Builds 1973 FJ40 Build Thread- Miami

[sslosbergas]

Today was a productive day. My package from cruiser corps arrived. So I installed new water pump, new alternator, master cylinder and clutch master cylinder.

I also finished wire brushing the entire bottom, and all the engine parts.

Tomorrow I’m going to POR 15 the entire bottom,

Then next week I’ll rebuild the carb and begin on the brakes and suspension

 

[sslosbergas]

Ok I’m back to waiting on parts!! I forgot to order the short front brake lines, and the valve cover seal seams to be on back order.

The entire bottom is POR 15 I put new Gabriel shocks, long brake lines are new, wheel cylinders are new, brake pads are new.

I bulted down the radiator fan and shroud last night.

I just got home from work so I’m going to work on the thermostat upper radiator hose and run new hard fuel lines to the tank!

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

I like this so far.

 

[Florida65FJ40]

The Journey

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Congrats!

 

[sslosbergas]

Well, I ran into a little bump in the road. After changing all the bolt on I couldn’t get her started. Turns out there was low compression. Tried everything to loosen up the rings with no luck. So decided it’s time to do the head and lower end!

Started taking her apart hoping one of my friends lenda me a engine hoist to pull her out this week!

I did already change all the brake cylinders, brake pads and soft Lines!

 

[sslosbergas]

.

 

[sslosbergas]

This was last week

 

[sslosbergas]

She’s out, tomorrow after work I’ll start tearing her down.

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

And down the rabbit hole we go.

 

[toomanytoyzz]

And down the rabbit hole we go.

I still would have grabbed it for the price the auction ended. I was driving through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge putting in bids.

I wouldn't be doing this right now if I did win the auction.

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

I still would have grabbed it for the price the auction ended. I was driving through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge putting in bids.

I wouldn't be doing this right now if I did win the auction.

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They put stuff like that out to pasture here.

 

[toomanytoyzz]

They put stuff like that out to pasture here.

The more I tear into it the more I think they do around here as well.

 

[sslosbergas]

The more I tear into it the more I think they do around here as well.

There all buildable just keep going at it.

I dropped the head off at the machine shop. I guess I got some good news the valves weren’t sitting and all the compression was leaving through there.

Since, I’m already here, I’m going to change the clutch, (just ordered it) the rings and all the bearings that way there’s an engine for a long time!

Im going to remove all the pistons later when I get home

 

[Steamer]

Very nice! You're making great progress.
Can I ask what machine shop you’re using? The machine shops I’ve known down here in South Miami have either closed or have scaled down to just minor stuff and focus more on parts sales. Spoke with a machinist at one place and he said they converted ¾ of his shop to parts storage. Said he’s been reduced to turning rotors and installing heli-coils. Sad!

I just recently discovered the “Cylinder Head Depot” in Davie. Don’t know anyone that’s used them, but they get good reviews.

 

[RodrigzCrzr]

Nice score!
My GF gets her hands dirty with me also!

 

[sslosbergas]

Very nice! You're making great progress.
Can I ask what machine shop you’re using? The machine shops I’ve known down here in South Miami have either closed or have scaled down to just minor stuff and focus more on parts sales. Spoke with a machinist at one place and he said they converted ¾ of his shop to parts storage. Said he’s been reduced to turning rotors and installing heli-coils. Sad!

I just recently discovered the “Cylinder Head Depot” in Davie. Don’t know anyone that’s used them, but they get good reviews.

How are you I use Abana on 22 ave, they do great work, older Cuban guy that knows his stuff!

 

[sslosbergas]

Só I spent this past week cleaning parts, and organizing. Good news is the head was the problem. None of the valves were sealing, so did a complete head job. Since I’m already this deep Im going to do a light hone and change rings and bearing. Hoping I can get this done this weekend.

 

[OPMACHINE]

Great save pulling her out of the dirt! Looks like you have quite the project on your hand. Keep going!

 

[Steamer]

How are you I use Abana on 22 ave, they do great work, older Cuban guy that knows his stuff!

Thanks! I'll look them up. The head looks nice all cleaned up.
You mentioned timing chain. There is none. It's gear to gear.
I see you have the de-smog air rail plugs like mine. Pinched off and brazed up. I ran them for 19 years with no issues. But I did just replace them with the proper plugs just for looks. Some guys use pipe plugs but these are the proper ones that seat down where the tubing once seated.

 

[skidplate]

I bet you won't have to spend a dime on the timing chain!