Lots of Mockup!

Build it up, test, tear it down, rinse and repeat a million times!

I am in that phase of test-fitting all things I want to fit together, tearing it back down to make adjustments, and then doing it all over again. It is time-consuming but necessary. I got the interior mostly together just to find out that the transfer case linkage designed for a later model FJ40 doesn't play nice with the earlier model transmission tunnel cover. So I had to cut a hole in the freshly painted floor! The seats, column, wheel, and shifters all work well together though. I do have to bend the transmission shifter a bit toward the passenger side so I can get it into reverse without displacing my leg in the seat.

The pieces of floorboard removed to clearance the shift linkage

I'll be refurbishing my wheel to match the brown vinyl on the seats and have new brown clamshells for the column. I plan to use black marine carpet to cover the floorboards and transmission tunnel and the massive fuel tank will consume all the space under the seats (we die like real men... BOOM!), My new headrests will arrive someday.

Here are some more photos...

Dakota HDX Gauges mocked into place.

The late model water pump (with oil cooler), fan clutch and fan doesn't work with the early model radiator assembly. So plan b is a Volvo dual-speed electric fan. This is a popular mod with offroaders due the reliability of the Volvo fan and relays. The best part is that it plugs into my Dakota system to read temps and control fan on/off and speeds. I have the fan and wiring harness on order along with the custom belts and am installing the VintageAir condenser and dryer onto the radiator support.

My custom knobs are going to Cerakote and laser engraving at the end of the week so I should have them mocked into place this month too. Wiring, fuel lines, and brake lines are on the horizon!