I picked up my 65 cruiser about 5 months ago. My last build was a cherokee xj and I was sick of the unibody. Anyway, my girlfriend calls the Fj "the other woman" so it seemed a good name for the build. It's got a 350/350 combo and saginaw power steering on it already, but which ever previous owner did the swap was a real hack and I've got to redo most all that they did. I've been collecting some parts and now that I've sold my XJ, I should be able to move along on it a little more steadily. Plans are:

FJ40 front springs/FJ55 rears (already got'em)
FJ62 axles (already got'em)
Full cage,custom bumpers, tire/cooler rack, etc.
Suspension seats (kept from the XJ)
Full Autometer gauges (kept from the XJ)
Bilstein 7100's w/res (overkill, but again, carried over from the XJ)
38x12.50x15 swamper sx's on Allied 15x8 beadlocks w/2" BS

Those are the highpoints.

Here are a couple of pics the day I brought it home

http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/26526/2770842320049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2770842320049057516yYbIJn)

http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/40897/2875567670049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2875567670049057516BilwYi)

nice:smokin:

look forward to watching

Here are some progress pics of the axles, and the leafsprings:

FJ40fronts, and FJ55 rears, all cleaned up, all ends beveled, painted, and two coats of slip plate on all mating surfaces. (wholly crap was this alot of work!!):
http://inlinethumb14.webshots.com/31821/2113940880049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2113940880049057516wgyYxY)

Here's the FJ62 front axle I started with:
http://inlinethumb25.webshots.com/41048/2440841890049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2440841890049057516TZCMln)

I got this spacer/sleeve and a corresponding longer chromo shortside 30 spline inner from Dave Gore. This will give me a little more width and get my spring perch a little further from the pumkin. The rest of my 30 spline Longs are on the way.
http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/33628/2274342220049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2274342220049057516yhxvAQ)

Here's the ugly mount it had for the steering box:
http://inlinethumb35.webshots.com/26786/2954502710049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2954502710049057516MCJAuQ)

Got the mount off, and the frame cleaned up:
http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/22175/2077077640049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2077077640049057516doDGEU)

I just can't understand why someone would do this! I've got to figure out how to fix it:
http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/7165/2104245520049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2104245520049057516DVXsca)

That's where I'm at now, I've got to get my other knuckle cut loose so I can turn it, and then get the axle mocked up under the cruiser so I can get the pinion and knuckles set so I can weld it all up, and add the knuckle gussets.
Then I can assemble the axle so I can measure and order up my 4x4 Labs high steer. By the way, please don't flame me too bad, but I've already got a set of six stud knuckles from you know where, I got them a while back before I found the thread about it and now that I've already got them, I m gonna run'em.

Looks like a real clean Cruiser. I have never seen those housing spacers. So it comes with the outer spacer and an inner sleeve I would guess?
Someone did a stand up job on that steering swap:laughing:

Looks like a real clean Cruiser. I have never seen those housing spacers. So it comes with the outer spacer and an inner sleeve I would guess?
Someone did a stand up job on that steering swap:laughing:

The spacer is all one piece, you pull the knuckle out, put the spacer in, and then put the knuckle back into the spacer. I should have taken a pic before I installed it cause it's not coming back out now! Here's a link to the thread where I found out about them.

http://forum.ih8mud.com/hardcore-corner/196544-notched-60-front-axles.html

I'm working on fixing the front crossmember right now, and after putting a straight edge across it, I just discovered that it's bowing where it was cut. I'm in for some fun with this one. :D

I have the same spacer for my 60 axles going under my 40 along with some 30 spline longs and the extended short side. Axle should be right at 61" wms-wms. I Got everything from Dave Gore also. Good guy to deal with.

I used a jack to get the crossmember straight again, and welded in a patch over the hole in the backside of the crossmember. Then I made this piece to fix the front, still got to make a small peice for the underside and weld this out. Shouldn't be able to tell it was ever there after I weld and clean it up. Almost hurt to go back and cut a hole in it for the steering box! Not alot, but it's Easter, got to do the family thing!
http://inlinethumb14.webshots.com/35533/2133220890049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2133220890049057516LkzKhj)

Nice patch job, real clean

Is that slip plate box have aerosol or quart cans in it?
If their quarts where did you buy them?
All I could find when I did mine were spray cans so I could'nt get a very thick
coat on them and rust is already poking thru.

Looks like its going to be a nice build BTW!

Is that slip plate box have aerosol or quart cans in it?
If their quarts where did you buy them?
All I could find when I did mine were spray cans so I could'nt get a very thick
coat on them and rust is already poking thru.

Looks like its going to be a nice build BTW!

They're spray cans. I painted the leaves with two coats of satin black rustoleum first, and then applied the slip plate. I figured that would help keep the rust at bay. After reading a bunch of threads about the slip plate, it sounded more like just a spray on lubricant, and not so much like a paint.

the slip plate I used on my springs came in a gallon can of way gooey paint. got it from Grainger. http://www.slipplate.com/products/products_No1.htm

[QUOTE=Evergreen12;8048204]
I just can't understand why someone would do this! I've got to figure out how to fix it:
http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/7165/2104245520049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2104245520049057516DVXsca)

QUOTE]


Somebody needed a VIN me thinks? Nice job on the patch. If you look at my Tinker Toy build you can see that yours is a much nicer starting point than what I started with. What part of Ariz are you in? Got anymore pics of the rest of the rig?


Welcome to Pirate! :flipoff2:


Chris:cool2:

I am brand new to cruisers, had no idea that a VIN was stamped there! I guess that would make sense. I don't have many more photos of the rig yet, but I plan to take pics of everything I do before and after. The motor mounts for the 350 are pretty ugly too. In fact, the cruiser looks pretty good from a distance, and there's little to no rust, but thats because someone "fixed" the rusty areas already and some of that is ugly too. I'll have to take some pics and add them. I live in Circle City, it's about 45 mins. N/W of Phoenix on Grand Ave. headed toward Wickenburg. Very small, most people drive by and don't even notice we're there.

you can use a chunk of 4x4 box and cut out part of the cross member so that the steering box isnt soo far out on the end of the frame rails, and use the 4x4 to tie the crossmember back together. ill dig up a few pic on how ive done em before.

