Builds 1st FJ40, '76 - SMOKEY - Puttin’ her Back Together (4 Viewers)

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Just a note about the Weber--I replaced my orig Aisin with a 38---bad move. I didn't know it then, but the Webers have an open-to-atmosphere float bowl- you will have big trouble starting this thing after it sits for more than 3 days(the float bowl fuel will evaporate). My original carb is resting comfortably with 2thdoc, now I'm looking for an original replacement-yea, they're a pain to adjust, but the fuel economy claims of a Weber are no match for the serviceability of the Aisin. Ask me how I know.
Ditch the Weber-go back to OEM!
 
No transaxles, just driveshafts (or propeller shafts as mr. T likes to call them). And one of those shots of the oil pan is showing the starter, not a u joint. Those leaks are way better than mine, I wouldn't let them stop you from driving it. If they start to actually drip or if you find yourself bored with nothing to do then fix them

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD at 85mph in an FJ40
 
Just a note about the Weber--I replaced my orig Aisin with a 38---bad move. I didn't know it then, but the Webers have an open-to-atmosphere float bowl- you will have big trouble starting this thing after it sits for more than 3 days(the float bowl fuel will evaporate). My original carb is resting comfortably with 2thdoc, now I'm looking for an original replacement-yea, they're a pain to adjust, but the fuel economy claims of a Weber are no match for the serviceability of the Aisin. Ask me how I know.
Ditch the Weber-go back to OEM!

I have a can of carb cleaner that I start the truck with.

So, I just got this in the mail:

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TrollHole Carb

I met 2thDoc in person yesterday. He was nice enough to drive me a set of rear seats 1/2 way to Nashville.
image-2441326229.webp
 
Working on the rear brakes tomorrow, one cylinder is needing attention. And getting ready to rebuild my doors, new window regulators, felts, wipers, and handles. At least that's the plan........
 
Progress today:

- bought several items at NAPA, but not the things I needed most: Brake Master and Clutch master, as well as the carb gasket.
- ordered masters from Advanced Auto. In Thurs.
- removed transfer case skid plate, took photos of drivetrain, posted here asking for advice.
- drained coolant from radiator. Ugly brown crap came out. Very rusty system. Petcock was so clogged, I had to remove the entire thing. Even then it would not drain. Had to stick a wire in it to break open the sludge.
- removed radiator, hoses, fan, shroud.
- got help from my youngest princess. Taught her how the engine worked.



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Yuck


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Pic of petcock. Note gray sludge - solid as a rock.


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Helper


Amazed at how fast this is going. Much easier than a MINI Cooper!
 
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Don't keep track, there is really no point! I budget $100/mo for Cruiser parts and probably will forever.

Had it for 8 years now and my resto is long since passed. Still have a million things I would like to do someday!

CAZ

Caz, prolly good advice, but I'm a data geek. It's a challenge to track it all, and it might revealing to some folks who might just be getting into this so they can budget accordingly. Bores some to tears.

After 8 years, what things do you want to do with yours? Sounds fun.
 
Caz, prolly good advice, but I'm a data geek. It's a challenge to track it all, and it might revealing to some folks who might just be getting into this so they can budget accordingly. Bores some to tears.

After 8 years, what things do you want to do with yours? Sounds fun.

Same here. I'm somewhere in the middle. Total data geek - and also on a tight budget. Tracking the cost of the various projects helps me to realize that I am, in fact, making progress, without bankrupting myself - albeit slowly.

When I don't have the funds to make progress, I can at least look at the sheet and see how far I've come, and plan the next phase of the restoration.
 
After 8 years, what things do you want to do with yours? Sounds
fun.

My wish list is 2 pages long so I will spare you the details. This year's projects are Saginaw and some general refreshing (lots of powder coating) and maintenance.

It isn't that I don't like data... I used to add it up but stopped after I finished my original "refresh". I was so far into it that I didn't really want to know any more. Treat it as a hobby and expect to continue to fund it.

Make a list of the projects that you would like to do and prioritize. I like to split them into yearly "phases" so that I have a goal each winter (my Cruiser's down time).

I used to get carried away when building a truck and would try to do everything at once. I would run the credit card up, take out a loan to pay for it, etc. It is difficult to be patient when you enjoy wrenching as much or more than driving it afterwards!

