Builds A pig out of hand is worth 2...

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In my opinion, with that many miles on it and never refreshed, I think it would warrant a rebuild. The valves have got to be worn.

I know it all adds up, but man, while it's all apart nows the time.
 
I had my head milled for flatness only. you should also have the manifold surface milled for flatness as well. Jim C says that SBC stainless 1.84/1.5 valves are the best way to fix a head that may need either new seats or new guides or both as the larger stem diameter of the SBCs will allow for an hone only to open up the guides and a grind only on the seats to open them up for the bigger valve face diameters. He has also stated that he only does so upon request or IF the guides or seats need work. my machinist ground the seats out and pushed out the guides, replaced the guides and installed new seats, the honed and ground to fit 1.84/1.6 valves- and he didn't use stainless as I requested. the next head I have done MIGHT retain the 1.6 exhaust valves, but they will be stainless or I won't pay. My thoughts on the milling are due to my lack of want to use high test fuel to avoid ping, and to aid in hand starting(as if:rolleyes:) and slow roll starts- I want to run it on ditchwater if I have to. tap and plug oil galley plug in head. a little port polish never hurts. the SBC valves will require their own set of springs and springware and seals. Having been running a solid cam gear, I'd recommend getting the factory dampened cam gear for valvetrain vibration and noise. I had my cam and lifters ground at delta cam for about 120 including return shipping- I went 262, but they also have a 252 duration that is in between the stock grind and the 262 RV. I like the 262; gives it a bit of lope...

manley 10777-1 stainless exhaust valves 3.41" stem dia; 4.911 height; 1.5 head diameter......................15.97 each at summit

manley 11506-8 stainless intake valves, set of 8, 3.41X4.911X1.84...129.97 at summit

do some more searching to verify those PNs, but those should do the trick. HTH
 
The radiator cracked on the pig the other day so I guess it is time to start the rebuild. Started by pulling radiator, hood, front fenders and the front seat. Radiator is in the shop, transfer case kit is on its way, and I took apart the front seat today. I am going to reupholster it and use what's left of the old cover as a pattern. Fun to finally be jumping in!

simple is usually right... 1973 fj55

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Delancy said:
You're a teacher, too, right? Figured utilizing the student body was a perk on these sorts of projects. Haha.
Click to expand...

Ah, gotcha. Yeah it is kind of a touchy subject. I feel guilt using them but some of them love the experience and would have nothing to work on otherwise. I usually offer it up as a job for the day and see if they are excited about it.

That said, their skill level is pretty low. I am ok with them taking things apart but I am going to be doing reassembly. Engines and transmissions are out of the question! My wife even told me once that she did not want the students working on our cars... Ever! This was after they stole an iPod out of my car while in the shop. It takes a lot of close supervision but they have their uses. I guess what I am saying is, it may seem like a blessing but it is just a headache in another way. If I want something done right, I still have to do it myself.

simple is usually right... 1973 fj55
 
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Well I found my rust... I had a feeling it was only a matter of time. Inside of the body seam by the front door sills. Both are starting but the passenger side is the worst.

Started on the seat. I seam ripped everything and got it all laid out. I have some natural leather that I am going to combine with some canvas. Anyone know of a good place to buy foam and upholstery supplies?

simple is usually right... 1973 fj55

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Honed the cylinders today. Man having a family makes this restoration move in baby steps. Oh well, baby steps every day and I'll have a kick ass rig in 20 years!

simple is usually right... 1973 fj55
 
Finally putting some time into the pig. This is a pic of the lower cover for the front bench seat. This is the first time the leather and canvas have come together. I must say I am liking it.

simple is usually right... 1973 fj55

image-4058580648.jpg
 
Nice, did you make that up? Are you going to carry that through out the interior, door panels, etc.?
 
scrapdaddy said:
Nice, did you make that up? Are you going to carry that through out the interior, door panels, etc.?
Click to expand...

Yeah, my design. I just could not get myself to pay that much for vinyl, I hate vinyl! I'm doing the sewing too so it is Not perfect! Would love to carry it through the entire interior but right now I am just going to see if I can get through the front seat. I have to get this thing back on the road soon and the rest of the interior can be done at any time. The mechanicals are the priority but doing the seat was a way for me to be home with the family for the holidays and still get something done!

simple is usually right... 1973 fj55
 
Napster,

Sounds like a good plan. I agree with wanting to be around the family. I like to work at the small stuff, in the basement shop.

Keep it going!
 
Finished the seat cover for the bottom of the front seat. Happy but can't wait for this to be over!

simple is usually right... 1973 fj55

image-1165445244.jpg
 
scrapdaddy said:
Looks nice, good job!
Click to expand...
Thanks Ron. It is all I can do not to rename this thread "SLOW 73" feels like I am getting nowhere quick. I know if I just keep plugging away... But that still does not help the fact that I want my cruiser back on the road!

simple is usually right... 1973 fj55
 
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