- Thread starter
- #21
Well she finally arrived at her new home. I had planned to drive it 550 miles from Utah to Arizona but the questionable head gasket left me no choice. Lots of work ahead of me. At least she's here in one piece.
Builds '97 FZJ-80 Build - Mouse (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Fourt7
- Start date
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- Thread starter
- #22
Worked all day today so very limited time to work on the cruiser. Pulled the remaining carpet and took her down to the car wash to power wash all the carpet pieces. I think someone dropped or spilled an entire 2 liter of coke between the front and middle seats. Hopefully I got it all out.
Replaced the lifts for the hood. Man those new ones are nice. The hood would only go up up half way. I thought someone had installed the wrong lifts. Turns out they were on the wrong side and upside down. Now it opens all the way.
After washing the carpet I threw it in the back and raced home to lay it out to dry on the deck. In the mean time I ended up with about an inch of water in the bottom of the cruiser which I had to mop out. Hopefully it doesn't affect the wiring.
Questions:
Anyone improved these strings on the back of the drivers seat?
After pulling the panels in the back I noticed what appeared to be a lot of dirt/mud in the rear quarter panel area. Any ideas how this would happen? As I looked closer at it it appears there is an air intake behind the rear windows. Does it just vent into the cab?
Replaced the lifts for the hood. Man those new ones are nice. The hood would only go up up half way. I thought someone had installed the wrong lifts. Turns out they were on the wrong side and upside down. Now it opens all the way.
After washing the carpet I threw it in the back and raced home to lay it out to dry on the deck. In the mean time I ended up with about an inch of water in the bottom of the cruiser which I had to mop out. Hopefully it doesn't affect the wiring.
Questions:
Anyone improved these strings on the back of the drivers seat?
After pulling the panels in the back I noticed what appeared to be a lot of dirt/mud in the rear quarter panel area. Any ideas how this would happen? As I looked closer at it it appears there is an air intake behind the rear windows. Does it just vent into the cab?
- Thread starter
- #23
Took the cruiser out on some back roads last night. I still haven't installed the carpet (still drying) but the kids were begging me to go for a ride. We bolts the middle bench in and went out to begin making memories. It was so great to take it out.
- Thread starter
- #24
After reading the roof rack and rust post I decide to just pull mine since it was falling apart anyway. Fortunately none of the bolts spun and I was able to get it off. I found some rust though.
Once I got the rack off I mounted the yakima bars I picked up for $5. Then on top of them I put the thule basket I picked up for $35 at a yard sale. Score on both!! I'm thinking I'll put the spare in the basket a long with a shovel, an axe, and possibly a high lift jack.
We took her out for some light wheeling tonight and had a blast. This is so great!
Once I got the rack off I mounted the yakima bars I picked up for $5. Then on top of them I put the thule basket I picked up for $35 at a yard sale. Score on both!! I'm thinking I'll put the spare in the basket a long with a shovel, an axe, and possibly a high lift jack.
We took her out for some light wheeling tonight and had a blast. This is so great!
- Thread starter
- #25
I had the day off today so I worked on the cruiser. Started off by getting my Blackstone analysis squared away and mailed. Just standing in line and arguing with the USPS about hazardous materials took half the day.
Started off by sealing the holes from the factory rack with JB Weld. I read a post where a guy said it worked great and hasn't leaked. Here's hoping I have the same results.
While that was setting I focused on the area around the radio. The cigarette lighter socket is loose so it needed attention. So did the ash try. Decided to tackle all of it and install the CDL button (repurposed hazard switch). It all came apart and went back together nicely.
I took the rear door apart and worked on the rear latch and key hole. It seemed really stiff. I lubed it up and worked it free. It works a ton better now.
I also worked on the rear wiper and wiper fluid sprayers. The wiper was hanging really low when it was turned off so I pulled it and realigned it. I'm a little nervous about it because the threads were stripped. I'll have to essentially not use it on heavy snow. I also found the fluid sprayer wasn't working. I pulled the hose under the hood where it splits to the rear. The pump was working so I tried to blow air through it. Nothing moved so I started in the back and disconnected the hose. I was then able to move air through it which lead me to believe the sprayer itself was clogged. I hooked a pressurized air hose to it and couldn't move air. I used a small needle to free up the holes then blew air through it again. Worked great. Now I get full stream of fluid out the back.
