'76 on a '64 - FJ40 SBC/700R4 Build Thread

[reddingcruiser]

Well, I thought I might as well document what I'm doing, so here it goes. I'm building up a rig for a friend, its a basically '76 FJ40 sitting on a '64 frame . It's a pretty well kept rig that we've already done a SOA conversion, installed a Metaltech roll cage, Metaltech noseguard and stinger, and put an ARB Locker in the front. It's got REAL bead locks with Toyo MTs.






Here's what's going into it now:

1. Chevy Ramjet 350 crate motor - new, sitting in my shop from Summit Racing. An LS was considered, but time and cost dictated the venerable SBC.
2. Orion transfer case - Donor case is sitting at Georg's shop waiting it's turn in line. No brainer here.
3. 700R4 'K' case transmission - Soon to be off to the trans shop for rebuild and upgrades. We'll be using the AA adapter.
4. FJ62 springs along with moving the rear axle back to gain driveline length.
5. Aluminum cross flow radiator with shroud.

The old 2F will be leaving next Wednesday to spend the rest if it's days in '72 FJ40 in Klamath Falls, and the build will get started in earnest after Thanksgiving.

Photos this weekend as the tear down begins.

 

[DAD2SIX]

Sounds cool to me. Let's see some pics!

 

[reddingcruiser]

Sounds cool to me. Let's see some pics!

We opened the crate tonight - very nice. After some additional discussion and planning tonight (and a look at the motor) this grew to a frame-off rebuild. Pictures soon.

 

[reddingcruiser]

It's an early Christmas. Here are pics of the new motor and associated goodies.

The flywheel will be disappearing and be replaced with a flex plate. Lots of small items to start ordering to get it all together

The weather is pretty crummy here right now and the rig is under a tarp. Photos of the rig and the tear-down coming soon.

 

[reddingcruiser]

Began the disassembly process today. Removed everything that won't be used and got the old 2F ready to go to it's new home on Wednesday.

 

[reddingcruiser]

Got a little further along on Wednesday. Also got a call today to tell me the Orion transfer case will be ready for pick up after Monday.

 

[sadam_husain]

That's a nice looking truck and new engine mate , did it come complete with an ecm to run the injection?

 

[reddingcruiser]

Yes, its a 'stand alone' system. If you look at the rear passenger side of the engine just above the valve cover you can see the ECM. It's likely to get moved to the cab side of the firewall to keep it out of harms way.

 

[reddingcruiser]

Picked up the new Orion from Georg on Thursday. It sure looks nice on the workbench, almost a shame to get it dirty someday.

 

[reddingcruiser]

Got the tub and chassis are separated. Trans to t-case adapter, engine and transmission mounts arrived. Time to remove the old mounts and get the new ones in.

 

[reddingcruiser]

Found broken motor mounts when we pulled the motor - both sides.

 

[lcwizard]

One of my favorite colors. Which part is a '64. You wouldn't want to post a an address where that motor might be lying unattended

 

[reddingcruiser]

One of my favorite colors. Which part is a '64. You wouldn't want to post a an address where that motor might be lying unattended

Frankenframe.

The 2F will be finding it's way into a '72 FJ40 in Klamath Falls, OR after the new owner rebuilds it. It you're looking for other parts send me a PM.

 

[lcwizard]

Are you sure? The radiator core support frame member and torque tube says 76ish. Not that it matters, it all about the serial numbers

 

[reddingcruiser]

VIN is clearly '64. Checked two separate VIN charts. DMV is happy, that's all that matters. You've been around 40's for a long time but most people have a hard time dating my '72 frame - rear cross member has been replaced, torque tube moved back, shock mounts relocated, etc.

 

[reddingcruiser]

Everything's stripped down. Next stop is the glass shop then the sandblaster. I'm pretty sure now that the rig was laid over gently (snow/sand maybe) on the passenger side, just enough tell-tale signs. I'll be looking for a new late model windshield frame to get the glass to fit right. The glass is undersize to fit the frame, and poorly at that. It looked odd when I first started on the rig, because the upper corners where the hardtop attach had been cut off and the right side hold-down on the dash is a little tweaked. Now I know for sure, though the cowl appears to solid.

On the up side, it has a new steel FJ40 gas tank and only a handful of bolts snapped off during disassembly and had to be drilled out. With the exception of a small rust spot on the left rear and some Bondo on the right rear, the tub appears to be in good condition overall. The big exception being the gigantic speaker holes the PO decided were necessary in the dash.

The hood, fenders, doors and hard top side panels in excellent condition. The hardtop valance, though, has been butchered and it literally looks like someone chewed it to clear the washer nozzle and relocate the mounting holes. I still unsure how I am going to remedy the problem, short of rebuilding or replacing. Yep, another not-so-easy part to find.

 

[reddingcruiser]

Well, no new pictures but things are moving along. The goal is to be complete by April 15th (just a coincidence). Here's what's new:

Sandblasting is almost complete - next stop is the paint shop.

Found a very nice windshield frame (Thanks, Georg)

Nuts, bolts and misc. hardware are off to be cleaned and cad plated.

The rebuilt/built-up 700R4 should be complete any day now.

Aluminum radiator is on the way.

Ruff Stuff spring hangers and FJ62 springs are on the shop floor and will go in this weekend.

Motor and transmission frame mounts will get mocked up this weekend.

A new rear cross member is being made at my local steel fab shop because the PO thought more weld bead was better and didn't know when to quit drilling holes, all for a POS tire carrier.

Onward!

 

[winnie]

frame looks really clean considering its 50 years old ... nice tub too ... looking forward to seeing it back together ...

 

[reddingcruiser]

frame looks really clean considering its 50 years old ... nice tub too ... looking forward to seeing it back together ...

Donor frame was from an inland California vehicle, as was the sheet metal. I only snapped off about 6 small bolts during disassembly.

 

[reddingcruiser]

Semi-productive weekend.

Out with the old. In with the new.