Builds My Father-in-Law's 1980 FJ40 (1 Viewer)

[43bruiser]

Hey man, thanks for documenting your project. I have similar work coming up. Can you describe the process for your welds? Did you stitch weld slowly allowing everything to cool before moving on? Did you note your welder settings? size wire? Was it windy at all messing with your gas?

 

[BrownWolf]

Hey man, thanks for documenting your project. I have similar work coming up. Can you describe the process for your welds? Did you stitch weld slowly allowing everything to cool before moving on? Did you note your welder settings? size wire? Was it windy at all messing with your gas?

@43bruiser Yes, I was careful to make sure that my stitch welds were cool by not making successive welds in the same area and I used an air compressor to cool them between welds. It took me a while to dial in my settings. I started with .030" wire, but had more success with .023 wire. My biggest challenge was where I had gaps between the body and patch that I wasn't able to bridge with a weld. Also the body was thin in a few spots where I just blew through. I would recommend you take time to make sure your patch and body fit together as closely as possible all along the seam. The results will look better and your welding will go smoother.

 

[knuckle47]

The difference now is that you have solid steel in those rotted zones that will last a VERY long time, the cost was “X’ dollars but the education is (sorry for the Mastercard commercial but) “ PRICELESS”

Additionally as proficiency builds, you’re going to create things that your skill expands on and dig deeper into the needs of your FJ40 than you ever might have thought. Thats where the savings will show up. And , you can find you’re pretty damn good at it

I have a friend that wanted a WWII Harley motorcycle.. I loved mine… he just bought one…couldn’t fix or ride it well. Eventually had to really figure things out

 

[sterling]

Love the direction you are taking the truck and learning to weld.
@knuckle47 is spot on.
Your welding skills can only improve from here.
Looking back when I welded my ps floorpan, I assumed I had to cut out the whole panel and replace.
In hindsight I should have cut out the rust and used the new panel to cut and replace the piece rather than the whole floor pan
Learning to weld puts another notch in a man's belt. Enjoy your project

 

[BrownWolf]

Thanks @knuckle47 and @sterling for the words of encouragement! It’s all been a learning experience and there is a sense of accomplishment.

Once I have the rear tire wells cleaned out and apply a couple coats of POR15, I’ll feel like it’s a major milestone. Body rust largely dealt with and much of the undercarriage coated with POR15.

 

[BrownWolf]

All the parts (emblems, reflectors, and tire carrier) back where they belong. Ground the rust and debris from the rear tire wells in preparation for the POR15 treatment.

 

[BrownWolf]

Applied POR15 to the rear tire wells. After considering that getting a professional paint job was likely to cost me 5 figures, I think I'll just order some White 031 paint and cover up the primer myself.

 

[knuckle47]

@BrownWolf ….just as you have approached welding…your new venture into painting can’t be that far off. There are so many youtube videos on painting a car. Check out paint society on YT. I have no clue regarding any paint experience you might have but… I think I mentioned painting a 1952 Harley and side car as a first project and despite a few drips, it came out beautifully. It takes so much more prep on the vehicle but damn….5 figures? Seems more than worth it without a Powerball win behind you.

Grab on old junk car part, sand it, fill it, prime it, paint and. Polish it…

By the way, it’s easy for me to bark out these ideas …I hope you don’t mind. Based on my own experiences, you can make it work. All made with the best of intention

 

[BrownWolf]

@knuckle47 how could I possibly mind? Your encouragement has helped get me this far and I appreciate it!

 

[BrownWolf]

Finished painting, here's the now and then comparison.

 

[BrownWolf]

In honor of my father-in-law, Dr. Bill, with fond memories.

 

[cbmontgo]

Great work!

 

[knuckle47]

@BrownWolf terrific! It looks great and those issues are way behind you now.

 

[BrownWolf]

Great work!

Thanks! It has definitely been a learning experience.

 

[BrownWolf]

@BrownWolf terrific! It looks great and those issues are way behind you now.

@knuckle47 Thanks! I appreciated all of your encouragement.