A little time in the sun

I pulled the chassis out of the garage for a brief photo shoot this past week.  I know, it's the definition of driveway poser shots, but thought you might enjoy these.

 

There was a reason for these shots, which I will share soon...

#FormulaToy #TheSpike #Toyota #c4x4.com

Posting resumes

After a brief difficulty with posting from mobile platforms, I have got some time and got the pictures to the home PC, so here are a few updates.

I have started assembly of the engine now.  The powder coated pieces are from Specialty Powder Coating in Florida.  Bonnie is a great example of how a business should be run.  Excellent results, honest work, and only the best in customer satisfaction.

#FormulaToy #TheSpike #Toyota #UCORA #C4x4

The frame is ready

After nearly three hours of hard grinding, the frame preparations are done. The next step is getting the frame and Chassis in my other garage so I can begin to build the transfer case.

I am excited to start the building phase now.

More frame prep

Spent some time this afternoon with the help of a friend getting the rest of the frame brackets off.

I left the shock towers on for an idea of placement, but I am pretty sure they will be removed later. Same goes for the rear cross member and the center cross member. I have replacements for those, but wanted to keep the frame square.

It felt good to get a couple hours work in, I just wish I didn't have to roll it out them back in every time. I wish I could leave my tools plugged in and ready to work.

Wheels!

Last week I purchased new Wheels used online for the spike. Raceline beadlocks. They came in the mail today and I am very excited here's a picture of one, but you can see the full set after I have them powder coated.

Finally, more progress

I know it's hard to believe, but I actually got about 2 hours time to work in The Spike!

First task was get it easily accessible. Since I "deal shop" so much, I had a lot of parts for stages I am not yet to under the frame blocking rolling it out. -COMPLETED

Step 2 was to continue cleaning the frame.
I took out the sawsall and a 9" metal blade and got to work. I removed all the small brackets from the top off and the 2 rear body mounts. I also took out the brace that defined the back of the 4runner cab section leaving just the 3 cross braces. The rest I think I will have to use a grinder and take out the welds.

Ran out of time and got fried in the sun. So I rolled it back in and cleaned up. Now I can easily roll it back out to keep working. We have plans tomorrow, so maybe next week. There is still a long way to go, but at least I got more done. Still thinking of taking it to a shop to complete by the 10th anniversary Crawl 4 Christ next summer.

Transmission is out for rebuild

Yesterday, I loaded the transmission in the truck and took it to the shop. Over the next week or so, they will be giving it a compete once-over then removing all the built in great reduction transfer case junk and installing the inchworm transfer case adapter.

Next step, reassemble the motor and prepare the frame for the complete setup. I am moving the chassis and frame into my other garage so I can work on the transfer case rebuild soon too.