Got a little more done today. Finished the repair to the crossmember, cut the new holes for the steering box, and built the new front bumper. Still got to get the steering box mount finished and installed. Unfortunately the previous owners "mad fab skills" weren't limited to the cruiser itself, they drilled out the mounting holes in the steering box so I've got to get a new one. I can't decide whether to go get a new one at the local autoparts store, or order one from PSC/or? that's tapped for Hydro already. Can anyone suggest which steering box to get, as in from/for what application?

Here's the pics:

http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/40590/2051850310049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2051850310049057516taHuLI)

http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/33697/2839009500049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2839009500049057516JKcnya)

Chevelle, Nova, Station wagons, Oldsmobile cutlass (70's vintage) S10 pickups I think.... Pretty much just wander the junkyard looking for a GM box that mounts inside the frame with 4-bolts attatchment.

Also look on IH8MUD in the tech section on the homepage for old writeups. May be some good info there with more applications.


Chris:cool2:

Chevelle, Nova, Station wagons, Oldsmobile cutlass (70's vintage) S10 pickups I think.... Pretty much just wander the junkyard looking for a GM box that mounts inside the frame with 4-bolts attatchment.

Also look on IH8MUD in the tech section on the homepage for old writeups. May be some good info there with more applications.


Chris:cool2:

I've been searching and reading like crazy on here and IH8MUD! I think I will go take a walk through my local junk yard and see what I can find this weekend. I need to find a steering column too. I seem to remember there being a couple of S-10's and XJ's there last time I was there. I've had horrible luck with steering boxes from the auto parts house, got one for my XJ with a lifetime warranty, and had to replace it under warranty four or five times in four years. Got excessive play in the sector shaft every time. I think a junkyard one could only be better!

clean looking ride from a distance. but sounds like the little "upgrades" the old owner did are horrible.


hurry up and put some tires on the bitch so we can go wheelin. my build should be done before yours so hurry up.:flipoff2:

clean looking ride from a distance. but sounds like the little "upgrades" the old owner did are horrible.


hurry up and put some tires on the bitch so we can go wheelin. my build should be done before yours so hurry up.:flipoff2:

Great, there goes the neighorhood, I guess they'll let anyone in here. Yeah, it's turning into a snowball like always. I've got shiny new parts piling up in the house cause I don't have enough "quality time" with the LC. I'm sure you'll be done before me. But when I do get done, I should be able to drive this thing around town, and wheel it hard. This thing will be a blast! Go forward with your plan for the four door cab on your frame and maybe I'll have a chance at getting done at the same time as you.

drive it around town!!!!!!!!!!!! you dont even live near any towns to drive to(and a cirle of 3 houses doesnt count as a town). you aint wheelin if you are "driving around town" gotta make a trailer queen and spend $4+ a gallon in your tow rig to get it to the trail. put the brady bunch kids to work and get that mawl crawler dunn. :mr-t: MDD out!!!!!!!!!:mr-t:

I live in Circle City, it's about 45 mins. N/W of Phoenix on Grand Ave. headed toward Wickenburg. Very small, most people drive by and don't even notice we're there.


I should be headed through there in about 3 weeks headed to Phx... Might have to stop and have a look-see... (Which one of the three houses are yours?) :D

Need anything from this side of the world?


Chris:cool2:

I should be headed through there in about 3 weeks headed to Phx... Might have to stop and have a look-see... (Which one of the three houses are yours?) :D

Need anything from this side of the world?


Chris:cool2:

I can't think of anything I need from out there but thanks for the offer, that's awesome! You're welcome to stop in and check it out, it's not much yet but it'd be cool to talk to another cruiserhead. My house is the one with the neglected yard cause I'm too busy with the cruiser! :laughing:

Well, I got the frame plates done, shackle mounts on, and everything welded out up front. Now I'm waiting for my new steering box to show up from PSC so I can get the mount for it finished up and installed.

http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/41262/2678318230049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2678318230049057516ISocLv)

http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/32755/2432737540049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2432737540049057516wtfoOH)

http://inlinethumb35.webshots.com/2722/2059235190049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2059235190049057516mvryWb)

Like does side plates. did you make them? But it cover the frame vin!

nice front bumper to.

Eric

I made the frame plates myself and I didn't see any numbers on the frame, I guess if I covered them up then my cruiser ignorance is really shining through! I hope there's a VIN somewhere else! Thanks for the compliments on the fabwork.

Yes.

Its where all the red circles are

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e84/fj40forlife/gadfqafas.jpg

Keep up all the great work

Eric

No new pics at the moment but I got my AA twin stick kit in (thank you Georg!) and after closer inspection, the adapter to mate my th350 to the xfer case is an older one from Downey that is very short. The AA bracket is made to bolt to thier adapter so I've got to fab my own mount for the twin sticks. Probably going to pull the xfer case to clean it up, fab up a case saver, and fab up the mount for the sticks. I'll post pics of what I come up with. Other than that, I'm still waiting for my steering components to show up from PSC so I can get the box mount done, paint the front bumper and frame, and mount the new springs.

Finally got some more done. My steering stuff came in and I got the box mount finished. The box BARELY fits in there. It took some effort to get it located and have room for the shackle and it's bolt, and have room for the connections for the hydro assist (real close to the crossmember). Gotta box in the framerail on the other side tomorrow.


http://inlinethumb58.webshots.com/33145/2983634900049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2983634900049057516RvDkPr)

http://inlinethumb38.webshots.com/40933/2164774430049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2164774430049057516OoLoSD)

http://inlinethumb19.webshots.com/37266/2131371170049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2131371170049057516JOMKRu)

Nice fabbing!!

you could cut a hole and then weld up the edges so grime doesnt get in.

Or I would just stamp the old number back on over the top of that plate

Well after lots of reading and changing my mind several times, I finally ordered my wheels and tires. I'm getting 17x9.5 allied beadlocks w/2.75 bs, and 37"x14 bias Iroks. Oh and I know that the 36" Iroks are a tiny bit taller, but the apparently the 37's have a more square tread and I dont want them to look like baloons! I'll get some pics when they show up and I get all five of them mounted up, I'm thinking thats going to take some time.

A whole week and you have not posted up picks of the awesome fab work on the axle housings? You are a slacker!:shaking:

A whole week and you have not posted up picks of the awesome fab work on the axle housings? You are a slacker!:shaking:

My front axle and rear diff are now works of art thanks to a good friend of mine that was kind enough to break out the TIG and weld up my knuckles, spacer, and my rear diff. My camera is on the fritz, I'll have to break out the GF's nice one tomorrow and post up some pics. I did get the front leaf packs fixed this week and repainted. I had my head in my ass and drilled the wrong leaves and ended up with the military wrap at the front with the shackle instead of at the frame end. I also bought a sandblast cabinet and cleaned up the nuts and washers to reinstall the third members. I stopped at the Toyota dealership and picked up new gaskets for the thirds, and new cone washers for the hubs. NOT CHEAP!

Well, here are a few progress photos.


Here's the rear axle truss tacked in place, and the mount for the antiwrap bar mount I made tonight. I'm going to box in the mount, hopefully I wont regret using 1/8" plate. Should be able to get'em both welded out and finished tomorrow.

http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/14731/2822053050049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2822053050049057516NYGxLx)

This is the finish welded spacer/sleeve on the short side of the front axle.
http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/31765/2762322250049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2762322250049057516FblfMA)

Got two tires mounted. When I get the other three done I don't want to see my torque wrench again for a long time! The 37's already look small, probably the 17" wheels that make them look smaller.
http://inlinethumb29.webshots.com/41436/2191998740049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2191998740049057516TCMbEm)

FJ55 rear springs. I have since removed another leaf from all four packs, it was just too tall. Hopefully the antiwrap bar will help the leaves live a little longer.
http://inlinethumb37.webshots.com/35492/2933562470049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2933562470049057516QqhYJx)

Looking good so far. Nice fab work btw.

Props. You're attention to detail is really admirable. When do plan on having it runnin again?

Props. You're attention to detail is really admirable. When do plan on having it runnin again?

I'm really hoping to have it running and driveable by September. (well technically, I doubt the seats will be installed yet as they'll bolt to the cage and it won't be done). But that's the goal for the drivetrain anyway.

Nothing spectacular, but a couple more pics of my progress. I got the rear axle installed so I threw the spacers and wheels & tires on so I could finally see what it will look like. I like the width, not too narrow, not too wide, just right (for my taste anyway).

http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/9843/2052870310049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2052870310049057516rDQXYg)

Even with two leaves removed from each pack, it's still taller than I'd like, but I think if I remove any more leaves, the packs just won't last. I guess it'll be just right later on when I go to 39's. :D
http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/30911/2023543100049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2023543100049057516ehUjId)

looks killer! 39 would fit that tub nice :smokin:

Well the project is moving along slowly. We are building a new garage behind the house and that project has put the cruiser on the back burner. Now I've got to get the cruiser "moveable" so I can move it to the new garage. Anyway, the front housing is finished and back under the rig. My passenger steering arm had a little too much rise in it for the draglink which would have limited my available uptravel. I must commend Luke at 4x4 Labs as he was very helpfull and had no problem with adjusting it for me. Customer service it seems is a lost art these days and Luke's is top notch. As soon as I get the arm back the final assembly will begin.

http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/41151/2668967740049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2668967740049057516qLasBD)

Here is a shot of the diff guard I made. It was a PITA but worth it.
http://inlinethumb13.webshots.com/44300/2632607380049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2632607380049057516FsuJrx)

Another shot of the diff guard.
http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/40828/2004232220049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2004232220049057516HKTlyN)

I also picked up a Warn 9.5ti and sweet mounting plate from Datin Fab that will save me some time. Once I get the front end all assembled I'll have to mount the winch. I've got some clearance issues with the steering box so that's going to be fun.

nice bumper setup....

very clean!!!!

So I've finally made some progress. I got the front axle fully assembled and got her sitting on the ground again. It actually looks like a cruiser again. Wheelbase is just a hair over 100". Next up is to fab a mount for the winch and install the steering box for the last time. I'm having to get creative with the mount for the winch as the steering box is in the way (that is if I'd ever like to remove it again).

http://inlinethumb36.webshots.com/43043/2216872110049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2216872110049057516lhLuZc)

http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/41553/2028049240049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2028049240049057516SyaOUD)

http://inlinethumb30.webshots.com/15325/2537043390049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2537043390049057516BXADDM)

WOW nice work I like it

Made some more progress.

Here is the start of the winch mount.
http://inlinethumb42.webshots.com/42473/2363179810049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2363179810049057516zFNFmB)

Got the winch plate tacked in place and mounted the fairlead, and set the winch in place to make sure everything fits and has clearance before I weld it out.
http://inlinethumb33.webshots.com/43808/2396203180049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2396203180049057516ihOxQh)

Just made it, there is only about a quarter of an inch between the winch and adjustment bolt on top of the steering box.
http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/42902/2058047200049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2058047200049057516snZOKG)

More pics to come when I finish the winch mount. I've got to fab up a couple more parts and weld it all out before it's done.

Looks real good. Like others said, your attention to detail and fab skills are excellent.

How far did you move the front axle forward?

First off, thank you for the compliments. The front axle is moved forward about 4.5" -5". I flipped the springs, and then got another inch out of the spring mounts. I got them from Ruffstuff and they have three holes in them so you can move the axle forward or back an inch.

Beautiful rig! Nice fab skills!

This is what my firewall looked like after the previous owners tilt column install.
http://inlinethumb13.webshots.com/41356/2898643080049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2898643080049057516vzOVpz)

Here it is after my repair. It's not perfect, but as good as I can get it. I think it turned out pretty darned good.
http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/43473/2393140050049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2393140050049057516gTrFhX)

I had to relocate the ignition crap higher up on the column so it wouldn't interfere with the brake pedal. I just welded two new nuts onto the column and shortened up the rod and bent a new 90 in it.
http://inlinethumb02.webshots.com/43905/2789302510049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2789302510049057516knUXMJ)

Here is the finished lower column mount.
http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/42813/2526673790049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2526673790049057516BtjeCa)

The previous owner also torched off the clutch pedal arm, and bent the brake pedal arm over to clear the column. This resulted in a brake pedal that scraped on the side of the column, and was very close to the gas pedal. I cut off the brake pedal arm, cleaned up the clutch pedal arm, and welded a piece of 1/4" plate between them and moved the brake pedal over to the left side of the column. I'll have to take a picture of the completed pedal.

Nice clean work!

Looks good

would love to see the pedal. I put a gm column in mine and clearanced the column ... it is TIGHT

arndog

Any updates??

Any updates??

Not much of anything visual to post pics of, but last weekend I stripped out all of the rats nest of wiring, cleaned all of the useless crap off of the firewall, and painted it. I got my new master cylinder in, cleaned and painted my brake booster (came from the FJ62 that donated it's axles) and now I'm waiting on my adapter to show up so I can mount it all to the firewall. I also removed the crappy fenderwell headers and mufflers that came on it, and checked to make sure that the stainless blockhuggers are going to fit. I'll try to remember to get a good picture of what I did with the pedal and post it up tonight.

