Decision Time - Am I Ready For A Frame Off Restoration

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

HA! My thread is a 'what not to do' service announcement. I have been watching you tear stuff apart and rebuild it... Sent by my fancy IOS 7 IPhone
 
Last edited:
HA! My thread is a 'what not to do' service announcement. I have been watching you tear stuff apart and rebuild it... Sent by my fancy IOS 7 IPhone

Oh, yea, I'm good at tearing it apart. Jury's out on the "rebuild it" part. At least I finally understand my childhood where I took everything apart. You are doing it smart, even to the point of stopping in the middle to get a better base vehicle. Gotta respect that.
 
Things are rolling full speed ahead...

Drive shafts: a new set of Tom Woods drive shafts have been ordered. Single CV in the front and Double Cardan in the rear. They were pricey but I rather spend the money once and be done with it.

Radiator: I am looking at aluminum radiator options that will eliminate any cooling issues before they happen. I am pricing out Champion 4 row set up with an electrical fan and shroud. There are plenary of threads pointing me in this direction so why reinvent the wheel.

Clutch: Matt and I decided to swap out the existing clutch and pressure plate with the 11in low profile clutch/pressure plate I have in my parts stash. The 'do it right the first time' mantra is playing in my head. Sure, we can play around with a brake master swap out and tinker with the the clutch fork to maximize engagement/disengagement of the pressure plate.

Howell Harness - I just need to finish up wiring the new gauges to the engine and then go through the Howell electrical to call it a day.

At this point I will be sending the rig to my mechanics shop so we can lift it up and swap out the clutch. Then driveshafts installed and exhaust built out. It is getting close to the first start up of the engine. Sweet!!!

Sent by my fancy IOS 7 IPhone
 
Scott - thanks for planting the seed of doubt. I am now folding on my previous decision like a lawn chair. I went ahead and ordered a Champion 4 row aluminum radiator and,... the electric fan, shroud and thermostat. I will run it with the electrical fan at first but will keep the mechanical clutch driven fan if I want to go back to that set up.

It has been a busy week. I have ordered up a set of Tom Woods driveshafts. Single CV up front and a double cardan in the rear. They should be her by this weekend.

I ordered the BTB speedometer extension cable so I can add the VSS sensor. I will write up my experience when I install it.

And,.. I pulled the trigger on a parts rig. Nothing like parting out a 40 in my spare time. So far I have found a lot of interesting stuff in the few boxes I dragged home. I will get it all catalogued and ready for sale soon.
 
A quick MUD search for V8 radiator will bring up many threads about cooling issues with a short block engine in a 40. It is pretty evenly split on the pros and cons of using an electrical fan or mechanical clutch driven fan. From what I gather it is specific to the build and the application used. How far back the engine is to the firewall seems to be a major contributor to overheating. The type of use, mall queen versus rock climber, is another contributing factor.

I go back and forth on what is the best application for my build. I figure I will try the electric fan set up first to see where my temps land and then switch back to the mechanical fan if I need to being the temps down to a lower level.
 
Where is the best place to store stuff? On your cruiser of course.... The part out of the 74 took up the majority of my weekend. Parts have been catalogued and stored. There were a few things that I held back for my own use. I installed this shiny roll bar on Bigger Blue. I also installed my new 4 row aluminum radiator. I have read several threads about needing to modify the radiator support due to the extra width of the 4 row unit. I didn't have a single issue, it dropped in without any fitment issues. .
image-2124637582.webp
image-730629305.webp
image-3161041850.webp
image-3596691663.webp
image-3266425205.webp
image-3545801853.webp
image-3796418441.webp
image-3263420783.webp
 
Last edited:
So much to update,...

Bigger Blue was transported over to my mechanic's shop. Matt is going to tie up a few things that would have been difficult for this 2 banana mechanic to do in my garage.

Here is a rundown of the list of things he will be handling:

- swap out existing clutch/pressure plate with a low profile unit. I know we could have gotten the existing one to work but I prefer to do it right the first time.

- install my Tom Woods Driveshafts. I could have done this but I decided to let Matt knock it out since it is at his shop.

- inspect the Howell harness to make sure everything is getting power. He will also run the wiring for the alternator and A/C compressor as well as get the fuel pump switch sorted out.

- he will give my work a once over to ensure that everything is safely connected and torqued to spec.

Once we are ready for the initial firing up of the engine I will be heading down to shop to be part of this big moment. I am getting pretty excited for this to be done.

The final purchase for BB will be a custom exhaust system...

As some of you might know, I have just completed a three week part out of a 1974 FJ40. It was a ton of work and I am completely burnt out from my daily post office runs. I was glad to make a few bucks off of my efforts and for the most part everyone has been pleased with their purchases. I did get my first negative feedback in eBay. It stung... Anyone who purchased something from me knows I am a stand up guy and try to do the right thing. I resold some gauge parts that apparently were crap. A refunded transaction and then a flaming negative. Ouch.
image-2485456514.webp
 
Sucks about the negative feedback. Just respond saying "Refunded, sorry. Tried to do the right thing." All you can do. That stuff bothers me too.

The photo: what is it? That's not BB is it? EDIT: I guess it is. Recognize HH's hood.

Coming to ATL next Thursday PM. 11/21. You'll be around?

Exciting that your truck is nearing completion. Enjoy the moment, and the ensuing driving.
 
