Build My '78 FJ40 "44"

[Solace in Solitude]

I miss the Joshua trees. The dog in the rear makes me think of my golden retriever Wally. I really miss him. The Tarrier looks like my Max with out the spots. He is a Beagle Tarrier mix.

Teddy is a GoldenDoodle... that hasn’t been groomed...

Chester was a little down... no rabbits today.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

That's kinda funny reading about your old houses I started with the water district back in 1980 reading meters so there's a good chance I walked by them a time or two. Vegas was a bit smaller back then.
JP

Just a bit...

I used to come out here on business and my Sister-in-Law still lived here... still does. I those days, she lived around Wyoming and Nellis in those days.

She and I would go to dinner... the first time she took me to Bob Taylor’s Ranch House, I thought we were going to Reno... seemed like miles and miles of desert.

Now we live within about 4 miles of Bob and there is still plenty of development north of us.

 

[4Cruisers]

In the summer of '75 I lived in Mercury but drove into town most weekends, so spent a lot of time on Rancho. IIRC back then the last stoplight was at Vegas Drive. But as your post shows, even with the tremendous growth it's still pretty easy to get out into the wilderness. Keep the trip reports and project updates coming.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

In the summer of '75 I lived in Mercury but drove into town most weekends, so spent a lot of time on Rancho. IIRC back then the last stoplight was at Vegas Drive. But as your post shows, even with the tremendous growth it's still pretty easy to get out into the wilderness. Keep the trip reports and project updates coming.

Thanks... I hope to!!

 

[4x4veteran]

Teddy is a GoldenDoodle... that hasn’t been groomed...

Chester was a little down... no rabbits today.

Wally was a GoldenChow. He looked like a golden with a big chest and a black tongue. Can't say Max is stupid because even though he doesn't mind, he knows how much he can get away with but he is one happy dog rain or shine.

Had a little black and white dog we named Trouble that was a Heinz 57 mix but cute as heck. The first time we took him to the desert he took off over a hill and out of sight.

My wife and I panicked and started chasing after him and trying to call him back.

After frantically looking and calling for ten minutes or so we tiredly returned to the Land Cruiser.

There the little siht was laying under the Toy in the shade.

About a year later (1980) we moved to the high desert where I built a Geodesic dome house among the Joshua trees.

Jack rabbits were thicker than fleas. Trouble was in heaven. Every morning when we got up there would be several dozen outside the door and he would take off after them.

After a year or so of that it got to be where he would be laying on the porch and a Jack would go by he would look up and then lay his head back down as if to say, Screw it, I'll get the next one or maybe the one after that.

My wife and I moved around a lot during for the first six years of our marriage and Az. was one of the places.

We had spent a year (73-74) in Eureka Ca. and for the health of our 2 year old son (damp and mold) we wound up at my dad's weekend place in Bullhead City.

We was only in Vegas once and that was in the day time to get our Sheriffs cards to work at the casino in Laughlin. For the next six months we worked at night and spent the days in our new to us FJ40 exploring the desert.

 

[Weber Sarge]

I do try to keep Politics out of things on the forums - it just leads to too many arguments and division. Our common bond is the Cruisers, dogs and family and the way it should remain to keep the place as it is...I love this forum and it's members. This has been one of my favorite threads, nice to see wide open desert spaces when winter is here and it's too cold to really do anything outside. I tried to start the '77 the other day - battery is too low again and I suspect a small parasitic drain. Need to get a warmer day and at least get it charged and run it some to keep that engine healthy. I hate seeing it sit there and rust - our weather is really tough on things and especially any Japanese trucks or cars from the older generations - they disappear right before your eyes. We swear around these parts on a quiet night you can hear the Chevy and Toyota trucks rusting away, pretty sure that's true to a point..lol.

