my 73 build slow start. (1 Viewer)

[skully3]

So I finally got a decent tub to start my project. I am recovering from shoulder surgery so I figure now would be a good time to start the thread. I wont be getting to this for a while but here are a few pics of what I am working with. I have a late 72 that needed a tub and I happen to stumble accross a good deal in Oregon so I had it shipped to NJ through my job. This tub is 417 off my vin # so it should be a perfect match. The color of both rigs were powder blue. I have a 79 rig that will act as a doner for the 2f and 4 spd and disc brakes.

 

[Living in the Past]

Looks a fairly clean tub but it also looks to be 72 production date 73 model. A fuel fill door, different hole in the firewall for the steering column plus the lack of a tool box under the driver's seat are all 73 model not 72. If you can find a 74 thru 78 transmission cover it will bolt right in and have the shifter holes in the correct location. The gas tank was different between 72 and 73. Front seats and lower dash pad were also different. 73 had the radio cut out. When try to find parts look for items that will work in 73. A lot of things can be made to work with different years but helps to know what your starting with.

 

[fj404life]

How dare you steal good LC stuff from Oregon!! Just kidding looks like it found a comfy home!!! GL with shoulder and rig!!!

 

[skully3]

Living in the Past...you are right on. My 40 is a 73 though it was made in 72. I think this tub was made the same month since it is only 417 off my vin. The thing that threw me was the fact it is the tub has a Oregon title registered as a 72. This is exactly why I started this thread...thanks for the info!

fj404life...I couldn't pass up this deal and the guy that sold it was a great guy and worked with me on the shipping. Came from the Redmond area. Was a perfect deal for me. It is in a heated garage now and will prob spend the rest of its life there.

here is a pic of the fenders, they are almost perfect.

 

[skully3]

Ok so its been awhile until I could actually dedicate some time to my hobby(s). Hopefully this year I will make some (slow) progress. I want to do this thread just to keep track of the trials and tribulations that I have gone through and maybe this will help answer some questions for some new people and of course myself. O and the 2f and disc brakes wont be happening..my plan as of right now will be as stock as possible. After you lurk awhile like I have, you start to really appreciate a nice stock rig. I am working on the small stuff for the winter and do not have a ETA on when this will be done. like many hobbies that people enjoy, they should last a life time. Here is the link to my wire harness redo.

Why do I have a brown wire in my stock 73 harness?


O yea a big shout out to Coolerman and his website.

 

[skully3]

Steering wheel restore. Cleaned up pretty good. Took every component apart. The high low beam was a bitch to put back together, id never be a good clocksmith. Luckily i had another assembly to look at. Used novus cleaner on a small ragwheel for polishing the steering wheel.

 

[skully3]

Got a batch back from the platers. Time for some reassembly and yhen on to phase 2. Like christmas day here at my house.

 

[skully3]

Got the radio working. I guess the mice crap in it protected it over the years. Took it apart to clean it up. Its pretty cool because it has a speaker built in the bottom of it. It is made in japan and i assume it came stock in my 40.

 

[Ambrew]

Extra points for restoring the radio.

 

[skully3]

Progress Pics...

 

[skully3]

so got the t-case back together. This was actually a pleasurable job except for the hours of cleaning and prepping. I strongly suggest doing the initial teardown at your workplace, in a barn or shed, anywhere but in your house or even a garage attached to the house. Some ppl cant appreciate the smell of gear oil. Up next on to the transmission. .......

 

[FJ40|RUNNER]

Awesome work...given the thorough job you're doing you're going to have an amazing rig by the end of it!

 

[80FZJ]

Skully3, a fantastic to your restoration. I've a '73 as well, in planning stage of restoring to factory spec. Except some safety/performance upgrade such as disc brake in front. Looking forward for more update on your build.

 

[80FZJ]

My '73

 

[80FZJ]

Skilly3,
Is that an F Engine you restoring? Is it all stock spec, parts?

From what i have gather that an F engine, tend to get hot / over heat at highway speed. That's why people change to 2F, of course for slightly better performance.

 

[skully3]

Skully3, a fantastic to your restoration. I've a '73 as well, in planning stage of restoring to factory spec. Except some safety/performance upgrade such as disc brake in front. Looking forward for more update on your build.

looks like you have a great start, mine wasn't even close to that condition. Like the paint scheme...maybe you should keep it. If you have any questions just ask...I've been learning a lot as I go.

 

[Jdc1]

Awesome job. Your work space is nice too.

 

[80FZJ]

It's original paint scheme. Yes, i plan on preserving the patina. Possible clear coating.

 

[skully3]

Skilly3,
Is that an F Engine you restoring? Is it all stock spec, parts?

From what i have gather that an F engine, tend to get hot / over heat at highway speed. That's why people change to 2F, of course for slightly better performance.

Yes stock F engine..plan is as original as possible. This engine had around 72k miles on it and was in great shape. The way I see it I will be lucky to put 1/2 that on it in my life time. I would also think with proper maintenance it should last long enough for my kid to wreck it in college.


I see you have a roll bar (not offered on a 73). Do you have the long jumps? I think my only upgrade will be roll bar short jumps and newer belts. But this can change

 

[80FZJ]

Yes stock F engine..plan is as original as possible. This engine had around 72k miles on it and was in great shape. The way I see it I will be lucky to put 1/2 that on it in my life time. I would also think with proper maintenance it should last long enough for my kid to wreck it in college.


I see you have a roll bar (not offered on a 73). Do you have the long jumps? I think my only upgrade will be roll bar short jumps and newer belts. But this can change

I do have the hardtop with the matching paint. When done it well sport the harttop.
Long Jump? Bench seat?