- Thread starter
- #1,821
Thanks Texas Navy, appreciate it. Share a photo!
Build 1st FJ40, '76 - SMOKEY - Puttin’ her Back Together
- Thread starter Vae Victus
- Start date
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- Thread starter
- #1,822
You've basically built it 2x.
- Thread starter
- #1,823
Found most of the parts to the panel tire carrier. Just missing the rear bumper. Don't even remember what it looks like. Photo anyone?
I do have to move the lower captive nut bolt holes in the rear sill, and quarter panel to get it to mount level and to match the receiver. Oh well, that's why they invented welders and grinders. You can see how low the panel is when mounted in the current lower mounting holes (which don't match up all 4 bolt holes anyway).
And I still cannot find the darn lower rear door hinges. Has anyone seen what I did with them? LOL.
I do have to move the lower captive nut bolt holes in the rear sill, and quarter panel to get it to mount level and to match the receiver. Oh well, that's why they invented welders and grinders. You can see how low the panel is when mounted in the current lower mounting holes (which don't match up all 4 bolt holes anyway).
And I still cannot find the darn lower rear door hinges. Has anyone seen what I did with them? LOL.
- Thread starter
- #1,824
Fixed several broken 6mm bolts using Time-Sert inserts instead of HeliCoil. Wrote up my thoughts on Time-Serts here.
- Thread starter
- #1,825
I also replaced one of the two freeze plugs in the engine that were leaking on my coolant test and engine-block-water-jacket-cleaning a while back. It will be much easier to get this second one done when I pull the body off the frame.
Removing one of the leaking plugs
I have been researching the Vintage Air and other A/C options. Think I'm sticking with VA as they have much more of an install base, more support staff, more years of product development, more complete solutions than the other guys.
I'm at that point of needing to buy some of the big ticket items for the back end of this job (paint, A/C, power steering), but with Covid and the downturn in my business, I cannot justify spending those bucks. Sigh.
Removing one of the leaking plugs
I have been researching the Vintage Air and other A/C options. Think I'm sticking with VA as they have much more of an install base, more support staff, more years of product development, more complete solutions than the other guys.
I'm at that point of needing to buy some of the big ticket items for the back end of this job (paint, A/C, power steering), but with Covid and the downturn in my business, I cannot justify spending those bucks. Sigh.
The vintage air instructions are on their website and detail what mods are needed for your tub. It’s only about 4 holes and could be done after paint if needed. Keep plugging away.
- Thread starter
- #1,827
Found the missing rear door hinges! Finally. In a box, in a storage unit. I'd missed the box before.
Did final test fitting of the driver and passenger doors last night. Had to beat on the door pillar and on the hinge brace on the driver door to get it to fit. It always had issues and I finally figured out why - the door pillar by the driver's left knee was bent outward - likely due to damage on the left side of the vehicle at some point (the door pillar where the door latches was also bent inward - previously fixed by me).
Door Wouldn't close....
Ah, I see why....
This pillar was bent at some point. I had to "ease" it back into shape with a BFH.
Door closed nicely after that.
Did final test fitting of the driver and passenger doors last night. Had to beat on the door pillar and on the hinge brace on the driver door to get it to fit. It always had issues and I finally figured out why - the door pillar by the driver's left knee was bent outward - likely due to damage on the left side of the vehicle at some point (the door pillar where the door latches was also bent inward - previously fixed by me).
Door Wouldn't close....
Ah, I see why....
This pillar was bent at some point. I had to "ease" it back into shape with a BFH.
Door closed nicely after that.
- Thread starter
- #1,828
Yep, I went through those. I agree - the 3 holes for the control that are essentially just hogging them out a bit, and the one under the dash area that is a captive nut that you drill out to a larger hole. I'm moving forward, but thanks for helping confirm that - it was helpful for you to say so!
On my install, the captive but stayed in place, it just took 2 people to get the bolt started.
- Thread starter
- #1,830
OK who’s the first to spot how I screwed up again?
Haha. My clutch fork might be on the passenger side...
gearbox mounts upside down?
- Thread starter
- #1,833
Ha, yep. I must have been facing the wrong way when I put the clutch fork on. Heck it’s been on for over a year. Just noticed when I went to put on the clutch slave.
You might also double check the bell housing mount bolt. I believe the drive side is supposed to have a nut on top rather than underneath. It may have to due with clearances with the body once it’s reinstalled.
- Thread starter
- #1,835
What exactly are you referring to? I'm looking at the photos but it's not jumping out at me.
If I remember right, the bolt should come up with the nut on top rather than underneath. I think if you leave it like it is you would be able to remove it when the body is on the frame.
- Thread starter
- #1,837
Ok I'll run that down. The one on the left is "nut up" as they say.
- Thread starter
- #1,838
Worked on the captive nuts on the drivers floor - had to add an additional hole that I missed for the floor jack. Also removed the final 2 sq feet of the sound proofing on the drivers floor. Chiseling that stuff off isn't hard, just takes a it of patience.
Finally added a couple of the water hoses. Starting to get a good idea of what goes where again on the engine. Not much help in the FSM. I wish there was an exploded diagram showing each of the systems: cooling lines, fuel lines, hydraulic lines, cables, etc. It's not that hard but I'm such a rookie and it's been so long since I took it apart.
That's how we learn though .... Glad to have the challenge.
Finally added a couple of the water hoses. Starting to get a good idea of what goes where again on the engine. Not much help in the FSM. I wish there was an exploded diagram showing each of the systems: cooling lines, fuel lines, hydraulic lines, cables, etc. It's not that hard but I'm such a rookie and it's been so long since I took it apart.
That's how we learn though .... Glad to have the challenge.
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- Thread starter
- #1,839
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- Thread starter
- #1,840
Rain gutter - should I remove and reseal?
Started working on the top today. After asking some Fj40 buddies how, I got the front channels off. Only sheared two bolts!
Rain gutter I'd about 95% good. Immgoing to remove it, fix what's rusted, and POR it, then re-rivet it been in place. If I think it needs replacing, especially the front section, I'll buy from CCOT. But I think I can repair the small amount of rust that exists.
Also started sanding down the absolute mess of paint on the top. Don't paint the top improperly! You'll hate your life!
Started working on the top today. After asking some Fj40 buddies how, I got the front channels off. Only sheared two bolts!
Rain gutter I'd about 95% good. Immgoing to remove it, fix what's rusted, and POR it, then re-rivet it been in place. If I think it needs replacing, especially the front section, I'll buy from CCOT. But I think I can repair the small amount of rust that exists.
Also started sanding down the absolute mess of paint on the top. Don't paint the top improperly! You'll hate your life!
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