Just had to treat myself for Halloween... 65 SWB

DomSmith · 10-31-08, 09:35 PM

Well, after 18 years of owning Cruisers I've finally brought home my first 45. It's a 65 SWB removable top I found about 30 miles from home. I'm pretty certain I may have paid more than market value but I have to be honest with you...

I'm not losing any sleep over it!

It's 95% original (paint included, i believe) and a pretty solid start. I plan on having this for a long time (have had my current 40 for 14 years) and I'm stoked to have found what I'm looking for so close to home...

Now my 40 has a new friend and garage roommate...

Picking her up...

PO was kind enough to trailer her home for me!...

At home by the beach...

Engine...

Bed is covered in surface rust but no serious cancer to speak of except the rear sill...

Interior seems like a time capsule to me...

VIN Plate...

Eaton Heater...

TEQ key?...

wesintl · 10-31-08, 09:45 PM

congrats. Great looking 45!

rockcod · 10-31-08, 10:07 PM

Damn Dom, a short bed remove-able top, very

I need to get those shackles to you, I have them in my locker at work.

73fj · 10-31-08, 10:14 PM

Nice find man.

kellyo · 11-01-08, 09:44 AM

Glad to see someone here got that rig. You only paid to much if you are not happy with it. Great project for the next 18+ years.

D'Animal · 11-01-08, 09:51 AM

Congrats!

I would love to have one of those.

Some day, just maybe.

DomSmith · 11-01-08, 09:59 AM

Thanks guys. As you can imagine I'm super stoked and yes kellyo that's why I just went for it. Have no regrets.

Tony I would like to get those sometime soon. I'll give you a call.

I really have no history yet on the cruiser although I will be talking to the PO soon. I also have the owner before that's name so maybe I'll fish a little there too. I know the guy that had it before me bought it in 98 and it has been stored since then. Resto project that never got cleared for takeoff.

I'll have a million questions I am sure but I'll try to research instead of hashing up every answered question. But here are a couple:

1. The engine is covered in decades of dust and dirt. What's the best way to clean it without destroying any decals or scratching the hell out of everything with rags? Maybe soak it with___________ and rinse? Any suggestions are appreciated. Just looking to make it a little more serviceable not pristine.

2. I'm also curious about this ID on the side of the rig. Anyone have a clue? Government truck?

I'm going to change the oil and drain the fuel, replace the fuel pump/hoses/filter and get her started up today!

Also looking for a temporary tire to use until I figure out what size/style I want to get. The 4th tire and the spare leak and are flat by morning. Back in the day I stored many many tires for just this occasion but eventually just got rid of them. Ha Ha.

EDIT: Tire is just for pushing around and in and out of the garage. NONE of these tires look good enough to be on the road without blowing out.

Thanks again.

wesintl · 11-01-08, 11:11 AM

I would spray degreaser and power wash with hot water. Shane has all repro decals.

fj40_73 · 11-01-08, 11:25 AM

I can now envision how your tidy back yard is going to look once you tare into that thing.

Been watching that one......wanted it myself, ... but .... lack of funds and space for me.

I'll stop by to check it out.

So give me a call once it's time to lift the body off the frame.

DomSmith · 11-01-08, 01:10 PM

Never seen one like this...

Searched for pics but it looks different from any I've seen. Maybe because most are updating when doing a restore/redo?

Thought for sure it was aftermarket, but...

TEQ Stamp...

Bikerso · 11-01-08, 08:06 PM

They were used on the early trucks it is factory----but most people upgrade as they tend to pee with age. m

Awl_TEQ · 11-01-08, 08:20 PM

Very nice truck - well done, its only money! Your 40 is looking really sharp too.

MarcoPolo · 11-01-08, 08:21 PM

Wow

What a great looking truck.

Such a nice find

DomSmith · 11-01-08, 08:47 PM

Thanks Bikerso. Pedal goes to the floor and it's bone dry. Surprise surprise. I was really afraid of trying to unscrew it for fear of breakage but it came right off...

I filled it up so we'll see what it looks like in the morning. I need to get a second person here so I can bleed the system. Which brake master are most upgrading too? (I know, I know... search!)

I also removed the oil filter (canister type) and cleaned it all up. The seals look to be in really good shape but now that it's back together it's leaking out of the bottom.

Filled up the radiator with some coolant to look for leaks and there is some dripping from the water pump area while it's just sitting. I'm going to try to take a closer look to see what exactly is leaking, but I have to admit it's been more than a decade since I worked on an F motor... so I suppose a pump and gasket is in order as well. I'm thinking of just driving to SOR monday to get a few things but we'll see.

Drained the fuel after 10+ years and it had a strong odor like turpentine. A good 4 gallons in there so I hope that helped with any rust issues. No serious crud at all.

I also removed the fuel filter and cleaned it all up. Local dealer said it's no longer available but I have to say they are not very helpful. I'll probably check with CDan soon...

Changed the fuel lines and after a few hours of airing out I put about 2 gallons back in.

