Decision Time - Am I Ready For A Frame Off Restoration (8 Viewers)

[TCSTARK]

Hey All! I have been lurking on the boards since August reading as many of the build up threads as I could. I have been slowly acquiring my tools and getting my workspace ready while I try to decide what I should do with BIG BLUE. Yes, I know her rear is sagging...

Since this will be my first restoration, heck the first time I worked on a car, I want to make sure that my plan is thoroughly mapped out.

I compiled this tool list from multiple threads:
Metric Socket Set
30 mm socket
24mm six point socket
Deep well socket in 9mm
Metric Wrench Set
Big Adjustable Wrench
Metric Allen Wrench Set
snap ring pliers
Rubber/Dead Blow Hammer
Cross slot screwdrivers
Standard Screw Drivers
Propane torch
6" bench grinder
4" Angle Grinder
Drill, center punch, and bits
Assorted pliers
Needle Nose Pliers
Crimping tool
Breaker bar
Pry Bar Set
60 Gallon Air Compressor
3/8" Impact Gun
1/2" Impact Gun
Assorted Air Tools & Hose
3 Ton Jackstands
Engine Stand
Engine Hoist
Metric gear wrench Set
torque wrench - Sidchrome torque wrench
Hammer (BFH), Brass Drift, Punches
Bench Vise
Pickle fork
Brakeline/Clutchline Wrench (AKA Boxed End Wrench)
Stubby 12mm combo ratcheting and box end pivoting wrench
Multimeter
Wire and assorted connectors - Possibible Painless Harness
Vice Grips
Penetrating Oil like PB Blaster, Kroil, etc - lots of it!
Simple Green Degreaser

** I am sure that I will need more tools on a 'as needed' basis but this will be a good start. If I have missed something obvious please let me know what I need to get.

My FJ40 is a 1976 with 113,000k miles and is mostly stock with exception to the tires and rims. The 2f engine runs strong even with the carburator running a bit rich. And no, I didn't read the FAQ on buying a FJ40 so I more than likely overpaid for her as well. :

Here is my plan as it stands today (chime in where opinions vary)

1. Disassemble the vehicle, carefully documenting each part removed with before/after photos, detailed notes and labeling of parts/wiring etc..

2. Work on frame. I have got the set up to do the sandblasting/cleaning/painting of the frame but I am considering outsourcing welding if the frame has any major damage.

3. Body work and painting - This is where I will feel out my skill level and determine if I should hand some aspects off to a professional. Example, my rear sill has some visable rust and there is a ton of threads on fabrication of replacement parts. Can I do it myself? Not sure yet. I suspect that I will be on this step for quite a long time and that the forum will be my best friend.

3. Send stock 2f engine and possibly the transmission out to be rebuilt (Urban Land Cruisers is a local option but willing to consider and recommendations in Georgia).

4. Send original carburator to FJ40JIM for a rebuild.

5. Put the cruiser back together and buy upgrades for the suspension amd exhaust not to mention troubleshooting things that I have done incorrectly.

I am realistic and know that this project will be a multi-year project and cost me twice as much as I anticipate. I have always wanted a FJ40 and a hobby so now I got both.

 

[squeezer]

Going to give you an opinion and please remember its worth exactly what you paid for it...

If the picture you posted is current and that is your daughter I would under no circumstances take a decently running FJ40 down for a multi-year restoration. Make a few upgrades (one at a time). Focus on drive-ability, safety and fun. Power steering and a family cage, some decent seats, and maybe a stereo or even A/C. Keep the vehicle functioning for the bulk of the time by doing one mod at a time. But most importantly use it with your daughter and the rest of the family. The nicest 100% restored cruiser laying spread out in a garage in pieces is less fun than the one you just took your tent out of at the camp site. Wait till the kids are of at college for the teardown. It will mean so much more to restore the FJ40 your daughter learned to drive a stick shift in...

Cheers

Chris

 

[3doghouse]

Only 1 interior pic is working.

