Dave's 1978 FJ40 long restoration project

[65swb45]

If I remember correctly, Dave did want it to be a show vehicle..........looking like Concours type detail! JohhnyC may be a good source of originality details or wscbill............. Looking excellent!!

Tom

I like to think that after doing this for thirty years I would be "a source of originality details".


The irony here is that my swb was judged a concours-level restoration by a concours judge and appraiser when I built it 23 years ago. Now my eyes are plagued by everything I see that isn't 'right.' Part of my own 2.0 rabbit hole.

 

[65swb45]

My god Mark that is some serious cruiser porn!!!!!!! Looking excellent.

I'm wondering whether we should take apart the exhaust manifold heat flap and detail for more contrast. We've already elected to dismantle the air cleaner.

 

[DSB345]

It was a long search for that air cleaner and core support. It is definitely worth taking my time and looking for just the right parts and not settling for one's that will be considered OK.

 

[White Stripe]

Have u guys thought about using that slip plate stuff on the exhaust manifold to keep it looking like bare iron?

 

[tls3601]

Mark, didn't mean any disrespect by that comment. Your work and ethic is outstanding, wish I was closer to your shop! Just thought others may want to contribute that's all............ I have spent lots of my time in a search for what is original and what is not. Sadly, PO's of my and my brothers rig removed things over the years for no good reason-I am sure many of us on here have experienced the same thing. You are truly one of the experts and I always enjoy hearing your input on so many of our questions my friend.

 

[65swb45]

No worries Tom. I don't take offense easily (and try not to show it if I do). If you read my latest comment letter in the land use forum, you can see I've had a little frustration having to point out yet again to the government things that should be obvious. Sometimes it rubs off. Hijack off.

@White Stripe , please provide a link to the product you're referring to. TIA.

 

[White Stripe]

No worries Tom. I don't take offense easily (and try not to show it if I do). If you read my latest comment letter in the land use forum, you can see I've had a little frustration having to point out yet again to the government things that should be obvious. Sometimes it rubs off. Hijack off.

@White Stripe , please provide a link to the product you're referring to. TIA.

How to Restore an Exhaust Manifold

 

[65swb45]

I'm not going to want to start it

Check the rule books. Some car shows require that the vehicle drive in under its own power; others not.

As I mentioned last week, George Rice's FJ40 won at a show...with no wiring harness!

 

[DSB345]

Oh we will be starting it all right. I need to make sure there are no leaks

Check the rule books. Some car shows require that the vehicle drive in under its own power; others not.

As I mentioned last week, George Rice's FJ40 won at a show...with no wiring harness!

 

[65swb45]

Flywheel is torqued. Distributor installed. Spark plugs reinstalled. Oil cooler installed ( minus plugs) Thermostat lower housing on block. HB and water pump pulley painted. Done for the morning.

 

[65swb45]

Dave

You're gonna have to find something else to scratch your back with: I need the dipstick!

 

[78fj40mg]

Done for the morning.
View attachment 1253505 View attachment 1253508

Done for the morning? The day is just starting and there's more work to be done on Dave's motor!

All kidding aside your work is impeccable!

 

[Spike Strip]

Is the truck going to retain all the smog equipment ?

 

[DSB345]

Got a new one at home but I'm a little busy right now

 

[65swb45]

Got a new one at home but I'm a little busy right now

View attachment 1253536

I think if my kid had sat in THAT seat when he was a kid, his life might have taken a different direction. Kinda like that Death Valley trip you took when YOU were young.

 

[65swb45]

Done for the morning? The day is just starting and there's more work to be done on Dave's motor!

All kidding aside your work is impeccable!

I can see where that might sound confusing. Unlike the rest of the projects, this one is being done at home. I've got to pick up some more parts on the way into the shop yet this morning, then do a pre-install inspection, valve adjustment and tune-up for a local I rebuilt a carb for...at the shop.

 

[DSB345]

We are still in debate about that.

Is the truck going to retain all the smog equipment ?

 

[DSB345]

I'm glad I decided to go this direction with build. Looks better than I expected Mark. Your doing a awesome job.

Flywheel is torqued. Distributor installed. Spark plugs reinstalled. Oil cooler installed ( minus plugs) Thermostat lower housing on block. HB and water pump pulley painted. Done for the morning.


View attachment 1253505 View attachment 1253508

Is the truck going to retain all the smog equipment ?

 

[65swb45]

I'm glad I decided to go this direction with build. Looks better than I expected Mark. Your doing a awesome job.

We can re-plate the smog parts, but they are still smog parts. Plating smog parts is the equivalent of putting lipstick on a pig. (Note to self-maybe that should be quoted in somebody's sig line)

 

[65swb45]

Dave

I looked at that spot on top of the oil cooler before I rolled down the garage door, and I smiled. Had to double check before I could post. NLA, I thought I still had ONE left, waiting for that worthy project. Thick layer of dust on the box. Happy to see it go.