Joining the Cruiser Club with my new FJ40

[ceylonfj40nut]

Heading to Amarillo tomorrow to work on Sandy. @POTATO LAUNCHER has been getting a few things ready which we will share shortly. @cowgirl40, @Cowboy45, and Liam are all going to be at Casey’s Landcruiser Haven getting Sandy on her new journey. We are taking some goodies to rig up. Family wrench time. So awesome.

 

[cowgirl40]

@ceylonfj40nut picked up rebuild automatic transmission last week from CNC transmission in Dallas. Chris was very proud of his work.

 

[cowgirl40]

Brought the transmission at @POTATO LAUNCHER shop. What a place! He is well equipped for this task. First step: Get the advanced adaptor attached to the automatic transmission. @ceylonfj40nut is the lovely assistant.

 

[cowgirl40]

Next, hours of cleaning the transfer case and exposing the bolts so it can be disconnected from the existing engine. It was a group effort. Spring Break in full swing! Thank you @Cowboy45!

 

[cowgirl40]

The transfer case is removed and attached to the new transmission via the advanced adapter. Free lessons on using the automated wire brush was also provided by ever so accommodating @POTATO LAUNCHER. Thank you!

 

[cowgirl40]

Still Day 1 @Potato LAUNCHER’s shop. We
stop for lunch and have a visit from the man responsible for @Potato LAUNCHER’s success, his father. Then off to replace seals and gaskets, put the transfer case back together and get ready for dry fit #1. I receive more lessons along the way.

 

[cowgirl40]

@Cowboy45 assits @POTATO LAUNCHER with dry fit #1. New flex plate is installed to accommodate the new transmission.

 

[POTATO LAUNCHER]

@cowgirl40 , @Cowboy45 and @ceylonfj40nut hooking Sandy up for the long flat tow back to Dallas. Good to have you guys in the Barn all weekend.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

@POTATO LAUNCHER, thanks so much for all your help. It was really great weekend. Really enjoyed working with you in your well equipped shop. Looks like no cruiser project is out of bounds at your shop. So cool you decided to set this place up to assist the Cruiser community. Your can do approach is fantastic!!!

What was really great was being around your family and friends as well! Hats off to your Dad for starting you on cruisers. It is enriching every way you look at it. We were glad to have him come by and see us work(Pic 1).

Doughnut Stop delights were da bomb. Thanks to you and @Dirtydawg for those. It was great hanging out Doug!

I will let @cowgirl40 add more on day 2 and 3.

 

[Cowboy45]

The past two days in Amarillo were amazing. It was super fun to spend time with @POTATO LAUNCHER and his family. I learned so much about fabrication and metal working. I think it was awesome you took the time to teach us and show us all tricks of the trade. Can't wait to see y´all at SAS #3!

 

[POTATO LAUNCHER]

It was my pleasure @Cowboy45 . You got to spend time with your Pop learning. Knowledge weighs nothing to cary around but without knowledge tools are useless.
Word of the weekend , HoneyBun!

 

[Yackster]

Actually....

That’s funny

 

[Yackster]

@cowgirl40 it was nice to meet you this weekend. And always nice to see @Cowboy45 and the boys. SAS is coming soon we’ll see you there on if not sooner. Oh by the way nice 40 you’ll love the automatic. So much easier especially on the trails.

 

[CaptClose]

Looks like you guys had a lot of fun this past weekend. Wish I could have been there. The donuts looked amazing!

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

@cowgirl40 it was nice to meet you this weekend. And always nice to see @Cowboy45 and the boys. SAS is coming soon we’ll see you there on if not sooner. Oh by the way nice 40 you’ll love the automatic. So much easier especially on the trails.

Yackster, it was awesome to see you. Glad you could stop by.

 

[cowgirl40]

Looks like you guys had a lot of fun this past weekend. Wish I could have been there. The donuts looked amazing!

The best donuts I have ever had and the most in one week. Amarillo is so proud of their donuts! This one is for you. Get ready...

 

[cowgirl40]

Day 2: The dry fit of the new transmission proves that we needed to move a cross member! Bummer. Hoping not to have to do that but it was necessary. @POTATO LAUNCHER suggestwd moving it back and installing a new removable cross member that will make it easier for future owners to service the trasmission or go back to stock of they wish. The process allowed us to witness his mad fabrication skills. The man loves his metal!

PS: Look at my handsome @Cowboy45!

 

[cowgirl40]

Day 3: Beautiful morning at the shop. Final steps before installation. Shifters, break line, transmission fluid fill and Speedo housing.

 

[cowgirl40]

Final fit was perfect! @POTATO LAUNCHER and @ceylonfj40nut were so happy about nailing the angles need for the drive shaft. All new territory for me.

 

[cowgirl40]

Time was ticking. We had to get on the road to for our five our drive back home but @POTATO LAUNCHER was in full form fabricating a plate to cover the holes in the floor board and bending the new shifters. The pyrotechnics made for an interesting show.