Finally starting my “winter” project ‘89 FJ62. Truck has 368k on original motor/trans. It’s been a fun truck for out in the mountains here in Central Idaho. Needs some things done to motor and I’m hoping to do some interior and electrical projects but we will see. So I have NEEDs and WANTs-we will see.
First a disclaimer-this is my first FJ and although I’ve actually touched tools before, I’m going to have LOTS of questions. Previous endeavours were air-cooled VWs, 2 stroke dirt bikes and Old Ford PUs.
My goal with this truck is to make it dependable, fun to drive and use it to explore this amazing place we live in. I have no desire to “restore” it, keep it stock or a drive Concourse Looker and if aftermarket or alternate year/model/make parts will help me achieve the above I’m good with that.
Below is what I NEED
-Timing cover leak-ugh. Constant leak on drivers side above oil pan break. Read all the threads I can find and not looking forward to this.
-Due to how much of the front of the truck and motor it appears I have to remove, I’ve decided to de-smog the rig (no emissions here-and I don’t plan on moving or selling).
-Remove all A/C components. It did function when I purchased the truck three years ago but all refrigerant has leaked out and I never have a need-this truck spends %100 of its time going 25mph or less around town or on single track in the mt. So I’ve decided to yank it.
-Gas smell and “whooshing” when gas cap is removed indicates (from what I’ve read here) the charcoal canister and related lines need attention.
-Track down any fluid leaks and sort out-right now the truck is so wet from the timing cover, I need to deal with that first.
This is what I WANT:
-Headlight wiring upgrade-all electrical is extremely anaemic-I’m assuming low voltage/current due to age, corrosion, etc. Not sure if I want add special harness’ since power windows, locks and wipers all could use it or re-wire the truck. I’d be curious to know if any folks have gone this route. Yes/it’s a stupid huge project-I’ve done some frame-off resto of old VWs requiring complete wiring but not sure how ambitious it would be with this. Lots more systems. Seems like a lot of folks add new wiring/relays here and there-thoughts?
-Car spent most of its time in the South East so no rust but the dash is destroyed and much of the plastics is brittle. I have a OEM dash pad and would like take much of the dash apart, clean and repair broken bits and fogged guages, upgrade bulbs to LED, fix or replace heater fan (pretty noisy) and sort out heat vent system-heat is very important here!
-Find and install rear seatbelts-are they made out gold or something?!?! Same with front mudflaps.
Anyway-started tonight and this is how far I’ve got and the bin is all the stuff not going back on the motor.
Thanks
Bri
First a disclaimer-this is my first FJ and although I’ve actually touched tools before, I’m going to have LOTS of questions. Previous endeavours were air-cooled VWs, 2 stroke dirt bikes and Old Ford PUs.
My goal with this truck is to make it dependable, fun to drive and use it to explore this amazing place we live in. I have no desire to “restore” it, keep it stock or a drive Concourse Looker and if aftermarket or alternate year/model/make parts will help me achieve the above I’m good with that.
Below is what I NEED
-Timing cover leak-ugh. Constant leak on drivers side above oil pan break. Read all the threads I can find and not looking forward to this.
-Due to how much of the front of the truck and motor it appears I have to remove, I’ve decided to de-smog the rig (no emissions here-and I don’t plan on moving or selling).
-Remove all A/C components. It did function when I purchased the truck three years ago but all refrigerant has leaked out and I never have a need-this truck spends %100 of its time going 25mph or less around town or on single track in the mt. So I’ve decided to yank it.
-Gas smell and “whooshing” when gas cap is removed indicates (from what I’ve read here) the charcoal canister and related lines need attention.
-Track down any fluid leaks and sort out-right now the truck is so wet from the timing cover, I need to deal with that first.
This is what I WANT:
-Headlight wiring upgrade-all electrical is extremely anaemic-I’m assuming low voltage/current due to age, corrosion, etc. Not sure if I want add special harness’ since power windows, locks and wipers all could use it or re-wire the truck. I’d be curious to know if any folks have gone this route. Yes/it’s a stupid huge project-I’ve done some frame-off resto of old VWs requiring complete wiring but not sure how ambitious it would be with this. Lots more systems. Seems like a lot of folks add new wiring/relays here and there-thoughts?
-Car spent most of its time in the South East so no rust but the dash is destroyed and much of the plastics is brittle. I have a OEM dash pad and would like take much of the dash apart, clean and repair broken bits and fogged guages, upgrade bulbs to LED, fix or replace heater fan (pretty noisy) and sort out heat vent system-heat is very important here!
-Find and install rear seatbelts-are they made out gold or something?!?! Same with front mudflaps.
Anyway-started tonight and this is how far I’ve got and the bin is all the stuff not going back on the motor.
Thanks
Bri