Builds 1965 FJ40, What Have I Gotten Myself Into? (4 Viewers)

[Krondor]

Well I pulled the distributor out just enough to move the rotor over a tooth or two. When I pushed it back into position, the distributor felt like it was a 1/4" higher and wasn't fully engaged.... I pulled the distributor back out and rotated the rotor back and the distributor seated fully. Although I must have either gone too far or changed something. The engine cranked and cranked and didn't want to start. This weekend, I'll try and retime by rotating the engine to TDC and re adjusting the distributor.

Was there something else to it, is there a reason why the distributor wouldn't want to seat all the way after rotating the rotor @Pighead ?

 

[Krondor]

In other news, while i'm waiting for the weekend for engine work, I painted the soft top bows. I didn't feel like breaking out the full spray gun set up and wanted to test out the rattle can paint match situation to see if it would be feasible for future small painting operations.

I used Everest automotive Axalta cromax chromabase 12oz Aerosol cans and needed 4 full cans to paint the bows with 2-3 coats. I then used two cans of Spraymax 2k clear coat with an additional 3 coats of clear.

The bows ended up taking more paint than I expected but there is a fair amount of surface area there. Going forward, at $50 a can for the base coat, I'll probably break out the full spray gun set up next time. The finish from the cans was acceptable and the paint match is excellent.

 

[charliemeyer007]

The bottom of the distributor shaft fits into the oil pump drive shaft, if it doesn't then no oil pressure. As you seat the dizzy it rotates so you have to have the oil shaft in the right place

 

[Krondor]

Do I need to pull the dizzy out fully and rotate the oil pump drive shaft the same amount I want the rotor to rotate then reseat?

 

[ferg]

Yes.

 

[Pighead]

Do I need to pull the dizzy out fully and rotate the oil pump drive shaft the same amount I want the rotor to rotate then reseat?

No. I just lean on the dizzy cap while I crank the engine with the starter motor. You'll feel the dizzy drop down that last quarter inch

 

[Krondor]

I honestly thought you were joking about leaning on the distributor and bumping it… until I also read that it was the recommended way in the FSM. And sure enough it worked like a charm!

The distributor is back in the correct place rotated away from the dip stick and the engine is re-timed.

Hopefully tomorrow I’ll be able to work on the throttle and maybe I can get the old girl to move for the first time in a few years.

 

[Pighead]

I honestly thought you were joking about leaning on the distributor and bumping it…

One thing I do not joke about is oil pressure.

 

[mrboatman]

I honestly thought you were joking about leaning on the distributor and bumping it… until I also read that it was the recommended way in the FSM. And sure enough it worked like a charm!

The distributor is back in the correct place rotated away from the dip stick and the engine is re-timed.

Hopefully tomorrow I’ll be able to work on the throttle and maybe I can get the old girl to move for the first time in a few years.

That’s a great feeling when pushing down on the dizzy and it pops down while bumping the engine over

 

[Krondor]

I had some time today to work on Flora Jean. Figured I would tackle the soft top and work on fitting the half doors.

The bows went together just as easy as they did.... checks notes... 6 years ago... But this time painted.

The color match was perfect from the rattle cans.

I also managed to score an old Eshan soft top from @fireflyr to use as a template for a new one. If soft tops could talk... This one would tell some great stories. Of course I had to make sure it fit and took some measurements on if it needed to be adjusted in any which way.

But before that. I made sure that the half doors fit correctly. The drivers side door fit like a glove. The passenger will need a little hinge adjustment and a little persuasion with a hammer to sit correctly.

 

[Krondor]

And for the soft top installed...

The top looks great from a far but it tears easily and is ready to be retired. However it looks amazing with the patina and will make a fine template.

I also found a mini Flora Jean and painted her to match.

 

[Krondor]

Those with a keen eye will notice that Flora Jean is still in the garage. The sniper addition is proving to be a little tricky getting it tuned in. Hopefully I can get that settled soon.

The other issue is that the garage is a 7' garage door and with the opening slightly less from the opener we're looking at 81" of clearance Clarence. Flora Jean wont fit with the soft top 84" tall at the tallest point. I plan on cutting the opening to make it 8'. So that is another challenge which needs to be worked on.

 

[fireflyr]

Top looks great Alex! Too bad it won’t see another generation of little ones under it but hopefully it will work as a template. If you start having them produced I want to buy #2.
When it started getting thin and ripping I started sewing patches on it. When those started ripping I took to glueing patches on top of patches. My son called it the Frankentop.
Glad to see it living its best life.

PS your truck looks great.

Pat

 

[Krondor]

The top might not see the road again but don't worry, another generation of little ones is already thoroughly enjoying it!

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

The top might not see the road again but don't worry, another generation of little ones is already thoroughly enjoying it!

View attachment 3987373

View attachment 3987374

Cheers to the next generation

 

[timestretcher]

Nice build I just finished getting caught up on it. You did a great job. I hope to get my 71 back together in the next couple of years