Voodoo Blue Buildup

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Jeff what's the color code on this 854?

Mega, the 854 is toyota's code for the stock 'Sky Blue' that came on my 1977.

AKA Smurf Blue
 
Well, I've got a tremendous amount done this week - from the rear tire carrier to the front bumper- the majority of the fabrication is complete. I've yet to start on the rocker panel protection- maybe get that going on Monday.

Here's a picture of the start of the rear bumper. I had some "C" channel laying around from some racking in the warehouse - pretty stout stuff, so it should hold a good bit of force. I originally had planned on 4-mounting points- but I had to drop it down to 3 due to the shape of the rear bumper- the rear channel of the frame is not exactly straight.
 
I'm having trouble again with photos on my Macbook - any thoughts as to how to post them efficiently?? This is driving me crazy!?!?!?
 
Here's the shot of the mounts and what I've welded to 'em.
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I went to 4Wheel Parts here in Denver- and got a few ideas for the design of the tire-carrier. Also HighCountry 4x4 Performance was a huge help-and supplied the trailer spindle and the other shackle mounts for the project.

Here's a few photos of the mock-up and welded project. I didn't bother with the camera while I was building it - so this is all I've got.

I wanted to have the ability to carry my H20 Jerry can, as well as a gasoline Jerry can - along with my spare and HiLift. I found a carrier at 4WheeParts that had exactly that. It was around $900 -so I figured I could fab it up and save a few bucks :)

No-doubt the engineers who design and build these products commercially have some serious liability on their hands - as the swinging weight and potential energy stored in a swing-out tire carrier can do some serious damage to someone or another vehicle if it came unsecured for any reason.

I used a 1000lb over-center latch to clamp it closed. All in all, the bumper and carrier with tire - and empty Jerry can weighs over 185lbs...so it took a good bit of work to install it myself.
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Regarding the front bumper.....Here's a few shots of that. My winch was chosen for me by Hugh at SafariLTD in Grand Junction, CO - he said this was one of the best ways to go...and I couldn't beat the price!! THANKS HUGH!!!!

I've got the Superwinch EP9.0 - it came ready to go - now I just have to fab up the mount.

I found a mounting plate from Harbor Freight - found a link somewhere on Mud to it....and it fits great. Since my front frame is not exactly true on top (little bend upwards) - it's gonna be a challenge to get this on there solidly. So, for $40.00 I got my 1/4 mounting plate- already pre-drilled for multiple winch platforms....so- we'll have to fill-in the unused holes with the welder - I think.

There is so many ways you can mount this thing on there....it's quite the platform on the 40. Plenty of room up front. My thoughts were to mount it between the frame horns....or above it. I think the above the bumper would look best - any feedback??
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I'll finally show ya what I've been keeping a cool secret.....which taillights I'm planning on using.

If anyone is interested in these- I've got a local source here in Denver!

They're a full-LED system - backup light is integrated into the light - so less lights to mount up!

I'm very pleased with them...they're made well- and bright!!

I'll probably mount an additional backup light up to the top-above the spare-MAYBE - I'm not too sure yet. You can never have too many lights!
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I had to test it out.....yup - they do pretty well!
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In working on the security of my belongings while in the 40.....there is little to no-lockable storage in the Cruiser.

Any thoughts other than a pitbull or "this Cruiser protected by Colt45" sticker......or maybe a box of trash to disguise my stuff in and make it look less attractive to thieves?

I'll look into the Tuffy boxes for the middle console- but it seems that everyone has one - didn't know if there were any others out there on the market. I'm very impressed with the craftsmanship of the Dashman box....it looks sharp!

Since this is going to be a soft-top 40 ....until I can get the top and doors painted - I've got to do something of a security system - thoughts on that would be appreciated too! Brands, capabilities, and costs would be a good thing to have some feedback on.
 
Hey man! Looks great! You've made a bunch of progress! It's really coming together! You're making me get the itch to go get something done on mine, but I've been pretty busy looking for other work and using my days off to go meet people, so I haven't really got much done lately. Best of luck, and remember you gotta bring that thing down when you're done so we can go putt around the hills!:cheers:
 
I'm pleased with the progress....now just have to button-up a bunch of loose ends...then we'll test drive 'er!!

Once it's done and warm out- we'll come to NM and go wheelin!!
 
Anyone know the wiring for taillights on a '74 ?? I'm trying to figure out the tail light wiring for the new lights - need some color coding identification- and I'm without my FSM.

I also can't figure out why my turn signal flasher is just buzzing when I turn on the turn signal- The Lights on the dash come on - and it just buzzes - more like a grinding sound. The test light illuminates in the back of the truck when activated - but the dash light stays on solid.

If I pull the Hazard switch - the indicator lights on the dash go off....and the buzzing stops! - driving me nuts!

Some immediate help would be awesome on the wiring diagram!!
 
I think this is for a 78, but it's probably good for a 74 too... It's worked on my '75.

You might want to do a search on led taillights, I think that I read that there is something funky about trying to hook them up to the factory 'Cruiser wiring...

HTH
 

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Your flasher requires resistance to flash. Leds have virtually no resistance. Go get a electronic flasher. That should work.
 
That's what it was! Thanks 76pto! I couldn't remember, but knew there was something that needed to change...
 
Well, alot has been done to Voodoo since last post -

I've got the winch mounted and set-up, the rear tire carrier and bumper are complete, and installed. Still need to torque the mounting bolts down a little bit more- have a slight wobble with the weight of the tire/etc. May drill-out the holes and use substantially larger mounting bolts - I have 6 of them already.

I've had to replace the pushrod cover gasket, as it was leaking like crazy!! Unfortunately, after 4 hours of scraping gasket material off the block and cover, getting it re-installed - it still leaks! SOB!!!! What a pain in the . . . . well, yeah....quite frustrating!

I'm also finding small amounts of antifreeze on the block - around the headgasket seam....but no white smoke! There is a small leak at the waterpump....so maybe it's just being blown front to back/sides by the fan.

I've got to change the thermostat, as the truck is running crazy hot- but the thermostat isn't opening-up.

I'll post up some pictures if I can. Later tonite, I'll be working on getting the Bestop installed - and figuring out the doors.
 
Well, VuduBlu has made it to CruiseMoab and back....well it made it back, but didn't run for long.

With a blown headgasket the entire time at CM2010, it ran like crazy, did some awesome trails; Behind the Rocks,
Golden Spike, Gold Bar Rim, Poison Spider Mesa, Hells Revenge and the obstacle Potato Salad!

I actually had to winch up the last 5 feet of Potato Salad because I'm running open diffs - but not for long :) I'm seeing an aussie locker in it's future!

Well, the blown head gasket, and my 8MPG fuel dumping carb are on the way out....I'm sourcing a 3FE to swap into 'er, and hopefully within a few days we'll be back on the road. Proffitt's Cruisers has a 3FE, just trying to work out the swap details.

Here's a few shots from CM2010, the only damage that occurred was the tire carrier spindle broke off on Golden Spike. Everything held up, just the spindle fatigued, and gave up. Guess I'm back to the drawing boards for the tire carrier - again. Damn glad I had the gas cans on the 3-trail trip....would have been dead in the Moab desert without all 10 extra gallons!
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