Build 1st FJ40, '76 - SMOKEY - Puttin’ her Back Together

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Update on the H-Frame / A-Frame debacle from Harbor Freight.

After debating with them back and forth on shipping the H back, I decided to just keep it - influenced heavily by the great folks here on Mud. It's in my garage, it's cheaper than the A, and, evidently, it's more versatile.

I will say that the nice lady (?) "Chris" that helped me on the phone from HF yesterday was great. It took about 10 minutes to get her to understand the situation, but once she did, she refunded me the difference in price and told me to just refuse the A frame when it arrives. I tried to cancel it before it shipped but too late.

This morning I got an email from the company stating that they were aware that my issue was resolved, and that my refund was confirmed. They also refunded my $90 in shipping fees due to the hassle. That was very nice and not asked for at all.

It's nice when the right hand (phone support) and the left hand (email support) know what the other is doing. I will say that is rare. Good job HF. I'll be back.

The Press is a well made piece of kit (for $199). Stable, sturdy, easy to put together (took 10 minutes).
 
I'm pretty well done with the Hub debacle. Finally found an oring that fit close enough to get it back together. OEM gaskets for the control handle to the hub are on order from Beno, but in the meantime, here we are. Somehow I never found that other cone washer in the hub, so had to order that too. (Dang flash rust. Rotors were shiny until yesterday. It was cold the last 3 days, and very humid - they were clean for 2 weeks.) :mad:

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And just for grins - wife's cousin builds and paints custom motorcycles. Went by his shop today. Been building since the 70's. Lot's of awards and magazine features. Told me how he custom built the seat for this bike - hand molding the frame of it in fiberglass AFTER the bike was painted. Molded it right on the bike. It just fits into the body and is held by a tiny strip of velcro, which is redundant. The body is beautiful in real life too.

All I can say is "Wow"!

This is the same place that Rainman is getting his tshirts printed. Equally impressive setup.

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Vae,

That tie dye bike is only fair compared to Andy's first tie dye Harley. Ask him about it some day. He may either slug you or start crying but ask.. It was the most incredible airbrush job I'd ever seen. And THAT is saying something. Take it from me, after all, I am a professional and don't play one on TV.

Oh... Glad you got the hubs solved. Warns are so, "the other guy's truck." Right?
 
Well, I am trying to keep it as OEM as is practical. I'll sacrifice for safety and comfort (AC, steering, brakes, seat belts), but glad I could keep these.

Minor issue either way.

And I've never heard the story directly from Andy about that bike. I'll have to ask him. Of note, he has a paint booth!
 
Vae Victus said:
And I've never heard the story directly from Andy about that bike. I'll have to ask him. Of note, he has a paint booth!
Click to expand...

Way back when, Andy was going to paint my '66 FJ45 in that booth when it was ready. Alas, that day never came.
 
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What size do you want?
 
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