After removing and disassembling the top to my ’78 FJ40 (from this thread: 1978 FJ40 Stock Restoration – 15 Years Long) seven years ago, I finally started the rebuild. The rain gutter is completely rusted and I ordered CCOT’s replacement. I’ve read numerous threads about weatherstripping and have decided to order the weatherstripping from City Racer and use the recommended adhesive for EDPM rubber. Everything is stripped and ready for a body shop to paint - as soon as the pandemic is over. I have some questions…
1. Is there any reason to try and reuse OEM 42-year-old weatherstripping? It seems very rigid and I think I’ll end up breaking the glass trying to get it out without cutting it anyway.
2. The top (or just the cap - I can’t remember what the PO told me) is not original to my 1978 FJ40. How can I tell if the top (ambulance doors specifically) is ’78 and earlier or ’79 and later? The ambulance door weatherstrip part numbers are different for ’78 and ’79.
3. If I’m replacing all of the weatherstripping for the top and doors, would you replace the windshield weatherstrip and/or windshield base as well? They’re both OEM and original to the 40.
4. Would you powder coat the gutter or paint it?
5. City Racer does not carry the front window channels and felt. Any vendor preferred over another? Any worthy reproduction parts or would you go OEM for those?
6. When replacing the door latches and window regulators, what MP grease would you lubricate them with? Lithium? Depends on the door?
I've been putting this off for years. Any feedback, lessons learned are welcome. The only nice pic so far is just a box containing bags of meticulously cleaned parts from the doors and top.
1. Is there any reason to try and reuse OEM 42-year-old weatherstripping? It seems very rigid and I think I’ll end up breaking the glass trying to get it out without cutting it anyway.
2. The top (or just the cap - I can’t remember what the PO told me) is not original to my 1978 FJ40. How can I tell if the top (ambulance doors specifically) is ’78 and earlier or ’79 and later? The ambulance door weatherstrip part numbers are different for ’78 and ’79.
3. If I’m replacing all of the weatherstripping for the top and doors, would you replace the windshield weatherstrip and/or windshield base as well? They’re both OEM and original to the 40.
4. Would you powder coat the gutter or paint it?
5. City Racer does not carry the front window channels and felt. Any vendor preferred over another? Any worthy reproduction parts or would you go OEM for those?
6. When replacing the door latches and window regulators, what MP grease would you lubricate them with? Lithium? Depends on the door?
I've been putting this off for years. Any feedback, lessons learned are welcome. The only nice pic so far is just a box containing bags of meticulously cleaned parts from the doors and top.