I'm having a hard time getting a decent pic of what I did with the brake pedal because it's black and under the dash. I'll keep trying, but here are a few pics of what I did to mount the battery. My fenders are hacked up from the PO's install of the fenderwell headers and I'm probably going to ditch them. Mounting the battery on the firewall like this keeps the engine bay open and makes for one less thing keeping me from pulling those fenders off.


I picked up a battery box a while back and it fit right in there perfectly.
http://inlinethumb09.webshots.com/6728/2698830980049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2698830980049057516JIoFZX)


It's kind of a pain to get the bolts in that secure the battery hold down but it is solid. I can grab the battery and try to shake it, the whole cruiser shakes and the battery doesn't move.
http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/44703/2350418830049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2350418830049057516jRXppN)


The upper mounting bolts are into the glove box. I had to make a spacer to put in there. I figure the spacer adds some strenth where the bolts go through too. That battery is heavy!
http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/41265/2642390960049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2642390960049057516ViYgzN)

Thats cool, and yes, those batteries are heavy!

Youve done some impressive work on this rig. I really like how you fix that rusted and butcherd frame. Nice work.

Are you going to sell this one when it gets done?:shaking:

BTW the washer on left looks 3/64" higher than the others:D

Are you going to sell this one when it gets done?:shaking:

BTW the washer on left looks 3/64" higher than the others:D

That's okay, I'll put the left rear shock mount 3/8" too far to the right on the axle and that will bring balance back to the force. And I'm keeping this one. At least that's the plan. I have too much of "my own" time in on this one to get rid of it. :flipoff2:
Hurry up and get moved down here so I can come help wrench on that garage ornament you call a race truck.

Fantastic build. I am really impressed. Since you used the 62 axles and had to move your spring frame mounts, can you post a few pics of the front spring rear and front mounts. I need to do the same thing and would like to get a reference on where and how far out you moved them. (probably about 1.5"s or 33mm?)

http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/41151/2668967740049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2668967740049057516qLasBD)

I like it! Awesome work!:smokin:

Fantastic build. I am really impressed. Since you used the 62 axles and had to move your spring frame mounts, can you post a few pics of the front spring rear and front mounts. I need to do the same thing and would like to get a reference on where and how far out you moved them. (probably about 1.5"s or 33mm?)

http://inlinethumb64.webshots.com/41151/2668967740049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2668967740049057516qLasBD)


I didn't have to move the spring mounts on the frame, I just welded new ones on the axle housing after I widened it. The main reason (besides the added width) for widening the axle on the short side is to move the pumpkin inboard so that the spring perch doesn't have to be mounted so high up on the pumpkin when keeping the frame's spring mounts in the stock location.

I like it! Awesome work!:smokin:

Thanks for the compliment! I'll have some more pics tonight. I got the new aluminum dash insert fabbed up (it cleans up the dash and covers all of the extra holes). I also got my adapter from JT outfitters and got the booster and mastercylinder installed.

Here is the picture of the brake pedal finally.
http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/43158/2068097510049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2068097510049057516SFqmYh)

A couple pics of the new dash panel. I haven't decided how I want to attach it yet. It will get a full set of Autometer gauges.
http://inlinethumb42.webshots.com/42153/2458128780049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2458128780049057516roPPrh)

http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/43679/2118851330049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2118851330049057516PNYbri)

The booster is from the 89' FJ62 I got the axles from. The mastercylinder is a new unit I got from Marlin. I believe it is for an 80 series.
http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/39902/2628838150049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2628838150049057516WEqJgG)

Here is the JT Outfitters adapter to mate the booster to my 65's firewall.
http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/42098/2272782840049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2272782840049057516GPCfJM)

The booster ended up just touching the rib on the firewall. I was worried that it would be too much weight hanging off of the firewall but it is very solid.
http://inlinethumb04.webshots.com/33347/2144704540049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2144704540049057516FDFqXL)

So things have snowballed out of control here lately. I decided to pull the drivetrain out to freshen up the motor, get the tranny rebuilt, and she's getting an Orion HD. I stripped the frame of the shock towers and previous owners scary engine mounts to fab new ones. I'll have to take some pics of the engine mounts but here are some pics of the belly skid/tranny support I just finished up.


Here you can see what I came up with for the transmission support.
http://inlinethumb08.webshots.com/40967/2100804890049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2100804890049057516aRXgox)

I had to add a notch in this tube to allow room for the xfer case. The Orion hangs about a 1/2" lower than the stock unit.
http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/42911/2163464640049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2163464640049057516uwbuDM)

The bottom of the skid is 3-3/4" below the frame. In it's previous arrangement the transfer case was unprotected and hung 5-1/2" below the frame. I raised the drivetrain 1" and offset it 1" to the drivers side.
http://inlinethumb05.webshots.com/44420/2638766210049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2638766210049057516qDLkuf)

Here is the finishd unit with the skid plates installed.
http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/29134/2320725260049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2320725260049057516qDQUig)


Another shot. It's pretty obvious where I drew my inspiration from.
http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/44117/2748895870049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2748895870049057516fFBMHm)

nice build. i like that battery mount

what color is the body

I haven't got a clue what the color is actually. Since tearing into it I have found that it has been red, light blue, green, and now tan, not necessarily in that order. :D

Nice looking crossmember, how does it mount to the frame?

I welded a scab plate on the inside of the framerail on each side. The scab plates have three 1/2" nuts welded on their backsides inside the framerail. They fit in the stock circular cutouts in the frame. Then there are three 1/2" bolts through the crossmember on each side.

great build...

That thing is schweet

I haven't posted much in a while but I have been busy! I got the transmission rebuilt and installed a shift kit, mated it up to the Orion HD, cleaned up the engine and installed an edelbrock cam and intake, headers, new timing chain and gears, high volume oil pump, a new quadrajet, and other misc. stuff. I just got the drivetrain installed back in the cruiser last weekend.

