Ground up rebuild 78 FJ40

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

Todays to do list.......

2x's check gas lines - go get some gas
2x's check water lines - go get some antifreeze
2x's check the oil - go get some oil

Ground Starter to Frame
Ground Battery

INstall/Plug up Hot wire

pray Pray PRay PRAy PRAY......

Turn the key. WIsh me luck:cheers:
 
Good luck 78!
 
Got it to start.... But it's ugly. Spotty spitty sputtery and Keep in mind I switched from electric fuel pump to original manual Pump i am sure it needs some carb adjustments????

As I am very aware that you guys on MUD probably realize I AM NOT A MECHANIC. I have struggled to get this far. I could not have done it without your help and for that I am appreciative for all of it.

That said, any recommendations on step by step problem solving that would be awesome. For me... Everything especially now. Is a guessing game.



Thanks again for all the help.

New thread has videos....
 
Last edited:
image-3710598348.jpg

Yes, it was in my inventory and I found it..... This thing is SOOO CLOSE, I can taste it.
image-937252881.jpg
image-1384241743.jpg
image-1922125661.jpg
image-1872402564.jpg
image-3710598348.jpg
 
Progress report... documentation

A little more porn... just for fun. Cause its there.

Grant will be glad to know all fluids, filled... and topped off.

Drove it down the road last night, and again tonight. Squirlley as hell. Might be the cinder block I have for a seat. Ran out of gas tonight. Thought it would be a super PIA with manual pump.... not too bad. Hope it doesn't hurt the pump.

I need an electrician. I will try it myself, a good effort, but I just don't see it happening. Too much stuff to 2x's check. And problem solve... we shall see what happens there....??

:) :popcorn:
IMG_1260.jpg
IMG_1261.jpg
 
Progress

After a couple of tough weeks, frustrating finds, and PIA resolutions. Today was a good day.

!)Fixed the leak behind the timing plate... (Grant - OEM Gasket ;) & a bit of aviation) NO LEAK. All re-assembled and turning good.
2)recieved new/original stock perch pins/bushings....And after a lot of grinding measuring, careful PIA step by step, but all assembled Front and Rear today... and when it looks right, fights right, it must be right... Love going back to stock no more confusion.:p
3)2.5 over stock on new shackles.. Looks awesome, I like the stance. Did not realize how much difference it would make... but wow. Looks good.
4)Installed a new clutch line... having a small arguement with that... I think I will win. It worked before, but now can't get fluid back into the line. Will try gravity in the morning and if not, will have to do it another way.... Not sure why I am not getting pressure. (NO pedal) All I did was change the line. OH well, Resolution tomorrow.

Driving that thing in previous years has been dangerous. Fellow Mud Member taught me about Castor Angle.... Never knew anyting about it?? Got some 4* shims and that should greatly help. Might need more Degree... but will start there and look for improvement, until I can get to a shop and have it properly measured. I have 4inch re-arched springs (20years ago) with new 2.5" over shackles. WIthout any corrective measures installed... LMAO:whoops: I had no idea... Live / Learn

Got to do some small dis-assembly to get back under Tranny hump, AARGH.:doh: Figure that is just par for the restoration. but then it will be back and running. Was not looking forward to all the work that was ahead..... only because all the work that was behind....

have settled in, gotten over, and am reeling in the satisfaction of accomplishing this task in my drive-way. I did not think I could do it.

Could not have done it without the help and support. SO want to give a thanks for all the help that came my way.... As always appreciated

Respect. :cheers:

**Pics and maybe a video shortly to see the updates... Too damn tired tonight.
 
Driver

Just having some fun.... Yea.... Ha.

Licensed, tagged, and driving it all around. Very awesome.

Still need to work on all doors and the top, But having a ton of fun until the funds build up again to do that....

Thank you all for all the help you have given over the past year.... Would have probably given in to the temptation of "too much work" without the inspiration here on MUD.

Thanks again.... MOre to come....
IMG_1684.jpg
IMG_1685.jpg
IMG_1686.jpg
 
Work Work Work

On the Road, and loving it.... runs great... A few more details but 96% and a few things to go until, its just a driver...

SO glad to have it back. Worth all the work....

Want to say thank you to all those who helped, and will continue checking in, Much appreciated to Ih8Mud. could not have done it without you.
cruiser.jpg
Cruiser2.jpg
 
78GroundUp said:
On the Road, and loving it.... runs great... A few more details but 96% and a few things to go until, its just a driver...

SO glad to have it back. Worth all the work....

Want to say thank you to all those who helped, and will continue checking in, Much appreciated to Ih8Mud. could not have done it without you.
Click to expand...

I must call bull**** on you.

That is NOT just a driver. Amazing job, just really impressive. I think I'm about 2 years away from undertaking what you've done. LOVE IT! Rig is definitely a head turner.
 
Great Work. Love the Color.

How is the ride?? Your shackle angle looks pretty vertical.
 
Been gone enjoying the cruiser, so just now seeing this. The ride is "squirrely"... I am aware, need to get new leaf springs, those are so stiff, short, but have yet to "flip" them, so dealing with it, and still recovering the budget from the build. Once I put the shims up front it has become a much easier drive. The fear is gone.

Just enjoy being able to ride again...

Major Nelson... yes, I put a lot of work into making it nice, but it is not a garage car, and it is getting plenty of miles put on it. SO it is a driver, and its built to last. But I did like your comment, I worked hard to get it here. Back from the dead so to speak.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

R
78 FJ40
Replies
0
Views
494
Randomfly3r3
R
J
Need a muffler / 78 FJ40
Replies
16
Views
1K
Jim S.
J
D
78 FJ40 Rear opening measurement
Replies
12
Views
1K
vfrer
vfrer
twonamesjames
'78 FJ40 "Build"
Replies
16
Views
2K
greenEFSI
greenEFSI

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 1 (members: 0, guests: 1)

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom