Recent content by SteveH

Great story and pix. Compared to before, I'll bet it feels like a rocket ship with valves that seal and a new head gasket.

I have a set of early 90s pickup seats with (custom, welded) FJ40 brackets in my garage. Designed to fit a '78ish FJ40. Wish I could beam them to you... ;-). They have headrests... ;-)

My initial priority is becoming a competent, licensed mechanic. This isn't meant to sound harsh, but if you didn't start life fixing lawn mowers, snowblowers, dirt bikes, etc. at age 12, you can't train your way into being a mechanic (at least quickly enough) now. If you just want the...

I chiseled out the old dash today. What a pain - all the spot welds for the dash flange went deep, so I sliced the top flange of the dash with a slicing disk and removed it, then used a flat pry bar and pounded it down the length of the dash to bust it loose. Lots of die-grinder time and general...

Started to cut the dash out of the '72. I expected to see spot welds holding the dash bracket to the truck, but found globby non-factory MIG welds holding the dash pad bracket on. I used a die-grinder to burn through them, and thankfully the welds have minimal penetration. I now need to...

I used a Japan-based seller (JDMplanet) on eBay years ago, but you'll have to be very careful that you're getting genuine (not counterfeit) parts. My order was pre-tariff, so that's an issue you'll have to study, as well, unless you find a US-based seller.

I hate recirc, so I'd consider this a blessing. It *is* supposed to go to recirc on the coldest 'Lo' setting, so I always set mine to 66, and then 'fresh'. Are your dash switches janky, like mine, and require multiple pushes? At warmer settings, will it literally never go to recirc, no matter...

@Maxgrapene - I lived in Mass. for 2 years. Lowell (and similar working class places) had some, back in the '90s. Likely gone now. You might put a 'wanted' posting in Mud classifieds for the antenna piece. I will check my stash, too - My antenna motor doesn't run for 5 seconds, but it makes a...

I think those antennas have an overriding clutch mechanism and you're hearing normal operation. Mine is noisy and clatters upon retraction, and I don't care. I presume you mean the chrome crown/cap that sits atop the fender as part of the antenna shaft? I would find a junkyard version from an...

Many people just reupholster, as there are many good aftermarket leather options. Good seat covers are expensive, and unless tailored for this truck, won't really fit. Try searching this forum and perhaps the 80 series forum, to find manufacturers whose products actually fit.

I am thinking that I should throw an ebay motor into it as a next step or are there better options? The last thing I would buy on eBay is a used engine. I would find a good local yard who will back the motor with a least a 30 day warranty. Call around.

Once you get the material flat, it's stays pretty flat while you work it into place. It's the initial unrolling that is a pain. A heat gun would affect a localized area. I kinda want it to 'fight to stay in place' @MDH33 - 36 year old build and paint thread -...

Rad cap looks to be in good condition. Start with a new radiator cap (the cheapest route) and inspect carefully the hose and clamps between the radiator neck and the overflow bottle, including the dip tube. There must be a tight seal for the coolant to move back and forth between the bottle...

I have knobby tires, live in a gravel road, and recently got my truck painted. I now have a nice dent and cracked paint in the lower front fender, due to a flying rock - so be it - no garage queen here. I have threatened to make FJ40 fender liners for ~30 years, and finally did so. If you did a...

Did front and rear brakes - one rear pad was 90% gone (top pad in pix), the others still had 40% left. This is why you don't just look at one rear wheel and decide the pads on the other side are likely the same. I lubed the caliper pins and will keep an eye on this caliper for premature pad wear.