With my short adapter, the front output of the Orion is very close to the tranny pan. I had to trim the flange, and "clearance" the pan to allow room for the driveshaft.
http://inlinethumb20.webshots.com/915/2574760220049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2574760220049057516kWIABU)

Here's an overall shot.
http://inlinethumb36.webshots.com/43427/2226248200049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2226248200049057516bvAtRb)

It doesn't look like the transfer case mounted parking brake is going to fit in there. I guess I'll have to stick to a line lock.
http://inlinethumb07.webshots.com/30278/2446213460049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2446213460049057516viXwVK)

It's hard to see but I've got a string running from the front output to the axle's pinion flange. Even with the engine offset to the driver's side, the driveshaft is still going to be awefully close to the tranny.
http://inlinethumb45.webshots.com/22252/2365487460049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2365487460049057516IKkGwS)

Here's what I came up with for my engine mounts. The hoop that runs under the oil pan actually ended being a bit too close so I had to notch the pan and weld in some pieces of tubing to allow enough room for the engine to move.
http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/37555/2428473580049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2428473580049057516SDNHIt)

http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/42202/2370617630049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2370617630049057516SRbHyf)

http://inlinethumb30.webshots.com/41117/2441237020049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2441237020049057516tPeMpd)

Really nice and clean work

My valve covers look good on there!:D When you get time you should come make my engine look like that. Looks clean!

My valve covers look good on there!:D When you get time you should come make my engine look like that. Looks clean!

All you have to do is spend every available extra minute in front of the sandblasting cabinet and then painting until you can't think straight anymore.
Oh yeah, and about 20 trips to the hardware store to get new fasteners to replace all of the ones you lost when you tore it all apart. Must be nice to have 24 hour access to the hardware store! Hopefully the damn thing will run good. If not, at least it looks nice sitting in the garage.

Anything new??

Anything new??


Unfortunately I haven't been able to work on it lately. I got sidetracked working on the house. The 115 degree days don't do much to motivate me to get out in the garage right now either!

Thats a shame, you do great work and your 40 is by far my favorite DD/Wheeler 40 out there.

Get back to it!!

:flipoff2:

Thats a shame, you do great work and your 40 is by far my favorite DD/Wheeler 40 out there.

Get back to it!!

:flipoff2:

Wow, thanks for the compliment! I should also admit that after all of the work I've done I found out that my frame is bent. The driver's side frame rail is pushed back about a half an inch from the passenger side. The body mounts won't line up with the body. This wouldn't be a big deal except that it means my axles arent' aligned with each other and it's going to go down the road crooked. I haven't quite decided what to do about it at this point. Been having evil thoughts about cutting the back off, tubing it out and linking the rear.

That sucks about the frame, but i am going to have to say dont cut this one up, it looks perfect as it is, i dont even think i would turn this into a hardcore wheeler, keep it a dd/weekend warrior and build a buggy if you want to wheel some real hard stuff. I've been second guessing my build lately thinking maybe i should do what i just recommeded to you!!

That would suck if you had to replace the frame after a hours of fab work. (plus you did some nice work)

I hope you get the frame thing figured out, thats a bummer. When you took it apart did you notice any signs of it being bent then?

I hope you get the frame thing figured out, thats a bummer. When you took it apart did you notice any signs of it being bent then?

I always thought the body looked a little "funny" on the frame but since a bunch of the body mounts and or thier bolts were missing or trashed, I figured that it'd be better after I replaced the mounts. That's when I figured out what was up, I went to install new body mounts and the tub wouldn't line up correctly. I'm not replacing the frame after all of that work. I'm going to center the tub on the frame and go from there. As I said, I'm really tempted to four link the rear so I can at least get the axles square with each other so it won't go down the road crooked.

Wow, thanks for the compliment! I should also admit that after all of the work I've done I found out that my frame is bent. The driver's side frame rail is pushed back about a half an inch from the passenger side. The body mounts won't line up with the body. This wouldn't be a big deal except that it means my axles arent' aligned with each other and it's going to go down the road crooked. I haven't quite decided what to do about it at this point. Been having evil thoughts about cutting the back off, tubing it out and linking the rear.

So when you re-did your hangers how did you square out your axles,did you measure off specific frame locations side to side end to end , or did you drop a plumb bob to the floor and square it off your marks on floor ? if you squared off of plumb bob points on floor and your axles are square to each other ,the body mis-alignment wont even be noticable ,just relocate a couple hole's and bolt the body on, linkin the rear may seem like a solution ,but will only make the dog trackin more noticable...I have even come-alonged corner to corner w/a snatch block and pulled one back into square before. Linkin is alot of work anyways not to mention spendy when all said and done. :D

[QUOTE=MT TUBEKRAFTER;10109569]So when you re-did your hangers how did you square out your axles,did you measure off specific frame locations side to side end to end , or did you drop a plumb bob to the floor and square it off your marks on floor ? if you squared off of plumb bob points on floor and your axles are square to each other ,the body mis-alignment wont even be noticable ,just relocate a couple hole's and bolt the body on, linkin the rear may seem like a solution ,but will only make the dog trackin more noticable...I have even come-alonged corner to corner w/a snatch block and pulled one back into square before. Linkin is alot of work anyways not to mention spendy when all said and done. :D[/QUOTE

I used all of the stock hangers so I am stuck with it unfortunately. The chain come-a-long idea came to mind and would have worked great before I did all of the new work to the front end of the frame but it won't budge now.

This may sound dumb, but have you measured from center to center axles on both sides. What about remaking a leaf hanger and pushing the hole back a bit on the short side. Draw up some hangers and I will build them on the ironworker at work. It will be good "practice" in the boss's eyes. Take the above mentioned advice and don't back-half it. I have spent countless hours figuring plunge, anti-squat, rear steer and everything else. And I am nowhere near as anal retentive as you are. 3/64":flipoff2:

This may sound dumb, but have you measured from center to center axles on both sides. What about remaking a leaf hanger and pushing the hole back a bit on the short side. Draw up some hangers and I will build them on the ironworker at work. It will be good "practice" in the boss's eyes. Take the above mentioned advice and don't back-half it. I have spent countless hours figuring plunge, anti-squat, rear steer and everything else. And I am nowhere near as anal retentive as you are. 3/64":flipoff2:

When things cool down and I'm ready to hang out in the garage again I'll spend some more time staring at it. I don't think I really want to back half it, but I really would like to link the rear. I don't think it would be that bad.

So I have finally found some time to work on the cruiser again and have made a little bit of progress if you want call it that. I am going to go ahead and four link the rear. Next up will be to cut the frame off in the rear and build a new section that will not drop back down after the rise like the stock frame. The new rear frame rails will also be parallel instead of tapered out. I am doing this to give some extra room for what I am hoping will be ORI struts supporting the rear.

http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/43320/2454555080049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2454555080049057516UnWxqr)

I cleaned off the unecessary brackets such as the spring perches and traction bar mount (that were never used beyond rolling it around :D).
I then added some peices of plate to the truss. Next up I will be fabbing the upper link mounts.

http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/42285/2670079610049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2670079610049057516XEPtGJ)

http://inlinethumb33.webshots.com/13728/2765240640049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2765240640049057516mmywEt)

So I got in a little more time on the rear four link today. First off I had to build a press brake for my 20 ton press so I could bend up some of the pieces I needed. It actually worked really well. The only thing I think I may change is to add some guides to keep it lined up better.

http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/45491/2352700860049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2352700860049057516QrAhDd)

On to the fun. I almost finished building the upper link mounts for the axle. All I have left is to fab up a couple of gussets, one on each side.
http://inlinethumb45.webshots.com/44716/2738978890049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2738978890049057516TywzHw)

http://inlinethumb17.webshots.com/46416/2946483850049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2946483850049057516ZpFhbk)

Here are the upper frame link mounts. They are from Ballistic, just trimmed to get them at the right angle. My anti-squat will be adjustable from 60% to 90%.
http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/46195/2325949110049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2325949110049057516rZuekb)

http://inlinethumb33.webshots.com/45664/2278716060049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2278716060049057516WEbrfo)

The lower link mounts are Ballistic units as well, trimmed again to get the angles correct.
http://inlinethumb14.webshots.com/45197/2834335750049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2834335750049057516XhhXHn)

Here's an overall shot. Once I get the last two gussets made and tacked in place I'm going to sling it back under the frame to get the lower frame link mounts tacked in place and measure and build the arms. Then I can cycle the suspension to make sure there is no binding and everything clears before I burn everything in. Then It's on to the real fun, cutting the rear of the frame off and playing with tube.
http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/44513/2138306770049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2138306770049057516GckMCI)

Finally got the rest of my link brackets tacked in place, and got my links tacked together. My garage is too small to really get any good pictures, but here's what I've got.

http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/27373/2290158930049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2290158930049057516ckdLNe)

http://inlinethumb45.webshots.com/17324/2683073980049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2683073980049057516ERVYRw)

On to the task I have been dreading. So I mentioned earlier in the thread I discovered my frame was bent. I had been kicking around several different ideas as to how to fix the problem, at least in the back for now. I considered cutting off the frame and tubing it all out. Ultimately I decided that I'd rather go with rectangular tubing and keep the "stock look" but modify the frame to allow more clearance for the ORI struts I plan to run. Here's what I came up with. It's not done, I've still got to add some more plates and finish welding it all out. I am also going to add an X inside the frame with some 1-1/2" DOM round tubing.

http://inlinethumb08.webshots.com/45063/2735421160049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2735421160049057516VKOJbi)

http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/46475/2274110160049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2274110160049057516qGOaAX)

The top of the new rear frame section is at the same height that the highest point of the stock frame was at. I will have to notch the crossbraces under the tub, and cut the bottom of the tub off below the rear doors. I think I will probably have to notch the tub itself where the new frame 45's up. I will box it back in. I am planning to link the front later on down the road and I want to lower the rig 2" when I do that. This new rear frame section will allow more up travel when I lower the rig.

Why don't you quit being a house-nanny and go to the garage and get this thing done, or at least post some new pics.

Why don't you quit being a house-nanny and go to the garage and get this thing done, or at least post some new pics.

"House-nanny" Now that's funny shit! Finished the addition and got the girls moved in, got to finish some tile work around the house and I'll finally be able to work on the cruiser again. If you ever get a day off again, I'll bring your trim nailer back and I've got a "gift" for you. The ORI struts showed up the other day. They look real nice sitting on the floor in the house. Now I just have to find my motivation. I am NOT looking forward to getting the body put back together and am trying hard to resist the urge to say screw it, pull the tub off from the cowl back and go nuts with the bender. Now that we've got the truck it's definitely going to be a two seater anyway.

Now that it's 110 degrees outside I've finally got some time to work on this thing again. I had to do a bunch of trimming here and there on the tub to accomadate the new rear frame section. I decided it would be a good time to raise the rear fenderwells up.

The area where the new bare metal piece is had rusted out and been horribly repaired by a previous owner. I drilled out all of the spot welds did some cutting and removed the "repair" as well as what was left of the factory sheetmetal.
http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/10097/2139072430049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2139072430049057516IziJTs)

Here is the backside. My welder would blow through this stuff on even the lowest setting so I am using plug welds everywhere.
http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/6943/2050453420049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2050453420049057516opdXJr)

I had the new pieces bent up by our sheetmetal shop at work. If I had been thinking, I'd have just made the new pieces go all the way to the floor and it could have all been one piece but I had the tunnel vision going I guess.
http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/34527/2289222830049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2289222830049057516ZvPgVo)

I've got to drill a shit ton of holes and weld these in, and then all that's left is the front pieces. I had been dreading this part of the build but it's going really well so far.
http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/26373/2291677440049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2291677440049057516UvZYKG)

Looks real good

I've got to drill a shit ton of holes and weld these in, and then all that's left is the front pieces.

Find one of these little buggers, makes quick work of those spot weld holes.

http://www.shopperschoice.com/item_item_370688.html?PID=2817830

Find one of these little buggers, makes quick work of those spot weld holes.

http://www.shopperschoice.com/item_item_370688.html?PID=2817830

I actually bought one just like that at Harbor Freight with the intention of using for these panels. After playing with it at home I decided that it didn't punch the holes far enough from the edge for my liking. It also doesn't make a lap large enough to use it on the 16 gauge I'm working with. I guess I just like to do things the hard way.

great work, i like how well u repaired the po's damage.

