Project "It's not a Jeep dammit!"

howyadoin · July 12, 2011, 04:52:29 PM

I haven't done a build thread on this site, so thought I'd throw my current build/rebuild up for review.

I did NOT build this chassis originally originally, trying to bring it back from a couple years of abuse and neglect. I've always wanted an FJ40, but I'm horrible with full body rigs, so thought I'd convert this one to a FJ40ish looking buggy.
The rig currently has a HO Mustang 5.0, C6, Atlas 5.0 with Art Carr shifter and manual valve body, HP D60 with chromos, Detroit, Hi-steer, full hydro, 5.13's, etc. In the rear is a FF 14B, 5.13's, Detroit. Double triangulated four links front and rear with Fox 16" C/O's at both ends. It is a 2-seat chassis that is all 1.5" DOM...rig weighed 3400 lbs. when I started, but I'm sure it will be a little heavier (hopefully no more than 100 lbs.) when I'm done.
Plans are to change quite a bit of tubework including cutting off the rear completely, add quite a bit of bracing to the upper portion for safety (I tend to end up on my head ALOT!), and eventually change the look of the front. In addition, I need to completely redo wiring (I hate wiring), replace every switch, replace seats with some new Renegades built for me, change lighting including a 50" Ridgid LED bar on top and a 6" Ridgid LED bar in the very front, redo rock lights, add taillights, redo rear storage area, make changes on Hydro steering system from experience I've gained over the years, replace trans. cooler, build an aluminum roof, build side panels with dzus fasteners, and many other details I'm sure I'm forgetting.
Here's how it started...rough!

First step was to remove and replace rear tubework to replace damaged tubes and update rear styling...

howyadoin · July 12, 2011, 04:55:17 PM

Added six tube gussets and windshield spreader...

Still need to add X brace and a couple bars in the sides. I'm NOT a professional fabricator and I already know my welds suck..so you don't need to tell me that.

howyadoin · July 12, 2011, 04:57:43 PM

A little more tubework done...got sidetracked with some winch relocation for awhile....freakin' A.D.D.

howyadoin · July 12, 2011, 04:59:10 PM

Slowly but surely...finished rear and top tubework, built mounts for top LED bar, mirror, etc. I also picked up a SWAG Action Packer holder and Artec fluid caddy and got them mounted up, removed/smoothed/replaced TrailReady beadlock rings as they were completely trashed, redid fuel cell venting, etc.

howyadoin · July 12, 2011, 05:02:43 PM

Just one reason I feel compelled to redo the entire wiring on the buggy.

howyadoin · July 12, 2011, 05:03:33 PM

Sort of what it should end up looking like except for grill, cowl, hood, and paint obviously. I also dropped ride height a few inches after taking pics to get my belly height down to 21...would like it to end up around 19-20, but will need to make a couple spring changes after shock tuning..

howyadoin · July 12, 2011, 05:05:28 PM

I was fortunate enough to pick up this one piece FJ hood for $60 on my local Craigslist...saved me a ton of money compared to my original plan.

It might require just a little work to fit!

howyadoin · July 12, 2011, 05:06:26 PM

First cuts...:xpimp:

howyadoin · July 12, 2011, 05:07:24 PM

This stuff's easy to cut apart...not sure how hard it will be to get it all back together straight though?:lmao:

howyadoin · July 12, 2011, 05:08:26 PM

Getting closer...had to get rid of the headlight buckets as they'd block too much air...this is what made me decide to run a 6" LED light bar on the front over winch for a headlight...the 30"er is WAY too bright to run when you're behind someone!

howyadoin · July 12, 2011, 05:09:05 PM

Basic concept of what it will look like...I kinda like it.

howyadoin · July 12, 2011, 05:16:23 PM

Now I just need to figure out how to bond everything back together as one solid unit as I've NEVER done 'glass work before...can't be that hard right?

My goal is to have the hood and grill as one unit that's pinned instead of having hinges and a seperate hood and grill...I've had both on buggies in the past and prefer the one piece personally. You may have noticed that I'm still avoiding wiring like the plague...did I mention I hate wiring yet? My seats were supposed to be done today, but didn't get a call, I'll swing by tomorrow to see if they're ready. I still have about 30 items left on my "to do" list before sides and hood go away for paintwork...hopefully my boy Chad at CRDesigns will come up with something cool yet clean....he does the paint on our desert race cars as well as virtually every Geiser truck, Tatum sandcar, and countless show winning Harleys.

Shamb · July 13, 2011, 08:50:04 AM

holy head clearance batman!

lookin' good

howyadoin · July 13, 2011, 08:58:54 AM

Quote from: Shamb on July 13, 2011, 08:50:04 AM
holy head clearance batman!

lookin' good

It's not actually very tall...it's EXTREMELY narrow (47" outside to outside...narrow seats touch in the middle) and the low door bars make it look taller than it is in person. I have about 5" above my head without helmet, perfect safe zone when wearing a helmet. It's currently 75" at the top, hoping to get it to 72-73" when I set my ride height and shock tune.

SloCrawler · July 13, 2011, 10:43:17 AM

Nice buggy

howyadoin · July 23, 2011, 08:51:39 AM

Fiberglass is fun. Anyway, it's sort of like kindergarten arts and crafts...I might start doing this shiate for fun.

Carpet mohawk...

:lmao:

howyadoin · July 23, 2011, 08:54:13 AM

Also grabbed some new bling from Rigid...this new SR series is seriously badarse!!! 3200 lumens in a tiny 6" package is absolutely ridiculous...lit up the garage big time!:xbeer3: Let me know if anyone's interested as I get some great deals as a Rigid distributor.

This will be my "headlights" and mounted right over the winch. It is seriously brighter than my HID's and tiny.:xpimp:

howyadoin · July 23, 2011, 08:55:22 AM

We'll see how well the "ricer" taillights hold up.

LilChief87 · July 23, 2011, 02:45:30 PM

looks good where in arizona ya located at im in casa grande

91 ex-cab · July 23, 2011, 03:07:25 PM

Clean buggy sir

. I've always wanted a little fj40 looking buggy just like that one there.

Edit: Carpet mohawk....classic

howyadoin · July 23, 2011, 09:13:36 PM

Quote from: LilChief87 on July 23, 2011, 02:45:30 PM
looks good where in arizona ya located at im in casa grande

NW valley of Phoenix.

LilChief87 · July 23, 2011, 09:25:38 PM

nice when i get my rig done im guna be lookin for people to come out and wheel with us if youd be interested

howyadoin · July 24, 2011, 06:56:40 AM

Quote from: LilChief87 on July 23, 2011, 09:25:38 PM
nice when i get my rig done im guna be lookin for people to come out and wheel with us if youd be interested

Let me know, I tend to wheel fairly constantly.

LilChief87 · July 24, 2011, 12:24:20 PM

ight sounds good idk if ill be able to keep up with unless i get my duals figured out how to do and weld my diffs by the time my motor stuff is done lol but ill sure as hell be trying lol

Volcom · July 27, 2011, 07:42:11 AM

Nice rig!

howyadoin · August 10, 2011, 10:25:23 AM

As it sits right now...hood/grill will be back from paint tomorrow.

Hand formed my cowl out of 16 gauge sheetmetal and then used dzus fasteners and Markrolon for the center section to simplify any wiring issues/changes I may have in the future.