We had a discussion about a new dog again last night - I really don't want another one at this time, but my wife likes watching a lot of the animal shows with me and some have been showing a lot of puppies lately - you know how that's going to lead to a new dog with her. She's lost without her couch buddy - but I refuse to have to deal with a puppy this time of year .When they are first acquired is the time to start training and it needs to happen outside - not for me when the temps are running well below 20*F. We have had some days that it's warmer but for whatever reason this winter it has been colder than average and very windy - some days over 40mph for more than 16hrs with gusts reaching 60mph and knocking semi's over on the roads. It's also very damp outdoors, which makes the wind penetrate even the best winter work gear I own and that stuff isn't cheap . Just bought a new pair of Rocky Blizzard Stalker boots to replace the older ones that were cracked and shrunken - when it snows and I have to deal with it my garden tractors don't have cabs nor heat and issues with my feet from the injuries are making it really tough to sit on a machine and clear the driveway and parking areas. Last time I went out the Raynaud's kicked in hard, only staying out for less than an hour at a crack and having to sit inside and warm up my hands/feet again took all day instead of a few hours. A friend just got a newer Kubota with a cab and loader - we're setting it up now to use the quick attach system on it's bucket for a front truck blade - he's going to get more work to do here with snowfall as a trade - I'm doing all the welding and fab work in his shop as a favor, lol...it works out well between us getting things done. He's a master machinist and works in sales now with cutting tooling, I'm based in Construction and welding/fab work - between the two of us anything can get done easily given the time needed and weather.

I love those pics - from what little time I've spent out West I really enjoyed the weather and scenery - it sure beats looking at all this corn or lifeless fields in the winter season.

Speaking of those Chow/Golden mix dogs - there was one on a veterinary show yesterday the wife was watching - she of course fell in love with it's looks and colors. I wonder though about their temperment and attitude - Chow's can be an odd breed and pretty much a single dog situation, just not sure from what I've read to consider one - seems there are some breeders doing those specifically but opinons always vary. To me, no matter the breed or mix - it's how you raise and train them. If you don't put in the work, well - you live with the results.

Sarge

 

[fj401978]

About 36 years ago, a friend of mine had a Chow he needed to give away, he lived in a neighborhood and I lived in the country. The dog loved children, but hated bicycles, he bit a boy on a bike, thus the need to get rid of him. My daughters were 2 and 4 at the time, this dog would let those two girls climb and crawl all over him, pull his ears and what have you, was never aggressive what so ever. Just couldn't ride a bike around him, go figure. lol

My '78 is still under cover, in many pieces, I don't have a garage to work in, so it has to wait for warmer weather. I dream about the day I can drive it again! I've had that ol' girl for 20 years now, she's a part of my family.

Like Sarge, this is my favorite thread, I do enjoy reading about your journeys and treks and I love seeing the pictures! Thanks for taking the time to update us once in a while with stories and pics!

Skip

 

[4x4veteran]

I do try to keep Politics out of things on the forums - it just leads to too many arguments and division. Our common bond is the Cruisers, dogs and family and the way it should remain to keep the place as it is...I love this forum and it's members. This has been one of my favorite threads, nice to see wide open desert spaces when winter is here and it's too cold to really do anything outside. I tried to start the '77 the other day - battery is too low again and I suspect a small parasitic drain. Need to get a warmer day and at least get it charged and run it some to keep that engine healthy. I hate seeing it sit there and rust - our weather is really tough on things and especially any Japanese trucks or cars from the older generations - they disappear right before your eyes. We swear around these parts on a quiet night you can hear the Chevy and Toyota trucks rusting away, pretty sure that's true to a point..lol.

We had a discussion about a new dog again last night - I really don't want another one at this time, but my wife likes watching a lot of the animal shows with me and some have been showing a lot of puppies lately - you know how that's going to lead to a new dog with her. She's lost without her couch buddy - but I refuse to have to deal with a puppy this time of year .When they are first acquired is the time to start training and it needs to happen outside - not for me when the temps are running well below 20*F. We have had some days that it's warmer but for whatever reason this winter it has been colder than average and very windy - some days over 40mph for more than 16hrs with gusts reaching 60mph and knocking semi's over on the roads. It's also very damp outdoors, which makes the wind penetrate even the best winter work gear I own and that stuff isn't cheap . Just bought a new pair of Rocky Blizzard Stalker boots to replace the older ones that were cracked and shrunken - when it snows and I have to deal with it my garden tractors don't have cabs nor heat and issues with my feet from the injuries are making it really tough to sit on a machine and clear the driveway and parking areas. Last time I went out the Raynaud's kicked in hard, only staying out for less than an hour at a crack and having to sit inside and warm up my hands/feet again took all day instead of a few hours. A friend just got a newer Kubota with a cab and loader - we're setting it up now to use the quick attach system on it's bucket for a front truck blade - he's going to get more work to do here with snowfall as a trade - I'm doing all the welding and fab work in his shop as a favor, lol...it works out well between us getting things done. He's a master machinist and works in sales now with cutting tooling, I'm based in Construction and welding/fab work - between the two of us anything can get done easily given the time needed and weather.

I love those pics - from what little time I've spent out West I really enjoyed the weather and scenery - it sure beats looking at all this corn or lifeless fields in the winter season.

