Builds 1977 FJ40 - USA Spec Restoration - Father & Son Project - AKA "Belle" (4 Viewers)

[DirtDauberGarage]

You may know this already, but a new OEM bumper is still available for $200 at CCOT.

That is a good deal. I'm going to see if I can get this one a little straighter. I think it will work for me... and save me $200

 

[SergP]

That is a good deal. I'm going to see if I can get this one a little straighter. I think it will work for me... and save me $200

probably more .. 208 +tax +shiping...

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

probably more .. 208 +tax +shiping...

Still a good deal

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

Spent the afternoon working through the engine bay wiring harness. Cutting out old hacked up switches and cleaning up some sketchy wiring. Crossed a mile stone at the end. First time start with the key. No more hot-wiring it get it started. I also got the front lights working.

It only took seven fuses for me to chase down a faulty ground.

I am learning a ton about how to read wiring schematics!

 

[Lifelong40Fan]

Seven’s supposed to be a lucky number.

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

Seven’s supposed to be a lucky number.

You are correct Sir!!

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

Started replacing the rusted section of my trans hump.

- Made a templete
- Cut a piece from the donor hump
- Cut out the rusted piece
- Started shaping the new piece

I will weld in the new piece and and finish the job tomorrow

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

Installed some sound deadening and vibration insulation. Not done but it's dinner time

 

[airon23]

Installed some sound deadening and vibration insulation. Not done but it's dinner time

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That look great! You'll have to let us know how effective that is. We know there are all kinds of rattles that happen. Curious how much this stuff helps.

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

Had some friends over today. The neighbors probably thought I had lost my mind and bought one of every color.

 

[B y r o n]

Either that or wondering why you didn't buy a blue one.

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

Either that or wondering why you didn't buy a blue one.

I already have a blue one. I should have pulled it out into the culd-a-sac for the pic.

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

Painted the hood, trans hump, and wiber motor cover today.

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

Mission Accomplished!

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

I got a little more work done...

- Painted the hood, hood latches and trans cover
- Installed the seats and brackets
- Installed wiper motor and linkage
- Installed gas tank and fuel lines

To Do
- Hook up turn signals, running lights and brake lights
- Install windshield
- Install heater and dash
- Might need to rebuild the carb
- Eventually recover the seats
- Start working on the doors, top, and sides (little bit of rust work and paint)

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

Oh yeah... I obviously need to work on the bumper as well. I'm going to straighten it a little more and paint it.

 

[airon23]

That thing is coming along nicely! I'm sure it seems like a lot, but as those things come together it's going to feel like a finished product and look so good. You'll get there. Keep pushing through it. Very nice job.

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

That thing is coming along nicely! I'm sure it seems like a lot, but as those things come together it's going to feel like a finished product and look so good. You'll get there. Keep pushing through it. Very nice job.

Thank you. Yes, I see the light at the end of the tunnel

I am just thankful that I now have a project that is on the road and drivable. It was a long four years of looking at it in the garage, pushing it in and out to work on. It is so sweet not to just turn the key and fire it up!!!

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

I spent the day rewiring the rear lights. The harness was cut off and nothing past the gas take harness. I talked to Toyota Matt and found out no one makes the original 1977 4 prong plugs because they are a bad design (not dedicated ground) so I upgraded to the newer 5 prong ones (I think 1978 and newer). I got the driving lights and break lights to work. Still need to hook up turn signals and back up lights, but it feels good to continue moving forward.

 

[DirtDauberGarage]

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