Frame Swap '72 to '65

[kvanoort]

I've been working on my 1972 FJ40 for the past two years. First priority was to get the machine running again and then start working on the cosmetics. With the 2F rebuild complete it was time to start cleaning up and painting the frame. In the process I noticed the rear cross member had the usual rust build up and didn't look so good. Structurally it was fine but would need to be replaced at some point down the road. Then a friend found a 1965 40 frame that is in amazing condition with virtually no rust at all. Considering the potential frame swap, we decided to take numerous measurements to determine if everything would transfer from the '72 to the '65 frame. The only things we could find that differ are the steering support bracket and lack of reflectors on the rear bumper of the '65 (bumperettes are spaced wider on the earlier frames). So, unless someone tells me I'm missing something, I'm going to start media blasting the '65 frame, prime it with Zero Rust and top coat with a chassis black.

Here are a few photos of how my cruiser sits today and the '65 frame ready to be blasted:

 

[kvanoort]

Rust Bullet, Zero Rust, POR-15, Eastwood Chassis Black or powder coat

Before I start sand blasting my frame, I thought I'd better do some more research on chassis paint options. Well, I've spent the last two nights reading posts on Rust Bullet, Zero Rust, POR-15, Eastwood Chassis Black and powder coating and I still don't know which product to use. Has a poll on these products ever been done here? I think I have ruled out powder coating due to cost and future scratch touch-up being difficult. This 40 will see some mountain trails but no hard-core wheeling. UV protection is important since I don't want to go back and redo this part of the project again, ever. I have access to a HVLP sprayer so I could go with rattle cans or sprayer. All suggestions welcome.

 

[73fj40lc]

I agree on the powercoat. I have numerous items that were powercoated from different suppliers. I have never had any luck on powercoating. All that it takes is for the powercoat to be thin on an edge and the rust creeps below the powercoat. The next thing you know the powercoat is flaking off with rust underneath it.

 

[kvanoort]

I was looking at the '65 frame again today and noticed the steering center arm bracket on the front of the frame is different than the '72 center arm bracket. So, I'll need to cut the welds on the inside frame plate and transfer it over to the '65 frame.

From SOR's website - first is the diagram of the '72 center arm

Here's the '65 center arm

 

[kvanoort]

I agree on the powercoat. I have numerous items that were powercoated from different suppliers. I have never had any luck on powercoating. All that it takes is for the powercoat to be thin on an edge and the rust creeps below the powercoat. The next thing you know the powercoat is flaking off with rust underneath it.

I was at my powder coater's place today and he had a couple frames ready to be picked up -- boy did they look nice. He quoted me $300 to coat the frame. If I wanted him to sand blast the frame that would run $150. Now I'm thinking maybe powder coating isn't such a bad option. Help!

 

[Toyrod]

You can replace the rear cross member and supports from a donor frame. The main problem I would have with the frame swap is the VIN on the frame no longer matching the body. Might cause registration issues.