Speaking of those Chow/Golden mix dogs - there was one on a veterinary show yesterday the wife was watching - she of course fell in love with it's looks and colors. I wonder though about their temperment and attitude - Chow's can be an odd breed and pretty much a single dog situation, just not sure from what I've read to consider one - seems there are some breeders doing those specifically but opinons always vary. To me, no matter the breed or mix - it's how you raise and train them. If you don't put in the work, well - you live with the results.

Sarge

My wife and I have talked about another dog after Max. We have mostly only had one dog at a time and each lived from 12 to 16 tears and it tore our harts out when each one left us.

If Max goes to the norm I will be hitting 80 myself by then. The question is will I be able to take care of a dog much less my self.

As for puppies...it makes me smile just thinking about them.

Looking at pngunme's desert pic's brings back memories of just heading out across the open land. There is a subtle beauty to the desert that many people, including those that live there don't see or appreciate.

My Chow Golden retriever Wally lived to please. As you say, it is in how you raise them.

When I was spending a lot of time in town at the art gallery where most of my stuff was displayed I would take Wally along.

He always minded good but when he got people around him he was a real show off. Me too a bit. It was like he anticipated my commands and would drop into a sit or charge for example before the word was completely out of my mouth.

I doubt it will happen but I would like to meet Teddy and Chester. I would even say hi to there pet human.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

@4x4veteran

Some days, Chester starts after a jack and gets distracted by a second jack, starts after it and gets distracted by a third.

Other days, like yesterday, nothing. But, it was warmer yesterday and no breeze, so they were probably playing poker underground.

Joshua trees don’t provide a lotta shade, but it sure comes in handy on uphill hikes on warm days!!

When Chester was a pup, up to 1 year old, he wouldn’t listen when we camped.

Every time I broke camp... no Chester. I could see him, but he wouldn’t come.

I’d fire up 44 and drive off, slow enough that I could see him in the mirror. After a ways (once it was almost 2 miles before I stopped) I’d stop and let him in.

It never helped... but one zap with a shock collar cured him and he’s very obedient now.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

@Weber Sarge

Re: parasitic drain is always an irritant. I installed a battery cutoff in my trailer and also in 44. The trailer has electronics, associated with the fridge and CO2 detector, TV/DVD/Radio and who knows what else, that draw the battery down, even when they are turned off.

The trailer battery would be dead in 4 days.

With the battery shut off, the battery holds a charge all winter.

44 had a parasitic draw as well. I couldn’t find it for the longest time. I installed the battery cutoff and quit worrying about it. I always carry a couple of jump methods anyway.

When I installed my aux tank, I found a wiring rats nest inside the rear of the frame that a PO had wired as part of his towing setup.

I tore it all out and rewired it, so I could light up my hitch cargo carrier.

Then, I wired 44 to allow me to legally tow it with my Tundra.

The parasitic draw disappeared... but, I always turn the battery off, when parked in the garage and when camping or hiking.

I’ve read of people who have burned down their house, when an old vehicle caught fire in their attached garage... so, the cutoff is under a fender... just reach in and flip it off.

The Nevada outdoors is SO diverse... strata running hortizontal, vertical, diagonal and everything in between; rock formations that resemble huge mammals; petroglyphs; rock formations that are practically every color in the rainbow; erosion that results in amazing creations; hot in May, drive 3 hours, camp and get dumped on by a blizzard overnight; drive a different direction and camp in a tree canopy so tight, you can barely see the sun... and on and on...

I’m very fortunate to have this enormous playground, such soecial companions and the perfect vehicle for visiting it!!

Thanks for your kind words about my thread... I’m glad you enjoy it!!

BTW I just bought a new pair of Rocky’s S2V Tactical Military boots. They’re my warm weather hiking boots - I wore out the last pair.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

@fj401978

Thanks Skip!! Hadn’t heard from you for a while... welcome home!!

 

[Solace in Solitude]

@4x4veteran

“Charge on command”!!

Did Wally take cash and checks as well?

Come on out!!

This applies to anyone... Just be sure I’ll be here.

 

[4x4veteran]

@4x4veteran

“Charge on command”!!

Did Wally take cash and checks as well?

Come on out!!

This applies to anyone... Just be sure I’ll be here.

It is a command the way I learned it from my dad. He was a good dog trainer and no he didn't make me charge although I am sure there were time he would have liked to. The best dog he had while I still lived at home was Weimaraner. Boundless energy and a great dog for hunting Quail or ducks.

