Builds 1971 FJ55, "Bucky"

[roadstr6]

I doubt it. Looks like a US model to me. Heat and all that. I have records that go back to the 80’s that put it in Colorado for several years. That probably explains why the bottom is rotted out of it.

 

[roadstr6]

What color is the inside of the gas door?

 

[wngrog]

Yeah that’s no repaint

 

[roadstr6]

Here's a link to a for sale page for another '71 that is painted the same color as mine. Seller states that his is original paint as well. I swear mine has to be. I just wish I could find some information on the color. It would help me when it comes time to paint my patches. If only mine were this nice:

Purchase used 1971 FJ55 Land Cruiser / RARE ALL ORIGINAL PAINT / NO CANCER RUST / 2F ENGINE in Temecula, California, United States

Purchase used 1971 FJ55 Land Cruiser / RARE ALL ORIGINAL PAINT / NO CANCER RUST / 2F ENGINE in Temecula, California, United States

www.2040-cars.com

 

[roadstr6]

Bucky has some fuel issues. In the small amount of driving the truck that I have done just moving it around the yard and a couple of trips through the neighborhood, I have already filled up one fuel filter with gunk and clogged up my carb. My folder of old receipts shows that a PO had the tank cleaned and lined in 2000. I decided to drain the gas and drop the tank to see what was going on. Not good.

If you've ever wondered what a failed tank liner looks like, this is it. The gunk came off in big chunks. There is probably a gallon of this stuff rolling around inside. It is flexible like plastic or some sort of epoxy. I think this tank's days are up.

 

[PabloCruise]

If it isn’t rusty I would send it out to a radiator shop for cleaning.

 

[roadstr6]

If it isn’t rusty I would send it out to a radiator shop for cleaning.

I'm going to try but , as you can see, there is quite a bit of rust mixed in with the failed sealer. I may have to have a tank fabbed up.

 

[Ol Yeller]

My tank was ridiculous but came back perfectly clean, not cheap but looked new inside.

 

[roadstr6]

So I dropped my tank off at a local shop to see if they can work a miracle. I guess we will find out soon enough. Meanwhile, work continues on the passenger side of the 55. Rusty rocker cut out. New tube rocker going in.

 

[roadstr6]

I am much happier with the condition of the passenger side of this truck as compared to the driver’s side. Overall it is more solid and, while it may not seem like it, it has been less work.

PS Inner fender wire brushed and treated with POR-15. Rusty floor and front body mount removed. Inner rocker stitched in. Next I will weld in the new body mount and start welding in the PS front floor pan.

 

[roadstr6]

Bucky has been pretty lonely this spring up until just recently. I had some unexpected work to do on one of my other trucks that has taken much of my spare time and effort. The Turdle (FJ60) decided to eat its rear pinion bearing and that turned into a full re-gear in preparation for the Carolina Relic Run.

With CRR behind me, I returned my focus to good ol' Bucky. I got the PS front floor pan stitched in and started working on the rotted out PS rear door jamb. Slow and steady gets it done.

 

[roadstr6]

Start with a lot of little holes. Make one big hole. Fill it with steel. Repeat ad nauseum.

 

[PabloCruise]

Nice work man!

Are you going at that blister in the top of the rear wheel opening?

Will you get some good pics of the cross-section of the wheel opening?

 

[roadstr6]

Nice work man!

Are you going at that blister in the top of the rear wheel opening?

Will you get some good pics of the cross-section of the wheel opening?

I haven’t decided whether or not to mess with that blister. My goal is not a rust-free truck, but just a solid truck where it really counts structurally. Floors, rockers, jambs, etc. That blister doesn’t bother me much. I know it will get worse, but I’m not sure if I really care. Heck, I am debating whether or not to even fix the rotted out rear sections of the rear fender flares. I have to find a stopping point and I don’t want to do a repaint, so it’s never going to be perfect. Also, I’m getting tired of fixing rust. I kind-of need a break. I want to get this pig on the road and have some fun with it. Pablo, if do decide to cut into that lip, I’ll take pics for sure.

 

[roadstr6]

Once I get to a stopping point with my rust repairs, I plan to pump every crack, crevice and void in the truck full of Penetrol and strategically drill holes and place rubber plugs to allow me to re-up the protection using a garden sprayer every couple of years as needed. This will include inside the doors, behind the rear cargo panels, rocker panels, etc. My hope is that I can slow the spread of rust in the areas that are not perfect, but not bad enough to justify dealing with right now. In my experience, Penetrol works well at rust prevention, goes on easy and doesn't smell like a dead sheep lying in a mud puddle.

 

[PabloCruise]

...doesn't smell like a dead sheep lying in a mud puddle.

That's bonus material right there!

Plus I see it improves penetration...

 

[RUSH55]

Wonder if it can be combined with Easy-Off

 

[bobm]

That's bonus material right there!

Plus I see it improves penetration...

Really!!! Sheep! Penetration! This is an all time LOW . W.T.F.

 

[bobm]

Next it will be and Pump "n" Pantry

 

[bobm]

And I uploaded rear wheel Well sectional