Builds My 78' Barn find FJ45 (2 Viewers)

[Varty Yo]

Stop it your killing me with this man!!!!

 

[Michael B]

Can't stop now. I'm in too deep! I don't think you'll survive the next step Brett!

 

[FloridaFJ80]

Wow Mike, This thing is coming along amazingly. Excellent work!!! How did the bed floor turn out for you. Cant wait to see pictures of it!! Cheers

 

[Michael B]

Thanks Frank! Other than being a little too narrow it was fine.

 

[Michael B]

I removed the transmission and t case from the engine and then I dissassembled the t case in preparation for a rebuild.

 

[78fj40mg]

Nice work Mike!!

I like the simplicity of cracking open like an egg, wish mine were that easy.

 

[Michael B]

There are pros and cons to both types of t cases.

 

[Pauciflora]

G'day Mike,

I just re-read your thread for a second time. You are doing a ripping job on the build. It is interesting that the truck appears to be essentially rust free. South Australia has the distinction of being, 'The driest state, on the driest continent, on earth.' So you might have scored yourself a truck from the interior, rather than from the coast.

How are you going picking out a color?

Cheers,

Ben

 

[Michael B]

Thanks Ben,
The old girl had her fair share of rust but only on the front. Tomorrow I will pick my color after I see the test panel he has shot for me. I'm pretty certain it will be the 78' sky blue code 854.

G' day mate,
Michael <><

 

[cult45]

..South Australia has the distinction of being, 'The driest state, on the driest continent, on earth.'

Funny you should say that - there's a whole pocket of 40 enthusiasts down there on their own. Similar to the pocket of AFL fans in Cairns.

 

[Michael B]

 

[Michael B]

Last night I prepped the transmission for the t case rebuild. This is a trick I learned from @roma042987 !

 

[Michael B]

Tonight I loaded the chassis up for the trip to the body shop. It's time for a final test fit of the sheet metal before the color is applied.

 

[Michael B]

I delivered the chassis to the body shop this afternoon. It was late when I arrived so I didn't stay long or take pictures. The owner actually had to meet me at the shop and open the building to roll the chassis inside. But I did get a look at most of my truck. The cab and cowl are one piece now and so I'm officially LHD! It looked good!! The bed is almost finished. The rest of the parts are in primer waiting for the test fit. He had a test panel waiting for me of the 854 Sky Blue. That is going to be my color of choice. Very pleased with the color and work so far.

This weekend I hope to get the t case reassembled and maybe start prepping the engine for the re-install.

 

[cult45]

Hope you don't mind mate but I personalised some prose to you and your rig.

76 had himself a gas 40,
But he'd oft longed to do something naughty,
He left-handed a ute,
Which turned out real beaut,
And no longer wheels that neat forty.

 

[Michael B]

That's awesome Cult! I don't mind at all. In fact I'm flattered.

I appreciate it mate!

 

[cult45]

Lol no worries. Jus messin about.

 

[Michael B]

I made some progress on the t case this weekend. Now I just need to press a couple of bearings this week and I can close it up.

 

[Michael B]

@FloridaFJ80 Frank I have some followup input to your previous question. When they set the bed on the frame for the test fit it was discovered that some of the mounting pads were installed incorrectly. They had to cut and re-weld them. I don't know if the beds were different in that area between the years or not. I'm still waiting to find out how much that re-work is going to cost me.

 

[alabamatacomaguy]

Looks like great progress. It gives me motivation to get back working on mine . I'm trying to get the body paint ready. Maybe a trip to Huntsville with the body for paint if your guy does work for others, I could figure out some way to expense the travel for work.


Old habits die hard I bet at times you will hop in the right side expecting to drive .