1977 Complete Restoration (All The Way)

[hindsight]

I am no purist and firmly believe that you should build your truck the way you want your truck to be.

X2 If you are building the truck to drive....it should say something about you

Doc

 

[Pistorman]

OK, I've been putting it off for some time now. Time to come clean. Up to now, everything is OEM and completely factory designed.(other than the wheels, tire size, and stainless brake lines) The wheels and tires can easily be replaced, and I have the original brake lines. But, I have been sliding towards a few changes. Thinking about headers, aux.fuel tank, safari rack, swing out tire system, etc. If any of you purists have any heartburn about it, now is the time to speak. I may even have to change the name of the thread (if that is even possible). I'm not quite there yet, but I will need an exhaust system before too long. An aux. fuel tank will require exhaust modification. I have no plans to sell the '77, although everything is for sale, so resale value is not the reason for this restoration. Any opinions would greatly appreciated.

I'm a reasonable purist, I do think brakes need to be disc and you must use some booster, I do think the springs need to be better and perhaps lifted a little, I do think you should have at least a roll bar even if it did not come with one when new and if you hit hardcore trails, you have to have a roll cage that is nicely blended with the OEM look, I do think you do need good quality seat belts, I would also think that either a/c or p/s is good too.

I don't agree on SBC conversions, I don't believe in diamond plate, I think it looks uglier than... well someone's mother in law, I think that over fabbing and messing with the dash is a sin. I don't believe in using this truck in speeds it was not meant to be ever.

Its your money and your truck, but do bear in mind that before modifying it beyond recognition, you may be better off with a Heep and keep some of the originality available to bring it back to its intended life.

I agree Toyota and all car makers strive to make better cars all the time, but I'm not sure that pushing beyond certain limits is an actual improvement other than a waste of time and money. My humble opinion and you may think otherwise and I respect you the same.

 

[themaraisbouleurway]

Okay, micrometers arrived today. According to the manual the dimensions are:

Crankshaft Journal Diameter Actual Readings
Front 2.6366" / 2.6378" 2.6373"
Second 2.6957" / 2.6969" 2.6967"
Third 2.7547" / 2.7559" 2.7551"
Rear 2.8138" / 2.8150" 2.8141"

Crankpin Diameter (Typical) 2.1252" / 2.160"
1st. 2.1256"
2nd. 2.1256"
3rd. 2.1254"
4th. 2.1255"
5th. 2.1257"
6th. 2.1256"

So, according to the specifications, I'm at the top end of the main bearing allowances and at the low end of the connecting rod allowances. Here's where the executive decisions come into play. I don't plan on abusing this vehicle. The rod bearings are shot to pieces, it's no surprise the crankpin journals are as worn as they are. I will install standard bearings, and this will be the last rebuild on this crankshaft. The only options after this will be new crank, or get it turned down. I do want it to be known, that in my experience, (camshaft in piss-poor condition ,lifters completely domed, all lobes of the camshaft with horrible wear, and completely shot connecting rod bearings) I never once heard any lower end knock and the engine always felt strong. This is a testament to the quality of this straight six design, although it is an old design. These engines were built to last. basically like having a street legal tractor.

 

[Hoz FJ40 CO]

About 2 years ago, I got a the hair-brained idea to line the tub floor with "Herculiner". What a mistake. The only time I was happy with it was for the first 3 days. I soon realized that the rubber chunks were much too rough for what I had in mind. It always trapped dirt and dust. Not very easy to clean either unless you used a pressure washer. It gets pretty hot in the summer months. Oh, and try kneeling on that stuff , nasty on the knees. IMO, it is a good product, but not for this application.

Anyway, I researched ways of removing the liner, nothing looked very promising. I bought a gallon of paint stripper yesterday and poured a little on the liner in a small test area. Today it was bubbled up pretty good. My hopes were high. After using the whole gallon, here is where I am with it. Looks like I'm going to need a few more gallons.

I almost did this to my tub until I saw your post. That is a TON of work. Nothing beats factory inside color. May require a bit more maint. to keep it clean but will be well worth it. btw great build thread.

 

[Delmer]

wow! impressive work!

 

[themaraisbouleurway]

Back in town this weekend, started working on the engine again. Honed the cylinders, installed freeze plugs, and installed cam bearings. Then the problems begin. The cam does not fit. It seems that the bearings that came with the cam and lifters are .010 under-sized. Now have to remove the new bearings, and wait for the standard bearings to arrive. Hopefully, I can complete the assembly of the engine next weekend.

 

[Fargenamps]

So niiice!

Brother...you are an inspiration to many folks out here waiting and wanting to do the same thing to their rig...looks fricken beautiful!!...keep up the great work

my .2 cents about and the small changes you are considering:

I say smart move...takes nothing away from the "complete restoration" and ads nothing but function.

yes...this is like burger king...

Have it your way

All the best,
Benjamin

 

[TCSTARK]

How about an update? I've been dying to see what progress you have been making.

 

[Cruzer_89]

Excellent work man...

 

[scott johnson]

Update?

I had a bunch of some type of liner all over my rigg when I got it. I spent hours with a scarper and then broke out the angle gringer with a knotted cup brush and in a few spots a flap disk. Your rigg looks great.

 

[themaraisbouleurway]

OK guys, I have just been through the most difficult transitional period I have ever faced. I do plan on resuming the project. I believe we left off on the motor rebuild. My new garage is nowhere near the size of the last shop, so I've got "things" piled on top of "things". If you can only bear with me for a little while, we will see this to completion.


P.S. We will finish this project.

 

[broth9640]

Alright you All American, Beer drinking, Chauvinistic, Dissenter, ! Get her done! Glad your back on the scene. This thread was one of my first bookmarked threads after joining and was one of my major inspirations to take my rebuild to a whole new level. I am going to start back at the beginning and reread it. Sorry for the difficult Transitional period. The good news is that working on your truck is cheaper than the shrink and perhaps more effective.
Cheers

 

[Ctenosaurian]

Glad this one got bumped to the top again, I just read through the whole thing instead of doing the work I am supposed to be doing. Definitely going to be following this one.

 

[ktmusa8]

great thread. following religiously. wish i could hire you for my stalled out build. can't wait to see the progress

Jason M Talmage
Cruiser lovin rust killer

 

[Phares]

Amazing build. So happy you still have the rig and are continuing the build. Which ProComp shocks are you going with?

 

[dc8ups]

Keep after it!

Amazing work man. Went through one of those "transition" periods myself a while back. I was in the middle of building a kit car and it languished for about two years while I got back on my feet. Stay after it, doing what you love to do is what pulls you through the crap. Cheers