I also moved the rack back a little and then figured out how to mount the spare up top. I'm pretty happy with it. I'd like to add a shovel and high lift jack up there. Not bad for how cheap I acquired the stuff.
I also used the JB weld to fix one of the rear jump seats and the drivers side mirrors bolts cover. Hopefully it holds up.
Started off by sealing the holes from the factory rack with JB Weld. I read a post where a guy said it worked great and hasn't leaked. Here's hoping I have the same results.
While that was setting I focused on the area around the radio. The cigarette lighter socket is loose so it needed attention. So did the ash try. Decided to tackle all of it and install the CDL button (repurposed hazard switch). It all came apart and went back together nicely.
I took the rear door apart and worked on the rear latch and key hole. It seemed really stiff. I lubed it up and worked it free. It works a ton better now.
I also worked on the rear wiper and wiper fluid sprayers. The wiper was hanging really low when it was turned off so I pulled it and realigned it. I'm a little nervous about it because the threads were stripped. I'll have to essentially not use it on heavy snow. I also found the fluid sprayer wasn't working. I pulled the hose under the hood where it splits to the rear. The pump was working so I tried to blow air through it. Nothing moved so I started in the back and disconnected the hose. I was then able to move air through it which lead me to believe the sprayer itself was clogged. I hooked a pressurized air hose to it and couldn't move air. I used a small needle to free up the holes then blew air through it again. Worked great. Now I get full stream of fluid out the back.
I also moved the rack back a little and then figured out how to mount the spare up top. I'm pretty happy with it. I'd like to add a shovel and high lift jack up there. Not bad for how cheap I acquired the stuff.
I also used the JB weld to fix one of the rear jump seats and the drivers side mirrors bolts cover. Hopefully it holds up.
- Thread starter
- #26
I failed to post about my work last night. I watched some YouTube videos on splicing the antenna. The old one was dangling loose in my engine bay and I pulled a rubber duck off an international scout at the pick and pull. It took about 30 minutes to splice and solider it. I think it turned out pretty nice. Not to mention the stereo now works great.
Additionally I used a razor blade to get all the extra crap off the body where the fender flares were. I thing it looks a lot better.
Additionally I used a razor blade to get all the extra crap off the body where the fender flares were. I thing it looks a lot better.
- Thread starter
- #27
Waiting for Blackstone so I've started working on other stuff. I found a nice Cobra CB at the pawn shop over the weekend and negotiated for it. I paid $15 for it. Tonight I also worked on installing it where the ash tray was.i had to disassemble the CB and make some slight mods to get it to fit but I'm thrilled with how it turned out in the dash. Now I've got to get it all together and back in the truck.
I also ordered 4 gauge wire and coax cable for my ham and CB to get them laid before I reinstall all the carpet.
I also ordered 4 gauge wire and coax cable for my ham and CB to get them laid before I reinstall all the carpet.
Fantastic build! Looking forward to seeing the dash when it's all done.
What are you plans for the head gasket?
What are you plans for the head gasket?
- Thread starter
- #29
I'm waiting on my Blackstone analysis. Once I have confirmation from them I'll tackle it. I hope to have the information by next week because I have the week off.
- Thread starter
- #30
Here's the final dash put back together. I'm missing the small little piece on the top. When I pried it out it shattered into a bunch of pieces. That's the thing about working with this old brittle plastic.
Here's a picture of my attempt to repair it with JB Weld
Here's a picture of my attempt to repair it with JB Weld
- Thread starter
- #31
Pulled the spare holder today. Lots of room under there.
I also pulled all the plastic and nuts and bolts off the fenders. At one point I got my hand stuck attempting to loosen one of the nuts on the drivers side front fender. I had wedged it down in that small hole on the engine bay to get to it. I had a couple moments of panic but managed to get it out.
I must admit that I left the cruiser after I while today. I had to step away from it. I see the amazing things others are doing to their rigs and I frequently feel like mine won't ever measure up. I just have to remember what I'm after. I'm not building a show piece. I'm attempting to build a reliable trail rig so I can take the kids out into the forrest. Nothing pretty. Big sigh.
