83 FJ60 Build up thread (3 Viewers)

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Frame Repair

Got 2 hr 15 min on the 60 frame. I removed all the rivets finally and got the rear C channels out of the back of frame. both were rusted through. I could not find any tricks for removing rivots besides grinding and drilling them. I will say, I took my air hammer and it really helped to pull the C channel away from the frame rails - Only trick I got. The first picture really shows how much crap is behind the C channel.


Driver side removed:
100_3581.jpg


Passenger Side Removed:
100_3582.jpg


Air Hammer ($10 @ Harbor Freight):
100_3583.jpg
 
Frame Repair

Got 2 hours on the 60 yesterday. I got the 3rd to last cross member cut out and out of the way. You can see the inner C Channel is in more than one section. I will be cutting out a small section and welding back in for repair.

Crossmember removed:
100_3586.jpg


Passenger Side:
100_3584.jpg


Drivers Side:
100_3585.jpg


Rear X Member Welded in and additional "support" to keep frame from twisting:
100_3587.jpg
 
Bolt Holes?

A little help from those still watching? The holes just behind the passenger side X-Member are for holding the fuel and brake lines - correct?

If I have to remake a piece for here, I want to make sure the hole locations are not critical.

Passenger side, behind X-Member:
boltholes.jpg
 
Naw, those holes aren't critical. You could always bend the lines a little to where you put new holes or make some kind of longer tube clamp like the stock ones just custom for you application. Or you might get away with eliminating them since those line have a bunch of bolts holding it to the frame anyways. Or you could use long black zip ties around the frame. Or...
 
Confirmation

Naw, those holes aren't critical. You could always bend the lines a little to where you put new holes or make some kind of longer tube clamp like the stock ones just custom for you application. Or you might get away with eliminating them since those line have a bunch of bolts holding it to the frame anyways. Or you could use long black zip ties around the frame. Or...

Thanks. I just wanted to confirm as my memory is so short :rolleyes:. I will put the holes back in, I just won't worry about getting them too close to the original location.
 
Frame Repair

Well, got 40 minutes and 3 cut off wheels on the 60 last night. I cut out a section of inner frame rail from the passenger side. You can see in the photos that the inside of both rails has a "water" line on it. What happens is that the drail holes in the frame get clogged (mine have rocks in them) and water sits inside the frame rails. You can see how much crap is inside the frame as well.


Passenger side with cut out inner frame rail:
100_3588.jpg


Passenger side inner frame rail. You can see the "Water" level rusted into the steel:
100_3589.jpg
 
It looks as if you are working long and hard on this 60! Just out of curosity, why did you make the choice to keep your current frame?

Zack
 
It looks as if you are working long and hard on this 60! Just out of curosity, why did you make the choice to keep your current frame?

Zack


The main reason I chose to repair what I had is to learn. This is a project for me and I am learning new skills and practicing others. The second reason is cost - If I simply replace everything with new or near new this thing would get out of control very quickly:).


There are only 2 real problem areas:

  • The first is the unboxed section in the back with the back to back C-Channels. This isn't a big deal as it is easy to clean and I can simply box it in.
  • The second is some rust on inside of the frame rails (as you see above) due to the water sitting inside the frame. This I can cut out and replace without "too" much trouble.
 
The main reason I chose to repair what I had is to learn. This is a project for me and I am learning new skills and practicing others. The second reason is cost - If I simply replace everything with new or near new this thing would get out of control very quickly:).


There are only 2 real problem areas:

  • The first is the unboxed section in the back with the back to back C-Channels. This isn't a big deal as it is easy to clean and I can simply box it in.
  • The second is some rust on inside of the frame rails (as you see above) due to the water sitting inside the frame. This I can cut out and replace without "too" much trouble.

Good deal! One thing that has been told to me many times over is get the frame galvinized! That might be worth a look for you.

Zack
 
Good deal! One thing that has been told to me many times over is get the frame galvinized! That might be worth a look for you.

Zack

Thought about it. I have heard some negative comments about the heat warping the frame and having to chase all the threads. Plus when you are done you would have to paint it anyway to make it look nice.

I am thinking a few coats of zero-rust sprayed on (for practice using the paint gun) and a topcoat of chassis black after sandblasting the frame.
 
just a curious question.....

if you are planing on media blasting the frame any ways, why do it after the repairs? why not first so you can see what has really gone on with the rust.?

yours is not the first i have seen this done or talked about.

project looks like a great experience. thanks for the write up.
 
just a curious question.....

if you are planing on media blasting the frame any ways, why do it after the repairs? why not first so you can see what has really gone on with the rust.?

Once I get both sides cut off, I will blast the inside of both rails. I also wanted to blast the frame before I reattach the body mounts and X-Member. I just work slow with the busy schedule :frown:.
 
Frame Pressure Washing

I got an hour and 40 minutes on the 60 this afternoon. The neighbor was more than kind in letting me borrow his pressure washer. It was a gas powered 2500psi model - worked like a champ. I drug the frame out to the driveway (well... the kid's wheelbarrow and my creeper sit did all the work ;)). I sprayed it down and soaped it all up. They say to clean it up good before sandblasting as the grease can get driven into the steel.

After cleaning the top, I hoisted the front in the air with my engine hoist and sprayed inside the frame rails until the water ran clear.

Pressure Washer:
100_3593.jpg


Clean frame in need of sandblasting and paint:
100_3594.jpg
 
oh how i wish i could work on something so clean.:rolleyes:
 
Frame Repair

Got 45 minutes on the 60 tonight. It was arts and crafts night. After I drilled and cut off another body mount, I made up some paper templates for the repair pieces and the patch panel.

Dimensions aren't perfect, as I need to redraw in AutoCAD. I am going to try out the new CAD operated plasma table at work. Gotta use the fringe benefits when they come around :cool:.


Crude paper templates:
100_3679.jpg
 
Good parts

oh how i wish i could work on something so clean.:rolleyes:

Only thing I have to say about a greasy frame is that it keeps the paint nice. Everywhere there was grease, there was still paint :bounce:. They were the only good parts of the frame.
 
Last edited:

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom