Builds Bell the FJ45

[dogfishlake]

It's been a bit since I have worked on Bell. I have been totally stumped on how I can put a new mirror glass in the factory mirror. There is no way to separate it that I can see. If anyone knows the trick, I would greatly appreciate the help. I would like to scrub the rust off and use the original mirror.

 

[dogfishlake]

I think I can get the new mirror glass part handled. Just gotta get it out of there

 

[wngrog]

That is the ultra rare large mirror. I have one on my 45

The way I do glass is that I take it to the glass guy.

 

[dogfishlake]

That is the ultra rare large mirror. I have one on my 45

The way I do glass is that I take it to the glass guy.

Well, I have a good friend that is a commercial glass guy.
I hate to admit that I didn't ask him first

 

[dogfishlake]

I really want to use this one vs a replacement

 

[wngrog]

I really want to use this one vs a replacement

You must use that one.

They can just glue a new piece in

 

[dogfishlake]

You must use that one.

They can just glue a new piece in

Oh. Yeah. Duh.
Hadn't thought of that. I kept thinking get that one out and replace.

I agree that nothing else looks so right on there.

Thanks for the moment of clarity

 

[Bear]

Several of that era 40 and 45 rear view mirrors have the same issue with replacing the glass. If it were me I would carefully break out the existing glass in pieces along with any mastic, cut or have cut a new piece of mirror, and attach it as it had originally been, perhaps this time with silicone. Just a thought.

 

[dogfishlake]

One little piece missing from the truck is an interior door handle. The right side handle is there but driver side is long gone.
If anyone has one they want gone, I am a buyer. Found a set on ebay au, but they are $200 US. Not there yet. Jessica and I were combing antiques for some Valentines day fun and I found a vintage cabinet pull for a buck and grabbed it. It is stamped steel, so I can probably manipulate it to work and be kinda close. The fact that it is also old makes the mismatch pretty ok, so If I don't find an original, this one makes for good conversation

 

[dogfishlake]

Noticing in the background of my own pic- my shift instruction tag on the glovebox is crapola. Is there a reproduction for early 3 on the tree trucks? @wngrog , this is right up your alley. Seems like I saw that in one of your builds (?)

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Funny… as I was reading the front part and saw the pic, i had the thought to dive into wifey’s bangle collection.

 

[wngrog]

Noticing in the background of my own pic- my shift instruction tag on the glovebox is crapola. Is there a reproduction for early 3 on the tree trucks? @wngrog , this is right up your alley. Seems like I saw that in one of your builds (?)View attachment 3840374

SOR would be the only place I can think of. Most all the modes I've used are during 4 and 5 speed swaps

 

[Terrax]

Noticing in the background of my own pic- my shift instruction tag on the glovebox is crapola. Is there a reproduction for early 3 on the tree trucks? @wngrog , this is right up your alley. Seems like I saw that in one of your builds (?)View attachment 3840374

https://shop.cruiserparts.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=23448

 

[KT40]

Noticing in the background of my own pic- my shift instruction tag on the glovebox is crapola. Is there a reproduction for early 3 on the tree trucks? @wngrog , this is right up your alley. Seems like I saw that in one of your builds (?)View attachment 3840374

This is another option if you can’t find one.

Nostalgic Reflections. Restoration or recreation of vintage data plates, tag, medallions, scripts, hood ornaments, decals & more for cars, trucks, trailers, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes & boats!

 

[dogfishlake]

https://shop.cruiserparts.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=23448

Sweet. Thank you!

This is another option if you can’t find one.

Nostalgic Reflections. Restoration or recreation of vintage data plates, tag, medallions, scripts, hood ornaments, decals & more for cars, trucks, trailers, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes & boats!

Cool. Thanks. I hadn't thought about a service like that .

 

[sofj45]

I have a set of the door pulls had em listed at $100 for the set shipped.

 

[POTATO LAUNCHER]

I've got a spare handle Pat. I'll get it in the mail this week.

 

[dogfishlake]

My buddy Casey, aka @POTATO LAUNCHER sent me a care package. A handle for my door, and some great swag as well.

Thank you my friend! I will be seeing you in a few weeks at Roundup!

 

[dogfishlake]

It has been a while since I added anything about the truck, mostly because I haven't done much of anything until now. Saturday, I fired it up and drove down my driveway and back. A whole mile. I have a decent list of things to do and the little drive reminded me.

#1 Complete exhaust system - running with a 1' long stub pipe currently, kinda loud
#2 Finish the driver door - needs the new gaskets, fuzzies, and bug catcher window seals. That is the crazy rattle in the video on my bumpy driveway.
#3 Figure out better braking. I have solid pedal but poor braking after switching to a dual circuit system, no booster, and discs up front (I currently have an 80 series non abs master on it now). I have to figure out what MC to use ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!
#4 adjust clutch. Full engagement is way up at the top of pedal release.
#5 Finish scrubbing rust off of the inside of the box with CLR/Iron Out
#6 Polish the passenger side of the truck
#7 Wax the entire truck
#8 Fix up some odd wiring
#9 Finish up/install tail light housings
#10 Investigate why the left horn doesn't work and repair
#11 Drive it and see what else it needs!

The weather here has been slow to accept that it is spring so that puts a damper on things. I wanted to get the Westy out of the garage and it is pinned in by the 45, so that was a perfect excuse for a quick drive.

 

[dogfishlake]

The freed German prisoner of "back corner of garage"