Builds My 78' Barn find FJ45

[HENDOG]

Man that doesn't look anything like the Bucket of Bones you started with!!!! You sir are an inspiration.

 

[Michael B]

Thank you Henry! Does this mean you're going to rebuild yours?

 

[AlbertoSD]

Hey Michael,

Great work on the 45, and tremendous progress, too!

Quick question, and you might have covered this already, but what paint did you use on your axles? (it almost looks powder coated, but reading your thread noticed you said you painted them).

You will love those cable lockers, I have them on my 70-series and will plan to keep those forever

A side question, what handles did you get for the cable lockers? 60-series or 70-series style? And have you decided where to install the handles?

Keep up the good work, Michael!

-Alberto

 

[Michael B]

Alberto,
Thank you for the kind words. I use Krylon satin black for all under body/hood. I've used it for years and really like it. I have 70 series handles for the axels. But I have not determined a mounting location yet.

 

[78fj40mg]

Mike, it looks awesome!!

Congrats on a job well done!!

 

[Michael B]

Thanks Mike! So far so good, but I'm nowhere near finished yet. Although the finish line may be in sight from here.

 

[Indestructible 47]

@76FJ40 great work on the rebuild, words can't describe it.

however, I was going to ask, what are those lockers and axles you have? I want lockers and can't decide what option to go for, are the cable lockers strong and reliable? and would have to be cheaper than new ARB ones for instance.

thanks mate

 

[chappohj47]

Try Eaton E locker for price terrain tamer now sells them. factory cable lockers are hard to come by

 

[Michael B]

@Indestructible 47 chappo is correct factory Toyota cable lockers are difficult to come by. Mine came from a 70 series rig, they also can be found in 60 series as well. The axels have a heavy duty cable that run from the differential to the cab with a mechanical actuator for each axel. It's a simple mechanical unit that doesn't need a compressor or have dainty wires that are easily broken with electrical switches that fail.

 

[Indestructible 47]

@Indestructible 47 chappo is correct factory Toyota cable lockers are difficult to come by. Mine came from a 70 series rig, they also can be found in 60 series as well. The axels have a heavy duty cable that run from the differential to the cab with a mechanical actuator for each axel. It's a simple mechanical unit that doesn't need a compressor or have dainty wires that are easily broken with electrical switches that fail.

thanks for the reply's guys, getting hold of some isn't such a problem for me thankfully. can I put the locker into a 40 axle? also going to get a factory handbrake rear axle for my 47. sorry to hijack your lovely thread mate.

 

[Michael B]

No worries mate! The 70 series axles are the correct width but need to have the spring perches moved in board. The 60 series axels are wider and the front axle would need to have the frame spring perches moved out board. Or you can install the differentials into 40 series axles with modifications to the axle housings.

 

[Indestructible 47]

ok that makes sense. I'll get the whole axles so it shouldn't be a problem. they are 60 axles but I'll see if my contact has 70 ones.

again thanks for the help!

 

[Michael B]

You're welcome mate. Good luck with your axles.

 

[HENDOG]

Thank you Henry! Does this mean you're going to rebuild yours?

I'm hoping I can draw up a contract with you! How about it???
I'm thinking preserve the frame and the under story, Keep the patina with some wet sanding and a Matte Clear Coat. No hurry let me know what you think!

 

[Michael B]

Sorry Henry! This is a private endeavor. I can barely build to suit myself let alone a customer. I also have no space. All of this is being done in my attached two car garage. Everything you want to do is not that difficult. Paint and body work is the most costly and time consuming part of a rebuild.

 

[Michael B]

Well folks the progress has been, to say the least, slow! Even after taking a week off from work there is very little to show for my efforts. A lot of my time had been spent cleaning up after the body man. Some things not done or not done correctly, over spray and the like. I did manage to bolt the cab and bed down. All of the bed bolt holes had to be re-drilled. Painted and installed the exhaust system. It turned out great! I attempted to install the new e-brake cable. Only to figure out, in pretty short order, that I had ordered the incorrect cable. The fuel filler neck is in place, after making from scratch the gasket for it (see picture below). Roma stopped by on Monday evening and helped me set the windshield in place. I was going to install the pedal bucket I sandblasted and painted yesterday, but I had failed to notice before hand that a RHD pedal bucket doesn't fit a LHD firewall. Roma brought me another one this evening (thanks buddy), so I get to do all of that over again. I mounted the vacuum canister bracket and the voltage regulator. The rest of my time was spent cleaning parts and chasing supplies.

 

[Varty Yo]

Oh man is that looking good!!!!

 

[Michael B]

Thank you Brett.

 

[Pauciflora]

Righty'oh. Pics of the brake reservoir as requested.

 

[Michael B]

@Pauciflora thanks mate!