Build 1978 FJ40. Waking up the ol’ girl!

[dmaddox]

What an awesome thread. I loved reading over the whole thing over coffee this morning. This is life. Thank's for sharing.

 

[65swb45]

What an awesome thread. I loved reading over the whole thing over coffee this morning. This is life. Thank's for sharing.

The funny thing is that I thought of you as I was reading it Dallas.

 

[EStein]

I think the paint went well. Won’t really know for sure till it dries and I can inspect it. I’m sure there’s some spots where it’s a little light, but I was really focused on not getting any drips this time. A small amount of orange peel, but that’ll match the rest of the body!

 

[EStein]

What an awesome thread. I loved reading over the whole thing over coffee this morning. This is life. Thank's for sharing.

Thank you! It’s been a really good experience… Mostly. It makes me happy to know that people enjoy reading, and possibly learning something just like I did on all the other threads.

 

[dmaddox]

For sure - going back to that start-up video in your garage, I know the feeling. Good times.

 

[aztoyman]

Looks good. Vehicles back then HAD orange peel from the factory and I think looks more appropriate. Not that glass smooth doesn't look good. Just my preference. Awesome 40.

 

[EStein]

Looks good. Vehicles back then HAD orange peel from the factory and I think looks more appropriate. Not that glass smooth doesn't look good. Just my preference. Awesome 40.

Yeah, that’s a good point. Thanks.

 

[ETX FJ40]

***Subscribed***

Great work! This is helping me plan my rebuild.

Thank you for your detailed posts!

 

[Admiral Snackbar]

I've been sick for a week, I joined to read this thread. Seriously man, this is the best thing I've seen in so long. The 40 looks amazing, but the jumping in head first and learning you did to make this happen is fantastic. Plus you and your daughter have had time together to make something amazing. That can't be bought.

 

[RevISK]

I've been sick for a week, I joined to read this thread. Seriously man, this is the best thing I've seen in so long. The 40 looks amazing, but the jumping in head first and learning you did to make this happen is fantastic. Plus you and your daughter have had time together to make something amazing. That can't be bought.

Your avatar name is legendary

 

[EStein]

I've been sick for a week, I joined to read this thread. Seriously man, this is the best thing I've seen in so long. The 40 looks amazing, but the jumping in head first and learning you did to make this happen is fantastic. Plus you and your daughter have had time together to make something amazing. That can't be bought.

Wow thanks. I really appreciate that feedback.

 

[EStein]

Started putting the top on today. Received weatherstripping from City Racer @Racer65. Quality stuff and fast shipping. Weatherstripping for body to top is nice and thick and comes with a couple extra feet which is nice. Also received seals for all the windows. Aftermarket but quality. Thank you! Real happy with how the paint turned out. Got one of the kick out windows installed. Ran out of screws for the other side. Need to make a trip to the hardware store and get some more stainless … the latch for the right kick out window is broken. Need to give @65swb45 a call. I bet Mark has one. Also need a couple jump seat straps.

 

[EStein]

Also dug into the fiberglass cap today. The metal piece on the front that attaches to the windshield was in pretty bad shape. I removed it by grinding off the rivets and hit it with a wire wheel for about an hour. Then sanded and shot with epoxy primer. I’m thinking it’ll hold up. Really pleased with the condition of the metal rail. The cap itself has quite a few hairline cracks. Going to do some research on how to deal with those. I was just going to spray thick epoxy on it and paint and be done with it but maybe I’ll try to put a little more time into it.

Question… should I shoot the inside of the cap with epoxy primer as well or does it need to breathe or just no reason to do it? I plan on hitting the rail and up underneath the best I can. Bought a headliner from Cruiser Corps a long time ago and some 3M spray glue. Looking forward to getting that done.

 

[aztoyman]

You have a beautiful 40. Nice work.

 

[EStein]

You have a beautiful 40. Nice work.

Thank you!

 

[EStein]

Spent some time on the cap…I ended up spraying the heavier cracked areas with a quality primer and body filler in the worst spots. Going to shoot epoxy primer tomorrow and then seam seal the gutters when it dries. Then a light seal coat of epoxy and Cygnus White single stage on Tuesday….that’s the plan. I’m very much aware this isn’t really the proper way to fix this top. Hope it works good enough.

 

[EStein]

One of my kick out window hinges was trashed. Hard to find item. Hing arrived today from Marks Off-road. Thanks @65swb45 . Orange peel looks really bad in these photos but it’s only when it’s in the light with the sky in the background. It really isn’t any worse than the factory was. Still a 10 foot paint job though.

 

[aztoyman]

I think it looks great. Cars weren't "glass" smooth back then anyway. I think it looks better than a newer car with the clear coat failing after a few years.

 

[EStein]

I think it looks great. Cars weren't "glass" smooth back then anyway. I think it looks better than a newer car with the clear coat failing after a few years.

Thanks!

 

[ETX FJ40]

Look @EStein This forum expects any photos paint work to be wet sanded to at least 2000 grit….

Seriously though nice job! Can’t wait to see the top when it’s done.