Joe's '87 60 Frameoff Using '88 62 Frame

[VTCruiser]

So that's the 60 frame you replaced!!?!?!? It's in WAY better condition than the one on my truck now...

I hate you guys.... ;p

lol, yeah the 60 frame came with the CA truck so it was mint so I ended up selling it. The 62 frame was from an SC truck and was just as clean and I wanted to built my cruiser back to HJ spec, and the 62 frame was the closest. Now the original frame on the HJ, that's a whole other story...

 

[Joe_E]

Joe_E wrote:
"How do I nut the front hangers when the frame is boxed?"

Just weld them... you are going to do it anyway...

That frame is just... awesome. I'm curious as to why you (and others) are going with a 62 frame rather than a 60 frame? Is it just that they are newer and in better shape? more available?

Well that's a story in itself. I inquired about a near mint 60 frame and subsequently left a deposit. Three months later when I called about picking it up that weekend I was told it was actually a 62 frame. It has set my build scheduling back a little because of the modifications needed but the condition of the frame is spectacular so I have no regrets and am happy.
And to think Cruiserparts charged me less than what a new 2F carb sells for makes me stare at it all the more.

 

[woytovich]

So the real questions is: how long does it take to swap a frame?

 

[Joe_E]

Well finally finished up that pesky job I was on last friday and got laid off. Then got the new Trails and discussed with the wife and kid how we are going to Moab and that unreal Canyonlands National Park when the 60 is done. Weather warmed up so I hit the garage for the first real work time in a while.
Wound up using my Dremel tool with some great little reinforced cut-off disks from Forney. All went exactly as I hoped it would.

Have to move the trans crossmember forward about 15" or so.

 

[rfj62]

Good to see you're back at it, god bless warm weather.

 

[ElliottB]

I'd love to see those original pics updated. All I see are Red X's.

 

[VTCruiser]

nice work. I tried cutting the old ones off with a 4-1/2" and it didn't work, so I ended up just fabbing new brackets.

 

[Joe_E]

Friday was not just a "Good Friday" but a great one. Drove up to Vermont with the wifey and grommit for a 24 hour vacation.
Hooked up with the super cool MUD member rapovt and took delivery of one beautiful 60 series full floater. Next stop Lancaster , OH.

 

[Spike Strip]

Very sweet - looks to be in excellent shape, too.

And now you're gonna have to buy another tool!

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Good find! Great things, FF rears are.

 

[Joe_E]

Been a while since my last update.

Got a question for the experts-

Had to elongate the frame engine mount slots on the FJ62 frame to receive the 2F out of the 60. Anyone forsee a problem with the longness of the holes?
I don't want to have to fill material if I don't have to. I don't imagine the engine would slide to either side once the rubber makes contact and is bolted down.

This will be the last double check before i weld the tranny mount in position as well.

Anyone have any observations of problems please speak up!

 

[Butt Ugly Chuck]

Good to see more progress

I don't see any problem with the longer holes. They were slotted to begin with. If you're at all concerned though, the weld required to shorten that up is a pretty simple one.

Butt

 

[Joe_E]

Redownloaded pics, guess after so long they go X for some reason.

 

[Joe_E]

Well after checking and double checking I made the call today to my buddy Jeff who came over within the hour with his small but powerful TIG setup and welded the tranny crossmember home.

 

[JAC83]

Well after checking and double checking I made the call today to my buddy Jeff who came over within the hour with his small but powerful TIG setup and welded the tranny crossmember home.

What grade are those bolts you used to attach the tranny crossmember?(and where did you get them) I used grade 8 bolts on mine but they are already showing surface rust and I couldn't find anything other than the regular black grade 8s , or is this rust not a reason for concern since it's just superficial?

Great project btw, can't wait to see it finished!

 

[klinetime574]

Those welds are amazing.

Are you gonna be doing some engine work? I assume so cause the front of the engine is bare. I like engine rebuilds. I wanna do another haha.

 

[Joe_E]

What grade are those bolts you used to attach the tranny crossmember?(and where did you get them) I used grade 8 bolts on mine but they are already showing surface rust and I couldn't find anything other than the regular black grade 8s , or is this rust not a reason for concern since it's just superficial?

Great project btw, can't wait to see it finished!

Not sure what grade bolts they are. They came in a box I picked up of metric plated bolts. They fit and weren't rusty so I used them temporarily. I will probably just call Cruiser Dan and get the right bolts.

Those welds are amazing.

Are you gonna be doing some engine work? I assume so cause the front of the engine is bare. I like engine rebuilds. I wanna do another haha.

Yes, i'm gonna get the engine rebuilt while it's out. I don't have the space or nor do I feel like pulling a Greg Brady and leave something important out so i'm gonna bring it to JimC when I save the money up.

 

[klinetime574]

Oh come onnnn you're a 1/4 of the way there

This is gonna be a great build. Are you gonna be painting the frame next?

 

[Joe_E]

Yep, I just have to figure if it will be worth waiting till spring for me to do it or go get a price and just get it done. Gonna make a couple calls tomorrow.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Have it galvanized and primed, then coat it in POR.