1975 Honolulu FJ40 Frame Off Preservation

[FJ40RobQ]

In the first photo it looks like the front frame horns are bent back. Is the the front suspension mount where it attaches twisted?

Yes, these are pictures from the Insurance’s rep that they selected to tow the vehicle to their storage facility from All Island Automotive towing. When I was there to see the vehicle I could clearly see both side of the frame was somewhat twisted. I’m hoping to get better pictures.or to retrieve it sometime soon. I’m debating on taking the pay out and storing it the Hickam Air Force base long term storage, until I get the parts to repair it and till I can figure out who can straighten the horns.

 

[charliemeyer007]

I'm thinking some ship builder/repair person has the stuff to tweak the frame back in shape. You need to find the data for them.

 

[Aloha Jen]

Yes, these are pictures from the Insurance’s rep that they selected to tow the vehicle to their storage facility from All Island Automotive towing. When I was there to see the vehicle I could clearly see both side of the frame was somewhat twisted. I’m hoping to get better pictures.or to retrieve it sometime soon. I’m debating on taking the pay out and storing it the Hickam Air Force base long term storage, until I get the parts to repair it and till I can figure out who can straighten the horns.

I'm thinking some ship builder/repair person has the stuff to tweak the frame back in shape. You need to find the data for them.

With enough time and money anything is possible. Just my opinion, but even if you found someone to straighten the frame parts out (which is probably pretty difficult to get back original shape), since suspension ties directly into it and steering components are right there, you may always have issues with proper driving/steering alignment. You might be better off trying to find a good straight frame, might be similar cost to having someone try to straighten it only to have problems in the future.

 

[B y r o n]

I had a '75 Camaro that had a head on with a drunk driver. It spent 14 hours on a frame straightener before I got it back. Drove OK but not quite the same. Years later my X t-boned someone who ran a stop sign. Again 14 hours on a frame straightener. This time it was magic, it handled better than when brand new. Depending on how good the shop is, you either end up with adequate or they really know what they're doing and you end up with great!

 

[FJ40RobQ]

With enough time and money anything is possible. Just my opinion, but even if you found someone to straighten the frame parts out (which is probably pretty difficult to get back original shape), since suspension ties directly into it and steering components are right there, you may always have issues with proper driving/steering alignment. You might be better off trying to find a good straight frame, might be similar cost to having someone try to straighten it only to have problems in the future.

I’m starting to think I’m going to do the straightening out with a coworker friend at work with the chain falls and forklifts. If that doesn’t work I’ll definitely look for a new frame. Hopefully time and money will be on my side for a couple of years to get to ride nice again. I just got to stop thinking of quitting my Job. Lol!

I had a '75 Camaro that had a head on with a drunk driver. It spent 14 hours on a frame straightener before I got it back. Drove OK but not quite the same. Years later my X t-boned someone who ran a stop sign. Again 14 hours on a frame straightener. This time it was magic, it handled better than when brand new. Depending on how good the shop is, you either end up with adequate or they really know what they're doing and you end up with great!

I haven’t found a shop that will even allow me to just do the straightening for me, so it looks like I’m on my own. Glad to know your Camaro was able to get back to handling better, I remember driving my stepfather’s 69 Camaro back in the 80’s and they were fun to drive.

I’ll keep you all posted once I figure out a plan to move forward.
Mahalo!

 

[FJ40RobQ]

Started the frame straightening. I’m pretty fortunate to be able to get this done with my coworkers after the work day. Once it started straightening out I got reinvigorated to keep the FJ40 and now I’m now considering 4 link suspension modifications with Dana 60’s.

 

[rlong]

All fixed!! A little duct tape and black paint it'll be as good as new.

 

[charliemeyer007]

Good job. Add some boxing to the damage areas so they stay fixed. 4 bar can be very nice.

 

[FJ40RobQ]

Good job. Add some boxing to the damage areas so they stay fixed. 4 bar can be very nice.

Will be boxing it in all around and putting in Saginaw power steering

 

[clrussell]

Will be boxing it in all around and putting in Saginaw power steering

Good call.

I’m glad you are fixing this and keeping another on the road!

 

[FJ40RobQ]

Just got some Dana 60 and a NP205 for a good price, especially for here in Hawaii. Will be looking for NV4500 to put in between an OM606 in the future.

 

[FJ40RobQ]

Put in some WFO Frame Stiffners and blocked in the front with the Saginaw steering plate.

 

[FJ40RobQ]

Had to replace the shock towers because the old ones got ruined when trying to remove it for the frame stiffners to go in. Was a pain to get off with rivets. Went with the Barnes off road shock towers just in case I change my mind about going to 3 or 4 kink suspension.

 

[FJ40RobQ]

So I’m not sure how to add pictures and comments after or before each set of pics. So I apologize for posting so much at one time.

Replaced the front perches and leaf springs. Perches are from BTB and leaf springs are Skyjackers, L20FS. The driver side anti inversion shackle did not fit with the angle of the new spring, it’s backwards for now until I can figure out a solution.

 

[FJ40RobQ]

Some progress with Saginaw power steering completed.

Not sure if the clearance from the motor mount will be enough here. Might have to grind down mount.