Build 1979 FJ40 Preservation-ish Project

[OPMACHINE]

It is hot this summer. Probably help get 89nolder to 100K followers!

The final product,

 

[tls3601]

Wonderful work on that quarter sir, sure is nice to see that there still is some craft left in this crazy world I am biased Sky Blue is one of the very best colors.

 

[OPMACHINE]

Thank you! Never would have been possible without IH8MUD and all the cruiser heads that came before me.

 

[OPMACHINE]

Yesterday, I went to change the belts, and of course that has turned into another little project.

- The bearing on the tensioner pulley associated with the Clarity A/C system is starting to fail.
- Koyo Bearing P/N: 6203 2RS . 17mmx40mmx12mm

- The 1979 California smog pump is make some disconcerting noises. From the little research I have done up to this point, the smog pump could be a chore to repair and expensive replace. I am not sure how much time and money I want to invest in the smog system that ultimately makes the 40 less reliable.

 

[OPMACHINE]

I reached out to @65swb45 Mark's Off Road for a smog pump solution. A quick phone call and some food stamps later, and I have a quality used pump coming my way.

For now the environmentalist win!

 

[mattressking]

@Spike Strip does the shop in the valley rebuild early smog pumps also?

 

[Spike Strip]

Far as I know, yes

 

[OPMACHINE]

Apparently, the smog pump is very hard to rebuild.

I have two option going forward. I can continue to maintain the smog system or take the entire system out.

 

[mattressking]

Apparently, the smog pump is very hard to rebuild.

I have two option going forward. I can continue to maintain the smog system or take the entire system out.

Contact B-Z Rebuilders | Auto Parts Rebuilt they apparently are well-equipped. Maybe its an option for you.

If you don't have to be smogged, then I'd take it out and box up all the factory bits.

 

[AntFarm]

Hey @OPMACHINE I'm just getting caught up with your thread! It appears that the original condition of your 2/79 is/was very similar to my own 3/79. Feel free to reach out anytime to compare notes. Of course, you have done some amazing body work while mine is all still original. I'm in the middle of a complete cooling system refresh with a new City Racer radiator. While I was at it, I'm rebuilding most of the steering system. And, I'm having the dizzy rebuilt with a new advancer and breaker plate. Almost everything on my rig was original to my 3/79 build date, (similar to your story) so it is all overdue. Surprising how much 41 year old stuff is on these rigs. Well done!

 

[OPMACHINE]

@AntFarm Thank you for reaching out! Your 3/79 is amazing! I have not seen many/any without rust in the rear quarter panels. City Racer is an amazing vendor and resource with very fast shipping. After 41 years everything is suspect, and unfortunately parts are only going to get more expensive.

 

[OPMACHINE]

Clardy A/C Belt # Gates 25-9620 / Dayco 17620

And......

New socks and shoes!
255/85R16

 

[OPMACHINE]

And photo shoot.

 

[OPMACHINE]

 

[OPMACHINE]

 

[OPMACHINE]

Heavily filtered by my wife!

 

[OPMACHINE]

 

[N919HJ]

Looks perfect!!!

 

[OPMACHINE]

I was married under this tree.

 

[OPMACHINE]