Because the WIFE said I COULDN'T 1973 Frame off (1 Viewer)

[addicted56]

Well,

For the past eight months I haven't had enough time to use the latrine due to flight school but I have some time to waste (unless the Army blows it as usual) comming up so here comes a frame off. We will see how it works out.

Here is the first pic. Real tear down doesn't come until November 1st when I move it into its own bay at the MWR Auto Skills lab , basically a we are sorry we ruin your life so here is a cheap garage with everything you need shop. That or a preview of future urban socialism, I'm not sure.

Basic build. 99% stock. Going with the 6H9 paint code instead of the stock beige (you can see it under that abortion of a cover up the PO of the PO did). Other than that she will be a stocker. Hopefully I can get it all done by 01JAN11. Originally a Colorado truck but has been in Alabama for awhile and it has its fair share of rust.

 

[Recon1504]

Is this where my 1F is going?

 

[cjgoode]

Where ever you bezel is I am sure it is upside down.

 

[addicted56]

Is this where my 1F is going?

It is going in there. Not so sure about the condition of the engine even though I was able to get it running with a fuel cell in the back with an electric fuel pump and some lines giong to the carb. Clutch is frozen so have not driven it.

The PO forgot the bezel and the air cleaner when he brought it down to me but will be picking it up when I go pick up the engine next weekend. I might even put it on upside down just for you.

 

[bsmith123]

73

you gotta smile dont you when you see the tires, the mirrors, the paint!

She deserves better for sure

Site addict and you have other rigs so I think you know what you are getting into and seems like a reasonable schedule

only thing is doing it away from home makes it harder but you may be able to get a helping hand now and then

 

[JohnnyC]

sooo it sounds like you need to work fast...what will a frame off take 2? 3 weeks ?

he he he...look foward to seeing your build

 

[addicted56]

Yes I have a decent idea of what it is going to take to put together. Thus my early deadline...I have a feeling it will spill over but that is the name of the game. Just read thru your build up as well.

So way more than the 2-3 weeks. You were the real inspiration though. We will see how she turns out. Going to try and free up the clutch today and drive it around the parking lot a bit.

 

[bsmith123]

frame off

took me a summer to pull the body and do the frame and underneath and inside of the cab---weekends and the odd weeknight

but I had to remove old tar type rustproofing too

 

[addicted56]

took me a summer to pull the body and do the frame and underneath and inside of the cab---weekends and the odd weeknight

but I had to remove old tar type rustproofing too

I should have 8 hours a day 5 days a week to work on it for about 6 weeks plus christmas time so I hope to make quick progress.

Also I there is a SANDBLASTER!!! So hopefully I can get the frame done in one day and the body done the next and then small parts as I need them done.

Off to free the clutch....going to try jacking up the rear end and hitting brakes. We will see if it works.

 

[My wife said no FJ!]

Looks like a decent rig to begin with

I'll gladly cheer you on from the sidelines, just keep the pics coming

 

[bsmith123]

sandblaster

Also I there is a SANDBLASTER!!! So hopefully I can get the frame done in one day and the body done the next and then small parts as I need them done.

Take a snow shovel with you for the mess! I have one at home but using it outside a box makes an almighty mess

 

[Ron B]

Another Bama 40! Good luck on your build , will be watching it.

 

[addicted56]

Take a snow shovel with you for the mess! I have one at home but using it outside a box makes an almighty mess

Luckily they don't care there and they have a spot for it. I can just spray it and then scoop it back up, sift it, and throw it back in.

Another Bama 40! Good luck on your build , will be watching it.

I'll make it out to one of the rides eventually this year. All you guys live to far up north. But I guess that is were are all the rides are. Just waiting for a break in school so I can drive further than 120 miles on a weekend.

 

[fivetreoh]

Those Low-Profile Z Rated tires should do nicely on your 120 mile commute.

Poor 40, I'm sure it's in good hands now though. Good luck.

 

[addicted56]

Well I went and spent a couple of hours tearing things out and getting a better look at the rig. Compiling a list of things I'm going to need to buy (bolts) as I'm going to have to drill and retap about 8 bolts so far.

It is a crappy video but it gives you a better idea of what I'm starting with. Pointed out all the major rust areas. The only ones I really worry about are the barn doors (don't think they are saveable) and the rear corners of the hardtop. I'm going to have to get really creative there. The rest is cake.

Clutch does not appear to be frozen like PO said. Well it is Frozen but appears to be frozen in the Open position. I jacked up the rear end, started the car in 1st gear and no power back to the wheels. Ran out of time to work on it more and I won't be keeping this engine in it anyway but it would have been fun driving it into the bay instead of tearing it apart.

Also went and got a quote to refinish my seats. Approx 800 he said. I said get lost and will buy the sets on CCOT (does Atlas?? sell FJ40 covers?). Then some hog rings and do it myself. That was the whole point of this project anyway.

YouTube - 1973 FJ40 project
Enjoy and more to come soon

 

[toomanytoyzz]

The motor didn't sound bad in the vid. I would do a compression test on it. Was it las on the road in 91? Subscribed!!

 

[Recon1504]

Did ya get it home in one piece? Got the Corona iced down for a relaxing afternoon... Thanks for getting me moving on my frame-off...

 

[addicted56]

John,

Thank you again for the engine. That is going to come in very handy. Saves me from buying headers, new carb, a clutch, and a few other small misc parts. I should have taken you up on your offer making a plate for the side plate. A bit more hypoid oil in there than I thought and during the trip it managed to squeek under my tank in my bed. It is going to smell awhile.

I've now got it torn down in the garage and just need to go pick up some longer bolts to mount it to the engine stand. I'll get it all freshened up and ready to put in the big project. If I use my time wisely I'll have the entire engine setup 100% ready to go before I even start the major tear down on Nov 1st.

When I'm done we need to go out wheeling. It is a nice drive up to that neck of the woods and would be a good one to stretch the legs of the freshly finished cruiser. Good luck on your 3b swap.

 

[Recon1504]

I think I replaced the clutch (pressure plate and disc) back in 2004 when I had it out to replace the seals. I know I replaced the pilot bearing and throwout bearing

 

[Recon1504]

Consider the oil an advance rust-prevention treatment for your truck bed...