I just wanted to pass this along. I'm finishing up my 1976 FJ40 frame on restoration.
1) When installing rubber door gaskets use the yellow 3M gasket seal over the permatex with tape to hold it. You only need a thin bead, its dries fast and is easy to squeeze out the tube. Also, I used the OEM seals, I can't imagine trying to make any other seal work since these are molded to the door grooves.
2) When installing your glass seals use the 1/8" rope trick (search the site for instructions) its super easy for 2 people, even my windshield took 5 minutes to install. If you are still using your 30+ year old rubber seals they will tear unless you use lots of lubricant and then they still might tear. I would recommend new rubber anyway.
3) When painting protect you screw holes, it has been a PITA to clean them out.
4) Buy OEM if possible, I know this is a no brainer but costly. It seems like every part I bought that wasn't OEM I spent more time making it work than the money I saved. For some of us time is money.
5) Don't be intimidated. When all the panels are removed these vehicles are fairly easy to work on. Their is tons of info on IH8MUD so try to do it yourself. I found it a great learning experience and in most cases easier than expected.
I should be posting pics in the next week or so of the before and after.
Good luck and enjoy!
1) When installing rubber door gaskets use the yellow 3M gasket seal over the permatex with tape to hold it. You only need a thin bead, its dries fast and is easy to squeeze out the tube. Also, I used the OEM seals, I can't imagine trying to make any other seal work since these are molded to the door grooves.
2) When installing your glass seals use the 1/8" rope trick (search the site for instructions) its super easy for 2 people, even my windshield took 5 minutes to install. If you are still using your 30+ year old rubber seals they will tear unless you use lots of lubricant and then they still might tear. I would recommend new rubber anyway.
3) When painting protect you screw holes, it has been a PITA to clean them out.
4) Buy OEM if possible, I know this is a no brainer but costly. It seems like every part I bought that wasn't OEM I spent more time making it work than the money I saved. For some of us time is money.
5) Don't be intimidated. When all the panels are removed these vehicles are fairly easy to work on. Their is tons of info on IH8MUD so try to do it yourself. I found it a great learning experience and in most cases easier than expected.
I should be posting pics in the next week or so of the before and after.
Good luck and enjoy!