I removed the fuel pump as it didn't seem to be working. The rig will fire up immediately if you pour gas in the carb but stalls after it's gone. I have a spare pump in the parts bin from many moons ago but after taking this one off I could see the spring had popped off and was jammed in the pump. I pulled it out and reset it and bolted it back on. The PO thought that was the problem too so I was hopeful. Turned the rig over with the fuel line disconnected and it pumps like a charm. After hooking it all back up it still won't run on it's own however. I cracked the line at the carb inlet and it poured out. I think the pump is good, so on to the carb which I am totally clueless about. It's another Carter YF so I suppose I could rebuild it? Or maybe try to get a hold of an Aisin?

More small problems than I anticipated but not very surprising considering how long it's been sitting. But a hell of a lot of fun I might add!

foxfab · 11-01-08, 09:20 PM

Thats hot!!

Check the FJ25 part number thread for the fuel filter part number. Its still available. Send the master cylinder to Whitepost restoration for them to work their magic on em. That clutch master isnt original. Find one and sent that for a restoration also.

Ditch that carter carb also and try to find an original Aisin large sight glass carb

Also, every Toyota canister oil filter cartridge comes with all new gaskets for the canister. That should fix your leaks. There is also a drain plug on the bottom of the canister itself that may need to be tightened or needs some thread tape to seal it.

Got some close ups of the front and back of those front turn signals?

Nice score.

car-car · 11-01-08, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DomSmith

Also looking for a temporary tire to use until I figure out what size/style I want to get. The 4th tire and the spare leak and are flat by morning. Back in the day I stored many many tires for just this occasion but eventually just got rid of them. Ha Ha.

EDIT: Tire is just for pushing around and in and out of the garage. NONE of these tires look good enough to be on the road without blowing out.

Thanks again.

Dom, if you need a tire, I have a spare sitting on the side of the house. I'm in Esco, but I work in Carlsbad during the week, so I could drop it by or meet up with you if you need. It's all yours if you need. PM me if you want and I can e-mail pics. Its a P235/75/R15.

Bikerso · 11-01-08, 11:25 PM

For the brake master cylinder I would strongly recommend a dual master cylinder---I now its not original---but better to be able to stop your truck than wreck an original. Check with Mark from Mark's Offroad.

My wife said no FJ! · 11-02-08, 06:16 AM

Nice find!!! What are plans for her?

Restoration or DD to drive and enjoy?

dmaddox · 11-02-08, 08:19 AM

Congratulations Dom. I am probably just as excited as you are. Well done! I wish you the best and hope that some day we might be able to shake hands and get to know one another.

Again, well done!

Dallas Maddox

Ghetto Fireman · 11-02-08, 08:42 AM

Nice find Dom. Now comes the fun part. What is your plan, restoration or daily driver? Working lots of OT to help fund my 45.

Mike

DomSmith · 11-02-08, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foxfab

Check the FJ25 part number thread for the fuel filter part number. Its still available..

I'll take a look there, thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by foxfab

Ditch that carter carb also and try to find an original Aisin large sight glass carb

.

I think I would like to find an Aisin so maybe I should start with Mark?

Quote:

Originally Posted by foxfab

Also, every Toyota canister oil filter cartridge comes with all new gaskets for the canister. That should fix your leaks. There is also a drain plug on the bottom of the canister itself that may need to be tightened or needs some thread tape to seal it.

I haven't had luck finding that canister kit either but I'll try again next week and look in the 25 section too. Drain plug is good, I believe it's leaking from where the sleeve slides in from the bottom. The seals all look really good so I'm not sure what is going on there. Maybe a little RTV on the underside until I can source the right parts?

Quote:

Originally Posted by foxfab

Got some close ups of the front and back of those front turn signals?

Here they are... I also included the rear signals...

Drivers Side:

Passenger Side:

Rears:

Quote:

Originally Posted by car-car

Dom, if you need a tire, I have a spare sitting on the side of the house.

PM sent.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bikerso

For the brake master cylinder I would strongly recommend a dual master cylinder---I now its not original---but better to be able to stop your truck than wreck an original. Check with Mark from Mark's Offroad.

I'm leaning towards a little updated equipment and I think that's one I can talk myself into. Safety is a concern but then again, they drove these for how many years?? I looked at Whitepost restoration and WOW! That me be something for down the road but for now I want to get this on the road...

DomSmith · 11-02-08, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghetto Fireman

Nice find Dom. Now comes the fun part. What is your plan, restoration or daily driver? Working lots of OT to help fund my 45.

Quote:

Originally Posted by My wife said no FJ!

Nice find!!! What are plans for her?

Restoration or DD to drive and enjoy?

Thanks guys. Yes Mike, OT helps fund my toys too. By the way thanks for Barbi!

As for now I'm just going to do the mechanical stuff on what I have and get it on the road. I am going to keep it as stock as I can stand which I have to say will be very close to original. Anything I do decide to do will require little to no modification to get it back to stock. I'll drive it like this for a while and then later (ok much later) I'd like to do my first frame off.

