Saintdogs 1973 FJ Build (1 Viewer)

[Saintdog]

Hey guys bought my first 40 about a month ago and I think I am ready to start wrenching on this thing... Here are some pics with questions below:

 

[Saintdog]

The Good
Has a 350 V8
Spring over
35" tires
Skyjacker lift kit

The Bad
The wench doesnt work
Needs interior
NEEDS brakes
Someone sut the dash out

The Ugly
Rust in the rear sill and around doors (all repairable?)
When in 4 wheel drive it shutters really bad (advice?)
As I said BRAKES! (whats the dif between rear vs front disc?)
Rear barn doors are shot (tailgate?)
My budget (haha)

Anyhow I have been lurking for some time now and I really want to do a frame off. On a scale of 1 to 10 with prior body shop experience, how hard is it to get the body parts completely off? Any special tools or a post you can link me to? Thanks guys!!!

 

[Saintdog]

Ive got a $250 gift card to 4wheelparts and looking to buy a 2 Corbeau Adjustable seats and seat brackets. Total parts ~$700 minus the $250 so $450 plus they'll throw in shipping to store and no sales tax AND another $50 gift card. Deal?

 

[fj404life]

You looking for advice on where to spend your $$$???? 500$ in seats is not the place right now.
Go through your brakes and steering so you know all is safe. Then start spending $$ on other stuff.
Welcome to the madness!!!!

 

[Pighead]

500$ in seats is not the place right now.

Right, but 4WP probably doesn't have brake parts...how about some shocks and a fire extinguisher? Plus, I got some Corbeau buckets, not impressed. OP's buckets look good enough.

 

[Saintdog]

You looking for advice on where to spend your $$$???? 500$ in seats is not the place right now.
Go through your brakes and steering so you know all is safe. Then start spending $$ on other stuff.
Welcome to the madness!!!!

You are absolutely right, but 4wheel parts doesnt carry a bunch of stuff that I 'need' more of what i
'want'. The seats that I have now could be reupholstered I suppose, but the pass side sits crooked. About to take it out. I am looking at getting the steering and brakes done ASAP.

I do have a fire extinguisher already and new shocks wouldnt be a bad idea though...

BTW, is there a way to browse this forum without the ads?

 

[BDSeff1fitty]

as long as your logged in you shouldn't get ads.

 

[nick]

Your PTO winch isn't hooked up because you have saginaw P/S.
Buy a silver star, you'll get less ads.

 

[Walton]

Safety First:

Fix your brakes
Check all of your brake lines-cylinders
Check your wheel bearings-Repack

 

[Saintdog]

Well I was bored and decided to rip out the interior and spray it with some rust stopper until it goes to body shop. I really shouldnt drive it right now anyway until the brakes get done. Thos seats have had it, sooo jerry rigged in:

How do I remove the gas tank?

 

[Saintdog]

Your PTO winch isn't hooked up because you have saginaw P/S.

How do I get the winch to work?

 

[Saintdog]

Sorry for the million questions guys! If I rhino line the floor and tub, will it stop the rusting?

 

[bikersmurf]

Sorry for the million questions guys! If I rhino line the floor and tub, will it stop the rusting?

No.

There are mixed views, but POR 15 is designed to stop further rust... Toxic stuff though. There are other products available also.

 

[Saintdog]

Well used one rattle can to just shore up and clean up before I start the body work on the inside and out. Used some Krylon Semi Flat black with rust stopper. Stuff is potent, I left the back open since yesterday and it still smells pretty strong.

 

[Saintdog]

whats up with my roll bar being different? I have gun racks rivted on mine, which I will end up keeping at least on one side... BTW, I tried to unbolt the cage but ended up breaking 2 bolts and the others were too stubborn. I may just cut it out and re weld it, but idk... Its just too tall to fit in my garage by a few inches. I may get a costco canopy, but the HOA against it...

 

[nspctr1]

Thats a home made cage, if you want it to fit in the garage, air your tires down. I have 33's and it just barely clears.
On the rust, I use POR15 and it works well. Make sure you use it in a well ventillated area and wear latex or other type gloves. The stuff doesn't come off very easily. Prep on any product such as this is key to longevity.

GL

 

[Hoz FJ40 CO]

Rear barn doors are shot (tailgate?) ...looks to me like you already have a tailgate. If your a body guy I would check out CCOT for some patch panels. Will save you big dough in the long run.

Here's the link : Body Parts . Coatings

Welcome to the madness!!!

Also check out the 'mudsearch' field. We've all spent many hours researching here and you will too.

Looks like a nice truck to start a build. I'd drive it for a year so you know what you want to build just my $.02.

 

[baja1d]

Get some PB Blaster from auto parts store- you'll break less bolts. BTW, I'd recommend buying the gallon size.

 

[1978FJ4O]

Nice buy. Wish mine had the factory winch

 

[Saintdog]

Getting a little discouraged as I have to move by May 1st, but the work is alot more than I bargained for. Every other screw or bolt is so rusted I have to end up grinding it off or drilling it out. I decided today Im gonna roll on some hurculiner, get the interior back up to snuff, get some fender flares and just have it repainted at a local shop in black. The more I take it apart the more rust I find and the more time I spend on it. Got the interior primed and tomorrow Ill roll on the bed liner.

Before:

After: