Builds Conde Cruiser Build---1970 FJ40 FST (1 Viewer)

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CondeCruiser

SILVER Star
Joined
Aug 19, 2009
Threads
194
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2,484
Location
Conde, Va.
So, after debating on a couple of months, I figured I would start a build thread for my '70 FST.
I just happened to stumble upon the for sale post on Fakebook marketplace and was able to get it for a 2010 price. It was down in the mountains of Lynchburg VA, so the wife and I made the 3 hour trip to purchase it from the original owner. The last year it was tagged was '88. The man's house caught fire and burned to the ground. The 40 was near there and suffered from a few burns and a wire harness that melted it spots. It was then pulled into the trees and left. The man's grandson was going to rebuild it, but fell from a tree stand during hunting season and broke his back, so was not able to do the work that it needed to get it on the road. I've been sending them progress pics as I slowly bring this thing back to life.
My plan was to get it running, redo the seats and patch a few holes in the floorboards and drive it. We all know how that goes. You will see where it is now if you decide to keep reading through this thread.
I will be leaving the original paint alone. only fixing the rusted areas and trying to match the paint/ patina as best as i can. Anyway, on to the pics.

The day I brought it home July 31 2021

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Once in the shop I started the tear down process while not really knowing where I wanted to take the build. I now know I'm going simple with some 33x10.5 tires on stock wheels. The F motor trans a t-case were pulled for a 2F and 4-speed setup in a '78 I have. Axles from the '78 will be used as well.
Body work is coming along slowly but surely. Got the rear bed and mid section support in this past weekend and I will be using the floor pan out of the '78 as well to save some cash. Going to have to do some fabricating to get it welded in with a bit of a "sub frame" type mount. I will play it by ear with that. Not looking for it to be a show queen, but rather a sweaty old reliable driver.

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Got the body off the '70 frame today and sitting on the '78. Floor pan starts tomorrow. Going to cut the pan out of the '78 scrap body and fit it in.

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Got the donor floor board cut out of the other parts tub I have. Will start mocking it up tomorrow.

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Got the D/S firewall cut out of the donor tub. Going to be swapping it out to be able to run a brake booster.

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Got the firewall cut out, and the "new one" mocked up. Little more tweaking tomorrow, then tack into place. The things you go through to get boosted brakes.

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Your shop looks amazing. There's even a british roadster in there to round it out.
Thanks. Its been a long time coming for my shop. That's the wife's '64 MGB. Luckily it's been to chilly for her to drive it, so she hasn't been in the shop to see how dirty it is from all the dust I've been stirring up. :rofl:
 
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So, I've been slowly moving along with this. I ordered new floor pans from Real Steel and they arrived last Sunday. Took about a month to get them. Rebuilt the rear axle and added a Spartan locker (game time decision). Working on the front axle now. All parts purchased through Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters. Should be back on all fours soon. Body work will start as soon as the axles are done.

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Build looks great! I will be using those parts of your donor tub to remake my '67.

Did you get the mid-bed support and rear floor from Real Steel too?
 
I am at a similar stage with our 71.
Q: did you freeze the rear axle bearings before inserting them in the tub? Is that needed?
Are you not replacing the hump section at the center of the front floor pan? That was one of the issues I saw with the real steel pan, it doesn't offer the original hump from the early pans.
 
Good job. You don't f*** around.
I'm hoping to be driving it in the spring. It's possible as long as I stop changing my mind on how I want it to look. 🤣🤞
 
I am at a similar stage with our 71.
Q: did you freeze the rear axle bearings before inserting them in the tub? Is that needed?
Are you not replacing the hump section at the center of the front floor pan? That was one of the issues I saw with the real steel pan, it doesn't offer the original hump from the early pans.
I am using the trans hump from my '78. I don't think anyone offers the small hump for them.

For the rear bearing, I didn't freeze them. They drove in pretty easy with a bearing driver.
 
So, yesterday was a good day. It's not often you find parts in your color. I went to pick up a windshield frame from a guy and when I got there he had the doors as well. Scored the 2 doors for $40 and the windshield for $100. The doors have a little rust on the inside bottoms but it's an easy fix.
Also finished up the rear disc swap and the front rotors and calipers showed up. Rebuilt the center arm and the tie rods are getting replaced today.

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