Builds My 69' 55

[RUSH55]

Hey, there you are. Was wondering what happened to you...

 

[ConspicuousPig]

Hey, there you are. Was wondering what happened to you...

Yeah it's definitely been awhile since my last post. Working full time, two kids (4 & 6) plus school at night are all keeping me very busy. However, I was able to stay after at work for a couple hours this evening and I got to make a little more progress to the rockers.

 

[ConspicuousPig]

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I definitely still have some more cleaning up to do before it's ready for paint but I'm happy that I'm getting the rockers closer to complete. I was lucky to have some solid material to weld to on the body. I Only had one spot where the weld blew through the metal and was able to easily repair it. I also welded the bottom of the rocker underneath to the pinch seam to secure it to the body.

 

[ConspicuousPig]

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I definitely still have some more cleaning up to do before it's ready for paint but I'm happy that I'm getting the rockers closer to complete. I was lucky to have some solid material to weld to on the body. I Only had one spot where the weld blew through the metal and was able to easily repair it. I also welded the bottom of the rocker underneath to the pinch seam to secure it to the body.

Because I have made the rockers out of 10ga steel they can easily take the weight of the vehicle. They will also be able bash anything in their path and will still keep on rock'n!

 

[RUSH55]

Nice work! That looks fantastic!

 

[ConspicuousPig]

 

[ConspicuousPig]

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[ConspicuousPig]

I Found these old before and after photos from when I rebuilt my Holley Carburator. Man does this little thing work good. I have never had a single issue with this carb. Even if the truck sits for of a month or more it fires right up and idles so smooth. To tell the truth, I've been wanting to purchase Holley Sniper Kit but I really don't see any reason to. I've been really happy with the one I've got.

 

[ConspicuousPig]

 

[ConspicuousPig]

Starting in on the tailgate now.

 

[ConspicuousPig]

 

[ConspicuousPig]

I completely disassembled the motor and register. Replaced the plastic gear and added new grease. I sand-blasted, washed and painted all parts. I also cleaned up the motor armature with 300 grit sandpaper and i inspected the brushes. Regreased all moving parts and reassembled it.

 

[DTC72]

That plastic gear looks to be in great condition!!

 

[DTC72]

Did you ever get the original steering wheel/column back? I have a 69 FJ55 with the original steering wheel. I have been told it was a one year only thing. Pulled mine out while I added a FJ60 PS box and found I am missing the main shaft bearing thrust collar and compression spring. Guess that explains part of my wonky steering. Been looking for replacements but no luck. I understand the columns are the same for 69-72. I have enjoyed reading through your build!!

 

[ConspicuousPig]

That plastic gear looks to be in great condition!!

I purchased that gear from SOR a year or so ago. I think was $30. I considered upgrading it to a metal gear at the time but figured that the cost of a metal gear was too high. Not to mention a plastic gear is the weak point if any sort of binding was to occur. I'd rather replace the plastic gear again than try and source a motor/gearbox etc...

 

[ConspicuousPig]

Did you ever get the original steering wheel/column back? I have a 69 FJ55 with the original steering wheel. I have been told it was a one year only thing. Pulled mine out while I added a FJ60 PS box and found I am missing the main shaft bearing thrust collar and compression spring. Guess that explains part of my wonky steering. Been looking for replacements but no luck. I understand the columns are the same for 69-72. I have enjoyed reading through your build!!

Thanks . Yeah, My steering column is from the 72' that I had. I did get my 69' steering wheel back and it works great on the 72' column. Only issue is that the horn contacts don't touch so I can't sound the horn with that 72'column/69'wheel combo. I Was thinking of putting in a momentary push button somewhere discreet on the dash and wiring it up so that I'd have a horn again. I'd like to honk at folks as they wave when I drive by.

 

[ConspicuousPig]

Did you ever get the original steering wheel/column back? I have a 69 FJ55 with the original steering wheel. I have been told it was a one year only thing. Pulled mine out while I added a FJ60 PS box and found I am missing the main shaft bearing thrust collar and compression spring. Guess that explains part of my wonky steering. Been looking for replacements but no luck. I understand the columns are the same for 69-72. I have enjoyed reading through your build!!

DTC72, I came across these steering column bearings and thought of you. Other vendors out there may have them too, and you probably already know that. I just wanted to pass on what I'd found. Also, I know a guy that has a column from a 69' fj55 that he'd sell. In case you're interested.

TOYOTA LAND CRUISER STEERING COLUMN & SHAFT

Diagram of OEM STEERING COLUMN & SHAFT. Contains 17 parts priced between $1.02 and $66.08. Fits TOYOTA LAND CRUISER.

parts.lakelandtoyota.com

 

[ConspicuousPig]

I spent yesterday evening pulling the tailgate. I wasn't prepared for the lateral spring to be seized in there and had to cut it out. I didn't have many tools at the house but got lucky by finding an arbor and cutoff wheel for a die grinder. Only I didn't have the grinder with me so I chucked it up in my drill and was finely able to get the tailgate free.

 

[ConspicuousPig]

 

[ConspicuousPig]

I put in some work on the tailgate today after work. I'm excited about getting some time in on this!