First FJ40 build in a long time

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THE SUN! 2NDCHNC's first time out of her stall. A little engine paint baking was in order. A few things like the tranny install will need a helper. I've done it by myself before but I was younger and the ball clip wasn't missing either. Once that happens the interior should go fast. (I keep promising myself that but life just keeps getting in the way.) It's still fun!
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Great build thread. Gives me motivation to get my father's 67 FJ40 shipped from WA to me so I can start the restoration.
 
Thanks to Aaron (adistler) helping got the tranny/transfer back in, I'm ready to install the interior as the front section custom parts are being made. (more on that later) Since the forum will be down for the bulk of Wednesday (as the powers that be predict) I hope to have enough installed to post pictures that actually look like I'm getting something done on this truck.

(My '32 3 window coupe project has taken most of my spare time lately as it's going to be moved back to TN in a couple of months to get finished up down here.)
 
Giving the new setup a drive around the block. So far so good. A little slow to load pages but that may be worked out...

I'll do a step by step later but here's the aluminum bearing retainer plate I made for the power steering conversion. Works perfectly. The only modification up top is cutting off the last 4ish inches of the shaft. Longer bolts and nuts... voila. Beats welding when you don't have a welder...
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I know that from time to time I veer off course as far as my build goes but it's only for entertainment and a hope that you guys enjoy vehicles other than Land Cruisers just as I do. This particular vehicle takes a little explaining. I'll try to make the long story short...

This soap box derby car was originally built in 1971 by "Rapid Reggie" with the help and guidance of several men who ran and worked in a auto paint shop called Carlini Studios and The Hot Rod shop in Detroit. Reggie was a very small black kid growing up through the Detroit riots and a very difficult time for blacks. (Same only different compared to the race struggles I watched at the same time in Alabama.) At 11 years old Reggie showed a drive and determination well above his years and managed a job at Carlini's. With the wealth of car knowledge available between these men they convinced Reggie to compete in the soaps. Teaching Reggie every single detail as the car was built, he was able to build and explain to judges how and why the car was built the way it was. It was so far advanced for the time and since he was THE ONLY black kid competing, the judges tried everything they could to either disqualify him or make him loose. They consistently gave him bad wheels and the worst lane but he managed to keep his cool and win all but one of his races. One of the men that helped Reggie was Gene McCrickard, my good friend now for 30 years and the man who has taught me all I know about working on cars. (The owner of the Hudson shown earlier in this thread.) Reggie restored the Derby car to it's original look and condition and had it on display at this year's Detroit Autorama. Gene couldn't make it to the reunion so Reggie brought it all the way down here to surprise Gene. Success!

So here it is in all it's glory sitting amongst the Cruisers in my barn. I hope you enjoy seeing it and I wish I coud share all of the story as it is quite incredible. Oh... By the way, Reggie is now a design engineer for GM. How's that for a punch line?
 
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That is a true work of art. Thank You for sharing this tech. I need to read more about Reggie.
 
Back on track and getting a little more done on the Cruiser. I'm working on the power steering and hope to have the new PS pump bracket made soon. I'm going to try and use the factory bracket and modify it for my 2F that doesn't have the mounting holes. I'm creating backup plates for the frame to make a stronger mount for the gear box. Had to cut of the old FJ60 pitman arm to get it off. I hope to have that all complete, new hoses made and all mounted this week. Then I will concentrate on getting the truck running. Here's the mostly complete dash. The lighting in the barn isn't the best. I'll get much better shots after I can pull it outside all by it's own power.

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FJ40Jim said:
Why cut off FJ60 pitman arm? What pitman will be used instead?
Click to expand...
Jim - that's why I like you: an expert, but never afraid to ask about something you don't understand.

Rainy - dash looks sweet. You need another project vehicle. When are you going to get that lined up?
 
When I bought the parts needed for the conversion: Gear box, collapsable shaft, and bearing, I bought the straight conversion pitman arm too because it was cheap, I liked it better, and the old arm had a little damage near the TRE. The only thing I regret is having to take the time to change it out. Now that that's over, I'm glad I'm swapping it out again. Besides, it had to be cut off because NO puller would get it off. We tried everything but heat because I didn't want to risk damaging the seals in the gear box. The arm was expendable.

Scott, PLEASE, NO!! This project AND my '32 are plenty. I need another project like a hole in the head. I'm really enjoying this build but I'll be glad when I can simply drive it around and tweak things... soon...
 
It's the pitman arm Iron Pig sell with their kit. Not that it's that necessary but it lifts it up out of the way nicely.
This is the photo from the install thread not mine.
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Rainman said:
It's the pitman arm Iron Pig sell with their kit. Not that it's that necessary but it lifts it up out of the way nicely.
This is the photo from the install thread not mine.
Click to expand...

I think TCStark had to source a straight arm like this in his build. Hmm, let's see, how do you @-reference someone?

@TCSTARK - ah, it worked. Let's see if he responds.
 
Wow - that is cool. I was alerted of this thread. Yep, I had to swap my drop pitman arm for a straight one when I installed my saginaw steering box due to the SOA set up. Like Rainman saint it keeps everything nicely tucked above the leaf springs.

Bob over at TPI 4x4 should have them.
 
TCSTARK said:
Wow - that is cool. I was alerted of this thread. Yep, I had to swap my drop pitman arm for a straight one when I installed my saginaw steering box due to the SOA set up. Like Rainman saint it keeps everything nicely tucked above the leaf springs.

Bob over at TPI 4x4 should have them.
Click to expand...

Hey bud, hope you are well. Thanks for confirming that. Ug, TPI. :(. Not on my happy list. Good to know though.

ooohh - let's try the "Like" thingy for the post above. :steer:
 
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