Last edited:
A refunded transaction and then a flaming negative. Ouch.

don't take it personal - life's too short :cheers:

and, the truck needs more different colors on the unpainted body panels :bounce:
 
So much to update,... Bigger Blue was transported over to my mechanic's shop. Matt is going to tie up a few things that would have been difficult for this 2 banana mechanic to do in my garage. Here is a rundown of the list of things he will be handling: - swap out existing clutch/pressure plate with a low profile unit. I know we could have gotten the existing one to work but I prefer to do it right the first time. - install my Tom Woods Driveshafts. I could have done this but I decided to let Matt knock it out since it is at his shop. - inspect the Howell harness to make sure everything is getting power. He will also run the wiring for the alternator and A/C compressor as well as get the fuel pump switch sorted out. - he will give my work a once over to ensure that everything is safely connected and torqued to spec. Once we are ready for the initial firing up of the engine I will be heading down to shop to be part of this big moment. I am getting pretty excited for this to be done. The final purchase for BB will be a custom exhaust system... As some of you might know, I have just completed a three week part out of a 1974 FJ40. It was a ton of work and I am completely burnt out from my daily post office runs. I was glad to make a few bucks off of my efforts and for the most part everyone has been pleased with their purchases. I did get my first negative feedback in eBay. It stung... Anyone who purchased something from me knows I am a stand up guy and try to do the right thing. I resold some gauge parts that apparently were crap. A refunded transaction and then a flaming negative. Ouch.

Bigger Blue...nice.
 
Where is the best place to store stuff? On your cruiser of course.... The part out of the 74 took up the majority of my weekend. Parts have been catalogued and stored. There were a few things that I held back for my own use. I installed this shiny roll bar on Bigger Blue. I also installed my new 4 row aluminum radiator. I have read several threads about needing to modify the radiator support due to the extra width of the 4 row unit. I didn't have a single issue, it dropped in without any fitment issues. .

Where did you purchase your 4-row? I need to get one for Big Blue
 
It was a Champion 4 Row. It fits like a glove. I went ahead and got the electric fan and shroud but may have to make some modifications so that the fan is not too close to the engine. My mechanic advised to move it back a 1/4 inch just for safe measure in case of engine flex.
 
It was a Champion 4 Row. It fits like a glove. I went ahead and got the electric fan and shroud but may have to make some modifications so that the fan is not too close to the engine. My mechanic advised to move it back a 1/4 inch just for safe measure in case of engine flex.

I will look one up. I need to replace my 3 row
 
That is a great price. I was all in for around $550 with the electric fan and shroud.I am not sure why I didn't even look at CCOT. Hmmm.
 
Well, the holidays are behind us now so I figure it is time to give an update on Bigger Blue's progress.



download_20140105_090720.webp

We confirmed that a high profile clutch pressure was installed by the previous owner. I opted to install a low profile unit and be done with it.

download_20140105_090730.webp

Centerforce Low Profile unit


download_20140105_090738.webp

Installed and centered.

download_20140105_090802.webp

Replaced transfercase gaskets while it was taken apart.

download_20140105_090811.webp

Another gasket that was oilsoaked so itwas replaced.

download_20140105_090906.webp

Tom Woods driveshafts. The stock driveshaft bolts didn't fit. TW technician advised to ream out the holes...

download_20140105_090916.webp

Front driveshaft installed.

download_20140105_090926.webp

Rear driveshaft installed.

download_20140105_090941.webp

Front passenger side knuckle bearing damaged by yours truly when I tried to install a crossover arm. New bearings, race and gaskets ordered.

download_20140105_090958.webp

Waiting on knuckle stud kits.

download_20140105_091014.webp

Auxiliary tank switch wired up.I need to decide where to have it installed.

download_20140105_091021.webp

Tank switch wired to auxiliary fuse panel.

download_20140105_091115.webp

Reworked oil dipstick bracket to clear battery tray.

download_20140105_091132.webp

Pulled water pump to find out that no gasket was installed.

download_20140105_091145.webp

Timing cover bolt missing. Replacement installed.

download_20140105_091158.webp

Fuel lines from throttle body rerouted to avoid being too close to manifold. The fuel filter prior to TBI was removed since I already have one filter after each tank.

download_20140105_091209.webp

Fuel pressure gauge relocated.

download_20140105_091218.webp

Water pump painted and fitting added.

download_20140105_091227.webp

Alternator wired up.

download_20140105_091237.webp

Alternator connection to battery

Valve covers were taken off and checked torque of head bolts, rocker arm-to-valve spring clearances and overall looks like motor has proper setup and little if no sludge buildup to speak of. These are all good things! Also soaked valvetrain with Assembly Lube.
download_20140105_090720.webp
download_20140105_090730.webp
download_20140105_090738.webp
download_20140105_090802.webp
download_20140105_090811.webp
download_20140105_090906.webp
download_20140105_090916.webp
download_20140105_090926.webp
download_20140105_090941.webp
download_20140105_090958.webp
download_20140105_091043.webp
download_20140105_091014.webp
download_20140105_091021.webp
download_20140105_091115.webp
download_20140105_091132.webp
download_20140105_091145.webp
download_20140105_091158.webp
download_20140105_091209.webp
download_20140105_091218.webp
download_20140105_091227.webp
download_20140105_091237.webp
 
Photos of progress

download_20140126_091232.webp
We had to rework the radiator support bracket forward to get more clearance. I am pleased with the final placement.

download_20140214_202633.webp
Radiator fan relay has been mounted to the firewall. It will connect this to the keyed ignition source.

download_20140214_202639.webp
Loomed fan wiring. Nice and clean.

download_20140214_202647.webp
This is the potential home for the mini ARB compressor. I am concerned with the excessive cabin noise it may cause... Then again this is a 40.

download_20140214_202733.webp
Oil temp sending unit...Looks like we need an adaptor to the existing port in the block.
download_20140126_091232.webp
download_20140214_202633.webp
download_20140214_202639.webp
download_20140214_202647.webp
download_20140214_202733.webp
 
Back
Top Bottom