I feel the same way! I just tend to come back every couple of days and browse the threads and it gives me motivation!
Builds Doc's 1978 FJ40 Rebuild
- Thread starter TractorDoc
- Start date
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I feel the same way! I just tend to come back every couple of days and browse the threads and it gives me motivation!
I feel the same way! I just tend to come back every couple of days and browse the threads and it gives me motivation!
- Thread starter
- #463
Thanks! Giving the soft top some serious thought for the hot summer days. Hard top installation is a goal but Ive heard it can be more fun to go topless. . . a big step for a conservative guy that rarely goes without steel toed shoes or wears (gasp) shorts!
You guys will get there. You just need to follow the same guidelines I give when people ask about housebreaking their new puppy. . . the three "P's." Patience, Persistence, and Positive Reinforcement. Patience and persistence are on us. Sadly, no one has been waiting with a cookie saying "Now there is a good boy!" each time I bolted a part to the 40, so positive reinforcement needs to come from other areas. MUD has been great for this, as have family and friends watching the project. Even with the setbacks the help and comments from other members here have added greatly to the experience.
Thanks Nolan!
I will try to keep it going. . . you make it sound (did a . . . job) like I'm done but still so much to do. I have not yet completed "Phase One" of the project -- the goal for this year, but I will be sure to let everyone know when I get there.
O I hear you on all that. Luckily the family gives plenty of reinforcement and offers help when needed. The GF like to check out the progress too. Its more the old pick either time or money and you don't get both. So either I have the time but no money to buy needed parts or I have the money but no time lol.
- Thread starter
- #465
These were not at the top of my priority list. . . but I found a set of OEM visors on E-bay. Seller claims they were purchased and never installed on their truck before selling it. I love a good bargain and at about half the cost of new I had to click the buy it now button.
The creepy flesh tone color was not to my liking so I dug out my can of SEM Color Coat and changed things up a bit.
While I was at it I gave the defroster guides some new life as well.
The rear view mirror that I refurbished a couple posts back fits an earlier style windshield frame and not my '78. . . I still claim innocence to knowing any better because there was no mirror to remove in the beginning and the mirror I cleaned up was in a box of parts that came with the '78.
Luckily mirrors are still available and I will have to acquire one in the future. I have no problem spending a few dollars on the right part when it is needed for the build. . . but I also have a frugal side that waits patiently to strike on "luxury" items should another bargain pop up.
The creepy flesh tone color was not to my liking so I dug out my can of SEM Color Coat and changed things up a bit.
While I was at it I gave the defroster guides some new life as well.
The rear view mirror that I refurbished a couple posts back fits an earlier style windshield frame and not my '78. . . I still claim innocence to knowing any better because there was no mirror to remove in the beginning and the mirror I cleaned up was in a box of parts that came with the '78.
Luckily mirrors are still available and I will have to acquire one in the future. I have no problem spending a few dollars on the right part when it is needed for the build. . . but I also have a frugal side that waits patiently to strike on "luxury" items should another bargain pop up.
Michael B
SILVER Star
When you order the rear view mirror be sure to ask for the day/night version. It's still available from Toyota.
How does the rear view mirror come off?
- Thread starter
- #468
Happy Labor Day to Everyone.
Hopefully time off was experienced and enjoyed.
I dragged Mrs. TractorDoc with me on a goal I had for the 40 this year. . . a trip to the ice cream shop. We actually went to one of those frozen yogurt places that has several different flavor options and numerous bins full of cookie dough bites, chocolate chips, sprinkles, brownies, every candy imaginable, etc. to cover your yogurt with. I am a plain vanilla guy but opted for a generous portion of brownie bites and ground up heath bar.
Farthest I have driven yet and all went well.
Later in the day some family stopped by the farm so we went for a quick spin around the place. Pictured are the nephews, brother, dad, and myself.
A bit weird not to do any work on the truck this week. . . still waiting for a few parts to arrive to allow more progress.
I am strangely enjoying the open top feel. I have been looking into soft top options and have even been giving some half doors some consideration. Not giving up on the hardtop. . . I will be starting on the refurbishment this winter (that is the plan anyway), but it is nice to know I have options!
Hopefully time off was experienced and enjoyed.
The earlier style mirrors "pulled off" (some tension clips hold the mirror to the mounting bracket) a mounting bracket that is secured to the windshield frame. The later style (like my frame) is secured by two screws/bolts. . . but they are hidden under a little plastic cover -- remove the cover (pops off?) to expose the screws.
