Billybongo's 1963 fj45 swb

[Billybongo63]

This is a 1963 Toyota Land Cruiser fj45 short wheel base pick up


This is the one I am fortunate enough to own

I am attempting to replicate this with my limited skills (newbie), so take it easy

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[Billybongo63]

I start with the RC4WD Gelande 2 purchased from RPP Hobby

The first cut is the deepest


A starting point


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[Billybongo63]

The fitting took some time, then filling and sanding




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[Billybongo63]

Some of you may know-the early fj's had subtle differences, especially this model. It is a fixed top; so no hinges on the windshield frame or latches on the hood. The wiper are mounted on the top of the frame and there is a vent plate on the bottom. A few other details- no vent slats or marker lights on the front side panels.

I have more to do- the biggest is to create a panel with baby split windows and graft it into the rear of the cab. A fuel filler recess behind the passenger door and the body slats on the roof and back of the cab.

I havent even started to wrestle with the idea of how I'm going to build the bed- another difference of the SWB is the rounded corners and lack of bed rails

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[Billybongo63]

Setting the newly shortened cab on the chasis, it was easy to see that this set up wasn't going to work. The rear axle had to move back. The easy solution was to purchase a gelande 2 D110 chasis from rcrecycler and swap the drivetrain and bumpers. Body mounting and proper rear bumper still need to be addressed.

Electronics; Holmes Hobbies waterproof ESC and servo, Tekin brushed 30 turn, RC4WD Warn winch and controller, castle BEC. Will be running 3s with a separate 2s for the winch. Spektrum 4 channel tx/rx. I going to try to integrate lighting including a set of Ram ultra brites.

Esc and Bec are mounted between the front shock tower winch contoller and battery will be under the bed behind the axle



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[Billybongo63]

Wheels are g-made steelies with pit bull 1.9 mad beasts






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[travis c.]

Awesome, want more!

[pardonmyn00b]

Great start! Will be watching!

[mud-sweat-gears]

Seems like we talking before about this project
Anyway you are looking good
keep up the good work

[Absurd]

subbed am building one also, However I am not sure which style rear window I will go for.

[kakachille]

Nice subd for this

[imthatguy]

Yep, definitely a great start. Keep going!

[DaddyJeep]

Looks good so far... for a newb especially. I love the full size one you own. A very clean original truck.

[joe122]

Serious body surgery.....great start.

[Billybongo63]

Thanks guys!

And yes M,S,&G, this is the project I talked to you about a few years ago!
(I still may have a job for you-let's see how I do on the bed)

A little progress, got her wired and moving under her own power, ran the winch, switched out shocks to the rc4wd scales with a droop setup and crawler innovations single stage foams.


A little more done on the cab;



And of course the obligatory flex shots;



Cheers to all

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[chino63]

Nice job, looks like a great start.

Needs leaf springs though.

[Big Bill]

Beautiful FJ, I did the same to a Lexan bodied FJ a few years ago. I made it into a Truggy instead of the FJ-45, as the bed was beyond my skill set. I wonder if the FJ body set if still available?? Very nice.

[adamsfly]

Coming along nicely! Lovely 1:1 BTW.

[Billybongo63]

Modded the bezel to accept Carlco optics, along with high power led's.
Cut away the buckets and installed the lens holder, the stock lenses will sit over the optics.





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[51WillysJeep]

Looks Awesome !!