My recommendation is, unless its a basket case, enjoy the Cruiser you have , and buy another one to restore. I'm not a big fan of anyone, much less first-timers, disassembling trucks that are in decent shape. All too often, they don't get reassembled.

You don't have to do a frame off to enjoy improving it, and at 113K, it should go another 10 or 15 years without needing an engine rebuild. SERIOUSLY. That's about 1/2 the life expectancy if you abuse the engine.

Start simple. Rebuild the axles (seals, bearings, etc.) and replace all the suspension bushings, ends, etc.

Recruit that lil helper in the pic, and keep the projects small and fun.

 

[subzali]

x3 what they said. If it's your first time working on a car, or even if you've worked on cars but not Cruisers before, do the standard things a little at a time. Learn how to rebuild the front axle etc. (don't use a pickle fork BTW for your tie rod ends, buy a tie rod end puller - much better and not much more money:Amazon.com: OTC Tools (OTC6296) Pitman Arm/Tie Rod End Puller: Home Improvement@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31DFItWyhaL.@@AMEPARAM@@31DFItWyhaL

Also, unless your wiring is completely shot (which from the miles and the picture I doubt), I wouldn't consider putting a painless harness in.

Another suggestion: you're going to want/need a (I think) 27mm socket for your t-case and pinion nuts and a 54mm front hub nut socket.

Anyway, not to sidetrack. Post up more pictures so we can see the rest of the truck and why you would want to tear it all the way down. Have you seen TEQ's Uglina Fix-Up Thread? He did a pretty good job of keeping his running for the most part while at the same time basically going through the whole thing and touching everything that wasn't perfect. From watching builds on this site and working on my Cruiser for the past 5 years just keeping it road- and trail-worthy, keeping it running as much as you can and enjoying it while you're making changes/fixing up/updating stuff is the way to go. Unless it's more therapeutic for you to wrench on stuff than it is to drive it around, which is how some people are.

 

[G-Cat]

X4

 

[bikersmurf]

More pictures.

Why are you planning a frame off?

I'd build the truck into what you want it to be before you take it all apart. Enjoy some years driving it before you turn it into a bottomless money pit.

 

[cjgoode]

I would not rebuild a good running engine or transmission. Pulling the body off to stop the rust and repaint is not a bad idea. Its nice to know there is no major rust under it that you cannot see but is eating it way to the outside. If you do not have rust holes it should be simple body work. Post a lot of pictures so we can get a real good idea of what you are dealing with.

 

[weagle99]

Going to give you an opinion and please remember its worth exactly what you paid for it...

If the picture you posted is current and that is your daughter I would under no circumstances take a decently running FJ40 down for a multi-year restoration. Make a few upgrades (one at a time). Focus on drive-ability, safety and fun. Power steering and a family cage, some decent seats, and maybe a stereo or even A/C. Keep the vehicle functioning for the bulk of the time by doing one mod at a time. But most importantly use it with your daughter and the rest of the family. The nicest 100% restored cruiser laying spread out in a garage in pieces is less fun than the one you just took your tent out of at the camp site. Wait till the kids are of at college for the teardown. It will mean so much more to restore the FJ40 your daughter learned to drive a stick shift in...

Cheers

Chris

This is an excellent post.

 

[cjgoode]

If you are starting to see rust, you could have major problems by the time that girl is in college, but I agree it looks nice enough in the picture that a minor refurbish makes more sense then a complete rebuild. But also do not under estimate what you and your kids will learn doing a rebuild, and the lesson they will learn. Lesson is you do not have to take everything to a specialist and you can do anything, and working on stuff yourself is also fun. They will not learn that if you rebuild it when they are in college.

 

[TCSTARK]

Thanks for the great responses. I have been struggling with this decision for a few months and I believe you guys are right. The best move is to do one small project at a time.

The first photo is from the driver's side where the tub meets the hard top

The second and third photo are from the rear left sill (under spare tire carrier)

I guess I was planning a frame off restoration as a hobby. I am not the type to pick up golf clubs and shoot 18 holes so I figured I needed something I was interested in to keep me happy.

