Builds 1961 fj40l factory soft top (9 Viewers)

[locklaw]

I'm assuming that the wheel ans shaft are splined?

I have a '63 and '64 only, not as early as yours, but on them yes the wheel itself is splined to mate to the 36 splines (I think) of the steering box shaft and all is ultimately held on with a nut (the nut also holds the retainer for the horn button itself amongst others). A harmonic damper puller works great to pull off the steering wheel.

 

[tahoe40/45]

Is there a trick to removing the horn button?
Or yank and yeet?

#3 are the fingers locklaw was talking about. Try spinning the horn button to loosen it up incase it's rusted to #3. Then pull straight towards you.
Remove nut #8 then you probably will need a steering wheel puller. Sometimes you can just pull it off, but im assuming you will need puller.

stolen photo

 

[brian]

Iam disappointed that with it stripped down, I found no ammunition. I found change....including a 1961 penny....which will remain with it, I also found tools, but no ammo. First cruiser I haven't any in...guess it's up to me to throw a handful of 22s under the has tank.

 

[brian]

Does this plate, that certainly doesn't appear to be removable, remove?
Looks like there are some threaded holes under it that may be handy in pulling the wheel?

 

[middlecalf]

Yes, it should pop out, that’s #5 in drawing above. Probably need a pry blade or such to convince it to move.

 

[Unimogguy]

After you get the plate off if you’re going to remove the steering wheel by jerking on it and not using a puller I would recommend you put the nut back on to stop the steering wheel from smacking you in the face.

I watched a buddy not do this and ended up with a bloody nose as a result.

 

[brian]

And there's that.
I guess next thing is ccot for a rear sill before removing the tub. I might start tearing the front end off it in the time being.

 

[brian]

Going to start blasting the smaller parts.
Up, first the tailgate.

 

[brian]

This not having to repair stuff is incredible.

 

[brian]

What can I do for a gas tank?
My guy says he can't get it cleaned out.

 

[brian]

Grind till the defect goes away, or you see the light of day.

 

[HelloKitty65]

Iam disappointed that with it stripped down, I found no ammunition. I found change....including a 1961 penny....which will remain with it, I also found tools, but no ammo. First cruiser I haven't any in...guess it's up to me to throw a handful of 22s under the has tank.

I think it was @65swb45 who told of finding a slug rolling around inside of a door that had an entry, but no exit hole.

 

[65swb45]

I think it was @65swb45 who told of finding a slug rolling around inside of a door that had an entry, but no exit hole.

That IS in the driver's door of my blue FJ45. You are welcome to come by and see the dent whenever you like. I have no plans to ever fix it...and I've had the truck for 30 years now.

 

[brian]

Waiting for the new sill to show up before I do much cutting.
Sand blasted a bucket full of small parts.
Orange peeled the tailgate so I was able to reblast that as well..

 

[brian]

bumperettes are body color yes?

 

[tahoe40/45]

bumperettes are body color yes?

Yes

 

[EWheeler]

bumperettes are body color yes?

But look waaaay better silver like the “newer” models.

 

[brian]

But look waaaay better silver like the “newer” models.

That's what im struggling with.
Everything is body color.
To me it looks....well sorta cheesy, as if I only had one color of paint to work with.
But on the other hand I want period correctness.

 

[EWheeler]

To me it looks....well sorta cheesy.

100% on repainted trucks. Looks cool on survivors w/ patina. Would you paint the front bumper red?

 

[rainingagain]

100% on repainted trucks. Looks cool on survivors w/ patina. Would you paint the front bumper red?

Agreed, they look cool.

@brian what are you going to do for a front bumper? I bought a new silver OEM one that I plan on using but it's going to stand out a bit I think. I was debating on picking up some new bumperettes to match but I like the body color look. The drivers side is pretty banged up but I think I can straighten it.