I also pulled all the plastic and nuts and bolts off the fenders. At one point I got my hand stuck attempting to loosen one of the nuts on the drivers side front fender. I had wedged it down in that small hole on the engine bay to get to it. I had a couple moments of panic but managed to get it out.
I must admit that I left the cruiser after I while today. I had to step away from it. I see the amazing things others are doing to their rigs and I frequently feel like mine won't ever measure up. I just have to remember what I'm after. I'm not building a show piece. I'm attempting to build a reliable trail rig so I can take the kids out into the forrest. Nothing pretty. Big sigh.
- Thread starter
- #32
One last quick mod for the day. $1.07.
I think it cleans them up a bit and gets rid of that saggy appearance.
Also my antenna cables and power cable showed up today so I'll have something to work on tomorrow.
I think it cleans them up a bit and gets rid of that saggy appearance.
Also my antenna cables and power cable showed up today so I'll have something to work on tomorrow.
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- #33
I'm pretty proud of how this turned out. Ordered 4G wire and installed it today. One runs on the passenger side all the way to the rear. I plan to add a fuse box and run 12v and 5v set ups back there.
Ran another one to the center console so I can set up a fuse box there. I'll power my ham, cb, 12v and 5v from there.
I ran the wires through the firewall on the passenger side to where the 2nd battery will eventually be. I'm so excited about how clean the wires came through the firewall. It almost looks like it was meant for that.
Couple more pictures
Ran another one to the center console so I can set up a fuse box there. I'll power my ham, cb, 12v and 5v from there.
I ran the wires through the firewall on the passenger side to where the 2nd battery will eventually be. I'm so excited about how clean the wires came through the firewall. It almost looks like it was meant for that.
Couple more pictures
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- #34
A couple questions I've come up with along the way:
Should I disable my passenger airbag so the kids can ride up there while we're off road?
Is it possible to turn the ABS off when running trails? I guess the CDL switch does that.
Should I remove all that crappy rats nest insulation still on the floor and on the back of the carpet? I see guys laying insulation in while the interior is out. What's the idea or advantage? I'll have to read up on that.
Radio cables from dash to rear later this week. I'll probably order the fuel filter sock and gaskets then put the interior back together.
Should I disable my passenger airbag so the kids can ride up there while we're off road?
Is it possible to turn the ABS off when running trails? I guess the CDL switch does that.
Should I remove all that crappy rats nest insulation still on the floor and on the back of the carpet? I see guys laying insulation in while the interior is out. What's the idea or advantage? I'll have to read up on that.
Radio cables from dash to rear later this week. I'll probably order the fuel filter sock and gaskets then put the interior back together.
- Thread starter
- #35
I have an alert set up on CL for anything LandCruiser. This popped up last night and I couldn't pass it up.
Correct, ABS will disengage when in low with CDL locked, & the airbags disengage as well.
- Thread starter
- #37
Worked on the cruiser today. I ran radio cables from the front dash to the rear. One on each side. I want to put up two antennas on the back. One for CB and the other for Ham.
I coiled the wire and wrapped the ends with electrical tape to keep them from getting dirt and crap in them.
All for future stuff but thought I should do it while the interior is out.
I coiled the wire and wrapped the ends with electrical tape to keep them from getting dirt and crap in them.
All for future stuff but thought I should do it while the interior is out.
- Thread starter
- #38
I didn't know the airbags also disengage. That's great news. All the more reason for that CDL mod.
You, sir, are an inspiration to others. What you are giving the kids through the experience and your time with them no amount of money can buy - and I'm sure the kids and rest of family aren't rating you on how "pretty" it is or isn't - they just love it (and you) - and you are blessed!
2MinutesTurkish
it was two minutes, five minutes ago...
^ what voorland said...
And your kids are going to look back on that cruiser exactly how you look back on that 76 Scout...which looked pretry stock btw.
Some of my best memories growing up were "racing" other cars in my dad's 1987 Nissan Sentra which I thought was the coolest thing on the road....simply because my dad drove it. That and riding in our '95 raised roof conversion van across the country on vacation trips.
btw....the amount of work you have done is impressive. No doubt you'll tackle that head gasket the same way if it needs it. And your kids will love working on it with you
