had searched for the 45 truck, but I didn't notice when I got this part # that it is for the later 70 series.
It was too tall to fit under the curved bend in the sidewall, too long to fit over the subframe, and too deep so it went beyond the main frame.

Short answer is, I see they are still available through eBay, but also available at some Toyota retailers (which escaped me when I ordered these lol).

65651-60010 Toyota Panel, wheel house 6565160010, New Genuine OEM Part | eBay

New and genuine OEM part.

www.ebay.com

 

[PG45er]

Box final welded, ready for the once over and off to the body guy for blasting and primer.
Tailgate, rear sill and hooks courtesy of @Awl_TEQ .

View attachment 3952474

View attachment 3952475

View attachment 3952476

Haven't been on mud much recently and just stumbled on your thread. Great work!

 

[Airdale]

Thanks @PG45er

 

[Kelpies on Tour]

I got them through eBay, and they still show them available, but shipping was expensive.
I searched for them as part # 65651-60010, which as it turns out is the wheelhouse panel for a 70 series, which is why it was too big. I had searched for the 45 truck, but I didn't notice when I got this part # that it is for the later 70 series.
It was too tall to fit under the curved bend in the sidewall, too long to fit over the subframe, and too deep so it went beyond the main frame.

Short answer is, I see they are still available through eBay, but also available at some Toyota retailers (which escaped me when I ordered these lol).

65651-60010 Toyota Panel, wheel house 6565160010, New Genuine OEM Part | eBay

New and genuine OEM part.

www.ebay.com

Thanks Airdale. Mine are rough, but salvageable. If I can find the 70 series ones for a decent price I can use them for cuts to weld in. You’ve really helped me out here, thanks. I’ve got to say, your welding skills look great. I’m still learning and on a steep learning curve…

 

[Airdale]

Thanks Kelpies. Same, so much to learn.