- Thread starter
- #161
Boys got into checking tolerances on engine vs FSM
A journey with my boys- The Elf Barn as I call it. (4 Viewers)
- Thread starter ceylonfj40nut
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- #162
They also got a tour of the machine shop where the old Landy head will get a hot dip, valve grind, new stem seals. The boys will intern at the machine shop this summer for a week.
The small shops that machine engines, rebuild injection pumps, turbo's, etc, are going to become rare in the future. Many owners are getting close to retirement, and have no one to replace them.
Some are 1 man shops, and most don't want their kids to get into the business. They aren't worth much, but expensive to move and/or set up, and most owners are not getting rich either...
My injection guy told me a while back he is going to close his doors this summer. Too bad all his knowledge is going to close with him!
Way too many kids are never exposed to anything but computers, video games, and maybe...modern, disposable cars!
Good on you to show the elves how it's done.
Some are 1 man shops, and most don't want their kids to get into the business. They aren't worth much, but expensive to move and/or set up, and most owners are not getting rich either...
My injection guy told me a while back he is going to close his doors this summer. Too bad all his knowledge is going to close with him!
Way too many kids are never exposed to anything but computers, video games, and maybe...modern, disposable cars!
Good on you to show the elves how it's done.
- Thread starter
- #164
^^^Completely agree. So much talent that will fade. I have half the mind to buy a place like this to keep this alive. Just as we do with the cruisers we love. The boys were floored to see an engine within spec after 300K miles.
They see how all these cool old engines are rebuildable. Both have chosen to drive older cars and learn to take care of them. They are not the disposable type. They are budding mechanical minds. I share with them the importance of taking a course in machining. So many lessons about how metals behave and are used. Still trying to find a place in DFW that teaches it in the summer.
Mario, the guy you see at the shop was super cool. He walked them through the process even though he was in the process of milling a head for a rebuild. He shared so many cool tricks of the trade. He will be a great mentor.
They see how all these cool old engines are rebuildable. Both have chosen to drive older cars and learn to take care of them. They are not the disposable type. They are budding mechanical minds. I share with them the importance of taking a course in machining. So many lessons about how metals behave and are used. Still trying to find a place in DFW that teaches it in the summer.
Mario, the guy you see at the shop was super cool. He walked them through the process even though he was in the process of milling a head for a rebuild. He shared so many cool tricks of the trade. He will be a great mentor.
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- #166
^^^. My wife shared this with me which pretty much summarizes the purpose of the Elf Barn
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- #167
So my 
wanted a 40. Too much car talk at the dinner table. She wants in. Loves 40s. This followed us home for her. The 40 is called Sandy. 74 FJ40. Family is in on cruisers for sure. She is on Mud
. She is starting a build thread at
forum.ih8mud.com
She will see some barn time.
wanted a 40. Too much car talk at the dinner table. She wants in. Loves 40s. This followed us home for her. The 40 is called Sandy. 74 FJ40. Family is in on cruisers for sure. She is on Mud. She is starting a build thread at
Joining the Cruiser Club with my new FJ40
Hi everyone! If you can’t beat them then join them right? Decided to buy a fj40 after my son @Cowboy45 and husband @ceylonfj40nut started on their journeys. It’s addictive they say. So this weekend @CaptClose and @ceylonfj40nut are taking another one of their long journeys to bring my new baby...
forum.ih8mud.com
She will see some barn time.
That is too damn cool!
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- #170
This weekend @dogfishlake delivered Old Landy’s 70 series rear axle we purchased from @bdyer12. @dogfishlake was on an epic Mudship he is journaling in his 60 build. He was enroute to pick up some goods in TX and graciously delivered the axle to @Cowboy45. We hung out at da barn, talked mucho shop. Had a couple of friendship building meals. Learned some cool things about him. Boys learned about how does powder coating at his shop. Really cool. @dogfishlake did get a tad crossways with his Huevos Rancheros I served up. Reminded me of a Boston mafia gangster.
@dogfishlake also dropped off a @bdyer frame masterpiece (fj60 frame with 80 front suspension mods) for @CenTXFJ60 that will be picked up in a couple of weeks.
We also got to spend time with Buddy
@dogfishlake’s riding companion. Best dog I have met through mud. Just way cool.
@dogfishlake also dropped off a @bdyer frame masterpiece (fj60 frame with 80 front suspension mods) for @CenTXFJ60 that will be picked up in a couple of weeks.
We also got to spend time with Buddy
@dogfishlake’s riding companion. Best dog I have met through mud. Just way cool.
What a great group of people I have gotten to know working on these old trucks. Feeling lucky
POTATO LAUNCHER
TLCA #6928
Agreed 1000%. Folks from all walks of life and from every corner of the globe have a common intrest. Thanks for sharing your adventures @ceylonfj40nut , @cowgirl40 and @Cowboy45 . Always something to learn in the "Elf Barn".
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- #174
Oh that would be an upgrade!!!!
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- #175
Spent the weekend at @POTATO LAUNCHER ’s shop in Amarillo. The family drove up to work on my wife’s (@cowgirl40) FJ40. We did a manual auto conversion. It has a SBC 350. We removed the 4spd. Added a stage 1 TH350 and mated it to a non split case transfer case via an AA adaptor. @Cowboy45 and my other son Liam helped. @cowgirl40 got into it.
Kudos to @potatolauncher cruiser knowledge, fab skills, and amazing shop. Very well equipped. Great to have his place in Amarillo available to the Cruiser community.
[/USER]
Kudos to @potatolauncher cruiser knowledge, fab skills, and amazing shop. Very well equipped. Great to have his place in Amarillo available to the Cruiser community.
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- Thread starter
- #176
A couple more pics
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Looks like you guys are having a great time workin on lots of cruisers together. I started early but always wish I started earlier. Those boys are going to be straight-up mechanical weapons one day. Just wait till they get their hands on some machining equipment and can make their own parts from scratch.
Keep up the good work Dad!
Keep up the good work Dad!
- Thread starter
- #178
@cruisermatt thanks for your kind words. Your awareness about starting early is what I tell the boys everyday.
“It is not about the years, it’s the miles you run”
Being aware of what awesomeness is out there gets you to max out on the miles each day.
You are pretty accomplished. I should have the boys give you a jingle and explore with you about the journey thus far. If interested PM me your number.
“It is not about the years, it’s the miles you run”
Being aware of what awesomeness is out there gets you to max out on the miles each day.
You are pretty accomplished. I should have the boys give you a jingle and explore with you about the journey thus far. If interested PM me your number.
- Joined
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Thanks. I am seriously looking into making the drive for this SAS event in August and meeting the whole crew in TX beforehand. Always happy to chat by the way.
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- #180
Great! See you at SAS.