Got the exhaust finished. I ran 2.5" from the headers, and then went to 3" after they merged on the driver's side. It's all pieced together with mandrel bends.
http://inlinethumb08.webshots.com/47879/2553658180049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2553658180049057516bYASdC)

I put a flex in after the two sides merged together as the rest of the exhaust is hard mounted to the frame. It was tight and is awfully close to the framerail.
http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/42401/2070218830049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2070218830049057516PklHSy)

Here's what I came up with for mounting. I didn't want to have to mess around with the "hanging" style system with rubber isolators.
http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/45343/2555434370049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2555434370049057516GPqsIs)

I also got the fuel supply and return lines run. I had some 3/8" stainless tubing that was left over from a job so I went with it.
http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/8828/2506612460049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2506612460049057516etUNKG)

I welded nuts to the frame and then just bolted the lines down with hose clamps. I used a longer bolt and a spacer so I could run both lines side by side.
http://inlinethumb51.webshots.com/20722/2154093150049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2154093150049057516YLFfVk)

I think I'm going to mount my fuel filter to the frame and then 90 both lines up so that the soft lines can come down through the tub and connect easily. I also got the rear strut hoops finished. The hoop assembly is removable via inline tube clamps so I can install the tub, which is happening next so I can fab up the rest of the body mounts and start on the cage.
http://inlinethumb33.webshots.com/46496/2909439480049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2909439480049057516PhsnRN)

All that's left for the rear axle is a new cover from Ruffstuff once they are released. A good friend of mine is tig welding up the links today. When cycling the rear suspension I found out that at full stuff the tires were going to contact the struts slightly so I am going to have to get some 2" spacers unfortunately. It will still be close and 3" would be better but then I'd have to run my 1.5" spacers up front and I'm not thrilled with having to run them out back.
http://inlinethumb54.webshots.com/47477/2858346920049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2858346920049057516CjzMhS)

That's it for now.

SOOPER JOB on this so far.
Out of curiosity, did you use a "weld nut" for the SS lines in the frame, or did you just use a plain ole nut?
I really like what you had done with those in particular, cuz Im looking for ideas of how to run mine.
So, those are fuel lines, correct?

SOOPER JOB on this so far.
Out of curiosity, did you use a "weld nut" for the SS lines in the frame, or did you just use a plain ole nut?
I really like what you had done with those in particular, cuz Im looking for ideas of how to run mine.
So, those are fuel lines, correct?

First off, thank you for the compliment, this project has been slow going and has taken much longer than I had intended. Anyway, I just used regular old 1/4-20 nuts and tacked them in three places each. It was cheap and easy and worked really well. One line is the the fuel line feeding the pump from what will be a fuel cell, and the other is the return. I don't know that I really need the return right now, but I figured that I might as well run it so that it's already in place down the road if I switch to fuel injection.

First off, thank you for the compliment, this project has been slow going and has taken much longer than I had intended. Anyway, I just used regular old 1/4-20 nuts and tacked them in three places each. It was cheap and easy and worked really well. One line is the the fuel line feeding the pump from what will be a fuel cell, and the other is the return. I don't know that I really need the return right now, but I figured that I might as well run it so that it's already in place down the road if I switch to fuel injection.

Cool. Like I said, Im ALMOST to this point with mine and had been wondering how to affix the lines to the frame if I DONT use the stock mounting points.
So one more question re. the lines...you used HOSE CLAMPS, like regular old hose clamps? Did you run a bolt through BOTH of them to do them side by side like that?
Seriously...really NICE job on it so far.
I too know the feeling of this project taking too long. I just passed a year on my build with a TON left to do. I thought it would only take about 9 mos.:shaking:
However, if youre invested this far into it, there is NOT much point in doing a half ass job and hurrying through it either.

The clips I just picked up at the local Lowe's. I used stainless socket head bolts and had to cut them to the correct length. For the spacers I used nylon spacers that I found at Ace hardware but I may cut some new ones from stainless as I'm not sure how long the nylon would last. I'll try to get a close up picture of what I did and post it up when I get home today.

The clips I just picked up at the local Lowe's. I used stainless socket head bolts and had to cut them to the correct length. For the spacers I used nylon spacers that I found at Ace hardware but I may cut some new ones from stainless as I'm not sure how long the nylon would last. I'll try to get a close up picture of what I did and post it up when I get home today.

Id appreciate that!

Thanks,

Keith

Id appreciate that!

Thanks,

Keith

Hey Chicago,
I'll have to get the pics tomorrow. Some prick stole the distributor off of my son's Volkswagen in broad daylight in the parking lot at his school today. Luckily I was able to borrow one from a buddy tonight and get it going again. They also ripped some wires out of thier connectors for seemingly no other reason than to piss me off. Poor kid worked all summer saving up to buy his bug, we've had to dump more money into it to get it reliable, he only drives to school on the days when he works, and some jackass steals his distributor. Who steals a distributor? :shaking:

Doing good! It's eerie how similar parts of your cruiser look compared to mine before I tore it all apart. I dig it though.

Hey Chicago,
I'll have to get the pics tomorrow. Some prick stole the distributor off of my son's Volkswagen in broad daylight in the parking lot at his school today. Luckily I was able to borrow one from a buddy tonight and get it going again. They also ripped some wires out of thier connectors for seemingly no other reason than to piss me off. Poor kid worked all summer saving up to buy his bug, we've had to dump more money into it to get it reliable, he only drives to school on the days when he works, and some jackass steals his distributor. Who steals a distributor? :shaking:

WTF!?!?!?
Seriously...WHO steals a distributor!?!?!?
Sorry to hear that. No worries on the pic.

Keith

Finally here is the closeup pic of what I did to mount the two lines side by side. Not the greatest pic (my camera is not cooperating with me).

http://inlinethumb05.webshots.com/5060/2005367110049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2005367110049057516IymiER)

any chance a couple more pics of the exhaust (especially near the motor)? I've got to come up with something for my exhaust and your looks like a perfect blueprint (if you dont mind me copying what you did).

any chance a couple more pics of the exhaust (especially near the motor)? I've got to come up with something for my exhaust and your looks like a perfect blueprint (if you dont mind me copying what you did).

I'll try to get some tonight. For real this time (sorry Chicago) as long as some asshat doesn't mess with my distributor. :D

thanks, I'd appreciate that... My biggest issue is getting around my 3rd link mount/tranny bell housing as space is a premium in that spot.


My first car was a bug... Lots of my friends used to mess me and steal my dist. cap but never the whole damn thing!

:d

Sorry man, I haven't forgotten, I'll get some exhaust pics up tomorrow morning I swear!

It's very close to the framerail in this one spot, probably a 1/4", but I'm running poly mounts on the engine and tranny so I'm hoping it will be okay, if not, it'll clearance itself. :D
http://inlinethumb24.webshots.com/9047/2185752410049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2185752410049057516QPeFOW)

http://inlinethumb56.webshots.com/36791/2591839810049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2591839810049057516fmoDkc)

http://inlinethumb35.webshots.com/7842/2225575210049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2225575210049057516dKZTeV)

http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/28078/2617001210049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2617001210049057516saCuMF)

http://inlinethumb01.webshots.com/47168/2049371690049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2049371690049057516RbEOyM)

http://inlinethumb21.webshots.com/17556/2705118550049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2705118550049057516mTSmrM)

http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/1788/2304171980049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2304171980049057516WSUWnQ)

Excellent, thank you. How did you cut the hole where the drivers side drops down to the rest of the exhaust? Hole saw?