I'm keeping this thing for a LOOOOONG time and I think if I ever get the bug to have disc brakes, power steering, etc. I will find a different rig. This one is way too stock to mess with. I already have a somewhat built 40 so that satisfies my crave in that respect.

The only issue I need to decide right away is the suspension/tires. It will need 5 new tires and I'm only buying them once. It sat really straight when I bought it but after snugging the straps down on the trailer and jacking it up to replace a tire it sits pretty caddywompus. I'm certain the springs are shot but we'll see what happens once it's on the road. I like the look of the old Bias tires sitting low but I do want this thing to ride half way decent.

So... I'm leaning towards OME 2.5 with skinny 33's.

Not stock but they look really good with a little lift and I hear the OME's ride nice.

This thing will mostly putt around Carlsbad and eventually make a trip to the 45 run but it will not be a daily driver.

Thanks for your interest!

orangefj45 · 11-02-08, 10:09 AM

very nice find dom!

ask me, whatever you paid for it was the right price. finding a decent removeable top swb is difficult to say the least. i bet there are less than 100 left in the states......making them the rarest 45 out there.

a.greenspan · 11-02-08, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DomSmith

a) ...I am going to keep it as stock as I can stand which I have to say will be very close to original. ..

b) I'm keeping this thing for a LOOOOONG time ... I think if I ever get the bug to have disc brakes, power steering, etc. I will find a different rig.

c) So... I'm leaning towards OME 2.5 with skinny 33's.

Thanks for your interest!

great find !!!!!!

a)

b)

c) Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo , please

Sweet, sweet rig
congrats

Peter

legion · 11-02-08, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orangefj45

finding a decent removeable top swb is difficult to say the least. i bet there are less than 100 left in the states......making them the rarest 45 out there.

Very nice truck.

I think the fixed cab 45SWB might be the rarer of the two though, no?

orangefj45 · 11-02-08, 03:33 PM

nope, most of the swb trucks had the fixed top. the cabs are also slightly shorter......

Ironmanfj45 · 11-02-08, 08:14 PM

Hi Dom,

You contacted me a couple of months ago. I have the FJ45 shown in this thread http://forum.ih8mud.com/fj45-owners-...k-project.html.

PM me so we can get together and talk FJ45's.

Congradulatoins, she is beautifull!

Cheers,

Jim

fj40_73 · 11-02-08, 08:29 PM

Checked out Dom's Rig tonight. That 45 went to the right guy.

I was able to help out by finding this stowaway

and setting him free in the nabors bamboo.

DomSmith · 11-02-08, 10:50 PM

Yes thanks for stopping by Shane! I can always use a spare hand and Shane offered to help bleed the brakes. "Can you stop and grab some brake fluid on your way? I'm out..." Ha Ha! Thanks again man.

Well we didn't get to the brakes for a few reasons:
1. My driveway is soaked from the rain.
2. It's dark early and felt like 8 o'clock at 530.
3. I hadn't sprayed enough "loose juice" on the bleeder bolts and they put up a good fight.

Shane is definitely more carburetor inclined than I am so he convinced me to pop the top of the Carter to take a look see. Pretty damn grimy in there and the bowl was empty...

He also noticed that the valve that shuts off when the float is high was stuck (sorry for the blurry pic)...

This thing is in serious need of a rebuild but until I get a kit I hoped to at least get her to run. I think an Aisin carb is in order eventually, I just need to source one. Cleaned all the crud out and cleaned up the needle valve. Also filled the bowl with a little fuel and crossed our fingers...

SHE STARTED UP!!! And stayed running and idled smoothly. Woo Hoo and high fives followed and after about 20 seconds it died again.

After that I decided to push it into the garage for storage and pull the entire carb to take a look. I realized then that I would be sucking some serious fumes if I started her up again.

After looking at the needle valve again I could see that a very fine groove had been worn into the rubber where it seats, so i figured that is what was sticking. I decided to rub the rubber cone to see if I could smooth the groove out. Sandpaper? No. Steel wool? No. I finally decided on a paper towel and it actually worked! No more groove.

Put it back together and fired it up. After inhaling tons of exhaust it stayed running.

Now I know this needs to be done right but the moral victory was huge.

I decided to spray the brake bleed valves some more and pull the rear drums to get a look. These lug nuts were a serious pain to get off...

They really didn't look as bad as I had suspected...

I will certainly need to rebuild all the wheel cylinders but otherwise no major component problems or missing junk on the rears. One of the bleeder nipples is broken off but I'm certain I have one laying around somewhere. Broke free the other 3 bleeders and sprayed the fronts to help loosen up overnight.

DomSmith · 11-02-08, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a.greenspan

great find !!!!!!

a)

b)

c) Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo , please

Sweet, sweet rig
congrats

Peter

Peter-

Yes I understand the idea of keeping her totally original, and will try to drive her enough with this old suspension before deciding if it's a necessity. I will have to say if it comes down to a terribly rough ride to keep it bone stock I'll have to pass. If I don't want to drive it what's the point? If I do change the suspension I'll hold on to all the original stuff be assured.

Thanks for the input.