Over the years I have become more patient and have learned to budget my projects and to spread them out. I now have a wife and three wonderful kids that are my first priority. My wife is very understanding on the money I do spend, but I try very hard to be fair.

I guess my point is as follows:
A Cruiser is not an investment and you will never get out of it what you have put into it!
 
Progress today:

- bought several items at NAPA, but not the things I needed most: Brake Master and Clutch master, as well as the carb gasket.
- ordered masters from Advanced Auto. In Thurs.
- removed transfer case skid plate, took photos of drivetrain, posted here asking for advice.
- drained coolant from radiator. Ugly brown crap came out. Very rusty system. Petcock was so clogged, I had to remove the entire thing. Even then it would not drain. Had to stick a wire in it to break open the sludge.
- removed radiator, hoses, fan, shroud.
- got help from my youngest princess. Taught her how the engine worked.



View attachment 745045
Yuck


View attachment 745048
Pic of petcock. Note gray sludge - solid as a rock.


View attachment 745049
Helper


Amazed at how fast this is going. Much easier than a MINI Cooper!

You will want to drain your block and flush your entire cooling system as well. There is a brass fitting on the drivers side of the block a few inches forward of the firewall. You will probably want to remove it completely and free up the sludge that is surely there too. Another thing that is kind of nice to have for cooling system maintenance is a T fitting installed in the hose that runs from the top of the driver side rear of the cylinder head to the heater valve on the firewall on the passenger side. It makes flushing the block much easier and you can also open it to facilitate your refill as it allows air to escape from your system at a point that is above your radiator cap.
The pics here are from my 60 so don't let that throw you. It has the same heart.
2F block drain.webp
Flush Fitting.webp
 
Just a note about the Weber--I replaced my orig Aisin with a 38---bad move. I didn't know it then, but the Webers have an open-to-atmosphere float bowl- you will have big trouble starting this thing after it sits for more than 3 days(the float bowl fuel will evaporate). My original carb is resting comfortably with 2thdoc, now I'm looking for an original replacement-yea, they're a pain to adjust, but the fuel economy claims of a Weber are no match for the serviceability of the Aisin. Ask me how I know.
Ditch the Weber-go back to OEM!

I can't help but feel guilty reading that, but that Aisan sure cleaned up nicely!
It's not hooked up and running yet, but I should have some new headers on the way soon from Mark, then we will button it all up. Sorry for the hijack....
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...
I used to get carried away when building a truck and would try to do everything at once. I would run the credit card up, take out a loan to pay for it, etc. It is difficult to be patient when you enjoy wrenching as much or more than driving it afterwards!

Over the years I have become more patient and have learned to budget my projects and to spread them out. I now have a wife and three wonderful kids that are my first priority. My wife is very understanding on the money I do spend, but I try very hard to be fair.

I guess my point is as follows:
A Cruiser is not an investment and you will never get out of it what you have put into it!

I'm sure I'll get there. I'm in the "new girlfriend" phase right now. It'll wear off.
 
I can't help but feel guilty reading that, but that Aisan sure cleaned up nicely!
It's not hooked up and running yet, but I should have some new headers on the way soon from Mark, then we will button it all up. Sorry for the hijack....

Is that a pic of the cleaned up carb? Looks new. Someone rebuilt it?
 
Just had to share. Spring has sprung. Peaceful moment in TN.


View attachment 745331

looking down the hill..seems a perfectly decent building ready for occupation..
My 2 cents.. unless your going to do a full frame off, as it was stated prior, get her up and running, with good brakes, then worry about the other items. 40 YO trucks will spit a bit of fluids at various seals and gaskets and isn't worrisome, disassembling drivetrain components can cause more grief as it looks like there's lots of corrosion and mud holding things together, which means..frozen bolts, bad seals..ect..can of worms. The other item that's mandatory for me is CLEAN, I start big jobs by cleaning off the oil and dirt from each project prior to start. I have a big Karcher kerosene heated pressure washer, I douse everything with Simply Green or Amazing, scrub and gently wash, then I can get a clear picture of the problems compared to the later ons..shes getting there, and your doing it right...But (knew that was coming) try to stay away from the "box" auto parts stores, advance,pep boys ect..there parts are crap,and the savings will be deleted down the road, when they fail..:beer:
 
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