My 1962 FJ40 Project

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Splangy said:
Most of the owners of really early 40's hang out in the 25 section. It's really the best place to get information on the early 40's.

I need to go spend some time there. Although the oldest cruiser I've ever owned was a '72 (and a'69, but wound up selling it within a month of buying it so I don't count it), I've always loved the oldies. If I had the money I'd be all over fjfjfj's.
 
Alot to be said for the older ones. From what I can tell, they're obviously more rare (although not necessarily "worth" more) - and it seems the metal was much less likely to be thru-rusted like the later ones are. I'm still trying to figure my way around MUD, and I'm collecting data and pics as I go along, in preparation for the winter, when I plan to take it completely apart for restoration. About 4-5 guys in this 25 thread, including Alex (KY Longhunter) have all kinds of pics that I'm studying to figure things out. Can't wait to really get into my project. First mission is to get it safe and running in the next two weeks. We'll see.....
 
when you say restoration...do you mean a true nut and bolt restoration with correct parts, engine, tires...etc, or a restomod?
 
when you say restoration...do you mean a true nut and bolt restoration with correct parts, engine, tires...etc, or a restomod?

Well, is there such a thing as a half-arsed full restoration? :idea:

I plan to go period correct with engine, trans. T/C, ext body, interior body, dash, column shifting, wheels/tires - virtually all the big ticket items. But will I worry about period correct hose clamps, and perfect match bolts? Probably not. I just don't think I have the skill & will to do a perfect project like what you've got. Plus, I need to stay married.... haahahah.
 
Finished dismantling the front clip on my '62, cut off some welded supports the PO had put on the radiator (no idea why). Lined the gas tank with Red-Kote, cleaned up sending unit & installed again with new SS 4mm bolts, fixed wire issues from ignition to alternator, and to solenoid, then cranked it over ! Can't wait to put tank back on and run it a bit. Think it needs new thermostat. Bought HF 110lb pot Sandblaster - later this week I begin sanding & priming. NOTE: a quick check with the manly-man manual, page 157, paragraph c. DOES INDEED confirm that the wife will come up with all sorts of stupid chores when you begin a new project that she was only luke-warm about. So that answers some of my real-life questions this past week. Ahahaah. Pics in next post ... moving on.
 
Dude ... isn't that the pot calling the kettle black .... we need new pics from your 81 restoration ! Also need to take it for a ride - when will that happen ?
 
Ok- so I got my HF 110lb pot and hooked it up. Started blasting and it looked great for 30 seconds. Then it clogged. Moved my compressor and heard water splashing in the tank. Whoops! Gotta drain the tank and buy an inline dessicant dryer and will try again tomorrow. "I love learning everything the hard way" - said no one ever.

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Hello Hunt Fish,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Man, your moving along on that 62!!! Impressive. Not sure if you live close to a plating guy but having the original clamps and details replated is not real expensive and certainly add's alot to the restore. Some of the replating I did when restoring my 62: door handles, hose clamps, e-brake, strikers, things like that. You could always send along those parts to my connection here in Temecula who does plating or send them to me and I could run them over to him, that is, if you don't have something close by where you live. Looking forward to seeing your progress. We have just about finished mine. Can't wait. Maybe another week. Also, if you want a swatch of the original seat material for reference, let me know. My original front seats were covered up for 51 years so they were in perfect condition, both color and texture. Great when I went to have new ones done, perfect swatch to go by. Just PM your mailing address and I will send it along. FJFJFJ
 
I have the pyramid white for the steps if you need it. I bought a bunch and decided to use something else that matched my original cruiser color. The period correct material has tried to be found by myself and T.Binns with no luck. Closest is what I used and then Pyramid white ( not real expensive but solid ). You can see M. Bradshaws 1962 build. He used it and it looks outstanding. Let me know. FJFJFJ
 
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Also, TOYOTA SPANISH MAROON T-1169 for your bezel lettering. It was an old cruiser color and a perfect match to the original bezel color. A few guys on MUD helped me dial in on that. Pic attached.

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Mike...got some stuff for you when you get home as promised.

Wow giving away your golf clubs... You are a nice guy :)

Fjfjfj did you leave the reverse side of the bezel alone... Or... Painted to match? It is not a big deal either way... Just wondering
 
I'm traveling this week, so I've been out of pocket. FJFJ - thanks for the info & offers. I may send you my stuff for plating - I don't know anyone around here who does that. Unfortunately, I don't have a period correct bezel yet - I'm looking right now. But love the original paint color. I'll take you up on that one!

KY Longhunter - you da man ! You all ready offerred, and I need some good clubs: no take-backs, and thanks. Who am I kidding - I don't have time for golf. Work seems to be getting in the way of my FJ build, which was forseeable, I guess. Lets meet on Thurs. afternoon or Friday if you can?

So, this week I'm picking up some Black Beauty blasting media on my way back to BG. The sand just wasn't cutting it - but it was Play Sand, which was not the right stuff, or so I'm told. They say sillica sand from a local Brickyard is best, so I'll also see if I can get some dry sillica sand. I bought respirators and light weight coveralls all ready. HF equipt worked good for short stretches of time.
 
Here ya go. F.D.

I had my tub sand blasted, then prepped and painted by Pete's Custom Paint in Temecula, California. No stripper on mine. Mike might have used stripper though and yes, what a wonderful restore he did. He was my inspiration since he was the only other 62 hard top that I could find that had been restored. Check out T.Binns also. He is doing a soft top and his is amazing. fjfjfj

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