Build- 1977 FJ40 Swamp Ghost

[RotDorn]

So it appears that A) I have a major screw loose or B) I’m always up for a good fight C)I really should not be allowed to shop on the interweb or D) All of the above.

Back in May of 2022 I purchased “Swamp Ghost” out of South Carolina.

Allow me to digress…. Swamp Ghost was sold to me on a rebuilt salvage title clearly marked “fresh water flood” It has 44k original miles and is rust free. I have been collecting and trading firearms for nearly 40 years, the number one rule is,”Buy the gun and not the story” From my initial exam and through complete tear down I believe the sellers statement to be true.

Over the next few weeks I will post pictures and commentary of the past 3.5 years.

 

[charliemeyer007]

That rule works for lots if things IMHO. Looks nice to me.

 

[RotDorn]

That rule works for lots if things IMHO. Looks nice to me.

Thanks, but pics can be deceiving. It has been repainted…….. with farm implement paint….with a brush.

 

[RotDorn]

So, like a typical bad dad you don’t take as many pictures of your kid as they grow. Two years later(Sept 24)
I sold the wheels and tires locally on craigslist, the bumpers and soft tops here. Purchased some FJco rims, and new shoes, and a hard top and doors on the forum.

 

[mattressking]

Good job saving it! Looks much better

 

[RotDorn]

Last pics before the dissection began.

 

[RotDorn]

…..and so it begins, taking it down to the tub.

 

[RotDorn]

I was left unsupervised…..

This is the only rust that isn’t surface rust.

Rockers and inner fender are rust free

 

[RotDorn]

Some parts are off to the painter

 

[pb4ugo]

I had a rust issue similar to your windshield channel, but far worse. Fortunately I'd had an another crappy w/s frame rusted in different places than the original, so I could make one good one out of the two.

 

[PidgeonGuggolo]

Looks nice! Lucky on the rust. How is the frame looking?

 

[RotDorn]

I had a rust issue similar to your windshield channel, but far worse. Fortunately I'd had an another crappy w/s frame rusted in different places than the original, so I could make one good one out of the two.

Meh, it’s not visible with the windshield in….I’m gonna let it fly.

 

[RotDorn]

Looks nice! Lucky on the rust. How is the frame looking?

Frame is rust free, the undercarriage has been professionally undercoated, under belly is rust free.

 

[Chamba]

Meh, it’s not visible with the windshield in….I’m gonna let it fly.

Treat it very well with rust converter and be sure the new paint covers it well before you repaint. The rubber weather strip will hold moisture (why it's rusty now) and it'll spread rapidly if not treated and sealed.

Before you reinstall after it's painted spray Boeshield in there and get it all round the inside.

 

[RotDorn]

Treat it very well with rust converter and be sure the new paint covers it well before you repaint. The rubber weather strip will hold moisture (why it's rusty now) and it'll spread rapidly if not treated and sealed.

Before you reinstall after it's painted spray Boeshield in there and get it all round the inside.

My last tub up resto was this 1971 911S, pre galvanized steel project. I became very versed in warding off “Mississippi Chrome”

 

[dcducks1]

So, like a typical bad dad you don’t take as many pictures of your kid as they grow. Two years later(Sept 24)
I sold the wheels and tires locally on craigslist, the bumpers and soft tops here. Purchased some FJco rims, and new shoes, and a hard top and doors on the forum.

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Love the grey rims and tires. Can you tell me the size for both?

 

[RotDorn]

Love the grey rims and tires. Can you tell me the size for both?

They are FJco rims with BFG KM3’s 255x85’s

 

[RotDorn]

Sorry, I have been on the road….that damn work continues to hinder my fun. She is nekkid and off to the painter.

 

[RotDorn]

Yes, it’s been a while. That work/travel thing has greatly decreased my time to devote to posting. I met with my painter this am to sign off on the color,

Pic isn’t a fair representation, however the 416 dune beige is exactly what I wanted. The sample from Tamco had me worried. Hopefully in the next two weeks I’ll have it back.

Original thumbprint, and spray sample that had me pucker…..

This is where the project is going…

 

[macdaddy59]

I also bought Tamco dune beige for my 40. Great company and great paint