Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

First stage of blackout was wheels only. I also shed the spare tire cover.

The following weekend I finished off the bumpers and trim:

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

Installed a GoPro mount by Daystar and started my sticker collection:

and stickers:

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

Not a lot of substance yet huh? Well I have ordered an RCI Metalworks engine skid, some Toytec/Eibach 112-620 springs for the front, and a set of front LCA skids. All of this will hopefully come together soon.

I'm trying to raise funds for a front bumper and shocks to help carry that bumper. I also want to add to my skids and get some rock rails. CB install coming prior to the FJ summit as well. Stay tuned!

I am open to suggestions on how to make this a tough looking Brick FJ Cruiser that we can all be proud of!

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

Looks good! Don't just make it look good, also make it functional. All depends on what kind of wheeling you do for what mods to throw on there

:cheers:

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

Looks good! Don't just make it look good, also make it functional. All depends on what kind of wheeling you do for what mods to throw on there

:cheers:

Kinda want to do light rock wheeling (Birmingham has some rocks, but nothing like out west) with some mud/traditional southern off roading mixed in. So a combo rig if you get my drift.

Everything I've done so far has been cosmetic, but I have ordered those Toytech/Eibach 112-620 springs for the front. They should give me extra clearance up there and from what they say in the description I should be able to add height adjustable shocks to them in the future and further lift the truck if I choose to. Correct me if I'm wrong on that point.

I've also ordered skids for the Engine (RCI) and front skids for the lower control arms from All Pro. I'm having to try to raise some money through selling some things on Ebay, so the process might be slow.

The BFGoodrich Rugged Terrain T/A tires the dealer put on are brand new. I'm hesitant to explain to my wife why I need to remove all terrain tires that are new and replace them with all terrain tires which are new (and a little wider). I wonder if I should just ride these until a time in the future when it becomes time to replace them anyway. I do want a bumper that can position me to get a winch down the road (and gives more clearance). So I'm trying to determine the order in which I should do these things. :thinkerg:

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

Glad to see another Brick out there! I have also gone the blackout route and love it. Mirrors, wings, wheels, & roof.

Subscribed (bricks gotta stick together!)

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

On a side note, these bricks are schizophrenic. In the shade they look maroon. In the sun they glow with this deep warm reddish color.

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

The black out looks nice. :bigthumb:

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

Join date 2006
Build thread 2014.......
Hmmmm
Looks good so far

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

Join date 2006
Build thread 2014.......
Hmmmm
Looks good so far

LOL. I'm going to be a slower builder, but not THAT slow.

I joined in 2006 and shortly after bought a 2007 Voodoo Blue brand new off the lot. Couple years later I sold it because I panicked over the gas prices spike in 2008-09. Regretted it ever since. Purchased my brick used with 36K miles about a month ago.

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

Roll Tide Roll. I grew up for a bit in Anniston, AL. Welcome to the forums.

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

I'm interested to see how the Toytec/Eibach springs work out for you. I plan on doing the same once the weather gets a bit warmer.

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

I'm interested to see how the Toytec/Eibach springs work out for you. I plan on doing the same once the weather gets a bit warmer.

They were delivered today. I'm going to have them put on Saturday I think.

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

You should come join us for Mardi Krawl over at Hawk Pride Mountain ORV park on April 10-13. It's near Muscle Shoals.

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

You should come join us for Mardi Krawl over at Hawk Pride Mountain ORV park on April 10-13. It's near Muscle Shoals.

I would love to, but I think I have a cub scout trip that weekend with my son. I'll double check dates and make sure.

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

Looks real good! I think Brick might be the best looking color blacked out. Very fierce!

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

Here is a photo of my brick after a Plasti Dip blackout if you are looking for ideas. The front of the hood is dipped gunmetal grey.

I ended up ditching the dip on the club doors. It was a better idea on paper....

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

Here is a photo of my brick after a Plasti Dip blackout if you are looking for ideas. The front of the hood is dipped gunmetal grey.

I ended up ditching the dip on the club doors. It was a better idea on paper....

Very nice. I blacked out my grill, but honestly I've been going back and forth about these three options:

1. black out roof to match front grill
2. black out grill but not roof
3. WHITE out grill trim to match white roof as a nod the the old FJ40s.

Oh, and I think you were right to ditch the club door blackout. I like for some of the color of the FJ to shine through. The cub door blackout reduces that color.

