Builds Roma's 78 fj40 gets a refurb (1 Viewer)

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Now here is where I ran into a bit of a problem, the pilgrim tub had welded captive nuts for the upper hinge of the spare tire carrier. So I figure bolt the carrier on and mark the holes for the lower hinge and drill them out. Well not so ease apparently the holes and captive nuts are roughly an inch too low which places the lower hinge below the tub.

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Soo off with the captive nuts, welded the four holes back up and grinded smooth. Positioned the tire carrier, marked, drilled new holes and welded new captive nuts.

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I wonder if it's for the later tube style carrier?
 
I wonder if it's for the later tube style carrier?

Mine is the later style tube carrier. I even test fit a spare old style carrier I had laying around even though the tub has captive nut provisions in the rear sill for the tube style carrier latch assembly. Old style carrier not only didn't fit but also noticed that upper hinge bolt spacing is taller on newer carrier as opposed to older. Lower hinge location and dimensions are equal between the two.
 
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Aussie long range fuel tank installed which should make my road trips a bit more enjoyable. I also have a spare 23gal auxiliary tank laying around I contemplated about installing as well but do I really need 50+ gallons and 1000+ miles of range?

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While the tub is at the powder coater I went to work on putting the tire carrier together. I had disassembled the hinges when I had it powder coated because the plastic bushings where all but gone. A few quick measurements and a run to tractor supply I found some oil lyte bushings that fit the carrier perfectly and have a 5/8 inner diameter. The bushing is made out of porous brass and impregnated with oil so its actually self oiling. Next I ordered some 5/8 stainless bar stock and had my friend tig weld some thick stainless flat washers to the ends. Essentially making two pins.

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Pins cut to length.


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And finally pressed together. Assembled with all stainless hardware.


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Current state of the frame.

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Have to finish removing the pass shock tower and installing matching ford tower.
Rear spring hangers are rotten and PO did a number on the rear cross member. I have a replacement rear frame section I picked up from classic cruisers. As soon as those two things are done off to the blaster. Still trying to decide weather to galvanize powder coat or both. If I galvanize and don't powder coat I would still want a black finish so maybe paint? I can get galvanizing done for $50 for 100lbs so I'm thinking 150 bucks. Thoughts on this? I personally don't believe warping is an issue.

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This is going to be good. :popcorn: Nice work!
 
well the powder coater still has my tub so in the mean time im going to finish out the frame and try to get it to a rolling chasis again.

here is my rusty hacked up rear cross member.


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I picked up this replacement rear frame section from classic cuisers which wasnt cheap but cheaper than new hangers, supports and a rear crossmember. I was disappointed to find a 1 1/2 hole torched in it for what i assume was a trailer plug.

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most of the bumperette bolts and tailight bolts had broken off so i promptly removed the entire captive nut with an air hammer as opposed to drilling them out and trying to save the threads.

Hole patched up

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captive nuts welded in place

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one of my front spring hanger bolts had broken off in the frame so i welded the remainder of the bolt to a piece of flat metal i had drilled a hole in. Worked great and i got to keep my threads!

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rusty frame section removed

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before i cut the frame i made these 1/4 inch plates that bolted to four existing bolt holes in the frame

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new rear section bolted up

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frame welded together. allignment brackets cut down and welded to inside frame channel for additional support.

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here it is finished up

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Frame looks great Roma! I haven't read too many threads but galvanizing the frame is a first for me. Look forward to seeing this thing on the road. :beer:
 
Frame looks great Roma! I haven't read too many threads but galvanizing the frame is a first for me. Look forward to seeing this thing on the road. :beer:

Thanks. Nice chatting with you the other day and good luck on getting that 40 back on the road. Maybe time to change your screen name :)



Decided to not do anything further to the frame. Im not even going to paint it black. So ahead with reassembly of the chasis while i wait on the tub...still. Had a good cruiser buddy come over last night and we got the axles and leaf springs back under it.

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