A journey with my boys- The Elf Barn as I call it.

[ceylonfj40nut]

While we worked on the Mustang, @Cowboy45 prepped the block ready for a rebuild. He scraped the head gasket off, cleaned oil pan seal area, removed oil cooler housing. Next will be to remove all oil remnants from exterior of the block with acetone and tape it off self etching primer and high heat paint. He did a great job in taking car not to damage the seal surfaces and preventing dirt from falling into the head bolt holes and coolant passages.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Some more pics. We found the main bearing # on the oil pan side of block.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

What started this whole thread with @CenTXFJ60 and @4Cruisers was to get worked done on Rootbeer, my HJ60 with my boys. Life has evolved.

This will take a back seat while we get Old Landy and Bluebonnet going. So we got it out of the barn to see it’s first sunshine in more than a year. Blue bonnet took its place in the barn. We will drive Rootbeer until we are done.

@Cowboy45 and @SipLife got their first test drives in a diesel 60. @Cowboy45 got to feel what Old Landy will be (without turbo).

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

We did some musical chairs to get the barn ready for lift use and more to work on Old Landy and Bluebonnet. Much better. Still some clean up to do. Also pulled the Mustang in for the week. It’s looking good. Love this pic of the boys. One for the memory lane book.

 

[4Cruisers]

What started this whole thread with @CenTXFJ60 and @4Cruisers was to get worked done on Rootbeer, my HJ60 with my boys. Life has evolved.

This will take a back seat while we get Old Landy and Bluebonnet going.


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Yep, that's how it goes. I bought my '86 FJ60 and '89 FJ62 parts vehicles more than 15 years ago knowing it might take a while to get to my build. After I retired I finally had the time to get started. 2-1/2 years later after I started "The '86" was substantially finished, just in time for SAS #2. Meanwhile, my '71 FJ40 sat waiting its turn. Bought it in '99 with plans to eventually restore it, and I just got started earlier this year. It should be finished in time for SAS #4.

And BTW, I'm glad me and @CenTXFJ60 were able to play a part in the start of your family's Land Cruiser journey.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

And BTW, I'm glad me and @CenTXFJ60 were able to play a part in the start of your family's Land Cruiser journey.

We really appreciate it John. Glad for the ongoing support for the boys and the friendship we have. They are glad to be around talented people that are willing to spend the time to share their experiences and knowledge. They are budding cruiser-heads.

 

[cowgirl40]

Once the storm passed the whole family got into wet sanding the Mustang. @SipLife and @cowgirl40 got their first lesson in wet sanding. 1500 grit. They were pros in less than an hour. We got roof, hood, B billar sails done this weekend. Plan is to get the rest done next weekend.

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[ceylonfj40nut]

This weekend the elves really dug deep to get Angus our FZJ80 ready for SAS3. They helped out OME 850/860 combo, steering dampener, shocks, caster correction. Getting out the OEM bushings old school style (drilling rubber core out, cutting exterior bushing sleeve and chiseling it out) was a lesson in patience.

They also replaced the front brakes and rear brakes. They also helped replace all fluids on the truck (both diffs, tranny, transfer, engine). This was a great lesson in baselining and how to get around the frustrations of getting a lift in.

Finally they torqued key components on the suspension and steering to factory spec. It was a long weekend, but well worth it.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Some more pics

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Overall it turned out great. Handling is night and day.

 

[CenTXFJ60]

Man, great work CD and boys. The stance looks great as well.

 

[FJBen]

I always liked OME's regular lift sizes for 80s. They just seem to ride and look pretty dang good. Every time I went higher or tried to be super flexxy, it ended up being a lot more work, usually compromises and I didn't get "THAT" much more on trail performance.

Of course, now they have all the slinky springs, and $$$$ shocks so I haven't tried those.

Great work boys!

 

[D21FJ60]

This garage is what dreams are made of. Outstanding!

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Boys and I went at it this weekend. First @SipLife started bolting things back on the pony. He also cleaned and greased all door and window hard ware and rebuilt all door locks rods, plastic clips, etc.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

@Cowboy45 also got prepping his engine prior to reassembly.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Some more pics of prep

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Got prep area ready with parts laid out for reassembly. @Cowboy45 did good. Had a good lesson with the boys about making sure all parts are well laid out so it is clear and easy to reassemble.

 

[scrapdaddy]

Good work!

 

[waiting for time]

Looking good.

 

[FJBen]

Strong work! Keep it going!