first 1978 FJ40 rebuild...

[lvshust]

been putting him through the tests...

so... have not posted in a while due to work and moving...

i have gotten to put my 40 through a series of road tests on all terrain... it is AWESOME!

here are some photos that i was recently given access to. they are a little out of order for this thread, but i think they capture some great moments...

 

[lvshust]

this is the first day i pulled the 40 into the garage... labeled all threads and masked off for some future work...

 

[lvshust]

cleaned, tapped, covered and ready for the frame to get a couple coats of POR 15 then top coat...

rollbar ready for joining...

 

[lvshust]

i was able to hunt down all the pads for the rollbar, each from a different cruiser... they are pristine... had the original radiator overhauled and painted...

got the reproduction fuel tank from CCOT, very happy with that...

my gas tank cover was pretty shredded, so i traded my tube bumper to SOR for a new (used) one is perfect shape...

 

[lvshust]

lvshust,

looking really nice ! Had the same problem with the hood latches, check out this thread for a solution :
https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/380028-windshield-hooks.html

I did the same for mine and it worked out perfectly. Got my plastic bushings from Lowe's.

thanks mossman... i will follow suit

 

[lvshust]

seat brackets and the original seat frames with new skins form Cruiser Corps fit well...

 

[lvshust]

one of the many times i whipped out the FSM to make light of things...

the original bib was rusted by hinge all the way through. i cut out the infection and beefed up the steel as well...

the front lights on and it started to come together... sipping on one of my many adult beverages and energy drinks...

far cry from when i watched the PO try to tap the lights when he flipped them on to show me saying "this did work yesterday"

i think only 3 on the rig lit...

 

[Roboosfj40s]

Very nice looking ride. I recently got the fever as well but I call my 78 a Bondo Bucket! Runs like a champ though!

 

[lvshust]

Very nice looking ride. I recently got the fever as well but I call my 78 a Bondo Bucket! Runs like a champ though!

thanks roboo... if your rig runs like a champ, that is worth way more then any other part of it... !

i need to get a valve job done and front axle attention... (big surprise)

 

[Bodean]

Nice looking rig! If the bride isn't too happy about it just press on. Don't give in! She'll understand sooner or later. My wife wouldn't let me sell mine for antything. She know I'd buy another one and the madness would start again!

 

[lvshust]

Nice looking rig! If the bride isn't too happy about it just press on. Don't give in! She'll understand sooner or later. My wife wouldn't let me sell mine for antything. She know I'd buy another one and the madness would start again!

haha bodean...

well... there is no more (girlfriend)

i cant be totally sure that the FJ had nothing to do with it...

so, i now only have to justify it too myself...

 

[lvshust]

the dash was very fun, but the windshield sounds easier then it is, especialy with one person...

honestly this was my second windshield... i followed the cord technique, but did not evenly distribute it around the glass and snap! oh well, 200 for both, lesson learned...

just found an ashtray that was suitable yesterday, already had the faceplate from another sent to paint a while back...

 

[lvshust]

looks that im sure we have all had on our face....

picture one was "WHAT!!!!"

(when i had everything ready and wouldnt turn over)
it was my igniter.... took out an HEI gm part for 18 bucks and its on...

picture two was "YES!!!"

as i was in a running 40

the last was me backing it out to take its first test drive....

 

[rusted1]

Thats one sharp looking rig, Congrats

 

[lvshust]

Thats one sharp looking rig, Congrats

thanks rusted... some guy slammed on the freeway on ramp for no good reason and i tagged his rear bumper... idiot

i only had two scratches on the front pass bumper, but destroyed my new TOYOTA oem license bracket...

it has to go back to paint for sand a buff so not that big of a deal...

 

[lvshust]

one of the first good trial runs in southwest NV...

 

[sahab500]

woooooooooooow goood 100%

 

[lvshust]

woooooooooooow goood 100%

thank you much... still have to get the top on...

 

[waiting for time]

Looking great, I hope it will help you to get an understanding .
to bad about the licence plate holder.
Enjoy .

 

[lvshust]

it getting cold here in vegas... trying to locate a drip rail kit that is good. Southboston FJ, still going to be a while, not sure about the SOR either.

rolling in the triple fat goose and hat at 33 degrees is invigorating though...