Builds 1969 FJ40 named Mavis (2 Viewers)

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Also starting to sort the engine bay tin out.

IMG_20230703_173154165.jpg


IMG_20230703_173203374.jpg
 
Just learned something today and saved about $130 in the process.

I finally have my turn signals and turn signal dash indicators flashing correctly, when my left turn signals took a dump.

I troubleshot the system again, and everything tested good in the left turn signal system, which meant there was a defect with the switch AFAIK.

Luckily, I thought, Toyota still sells the switch assembly for o/a $130 from several parts sources.

1689697882016.png


But while dismounting the switch to do a final troubleshooting (with the battery still hooked up, because I like to live dangerously) the left turn signal and dash indicator started functioning again.

What I learned is that one needs to adjust the collar in the picture to a position on the steering column, where it will allow the turn signal actuator stalk full range of motion, if you want both left and right turn signals to function properly.

Feeling slightly sheepish, but very pleased to not have to buy and install a new unit just to find out it could be fixed with a simple adjustment.
 
Jack, what year’s have that locating pin? I don’t recall anything like that on either my ‘63 or ‘65, but I am recalling much less these days 😂.
 
Well, it's there, but it doesn't do much.

I had it working fine, but taking it apart, finding the near worthless pin and locating hole, has resulted in it not working anymore.

I suppose if I fiddle with it some more, 8 can get it working again.

But at least I learned something?
 
Well, it's there, but it doesn't do much.

I had it working fine, but taking it apart, finding the near worthless pin and locating hole, has resulted in it not working anymore.

I suppose if I fiddle with it some more, 8 can get it working again.

But at least I learned something?
LOL sorry man. Sometimes curiosity kills the cat. I hope you get it working again!
 
LOL sorry man. Sometimes curiosity kills the cat. I hope you get it working again!
Yeah, but it's always worth the learning experience.

Got it working again and have a better understanding of the system.

I don't know if it's that mine is worn, but the pin only gets you in the neighborhood. I used a wood mallet to lightly tap it into the sweet spot where both sides flash now then tightened the screw down.
 
Now that Mavis is running and driving reliably and acceptably well, it's time for Phase II of the build.

The initial plan was to get it running and driving first; then do a more thorough restoration, including paint. I was also leaning toward converting it to an FST.

That plan has changed in that I've come to love the "Cruiser of many colors" look. The multi-color paint will stay, though I'll start applying some of the tips for preserving patina from @wngrog.

After driving the hard top in the summer here in Middle Tennessee, I've come to the conclusion that the hard top is for the birds. Hottest thing I've ever been in, with all that glass and little/no natural air flow. Also, the hard top has been seriously tweaked at one time in its life, so it needs some serious metal work to make it square with the body again and for the rear hatch to fit correctly. I'm going to go Real Steel/TROA with the top. I will drive this mainly with the sides rolled up, unless it's some serious rain/cold.

The rear heater fan binds, and needs to be freed up before reinstallation.

I'll also replace the rotten sill, and need to decide how to blend that into the quaint patina, but will cross that bridge when I get to it.

I am happy with the drum brakes and three speed on the tree and will keep it that way.

I need to restore the rear troop seats.

The windshield hinge is sheared completely off and I have new pins, but will get a new windshield base pad while I'm in there and while I'm installing the soft top.

I need to install the fan shroud and other engine tin.

I will eventually build a sleep platform on the passenger side for car camping
 
Another thing to check which impacts the L/R functionality:
I was able to disassemble and repair the switch I have. The shaft that turns the lever that moves the switch from left to right was loose (red circled area in pic posted by @WhiteyFJ40) so I just tapped that down to tighten it up. It now fully engages both directions of switch.
View attachment 2452533

And I’m not removing my switch units to verify that there’s a locating pin, ’cuz they work and I’d make them not work for sure if I did 😂.
 
Yeah, but it's always worth the learning experience.

Got it working again and have a better understanding of the system.

I don't know if it's that mine is worn, but the pin only gets you in the neighborhood. I used a wood mallet to lightly tap it into the sweet spot where both sides flash now then tightened the screw down.
The lower pin marks THE spot. The final bit of adjustment comes from loosening the large screw on the housing that holds the turn signal arm and dialing it in there.
 
The lower pin marks THE spot. The final bit of adjustment comes from loosening the large screw on the housing that holds the turn signal arm and dialing it in there.
Yeah, not so much with mine. The pin gets it with about quarter inch of wobble. Suspect there is some maintenance wear in mine
 
Drove Mavis 16+ hours in the last 48 hours and it is a winner.

Got home and crashed hard, then got up this morning and started going through everything. Only two things I found was low pressure in my driver's side front tire and a severed extended axle breather on the front axle. My hose was too long and the pulley got it.

IMG_20230724_095544680.jpg


I definitely need to reinstall the fan shroud and skid plate. Left them off to simplify getting it running.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom