Builds Conde Cruiser Build---1971 FJ40 FST

[archie73]

23* F this morning, so I hooked up my block heater and let it warm up for an hour then pulled it out of the shop and took it for a spin to check the p/s and new tires out. Checked tire pressure before I left to see what the shop set them at. 3 were at 35psi and one was at 40psi. Set them all at 30 and went for a ride. They road pretty good but ended up going down to 20psi and may go to 15 once a drive it some more. Steering box that I bought from a guy on Fakebook marketplace leaks. No biggie. I will rebuild it this spring and put it on the shelf as a spare for either 40. I hit the easy button on a new one from Summit, because it's too cold to sit out in the shop to rebuild it now.

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Do the tires get squirrelly at 15? I ride the trails around 15, but I get vague steering feel on the road back. Always makes me think I screwed something up while on the trail, then I remember I’m at low psi. My bfgs and geolanders ride best at 25 psi for hwy use. Of course that’s summer temps too…

 

[CondeCruiser]

The BFGs on the the wife's 40 are at 15psi. Rides and steers great. I haven't run these at 20 yet but I'm hoping they are happy there. They still need to "break in" a bit as well. I'm opposite with what you're saying. I feel like the truck is all over the road if the tires have to much air.

 

[archie73]

The BFGs on the the wife's 40 are at 15psi. Rides and steers great. I haven't run these at 20 yet but I'm hoping they are happy there. They still need to "break in" a bit as well. I'm opposite with what you're saying. I feel like the truck is all over the road if the tires have to much air.

Honestly, it could be in my head. After I realize that the vague steering is caused by under inflated tires, I will continue to drive them that way for the rest of the trip. And not think twice about it. Ultimately, it’s whatever you’re comfortable with.

I’m a little surprised you don’t feel the PS is weaker at low psi and well. Then again these are all subjective perceptions. Enjoy your upgrades.

 

[CondeCruiser]

This morning I pulled the rear output seal and replaced it. I would say it was pretty worn. As soon as I finished that, brown santa showed up with my new driveshaft from Tom Woods. They are so nice. Going to refill the trans and tcase and take it for a spin this afternoon hopefully.

 

[Land Shark]

This morning I pulled the rear output seal and replaced it. I would say it was pretty worn. As soon as I finished that, brown santa showed up with my new driveshaft from Tom Woods. They are so nice. Going to refill the trans and tcase and take it for a spin this afternoon hopefully.

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Oh! Nice shaft

 

[psmbfuer]

Excellent build Eric. Late to the party, but I'll be enjoying this through.

 

[CondeCruiser]

It's pretty cold here in VA. today so I spent the day in the basement disassembling the sliding windows I got from @FJ40GURU a couple months ago. Installed new bailey channel seals from @Racer65 City Racer, so they slide nice and smooth. Hopefully in the coming weeks the weather is supposed to break and get back into the mid to upper 40's and I can start getting the extra set of side panels prepped and painted for these to go in.

 

[CondeCruiser]

Today I decided take my top apart in preparation of switching out the side panels. Finally got to use the hoist I installed back in the fall. No more back pain or calling on friends to come help me take the tops off. Best shop investment I've made. Also swapped out the windshield to cowl gasket with on I got from RSA.

 

[psmbfuer]

Great shop. lift, and hoist - like you said, it makes this easy, and no help needed - I hate to admit it, but I'm jealous.

 

[CondeCruiser]

Great shop. lift, and hoist - like you said, it makes this easy, and no help needed - I hate to admit it, but I'm jealous.

With 4 disintegrating discs, a bulged L2 and multiple bone spurs in my back, it's a game changer.

 

[psmbfuer]

With 4 disintegrating discs, a bulged L2 and multiple bone spurs in my back, it's a game changer.

It sure is, and well deserved I'm sure. I wish you the best with your back - that's got to be tough, and in the meantime, great progress.

 

[shmukster]

I like it! Been removing/installing my hardtop and doors annually for the last sixteen years and I still need to get help to get the fiberglass top off and on. Wish I had room in my garage for a lift.

 

[CondeCruiser]

It's like 50* here in the sun today. The hardtop side panels I've been working on got a coat of paint this morning. Yesterday I primed them and sprayed some Boom mat sound deadener on the inside of them. Don't really know if that stuff works but it's worth a try, I guess. Did some metal repair on the rear hatch crossmember while I was waiting for the temps to come up for painting. Need to go to my paint supplier and get a couple more cans of paint mixed to finish inside the doors. Going to get the sliding and corner windows installed today as well. Hopefully.

 

[clrussell]

I feel like I’ve asked this.

I assume you are using a rainy match rattle can variant?

 

[mattressking]

Maybe I'm partial but that's the look. Really came together well

 

[CondeCruiser]

I feel like I’ve asked this.

I assume you are using a rainy match rattle can variant?

I am. I took a kick vent to my paint supply guy and he matched the faded paint.

 

[CondeCruiser]

Maybe I'm partial but that's the look. Really came together well

Thank you, sir. I still need to sand it and cut and buff it to bring out the patina match a bit more.

 

[Rockymtnreaper]

Came out really good!! Makes me excited to get mine going!

 

[clrussell]

I am. I took a kick vent to my paint supply guy and he matched the faded paint.

That’s right. Seems like you have told me that

 

[CondeCruiser]

Sliding windows from @FJ40GURU are finally in. Love them and I think they are going to serve me well. Didn't go nearly as bad as I thought it would. Waiting on corner glass seals from City Racer. The locking channel ones I bought from RSA are for the smaller glass that "float" in the opening.