Builds 78 body off restore (cruiser #2) (2 Viewers)

[N919HJ]

Got the new lug studs. Guess I don’t have to worry if they will be long enough lol.

View attachment 2331594

I also decided to countersink the drum brake screw. Worked out well and everything installed. I had to remove the axles after all because the studs were too long to fit against the backing plate. Still, didn’t take too long.

View attachment 2331596View attachment 2331597View attachment 2331599

and it standing on its own now!

I have the same wheels. I bought them about the same time you did too. Great choice! I kinda feel like wheels are designed to be supported by the center hub. Not by the studs. I know you have aftermarket drums. It my cause problems down the road. I can’t check now because I’m working, but will have a look tomorrow to see what they look like with OEM drums.

 

[Curtice]

I am a bit worried about that. I do have the original drums, but they were in pretty bad shape and would need to be machined. So I decided to buy new aftermarket as it wasn’t that much more money.

 

[dmaddox]

You can still buy the drums from Toyota. Just FYI!

 

[N919HJ]

I’ll get pic tomorrow and post it up with OEM drum.

 

[Curtice]

Ugh. Just looked and they are cheaper than the aftermarket! I bought those with another order from Cruiser Corps and didn’t think much about it. Sigh.

@N919HJ I will be interested in your info/pics. They aren’t a ton of money, might be worth it.

 

[dmaddox]

If all you’ve lost on is drums so far you’re miles ahead of me. It’ll all work out man!

 

[N919HJ]

There is about 1/8” sticking out past my drum.

 

[Curtice]

Thanks. Interesting. Compared to my aftermarket, it does seem to fit quite differently...My drum sticks oUt about 1/8th past. What kind of problems do you think I could have if I stick with these aftermarket drums?

 

[dmaddox]

There's your 1/4" shorter studs!

 

[N919HJ]

I honestly don’t know. If it were me, I would start by emailing Braid to get their thoughts. I think I know what they’re going to say. Then probably pony up the money for some OEM units. Is there something on the back of the drum or are they just thicker?

 

[Curtice]

Thanks again. I looked before and they are definitely thicker. But I'm unsure if there is anything else about the design that makes them fit a bit differently.

And sorry, who is "Braid"?

New oem drums aren't that much, so not out a ton of money, but still want to make sure it is worth it.

 

[N919HJ]

They are the ones that actually made the wheels. They mainly make race car wheels. I think they are in Spain, maybe Portugal.

 

[Curtice]

Thanks. Here is a side by side comparison of the drums. Aftermarket are over twice as thick...almost 9mm thick compared to oem of ~3.5mm thick.

 

[Curtice]

And new wheel on with old oem drum. Definitely does give more overlap with the center piece, but still is being mostly supported by the lugs. The FJCO wheels are slightly beveled on the backside I think is why. You can see in the pic below.

I think to be safe and because “why cheap out now”, I’ll order some oem drums.

Backside of wheel:

Wheel and old drum:

 

[Crush 4]

And new wheel on with old oem drum. Definitely does give more overlap with the center piece, but still is being mostly supported by the lugs. The FJCO wheels are slightly beveled on the backside I think is why. You can see in the pic below.

I think to be safe and because “why cheap out now”, I’ll order some oem drums.

Backside of wheel:
View attachment 2348371

Wheel and old drum:
View attachment 2348372

Great work just read through your thread. Do you sleep? What color are you painting the rig?

 

[Curtice]

Great work just read through your thread. Do you sleep? What color are you painting the rig?

. Just able to take advantage of working from home...I used to have ~3 hours a day commuting. Likely going to paint it Cadet Blue. I really like that color and not too common.

Today I cut, grinded, air hammer, drilled, etc. to separate the cowl. Plan is to grind down all the extra metal and welds still on the cowl pillar. I'm also going to remove the dash pad metal support piece, since I'm going padless on this one. Once all that is done, I'll take to sandblast.

 

[Curtice]

Tub arrived yesterday. I think I’m fairly pleased. Will need some work, but it seems well made. Will see though when I start fitting things.

Also came with some rear doors.

 

[Curtice]

So all I really need from the old tub is the b pillars. I’m basically assembling my own 3/4 tub at this point. Maybe should have bought one, but options were limited. Anyway, I’m here now.

So how do I separate the b pillar from the old tub and old rocker? I’ve removed the bolts, so it seems like I just need to cut the portions I circled in yellow in the pictures below. Does that sound right?

 

[Curtice]

Went ahead and cut the B pillars off (hoping I want messing anything up) after taking every measurement I could think of. Also, loaded up all the stuff for the sandblasted. Surprisingly, it all fit into the bed of my truck.

 

[N919HJ]

I just mounted my wheels up the other day. It looks like they are not even touching the center hub. Sorry I was wrong.