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

I am really loving the look of the black roof. It didnt take much time and I actually did it without removing the rack and just peeled the overspray.

It has been almost 6 months and it is still looking great.

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

Ok guys.... I'm thinking of purchasing the Warrior Bumper with brush guard. What do you think?

Stock photo of the bumper:

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

I've been looking at that bumper too. More affordable also which is a plus.

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

Amazon has that bumper with free shipping for $900. My wife likes the bumpers with the brush guard rather than the bare bumpers without.

It would certainly be more efficient for me to get a winch with the bumper so that it can be installed at the same time. It's pricey when you add the winch in though....so I don't know. :/

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

bumpers are too subjective and personal to even hazard an opinion. Each to his own.

Get the one you love. Personally, I stay away from brush bars for aesthetic reasons and light car taps magnify damage by x10.

One thing to consider is how much the bumper weighs. Then include the weight of a winch. Make sure your setup can handle the added weight.

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

buy it cheaper here

3530 Warrior Products Front Winch Bumper - eCustomhitch

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

Thanks for the less expensive site! Excellent!

I can tell you that my wife didn't like the look of the bumpers sans brush guards. That might play a role.

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

My Toytech/Eibach front springs have been installed! I tried 3 times to get good photos in the waning light of the day but wasn't successful. I'll take a photo tomorrow during the day.

No photos do justice to this mod. Every photo I looked at prior to getting this done showed a tiny bit of lift in the front. The difference in person is NOTICEABLE. I am very happy with the results!

Photos coming tomorrow, but I'm telling you that it doesn't do it justice.

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

Ok folks. Late day photo again so you don't get to see the real beauty of the Brick color, but here is the rig with the new front springs:

These springs are strange. No matter how I take the picture, the difference in person is way more apparent than through a picture.

I also added some stickers:

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

Looking good.

That sounds like a good deal for a bumper. When I bought a tjm for my taco I got a deal on the bumper but shipping was 350 or 400 I forget, so free shipping is nice.






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Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

Ok so I have about $2100 to play with on upgrades.

What I currently have:

1. Front LCA skids
2. Engine Skid on the way from PureFJcruiser (RCI Metalworks)
3. ToyTec/Eibach front springs

What I was originally thinking of using the money for:

1. Transmission and Transfer skids (RCI Metalworks)
2. Pure rock sliders
3. CB radio install
4. Front Bumper (heavily leaning towards Warrior)
5. Winch to fit bumper (Smittybuilt 8000 lb)

However, I find myself paralyzed with indecision. It's easier to purchase things one at a time when you have to save for them than it is to have a large sum of cash. Anyone have any suggestions better than the list above? I have BFGoodrich Terrain T/A tires currently. I know a lot of people like to get bigger tires or different wheels to start off. They sure are expensive though.

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

Ok so I have about $2100 to play with on upgrades.

What I currently have:

1. Front LCA skids
2. Engine Skid on the way from PureFJcruiser (RCI Metalworks)
3. ToyTec/Eibach front springs

What I was originally thinking of using the money for:

1. Transmission and Transfer skids (RCI Metalworks)
2. Pure rock sliders
3. CB radio install
4. Front Bumper (heavily leaning towards Warrior)
5. Winch to fit bumper (Smittybuilt 8000 lb)

However, I find myself paralyzed with indecision. It's easier to purchase things one at a time when you have to save for them than it is to have a large sum of cash. Anyone have any suggestions better than the list above? I have BFGoodrich Terrain T/A tires currently. I know a lot of people like to get bigger tires or different wheels to start off. They sure are expensive though.

I would suggest getting sliders, and sooner rather than later. They protect and can pay for themselves the first trip out. Dont wait until after you have to have something repaired. Sliders were the first thing i bought for my last toyota. My truck before that one on the day i first took it out, a stump to the quarter panel was an expensive fix since i was unprotected.

As for the total sum of money. who says you have to spend it now. maybe keep your eyes peeled for a used set of skids to save some dough. or a group buy or until you are completely sure what you want.

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

Go with the warrior. You wont be disappointed! :cheers:

:cheers:

 

Re: msduncan's brick (to be named)

Go with the warrior. You wont be disappointed! :cheers:

:cheers:

And I'll throw my opinion in on tires. Duratracs!

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