- Thread starter
- #21
Its not as bas as it looks in that pic, there are only a few things that look to be altered. But I believe it was running in this condition or something vey close to it. I dont see the fusible link....
1978 FJ40 "Barn Find", Refurbish and Preservation
- Thread starter studawg
- Start date
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If your bad with a multimeter then get a test light. They're easier and quicker to find power. 1st disconnect the batt, pull all the fuses and get a wire brush in the variety of a .22 cal. and clean the fuse box contacts and fuses. From there chase power to the starter solenoid, and coil.
I agree I don't see a fusible link either. I'm pretty sure black with a yellow stripe is ING. blk/w is start. W/blk are grounds. Make a link or i think Coolerman sells them along with color correct wire and connectors.
- Thread starter
- #25
Made some progress, she's turning over at the twist of the key! One step at a time. I cleaned the contacts in the fuses and kept turning the key in the ignition, saw the amp gauge needle start to quiver, heard some clicking noises and got some action. The belt is super loose and at max adjustment so getting a new one, also gotta get a radiator petcock....
- Thread starter
- #27
Well work was slow when I bought this, then of course got busy right after! But I did a basic refresh with oil, filters, plugs, battery etc...Got power from the key, the ignition just needed a little contact cleaner sprayed in there and to be worked back and fourth a little. Engine turns over just fine. Was going to crank it up with a gas can, but realized it needed coolant. Then realized it didnt have a drain plug, tried to find one to fit, then decided to just replace the radiator, which morphed into replacing all the hoses. I bought the new OEM radiator and gas tank, now waiting on some other parts before I put it back together and fire it up.
- Thread starter
- #28
Well this has been slow going, life gets in the way. I started a desmog, replaced the radiator and gas tank with OEM new, found some used 30x9.50-15 BFGs and mounted them to some old 40 wheels I had. Installed the spare tire carrier, although it was obviously hit, but it still lines up. Lots of other little things. Bolted a seat on and sent it to Trollholes to flush the block, get it running, bleed the brakes and clutch and get it driving.
- Thread starter
- #30
I guess this is the biggest news, I found a pair of original paint Freeborn Red FST doors (on FB marketplace in south Florida) that were the hardest part to find in order to complete my grand idea of a 1978 FST (clone). I wasnt sure I would ever find these and had pretty much decided I was just going to get some aftermarket soft doors. These were not cheap, and yes they did come with the handles.
- Thread starter
- #32
Well I really wanted it because it was just what I was looking for. The seller "Santa" was a great guy though. I was in a hurry the day I picked it up, it was raining and I had to get back to Greenville, SC, but I left there thinking "I bet there were more parts to this thing laying around that barn". But he followed up by sending me a box of some extra parts they found, so that was much appreciated.
- Thread starter
- #34
Im not very good at posting updates.....Long story short, @Trollhole did a great job. The engine is running great, brakes are good, it steers well enough. I may have an issue in the transmission or driveline somewhere because every now and then I hear a big thud that seems to shake the whole dang truck and its loud. Im imagining a tooth in a gear somewhere getting sheared off. Its happened twice and was somewhat unsettling!
I threw some seat covers on it so my daughters wouldnt fall through the cracks in the original seat when I took them for a ride. The driver seat is going to give way at any moment. I think Im going to have to order seat pans, foams and covers and rebuild the original seats.
I threw some seat covers on it so my daughters wouldnt fall through the cracks in the original seat when I took them for a ride. The driver seat is going to give way at any moment. I think Im going to have to order seat pans, foams and covers and rebuild the original seats.
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- Thread starter
- #35
Took off and ditched the rear muffler, Ansa branded that I think came from some sort of GM? Ordered a new Walker round. Ditched the circe 1985 rear air shocks with attached air lines and ordered a couple KYBs. Ordered a bunch of bolts. Sprayed the rear cross member, frame and inner rear quarter area with naval jelly rust dissolver and rinsed.
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- Thread starter
- #36
Im planning on using some parts Ive had leftover from previous LCs on this vehicle and make sort of a backdated, Frankenstein, yet 'numbers matching' original paint kinda thing. Like a purists attempt at an "outlaw" 40 I guess.
Ordered the bracket kit from Specter that attaches the long jump seats to a pre 74 40 that has an aftermarket roll bar isntalled. Hoping it works to attach the long jump seats to a 78 tub with the factory roll bar. Ive had these long jump seats for decades and want to use them again.
Ordered the bracket kit from Specter that attaches the long jump seats to a pre 74 40 that has an aftermarket roll bar isntalled. Hoping it works to attach the long jump seats to a 78 tub with the factory roll bar. Ive had these long jump seats for decades and want to use them again.