 

[pbgbottle]

no pics showing for me

 

[My wife said no FJ!]

Everyone will have their opinions...what is important here is what YOU want to do...so...what is it that YOU want to do?

Answer this...how long have you had it? ...and what kind of driving do you have in mind once it is restored?

That I can make out, you are aiming for a true restoration, and not some sort of rebuild with modifications...is this correct? I have no problems with builds, some guys do amazing mods (cages, lifts, seats, etc), but being a purist myself, I appreciate someone wanting to put in the extra time to do a true restoration...especially if the rig is nice enough to restore, and not destroy it with wild mods

That being said, and understanding that this will be your first such project, I'd have to see more pics of your 40 to decide. I am also of the opinion that doing the work is more than half the fun, so if you have had it for a while, and are ready to do the work, then why not go for it, BUT, why not take it one step at a time! Take some parts off, restore them, and put them back on and drive it around for a bit before the next step. Eventually you will be left with the tub, and frame to be restored...which will go much faster, as the parts you will be removing will already be done, so once the tub and frame are finished, it will just be a matter of reassembling

At least doing it this way you can enjoy your rig in between steps, and not have just a pile of parts for a few months...or even a few years! What others have said here is true...I have seen way too many rigs that have been completely taken apart, the owner loses interest, or realizes his or her limitations, or that this kind of work is not for them, and then sells the whole thing as a basket case...never having really taken the time to enjoy the rig in the first place

Hey...this is just my opinion...either way, just be safe and enjoy yourself, and post up more pics...welcome to MUD

 

[DSRTRDR]

there is nothing that can replace the fun driving an old eclectic vehicle - the emphasis being on DRIVING wheeling it is even better

the wrenching may be fun as well, but the ultimate goal is to drive it

enjoy

 

[My wife said no FJ!]

Again, everyone has their own opinions. Not disagreeing with you, but personally, once I finish any project and enjoyed it a little, I am eagerly looking forward to my next project

 

[TCSTARK]

More pics,..

]

 

[Melloj123]

Also cannot view pics. If you say the engine is running decent, I would not go to the expense of a complete overhaul at this time. Send the carb to Jim C or Mark, adjust the valves, good tunup and you will be amazed at the difference that will make. Depending on how much you drive it, will likely go for years with good dependability and performance. Spend your money on other things.

 

[TCSTARK]

Additional Interior Pics.

 

[gisham]

thats a great looking truck- cut the rust spots out and weld in new metal and drive it! Heck, if you cannot weld just take it to a shop and have it done... unless the underside is a rust bucket i say that truck does not need a frame off by any means

 

[TCSTARK]

I am definately leaning in that direction now based on the solid advice given by mud members. I think I will get her cleaned up inside and out, assess the underneath for rust and begin creating a list of smaller projects that will improve drivability. I am thinking of:

1. Compression test engine
2. Getting the carb rebuilt by Jim C.
3. Identifying and stopping slow oil leak (pics to come this weekend)
4. Fix rear sag

 

[My wife said no FJ!]

Hey...that's a nice looking rig

I like your new train of thought...I wouldn't even cut that rust out yet, but I would take care of it right away with other measures (you can do the cut and weld thing later on when and if you decide to do a complete restoration...much later on). Give it a really good cleaning, a little sanding, and some paint to protect some bare metal...both under the rig, and inside out, and enjoy it!

Then you can take the time to buy a few things you might want to change eventually (dash pad, maybe rims and caps, address the rear (it doesn't look that bad to me)) and you'll probably enjoy it as is for a long time to come!! This might take one long weekend of elbow grease, where as if you start with cutting stuff out, you'll be telling yourself that since you are at it, might as well change the whole rear sill, then since you are doing that might as well change the...and your rig will be down for months before you can enjoy it again....see where i am going with this!

How long have you had it? Again, really nice looking rig, clean it up, make it safe (brakes and steering), protect a few spots, and take care of a few issues, and get out and enjoy it!!!

Again, just my 0.02