Oh yeah, Charge. That is when the dog lays down with head erect, front paws forward together and rear paws parallel on either side of the body pointing forward. There may be another name for it but that is how I know it.

 

[Weber Sarge]

One of things I like about the GSD is the silent commands - they are bred to be not only loyal but directly tuned to their owner. There are whole days I'm out with Toby, working outside with him off-leash and never once speak to him. He's always within a 50' perimeter - it's his job and he always positions himself to monitor any known entrance and intercept anyone invading his territory. That is normal behavior for a GSD and how they were designed. It's also normal that they pay the best attention to commands by hand signal versus voice commands - they prefer it and even the most subtle hand motion gets a result from him. Still have a hard time teaching my wife that after 7yrs now...lol. I use a very specific noise made with my lips to both get his attention if he's watching something with too much interest that could cause a problem or to call him to my side - it's quite high-pitched and travels well even outdoors, sort of similar to what is used with horses. Almost any dog breed I've encountered will snap to attention when they hear it, works excellent.

Through hand signals - my wife taught him to wave to earn treats and he's learned to get extra things he wants with that. One trait of a good GSD is problem-solving and this one is by far the best at it that I've had - he uses it highly to his advantage.

People, of course, think it's cute so he gets what he wants. Once, at the age of only 5 months he was sitting next to me on the passenger seat in the 40 at the bank drive-up window. All the clerks inside are laughing and the gal had said they were out of dog treats but to wait and she'd be right back...wtf?? I was in a bit of a hurry to pick up our pizza for that evening..

She went into their store room and got another box to get him a treat - I had not noticed he was leaning past me to look them in the eye and wave - he had them figured out and that being cute earned him what he wanted. I never had to tell him to "wave", he did it on his own...much to their delight. At times he will try to use that problem-solving mind of his to get into trouble, a sharp command stops it dead. He's been by far the easiest to train - one simple thing that he does right earns him a praise and being eager to please makes it's easier to reinforce good behavior due to that trait ,they just "get it" versus other breeds. I rarely have to give him an ill word, he pays attention to body language more than anything and a certain look on my face will cause his ears to go dead flat - he knows he did wrong and corrects it immediately. We have a very deep bond and I do not look forward to the day I outlive him, it's a price you pay for their loyalty and love without asking and for those that have never had that bond with an animal they are missing out on one of life's best gifts. There is a reason humans live longer with pets thay bond with - it makes us complete. Toby and my wife are getting closer than ever now that her lab mix buddy is gone - he's more than willing to fill that void in her and has been somewhat out of character helping her grieve in his own way. He normally wouldn't sit very close to anyone nor ask for a scratching or attention very often - it's just how they are somewhat aloof and well known to be that way. He's asked for a lot more hugs and prefers her attention at meal time over me now and has been asking her to take him out for bathroom breaks. What a character - if I could get those traits in another breed along with more "cuddle" for her it would be perfect - but not sure that dog exists in current offerings.

Sarge

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Toby sounds amazing, Sarge!!

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

Danny, do you travel with a hi lift jack? If so where are you mounting it? Do you carry a bottle jack also?

Tech.
Tech.
Tech.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Danny, do you travel with a hi lift jack? If so where are you mounting it? Do you carry a bottle jack also?

Tech.
Tech.
Tech.

HL - yes - PS, in front of door, on running board. I have a locking mount... FJMount or something... I think they only make them for Jeeps now. Mike (@ginmtb ) made a nice one, fashioned after mine... I’m sure you could make it easily, with your mad skills.

BJ - yep - just a Cheap Harbor Freight jack, in my tool drawer, under the drivers seat.

Tech

Tech

Tsk

 

[Solace in Solitude]

I had shots under both kneecaps yesterday and we hiked this morning. I’m hoping the injections mitigate eliminate the inflammation and mitigate the pain... it seemed better today... maybe everyday will show improvement. I can get injections every 90 days.

A few pics

 

[Solace in Solitude]

More

 

[Weber Sarge]

Far better scenery than what I've had this week - Wednesday and Thursday was on the bathroom floor restructuring the sub floor and repairing the leaky toilet. Nothing like having the crapper come loose under you first thing in the morning. Two days working on my knees and bent over in a pretzel - I'm broken now and can't even lay down to sleep, lol.

What have the temps been lately out there ?

Another thing - I've always noticed a blue haze in your pics . Is that an anomoly from the camera or is that just a normal haze across a vast distance ?

I see the boys are smiling - dogs when excercising are sure a lot happier.


Sarge