2005 Fuso FG140 4x4 Intro and Build Chronical
- Thread starter MSGGrunt
- Start date
I am thinking it may be more cost effective to look for a used cab off one that wasn't a 4x4 and wasn't exposed to the winter elements as much. Are the FE180 cabs the same as the smaller FG/FE140 cabs? There is a 2005 FE180 locally with just over 94,000 miles on a 4M50 advertised for $5,000, but negotiable. Probably close to what all that metal work would cost me as I don't have these skills and would have to pay someone. And who wouldn't "need" a spare 4M50 with only 94,000 miles? And a bonus if it has AC as my FG140 does not.
Last edited:
SkiFreak
Crazy Person
I know someone that did a cab swap from an FE to a FG, so it is definitely possible.
I cannot remember exactly, but I think that there were few minor differences with the cab. These were around the cables for transmission/transfer case, I think.
The engine too has some small differences, like the sump pan, which on the FG is shaped differently to allow for the diff pumpkin.
I cannot remember exactly, but I think that there were few minor differences with the cab. These were around the cables for transmission/transfer case, I think.
The engine too has some small differences, like the sump pan, which on the FG is shaped differently to allow for the diff pumpkin.
The other option would be to find a nicer cab, I found one locally that has a dented roof and is already off the frame and use it to cut out the good metal to replace my rusted sections. This is probably easier than a whole cab swap, especially given the differences you mention between the FE and FG cabs. That may be just inviting more work.
Well, I went the replacement cab route. Rust free and even the interior is pretty clean. The two small dents can be easily fixed. Dragged her home today and put her up until spring arrives. In the meantime, the interior will be stripped, cleaned, sound deadened, and new seats swapped in. I am keeping my eyes open for some Toyota MR2 seats as I have read they fit well and are more comfortable than the factory seats.
mog
Kodiak Buckaroo
Funny you ask. I like the red better than the white, but neither would be my color of choice and with everything stripped, for the most part, now would be the time to do a color change. Even the grey plastic interior panels will be recolored/painted to compliment whatever I do decide on an exterior color.
SkiFreak
Crazy Person
Well... I am guessing that there will not be a better time than now, should you wish to do a colour change.
If you pull out the glass there will be minimal to no masking to be done, and you'd also likely end up with a better job .
My only advice to painting the cab would be to use a commercial 2K paint, opposed to auto paint.
Auto paint relies on a clear coat for the UV protection, whereas a commercial paint does not. For an expedition vehicle, that is more likely to get bush pin striping during its life, doing patch repairs on paint with a clear coat is much more of a pain.
Alternatively, using something like Raptor (a bed liner) is something that has become quite popular of late. This surface finish is more durable than most paint finishes, but it does usually have a texture.
If you pull out the glass there will be minimal to no masking to be done, and you'd also likely end up with a better job .
My only advice to painting the cab would be to use a commercial 2K paint, opposed to auto paint.
Auto paint relies on a clear coat for the UV protection, whereas a commercial paint does not. For an expedition vehicle, that is more likely to get bush pin striping during its life, doing patch repairs on paint with a clear coat is much more of a pain.
Alternatively, using something like Raptor (a bed liner) is something that has become quite popular of late. This surface finish is more durable than most paint finishes, but it does usually have a texture.
I have used Raptor on an FZJ80 Landcruiser back when it was first hitting the market. Tinted it a dark green and sprayed it so it had as fine a texture as possible. I really liked how it came out and have been giving using it again a lot of thought. SEM is promoting a new bed liner, and I have had great success with their other products, so that may be an option.
Always take the windows out, there is no other way to do a proper respray.
Whatever the color it will have to go with black bits like the super single wheels, mirrors, black front panel, black bumpers, etc. I have no plans on building a permanent habitat but have considered a canvas top like the design the US Army uses on its LMTVs. I work on an Army base, so I just might be able to come by some of the support poles and then have a Marina stitch me up a custom cover or at least have hands on a set to match their design.
Some of the colors I have been tossing around in my head are:
- Khaki of some shade
- Olive green. But not too close to an Army OD green
- Tan
- Dark grey
- Sticking with the red. But red tends to fade and not sure how it would hold up in a liner should I go that route.
Always take the windows out, there is no other way to do a proper respray.
Whatever the color it will have to go with black bits like the super single wheels, mirrors, black front panel, black bumpers, etc. I have no plans on building a permanent habitat but have considered a canvas top like the design the US Army uses on its LMTVs. I work on an Army base, so I just might be able to come by some of the support poles and then have a Marina stitch me up a custom cover or at least have hands on a set to match their design.
Some of the colors I have been tossing around in my head are:
- Khaki of some shade
- Olive green. But not too close to an Army OD green
- Tan
- Dark grey
- Sticking with the red. But red tends to fade and not sure how it would hold up in a liner should I go that route.
And since it is Winter here in the USA, I am taking some time to research better seats than the factory ones. I am not keen about air ride as for the cost it still seems like they are not the solution. And I don't like the bouncy nature of some of them over bumps. I would like something that is available used and is a low-profile OEM seat with good support and adjustability and can be found in a wrecking yard or on Facebook Marketplace. Possibly have them reupholstered with Gell foam in the bottom seating area. Given the FGs aren't as common in the US I haven't been able to find much info on what others are using. I think I will start a new thread asking just that.
