80 & 62 Build NEW VIDEO added

[NCFJ]

The gray 62 that is in the shop for a Vortec swap has had some serious front end frame damage in the past, to the point that the inner frame just behind the steering box was torn and both frame rails are still bent toward the driver's side. Whomever "tried" to straighten it out actually made it worse according to my frame guy, he does not even want to touch it. It would require a new front cross member and braces after getting it close to straight and would never be right.

All this in mind my customer and I decided a frame swap was a better route all things considered, not the least of which is a new power plant with double the HP and TQ of the stock motor. I brought this donor rig back to the shop yesterday to give up it's frame so that the 62 can live. I'll also be parting out the rest of the truck, PM me if you need anything.

The owner also wants this frame to look like the 80 frame seen above, so it will be stripped down and painted the same gray and receive all new body mounts as well.

 

[NCFJ]

The body and frame have been separated and the frame has been pressure washed. It will now be stripped to the bare frame, paint stripped and painted gray like the frame picuted below (my 80). Two LCs in the shop now with bodies off.

All body parts and interior from the silver 1986 FJ60 are for sale. PM if interested

 

[mtweller]

Just curious, but why silver on the frames?

R

 

[NCFJ]

The color is actually smoke gray, I did the shops 80 that color because I just wanted something different than black. My customer liked it and when it came time to do a frame swap on his 62 he wanted the frame done the same way, same color. Seems like it is becoming a shop color.

 

[NCFJ]

Another gray frame hanging in the shop. One more body to remove and suspension to swap over from the 62.

 

[NCFJ]

This is the driver side firewall body mount on the 88 FJ62 that is getting a Vortec and frame swap. Judging by the custom Z bend I'd say this truck was smacked pretty hard. Body and suspension is now coming off the old frame.

 

[NCFJ]

Another body comes off the frame. That makes 3. Now all the components have to be swapped over to the new/old frame.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Man, I need a lift. That looks so much easier than using high-lifts.

 

[NCFJ]

It is a tool I wish I had years ago for sure.

 

[krzyabncanuck]

Johnny did you not learn that at my place ? Made your swap so much easier.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Johnny did you not learn that at my place ? Made your swap so much easier.

Oh, I did. Every time I see one being used I always remember what we did for my frame swap. Looking back, not so smart, lol.

 

[krzyabncanuck]

You ever see how I did my 45 frame ? That was just as scary I bet. Did a body swap in GA with just firewood / 2x6x10's.

 

[NCFJ]

I want to give a big shout out to Vic at Advanced Adapters. I ordered two adapter kits for the Vortec swaps a few weeks back an was told that the spud shaft that is part of the kit was out of stock and due to two huge orders for Atlas T-cases the production lines were tied up and the spud shafts were not to be produced until mid/late Sept, BUMMER!!! Well Vic started digging and uncovered that the very exact spud shaft is used in a different kit under a different part number. Thanks to Vic my two adapter kits are on the way. Thank you Vic.

 

[NCFJ]

I kept seeing a drip coming off the right rear body seam just behind the mud flap, not even enough to make a puddle. This lasted three days, weird, so I pulled the rubber plug and over a gallon of clean water came out. Owner garages the rig so the water entered since here. Finding this leak should be fun.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Rain gutter, rear hatch seal or rear quarter panel window. Prepare for rust wherever water goes.

 

[JohnVee]

Sunroof drain is likely. Also, look inside the DS storage compartment where the jack is. Water can pool there from the sunroof drain or window belt. There's are lots of threads dealing with the window belts leaking. Mine did. Hit the window with a hose and watch for leaks inside thy compartment.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[mtweller]

Wait - iirc that's normal if the slits are clogged. Sunroof will drain there and out the rocker slits. If the slits are blocked it will just back up inthe rockers.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[elkaholic]

Wait - iirc that's normal if the slits are clogged. Sunroof will drain there and out the rocker slits. If the slits are blocked it will just back up inthe rockers.


...via IH8MUD app

Yup. My 80 had like 2 gallons of water in the DS rocker. Went to the slits with zip ties and have not had an issue since


Misspellings courtesy of autocorrect from my iPad using IH8MUD Forum

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I would agree, if 62s had sun roofs, or if 80s had sun roofs above the rear quarter panels

 

[JohnVee]

Sunroofs have 4 drains. 2 are routed down throughout the A-pillars and 2 are routed down through the rear quarters. Ramon and Sam are correct that the slit drains can clog and back up into the rear quarters. It can back up to the roof speakers if it's bad enough. The fronts can clog and will back up to approximately the A-pillar grab handle - you WILL get drenched when that happens. They'll drip straight down from there right along the edge of the carpet/door jamb trim if the flow is heavy. It'll flow down the A-pillar to the floor if the flow is light.

The drain lines can be chased out with string trimmer line from above and something slimmer from below (like Sam said). Don't use compressed air for fear of disconnecting the drain tubing connections.

There's also 2 plastic front corner pieces in the sunroof track area that can warp slightly and cause leak issues. See johnvees80thread for part numbers and detail. The 2 new pieces are inexpensive.

@GLTHFJ60 -