I dragged Mrs. TractorDoc with me on a goal I had for the 40 this year. . . a trip to the ice cream shop. We actually went to one of those frozen yogurt places that has several different flavor options and numerous bins full of cookie dough bites, chocolate chips, sprinkles, brownies, every candy imaginable, etc. to cover your yogurt with. I am a plain vanilla guy but opted for a generous portion of brownie bites and ground up heath bar.
Farthest I have driven yet and all went well.
Later in the day some family stopped by the farm so we went for a quick spin around the place. Pictured are the nephews, brother, dad, and myself.
A bit weird not to do any work on the truck this week. . . still waiting for a few parts to arrive to allow more progress.
I am strangely enjoying the open top feel. I have been looking into soft top options and have even been giving some half doors some consideration. Not giving up on the hardtop. . . I will be starting on the refurbishment this winter (that is the plan anyway), but it is nice to know I have options!
Your rig is gorgeous. 
I knew you'd like the open feel of toplessness. What the bikini top does is keep the sun from constantly beating on you. It takes it out of you - two motorcycles and two convertibles taught me that!
Tractor Doc, I haven't checked your thread out recently. Wow! Great progress, I really like the way it has come together. Absolutely beautiful. I drove mine a lot this weekend. Get used to talking to people about your work. People just love seeing an FJ40, even people who think it is a J&*p! I still can't believe how many smiles these rigs get out of people.
DSB345
SILVER Star
Got to love those big smiles! Congratulations on your progress. Looks amazing!
@TractorDoc That picture above just sums up what these things are all about! @emac Look at all those smiles, these things get more attention than a puppy!!! Even when folks don't even know what they are, ha ha!
Spent most of yesterday on a chainsaw clearing off fence row at Moms, but a good day just hot as blue blazes.
Doc, great to see you and the family enjoying the 40. Like the saying goes, a pic is worth a thousand words.
Called the body shop last week and asked how things were going on the Land Cruiser. I was shocked at first when I heard, we don't have a land cruiser. My heart skipped a beat, then he said you mean that j***.
Man you hit the nail on the head about it feels weird not working on the 40, the few days I haven't makes me feel absolutely lost. But at least the shop is getting cleaned up a little.
Wish I had the time to clean up.
Just had a smal surgery 2 weeks ago that kept me out of the shop and now work is taking more time than I have.
The only thing I have done the past 2 weeks is put a part of my floor in.
Still currious about your ....... cruiser.
Bravo! The 40 looks gorgeous! Glad you can drive it before the weather turns.
Damn Michael hope everything went ok. Its coming along, waiting on the valve cover and heat shield. Probably going to have y'alls advice on what lift it has on it, looks to have maybe a 2" on the front and 4 or more on the back. Remember it had those long shackles on the front. Should be able to drop the drive train in the chassis in a couple of days. Been working on a Blazer and a few bikes had to do some wiring on a 60 the other day. Oh man I didn't realize this was Docs thread, sorry for the Hijack Doc.
Wow, Dude, you really are lost.
- Thread starter
- #479
Thanks everyone for all the positive reinforcement. I really appreciate everyone that has taken the time to read along and added their thoughts on the journey.
Ive given a look at the offerings from Bestop and $OR. I did a quick look at the vendors here on MUD, but did not find much to go on (perhaps I'm not looking in the right places?). I will definitely install some sort of overhead barrier to block the sun's rays -- the Mrs. used to have a convertible and I never was a fan of "full exposure."
I feel even more at a loss now that I dropped the 40 off at the exhaust shop this afternoon. . . drove into town and caught a ride home so they could work on it in the morning after things had cooled off. A feeling of sadness and confusion took hold after looking at the empty parking space in the shop. . . is this 40 withdrawal syndrome?? I can only imagine how you feel Nolan going on weeks!
Been looking for your posts Michael; looking forward to the next piece of crunched metal that you bring back to life. Hopes that you can get back at it soon -- but take care of yourself first. I am as guilty as anyone when it comes to the mind pushing me to do things the body may not yet be ready for, but I am getting better at being patient as I get a little older.
Not a problem Gator. You should stop by some of my family gatherings sometime. . . I am never sure if one person's conversation is getting hijacked or if everyone is just talking randomly to whomever will listen! It can be confusing yet quite entertaining at the same time.
Ouch Dave, I see a second 40 in your near future.
Better start stocking up on sheet metal tools as next one needs to be a bigger chalenge.
Better start stocking up on sheet metal tools as next one needs to be a bigger chalenge.
