1963 FJ45L FOUND! Restoration and Info Thread

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dmaddox said:
More updates.....

Ok, so in an effort to restore my rear window rubber, here is what I did. . .

I used black window silicone and used rubber gloves to apply a thin coat to the entire things.

This project was a DISASTER and I am glad it's done. Total mess, as you can imagine.

Then, I had to let that sit overnight. I then installed the glass and a new vertical strip of weatherstripping I bought a roll of at the ranch store.

I put a film of grease around the window opening, used the rope/pull through method and pushed from one side with the other arm. This sucked......

However, I then cleaned it all up with a razor blade and used a strong glass cleaner to scrub the glass clean. Re-applied a TLCA sticker and I was good to go.

rearwindows.jpg


rearwindows2.jpg


Now, your probably thinking looks pretty sweet eh? Well, here let me show you the aging and problems I had to deal with. I had to glue the rubber together in a few areas as shown:

seams.jpg


Then, I mounted the Winch control and ran the wires for it as well:

winchcontrol.jpg


That was fun.....

Well that concludes the last three days worth of work!

See ya,

Dallas
Click to expand...

Dallas,

So you siliconed the rubber into the window opening, let that dry overnight and then ran the glass in the grease and rope?

Sorry for the literal questions, I just have ver done glass before and am somewhat intimidated by it!

How did you remove the windows?
 
Hey TJ!

What I did was I had to "break" the rubber to get the windows out thinking I could fab something out of the billions of w/s models out there. Problem is on these early 45 rear window openings, that rubber is SO odd and custom that it can't be faked and still work.

So after breaking (passenger broke into 3 pieces, driver into 2) I was able to shimmy out the glass.

Then, to install I glued it all together with the glass in it, and then from the inside, pushed against it while pulling the rope from the outside to install it.

Rear windows are done the same way, as well as side glass. Decent for 1 guy, a snap with two. Early windshields can be applied the same way; however I am not sure about your 55 - which is why I am waiting to have a look-see. Modern windshields are glued in with a strong adhesive and then trim goes over the top of that. Some early ones (like my 45 here) you but the w/s around the glass, feed a small rope in the groove that the body sits in and then set the glass against the front of the rig. As one guy gently applies pressure inward, another guy starts pulling the rope which allows the w/s to seal.

Not sure if this helps or not :-(

Dallas
 
dmaddox said:
Hey TJ!

What I did was I had to "break" the rubber to get the windows out thinking I could fab something out of the billions of w/s models out there. Problem is on these early 45 rear window openings, that rubber is SO odd and custom that it can't be faked and still work.

So after breaking (passenger broke into 3 pieces, driver into 2) I was able to shimmy out the glass.

Then, to install I glued it all together with the glass in it, and then from the inside, pushed against it while pulling the rope from the outside to install it.

Rear windows are done the same way, as well as side glass. Decent for 1 guy, a snap with two. Early windshields can be applied the same way; however I am not sure about your 55 - which is why I am waiting to have a look-see. Modern windshields are glued in with a strong adhesive and then trim goes over the top of that. Some early ones (like my 45 here) you but the w/s around the glass, feed a small rope in the groove that the body sits in and then set the glass against the front of the rig. As one guy gently applies pressure inward, another guy starts pulling the rope which allows the w/s to seal.

Not sure if this helps or not :-(

Dallas
Click to expand...

This helps a great deal! I can "see" it in my mind! Thank you.
 
yes, you are definitely doing this 45 justice. Its really looking great. You have patience... I don't have time for patience!
 
dmaddox said:
Setting up the weatherstrip and seal:

topon2.jpg


fitting the lid....

topon.jpg


pot roast simmering in the kitchen....working on the cruiser this evening.....kids making a racket in the back yard.....good times.
Click to expand...

Wow...

The 45 is looking awesome!

Where did you source the rubber for the top of the windshield?
 
Tim at Landcruiser Specialties has been a huge part of the success I have had. Every part he has sent me both new and used has been SPOT on. Couldn't say enough good about him.

Thanks for the compliments! Now, I am just waiting on the door kits. Then, I'll drive out to the shop and toss the bed on :-) Today I am wrestling with the windshield gasket, argh.

Dallas
 
Hello again my friends. I have been busy this week thus far and hope to be tying up the project this weekend with the last of the gadgets.

These last two months have been a real struggle. I have had to put in major hours on this thing to get it where it is. I have tried to do EVERYTHING myself. Not to brag or boast or anything, but just to look at it in the end and feel some self-accomplishment. It's my anti-depressant.

The paint process was very difficult. I have painted several cars in the past, but this one for some reason was very hard. From the base coat not covering well, to major temperature fluctuations, to running out of materials, you name it. It was tough.

As you know, I painted every piece individually the best I could. Upon bringing the doors home the first time, the kids were riding bikes in the garage, hit the trash can and pushed it over into my doors and knocked them both over. I had to repaint both doors.

Then, I put a ding in the paint installing my glove box door. That had to be fixed. Sorry to whine - but just letting you guys know that it has been a rough go this last month.

Much good has come of it however. Having painted cars for the last 5-6 years, I learned a ton on this one and paint jobs in the future will benefit.
I have made some genuine friends.
My wife was really involved in helping on this project - totally cool.
I love rustic green - best color ever.
AND, I am about DONE and ready to start on the next project. WOO HOO

So....This afternoon I am going to get the bed and get it mounted onto the frame. I am really excited because the bed came out really nice. I was worried at first because when I was in the booth, I had the temp control shut off to conserve LPG. Well, the temp dropped nearly 20 degrees in a matter of minutes and I put a run in the passenger side.
I had to use 800 to block it, then hit it with 1500. Then 2k and 2500 3M polishing compound and it turned out very nice. I am stoked about it.

I pulled the 45 out into the sun this morning for a breath of fresh air. (To me) it looked so nice - so I decided to snap a couple shots for you guys. Hopefully you don't think I am flaunting. The 45 just looked so neat at the end of the driveway.

All the best guys and thanks for staying tuned.

Dallas

fj45001-1.jpg


fj45002-1.jpg


fj45003-1.jpg


fj45004-1.jpg


fj45005-1.jpg


fj45006-1.jpg


fj45007-1.jpg


fj45008-1.jpg


fj45009-1.jpg
 
Hey Dallas, you can post as many pics as you want!

When you put that much work into something, and have such a nice rig to show, you should be able to say, and be very proud saying it.........."Ya...I did that!!!" :beer:

Now I can't wait to see the bed on :bounce::bounce2::bounce:
 
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