I am ready to replace the tub and have found several types of replacement tubs. The aluminum tubs look like they are built by the same factory. The steel is factory Toyota made in Brazil, it will require a different tank and some mounting point fabrication for the seats. Does anyone have some pros and cons about either of these tubs or any info about the swap. Thanks Mobiltoy

If you want things to look really original I suppose steel is good. But some stuff is different on Bandeirantes. Living in alaska and wanting my '79 BJ40 chassis to last another 20-40 years and doing a fair amt of wheeling I went with aluminum. It's strong and does what I need it to do.
Charlie

Watched an AL tub being installed last year. The work was being done by a very good, custom and classic restoration type body shop. A good thing, it turned out, since there were several major problems that needed to be addressed. Can't remember all of them. They, of course, had to do a careful insulation of the AL from steel parts. Lots of problems with lack of fit between stock and AL parts. Door hinges were cheesy. Creases and small dents had to be carefull worked out. Lastly, there was some issue regarding painting bare AL, special primers or something. I think the FJ owner's conclusion was that he wished he'd done a standard all-steel resto. I had an all-steel resto done on my FJ (only the tub is original) and like the results. But, if you have lots of time and some body-mechanical skills, there did not appear to be any insurmountable problems. And, I've talked to lots of happy AL resto owners. Just don't assume it will be a bolt-on and go process. Good luck.

I've done both, 71 '40 I used an aqualu aluminum tub, my 78 I used steel from CCOT and had pieces fabbed for me at a steel warehouse. Aluminum was easy just sign the check, just follow the directions that come with the tub. All hardware that comes in contact with the Al and existing steel has to be Stainless and must be insulated, electrolysis I'm sure you researched that. Fit was good, no seam lines behind the door posts. Also I ordered the tailgate so I don't know the fit for ambulance doors. For my truck I still han minor welding in the door posts, so I bought a Lincoln welder.
Which brings me to my second truck. I bought a 78 40, that required same tub replacement, everything from the posts rearward. I figured I would go the steel route, initially it is a little cheaper but a lot more WORK!!! I ordered most the parts from CCOT, rear channel, tops of fenders, and quarter panels. Everything else I had bent for me, inside fender wells, bed and floor pans. Don't order galvanized they stink when you weld them and you get SICK. Pain in the ass when painting. If you go the CCOT steel route make sure you measure everything and test fit them before welding! I've seen the Bandairante bodies, they look like shit with those lines. Also the aluminum tub I had primered by a body shop and it came out real well. Good Luck!

I sell Steel panel kits and AL tubs.
There are lots of pros and cons to support both tubs so to make it easy I use the following guidlines:
-If you're stinking rich I'll send you to a local guy who can install the steel panel kit
-If you can spin a wrench but are not a great welder/metal basher go with an AL tub
-If you can weld/shape steel, and spin a wrench go with steel!

For every pro there is a con
Steel will eventually rust
AL tubs will not

I run steel on my daily driver but my next project Cruiser will most likely be AL.
What are those Brazil tubs like?? I've only ween pictures

Just my opinion,
steven@extremebends.com

One concern I would have with the Al tubs is that they would appear to be much more difficult to repair after body damage. I recall a few years back the Aqualu crew had three or four rigs down for the Rubithon. One was a pristine FJ45 that ended up with a big gash in the side of the box. It is pretty easy to fix a lot of trail damage on a steel tub, but I couldn't imagine how they would fix that damage. Can any of you with Al parts comment on that aspect? Is Al a liability in that department?

If you're interested in making a 25-30 year old LC look perfect don't even read this. I put the Aqualu tub on my '79 BJ40, it got some rock rash during last summer's Alaska Cruiser Trek, but not much - it is pretty thick metal and hard to bend. No, the way I installed and has a one piece rear door made it doesn't look stock. So what, it works and will never rust and will last as long as I hope the motor and drivetrain lasts.
Charlie

Repairs should be simple. Find someone who does body work on Jaguars and/or Ferraris. They are experts on repairing AL skins.

Originally posted by hi50
Repairs should be simple. Find someone who does body work on Jaguars and/or Ferraris. They are experts on repairing AL skins.

THAT should keep it cheap.:eek: :D :D :D