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forrest5000
SILVER Star
He’s going to have the coolest Car at school!
What's the plan for a top? Did this model have a hard top or just a soft top?
Looking great, btw. Such a cool father/son project.
fj40alex
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #45
When sold through Datsun dealerships in the 60s, they came in hard top or soft top versions. This was a factory soft top. 1 of 900 imported during their 3 year run. Lots more hardtop versions out there on the interwebs. I plan to find a top maker for a full soft top. Was trying to track down a South American vendor who used to make them but no luck. The scavenger hunt continues.
fj40alex
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #46
No school today so Luke fabbed up a radiator overflow tank. We weren’t excited about the generic plastic ones out there or a street rod billet piece. He ended up using an old paint gun canister we got at a swap meet, made a mount (to be painted), soldered a fitting for the tube, and added a breather hole. Best case it stops a few tiny drops. Worst case is it bounces apart and shreds the fan belt/radiator/alternator. Only time will tell.
fj40alex
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #47
Luke thought he shredded a wheel bearing cruising around today. “Quick” inspection and repacking in a Wal-Mart parking lot. Overall, bearing was worn & loose, so will get replaced. In other news, the manifold leak is getting worse so we are going to tackle a gasket replacement.
fj40alex
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #51
Found a Cruiserhead/Patrolhead willing to part with a couple unobtanium parts - a dash cluster panel and rear tire swing with all the little giblets. Our last 2 big missing pieces. He tossed in various printed service manuals. Very cool. Thanks @dingoFJ55
Just found your thread (thank god). Rebuilt a 72’ FJ40 over 5 years - moved from DC to FLA and sold it to someone in Miami. It was never about driving it - it was about turning the wrench. I have a 13year old that needs to learn how to fix stuff so I just bought a 1969 Patrol to be the lab rat. Sourcing what will be needed was always the worry - hope you can share some of the resources that have helped along the way. Awesome job on your project – I thought it was crazy to take the leap with this vehicle - happy I did now!
fj40alex
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #54
Congrats. It’s been a fun project that moved at his pace & skill level. The folks on the 60Patrol.com forum have been immensely helpful and where I’ve acquired a few parts. Sometimes it’s slightly annoying that parts are not everywhere like Jeep or Yota stuff, but that’s also sort of the appeal.
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