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

[SuperBuickGuy]

he said "Bring it in any time - we can work you in fast."

You're wise to be skeptical, I'm 100% certain that the word "fast" means an entirely different thing to a body shop then it does to anyone else....

 

[Vae Victus]

You're wise to be skeptical, I'm 100% certain that the word "fast" means an entirely different thing to a body shop then it does to anyone else....

Yes, he has 10 "older" projects in the shop, several have been there for 2+ years (though a couple are his and some other folks associated with the school). However Doug (@oldschool4wheeling ) has discussed this with them in detail, and he's seeing that "words" and "actions" don't match up.

Any body shop will be a 1+ year wait to do a custom job. This though is about $10,000 cheaper than other solutions (pay for the materials). I'm willing to give it a shot. I'd give my chances about 25% on it coming true.

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

I hope you're right, there is a reason I do all my own stunts....errr... body and paint. The biggest issue that I have is it goes to their shop, they take far more time, I'm patient, and they seem to think that should mean they get paid more for their work (because they took longer than promised, mind you, they didn't DO more work, they simply blew me off) - last time, $300 quick paint (with my product) turned into a $1,700 bill.... we settled for $700, but I'm still not happy about it.

One thing it does do (my body and paint) - any imperfection I see in the work I do - suddenly disappears when I remind myself I wouldn't even be seeing the car now if I'd taken it somewhere else.

 

[RWBeringer4x4]

At the prices you have been mentioning, I'd be accepting an amateur-hour paint job and spraying it in my garage...

 

[Vae Victus]

At the prices you have been mentioning, I'd be accepting an amateur-hour paint job and spraying it in my garage...

Yea, not an option (fully considered it) but if my house entrance was not in the garage I'd do it myself. And, how detailed I am, I'd never finish it.

 

[Vae Victus]

Boy I've been dreading this diff rebuild. Been finding any excuse not to do it. I even bought a portable a/c unit to make it more bearable in the garage.

Did the first gear pattern just now. Hoping I hit a home run first shot. It looks fair. I may leave the pinion shims alone. Any thoughts?

 

[Rainman]

I dunno Scott. You might want to consider a different yellow for your paint...

 

[Heirloom]

Looks good.

 

[Weber Sarge]

Just fyi - you can go to the local GM dealer and get a nice sized tube of marking compound for a few bucks and works great . Put some drag on the ring gear while turning the pinion - it helps define the pattern mark better .
Drive side looks well centered ...

Sarge

 

[Vae Victus]

Just fyi - you can go to the local GM dealer and get a nice sized tube of marking compound for a few bucks and works great . Put some drag on the ring gear while turning the pinion - it helps define the pattern mark better .
Drive side looks well centered ...

Sarge

Thanks Sarge. Diff rebuild kit came with some marking compound, and I have some Prussian blue. I was going very light on the compound since they gave me a small amount, but I'm learning it goes a long way.

I did put resistance on the ring gear whilst turning the pinion. The marking compound is jus very thin.

Ken (Zuk) said I could improve the pattern so I'll be getting some shims.

 

[Vae Victus]

Spent the weekend sanding and repainting the rear axle and third member. First paint job was poo - did it in the winter and evidently I missed some spots over the POR.

Went to grab the diff cover which was in a small box in the floor of the garage. So I looked, and I looked..... Nowhere to be found. Turned everything upside down and nothing. Now how does a diff cover walk off?

Sigh. Guess I get to find a used one or a new custom cover.

Waiting for a set of pinion shims, and pinion nut.

 

[Vae Victus]

Ok, about to get back to the build, promise! But in the meantime, I thought I'd share with you my latest rust removing tool.

 

[cruiserkreutz]

Ok, about to get back to the build, promise! But in the meantime, I thought I'd share with you my latest rust removing tool.

For real? That's freaking AWESOME!

 

[thebigredrocker]

Ok, about to get back to the build, promise! But in the meantime, I thought I'd share with you my latest rust removing tool.

Don't let it slip from your hands and ZAP your pisser

 

[RWBeringer4x4]

Last I looked those things were in the ballpark of a half million bucks - but if you REALLY have one - can I borrow it?

 

[KY Longhunter]

Wow, can I bring a trailer load of parts this weekend?

I'll buy the beer!

 

[Vae Victus]

No, not for real guys. I just drooled when I saw it, thought I'd share. But the price has come down to only $50 - 80,000! Maybe Harbor Freight will have a $20,000 version!

Oh and it doesn't burn skin, oddly.

 

[Vae Victus]

Scott - where did you purchase the greenhouse? What did you plant?

Ok, @TCSTARK, sorry!! Your question is only 5 months old - but, a buncha stuff. Traditional stuff mostly, tomatoes, squash, lots of sweet pepper types, melons, some greens for early in the summer (all long dead now). Getting the fall plants ready to harvest.

Gotten tons of tomatoes this year. It's been fun. I've given away 90% of the harvest - can eat that many tomatoes and peppers.

 

[Vae Victus]

At the point of finishing the rear axle rebuild. Added a thread asking how to lube the rear axle bearings.

I'm also replacing drums with calipers. Will be referring to the following threads to do this swap:

Rear Disc Brakes..., and in depth rear disc brake conversion

 

[Vae Victus]

Overdue update. Finished rear axle including conversion to rear disc. Well, at least I put the adapter bracket, calipers, rotors on from JT Outfitters. Good kit. Fits up just fine. Painted the brackets and calipers black.


Starting to look like a truck frame.