Builds 1978 US Market FJ40 Factory Reset

[dmaddox]

Thank you @waiting for time

I'm going to try to find a hood one last time in my area - if not....I really enjoyed watching this, this morning:



Almost makes me want to strip the hood and practice with these techniques just to learn and have the satisfaction of fixing it.

 

[dmaddox]

Okay - so now after watching this video three times, I feel "internet smart" enough.....lol....to give this technique a shot. Obviously no stranger to body work, I just need to find a good slapper and shrinking disc (and no those are not the names of local escorts) and start with a small area and give it a shot.

Looks fun, to be honest. And with no rust on the hood, at least I have that going for me. I'll report back on that project.

 

[PabloCruise]

Well....yet again more bad news. re: New Hood:

"Thank you for your order.I'm sorry I can't excute your order.The goods is now in the warehouse in Los Angeles. ,we can only execute orders in the west of America, but not in the east of America.Becausw it's too far to the east and the freight is too expensive,the freight on this is not applicable."

The order was cancelled, leaving me back with this cursed hood and a bucket of bondo.

Dallas, ship it to me, and then I will relay it to you.

 

[dmaddox]

You are too kind, TJ. The company cancelled and refunded me. I would have loved to just plop a new hood on. I appreciate the offer - and if I can't whip this hood back into shape, I'll take you up on your offer!

Again - huge thanks.

 

[PabloCruise]

You are too kind, TJ. The company cancelled and refunded me. I would have loved to just plop a new hood on. I appreciate the offer - and if I can't whip this hood back into shape, I'll take you up on your offer!

Again - huge thanks.

Any time Brother!

 

[dmaddox]

At least I can laugh (or make fun of) myself along with you all with this 4+ year long restoration. I think mostly because my patience has been tested in so many ways, I am just reactionary to everything.

"This hood is garbage, OMG what am I going to do! Order a new one!? My life!" <watches youtube on how to properly metal work a body panel>. "This hood ain't bad. I think I can whip it into shape."

 

[onemanarmy]

Just read the whole thing....amazing.
I know how much time it takes to take pics, upload, post, and explain them...on top of actually doing the work, so what you are doing is far and away above the call of duty, and we all appreciate it and many will no doubt use your photos and P/Ns for years to come.

can't wait to see it on the road!

 

[dmaddox]

Thank you @onemanarmy - the community keeps me going! After reading through @Jdc1 build thread, even more inspiration. That truck really turned out amazing.

I have been on the hunt for some emissions equipment. The good stuff really is hard to find, and NOS nearly impossible. With the help of a long time friend, I was able to score some "nearly" NOS - pulled from stock that was barely used and in storage for years.

So, luck has shined on me as I have found a "nearly" NOS set of emissions components. It is so good, in fact, that I am able to just clean it up as it is and it will look at home with the new stuff.

 

[dmaddox]

There's a few bruises on the equipment, but with a little time on the table, will be able to get it all straightened out.

Next is project hood. I picked up a few things today to start the operation.

 

[dmaddox]

Help Request: I am looking for some good and clear photos of the original tar pads for the driver and passenger floors. I have a decent passenger example, but I need a drive side. I'll keep digging, but if anyone has an example, that would be great.

I was using this recent sale as a reference, but the driver side is tough to make out: SOLD - 1978 FJ40 California Blue Plated 100% original rust free body. - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/1978-fj40-california-blue-plated-100-original-rust-free-body.1294821/

Thanks!

 

[b.crush-a-lot]

Hey dmaddox…..I bought that 40 you’re referencing above, what exact pic would you like? It’s sitting in my garage right now. Happy to FaceTime with you too if that helps.

I’ll send you a pm with my contact info.

 

[dmaddox]

1. You scored. (read my thread to see why)
2. THANK YOU!

 

[tls3601]

Help Request: I am looking for some good and clear photos of the original tar pads for the driver and passenger floors. I have a decent passenger example, but I need a drive side. I'll keep digging, but if anyone has an example, that would be great.

I was using this recent sale as a reference, but the driver side is tough to make out: SOLD - 1978 FJ40 California Blue Plated 100% original rust free body. - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/1978-fj40-california-blue-plated-100-original-rust-free-body.1294821/

Thanks!

I have a 10/78 that I have left the originals intact. I can get some pictures out this weekend

 

[dmaddox]

Awesome, the more the merrier. Thank you.

 

[dmaddox]

Battery mat. I mean....if it is recommended by the US Air Force...too funny. Don't make an expensive mistake!!! Marketing at its' finest.

Looks nice, at least. I'm sure there is an OEM mat, maybe not, but I wanted to set the battery on something.

 

[tls3601]

Battery mat. I mean....if it is recommended by the US Air Force...too funny. Don't make an expensive mistake!!! Marketing at its' finest.

View attachment 3165684

Looks nice, at least. I'm sure there is an OEM mat, maybe not, but I wanted to set the battery on something.

View attachment 3165685

Gorgeous truck. Mine had rubber straps over the metal for the battery tray, who knows if that was an “original” thing. Nice work, I have a ‘’76 to finish and it is also Mustard Yellow. Have a great weekend, following your build

 

[dmaddox]

Credit to @waiting for time for recommending I just dig into the hood. A confidence booster. I did spend half the day on this, however.

Here we go:

The paint and prep by the previous owner was sloppy - to my advantage. As I'm putting the stripper on, its literally peeling the paint as fast as I can get it down.

Much better than hours with a DA sander.

As you can see, I just grabbed the cheapest paint brush I could find at Home Depot....maybe a buck fifty?

Once I had a nice coat on, I laid a cut open leaf bag on it to help it. It worked magic:

After the first round (30 min set time). I just used a 7 in 1 scraper tool and an empty beer box to catch the goo.

Round two:

 

[dmaddox]

Body filler is pretty resistant, but I kept scraping and reapplying until I could dig it all out. Then just hit with a 220 grit DA:

Seeing the dents filled and the access to them…I have no idea why they didn’t even try to tap them out. Easier to slather filler in?

Onto the belly of this thing:

Again, it was eating the paint as fast as I could slog it on!

7 in 1 scrape after 30 min set time:

After scraping clean, I used some simple green and a rag to wipe it all down.

I then hit the entire thing with 220 grit DA and set it aside for when my slapper and shrinking wheel come in the mail.

The worst of the hidden damage:

The rest of the stuff can (i know, you're rolling your eyes) easily be tapped/shrunk into shape. Hey....learning as I go here!

 

[dmaddox]

Beer fridge stocked. Have a good weekend!

 

[Polecat]

Beer fridge stocked. Have a good weekend!



View attachment 3166186

Great choice!