Excellent, thank you. How did you cut the hole where the drivers side drops down to the rest of the exhaust? Hole saw?

I used Bend-Tech Pro to lay it out and print off a wrap around. Once I marked it I cut it with a peanut grinder and a 1/16th cutoff wheel, and a dremel. Then I cleaned it up with a small hand held belt sander. If I didn't have the program to lay it out, it would have been a lot of trial and error and wasted tube.

I used Bend-Tech Pro to lay it out and print off a wrap around. Once I marked it I cut it with a peanut grinder and a 1/16th cutoff wheel, and a dremel. Then I cleaned it up with a small hand held belt sander. If I didn't have the program to lay it out, it would have been a lot of trial and error and wasted tube.

I have bend tech pro too... didnt even think about using it. Good tip!

I have bend tech pro too... didnt even think about using it. Good tip!

It took me a good deal of time to figure out how to do it, but once I got it printed out, it was dead on! Very cool.

Finally got new body mounts fabbed, the body back on, and I have started on the cage.

Each of the main hoops have six bends with one in a different plane. Bend-tech made laying them out way easier!
http://inlinethumb07.webshots.com/44550/2336095090049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2336095090049057516AzkpNW)

http://inlinethumb05.webshots.com/30340/2108726930049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2108726930049057516yWNufl)

I wanted the cage to be as wide as possible in front, and I wanted it to be tight to the dash so it so I narrowed the dash by about 1-1/4" on each side. The a-pillar will be tied into the cowl. I may also add gussets where the a-pillar offsets inward at the floor, I've not yet decided whether it's necessary or not.
http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/45232/2404757010049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2404757010049057516UKqBrX)

Nice Build! The first few pages brought back that stage of my build. I wish I wasn't at work, cause I need a beer now.

Very nice!! :smokin:

I want to do my cage like that at the front. I was going to cut a hole in the dash for the tube...I never though about narrowing the dash...but I narrowed the tub! :homer:

Any updates?

Any updates?

I was moving along pretty good until it got stupid hot around here. The cage is 80% done (tacked) and I got the rear axle back under it with the struts in place. I'm going to have to trim the tub more than I thought because of the rear stretch. I'll try to get some updated pics up tonight.

Alright, here are some update pics of what I've been up to.

The main cage is done (just tacked for now as I said). I still have to add some tubes in the door area, and a few tubes from the b-pillar to the c-pillar down low just above the fenderwell as well as one across the back.
http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/45485/2077052700049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2077052700049057516sUaPnC)

http://inlinethumb13.webshots.com/37900/2349766590049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2349766590049057516RkQTfe)

I also still need to add the lower tubes to finish the "X" inside the b-pillar
http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/47130/2449115900049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2449115900049057516zphBRH)

http://inlinethumb05.webshots.com/45572/2183525370049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2183525370049057516vJORnI)

I'm not completely happy with the strut hoops but I'm going to leave it for now. I've got to draw the line somewhere or I'll never drive this thing.
http://inlinethumb53.webshots.com/43252/2396313840049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2396313840049057516SGkZqU)

This pic really sucks but my shop is small and I can't get the camera any further away. Anyway, Here you can see that I'm going to have to trim my fenders a lot more. I'm just going to take my time and try not to take off any more than I absolutely have to. I'm not a big fan of the comp cut but I was after a 90 degree departure angle so I had to compromise.
http://inlinethumb63.webshots.com/18686/2054917780049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2054917780049057516IwlRQR)

I had a new set of 2" wheel spacers made by Motorsport Tech (from the vendor forum, great guys to work with, great fit and finish and made in the USA) and got my rear axle back in place. The rear axle width now matches the front but the real reason is to hopefully keep my tires from contacting the struts when the axle is fully articulated. I'll find out when I start flexing it up so I can get the fenders trimmed.
http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/46658/2059516550049057516S425x425Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2059516550049057516ScVlHv)

This thing is looking AMAZING!!
Thanks for posting the pics of the exhaust. Im having mine run by a shop, but its nice to have a reference of how others have done it. That run along the DS frame rail in mine is SOOOOOOPER TIGHT, and I also mounted a tank behind the t cases too, so if needed, I can show this to the exhaust guy of what I would like.

Anything happening with your 40? Its winter time so it should only be like 90 degrees in the garage right?

Also, what did you do with your 55 springs that were on the rear? I've been looking for a set, wanna sell and ship them if you still have them?

this is a great buildup!!!!!!!
from the title to the new fenderwhells!
i love it all. kudos to an ex jeeper:flipoff2:
congrads on upgrading to a yota:D

I've managed to flex the rear axle to check for clearance and start trimming the fenders, as well as adding some sheetmetal to the front of the wheelwell opening, but not really anything picture worthy. I think I've decided to go ahead and order a set of rear tub corners from Budbuilt with the wheel openings moved way back and then trim them accordingly. We are in the middle of refinancing our house so I've been busy doing a zillion projects around the here getting ready for a very thourough appraisal. I also found out that my employer is pulling out of Arizona so I am partering with a couple coworkers to start our own company. Hopefully this will all be finished in a couple months and I can start getting some work done on the cruiser again.

this is a great buildup!!!!!!!
from the title to the new fenderwhells!
i love it all. kudos to an ex jeeper:flipoff2:
congrads on upgrading to a yota:D

I'm glad you've enjoyed the thread. I've just let this build drag on for way too long and I really need to get it done. It's gone past the point of being fun to work on anymore and I just want to drive it!

...also, what did you do with your 55 springs that were on the rear? I've been looking for a set, wanna sell and ship them if you still have them?

:grinpimp:

:grinpimp:

I still have them, but I have been kicking around the idea of using them in the front. I had to redrill my front main leaves and I am concerned about them lasting in the long run. Plus I figure I'll get a little more flex out of the longer 55's. I'm just not sure I want to have that longer shackle out front. We'll see. I'm waiting until I get it driveable to make that decision. Just too much else to do right now.

Bummer (for me!!) let me know if you decide to sell them, I'd for sure want them.

I got to that point with my 40 where I was just pissed at myself for not having it done after a year. It took me 14 months to drive mine and it's nowhere near as pretty as yours