Builds My first '40 and the venture (4 Viewers)

[OlYellr]

Well I edited the punch list for items done - Started to investigate other things and got sidetracked - there will be several small posts...

First off - is the last photo of the body mount area cleaned/painted up.

Next few - are of the exhaust by rear passenger, first pict is the PO stuff that rubs with the tires - and next one is reworked the bracket/weld to remove - on the test drive yesterday, we didn't hear any more rub.

Lastly - I posted on Dallas's (@dmaddox ) thread yesterday about how washers were used as shims to get the fenders straight enough to tighten down.

Exhaust - before....

After....

and...

Fender shims

 

[OlYellr]

I put in the safety hood latch on that was powder coated last year. Also with new shiny bolts - I first put old bolts on, but one snapped, so that had to be extracted and replaced with new.

Also on the list to do is swap in the Meter plate that I had coated last year too - the ash tray and pocket door were already done and installed (That reminds me - need to assemble the sun visors - took that apart and had that metal coated for consistent look) - need to attach the glass/rubber to meter first....

On the passenger door, the handle bezel went MIA, so put new on one and new screw since the door cards were new too.

Safety latch...

Meter plate to swap in/out.

Door completion...

and that is done...

 

[dmaddox]

Some nice handy work!! I've been researching the flourescent orange "lock" indicator sticker/paint on top of the lock mechanism. I found some nice vinyl, but get this....after just having the cruiser outside for a few hours while working on it - it bleached it back to yellow!

 

[OlYellr]

The last thing I will post about is the heat...

got the heat shield on - on the 79+ the transmission hump is different and smaller that what you would see Nolan do. Put it in and around that, plus on the firewall by the driver feet. And decided to put the OEM mat back in for next weekend (also put new TC lever cover on). Then got skit plate on.

First impressions - wow! understated. It is quieter. Flat out, yeah the rattles are more pronounced and annoying now, but you are lead to believe you could actually hold a conversation (then reality sets in at 45+ mph). Secondly - after driving around while chasing down other issues - you don't need to check yourself into a Burn Unit. The gun was showing a 30* drop in inside temps. They were around 100-105. That was freaking awesome.

Shots... (so at some point, Toyota routed the exhaust over the frame along the frame rail under driver - so got that) - some picts blurry but you get the idea.

and

more

last

 

[OlYellr]

Non-tech.

So I was grinding coffee beans the other night and had the TV on and this commercial came on that caught my attention suddenly. Drug makers know their demographics! I searched the net and found the commercial video (in the link) to make sure my eyes were right - half way through the video is a blue FJ40 splashing though water. The ad is for old guys and prostrate cancer. Man, they got my attention with the cruiser...

Novartis TV Spot, 'Real Men: Challenge What You've Been Told' - https://www.ispot.tv/ad/6JDm/novartis-real-men-challenge-what-youve-been-told

 

[OlYellr]

Also yesterday, spent time checking out the idle, timing etc. Runs really well. EDIT: Adjusted timing to about 10*

Russ and I ran out of gas yesterday late doing all that, and mainly with the carb. I am still not getting the secondary to kick in. Paper clip test fails.

We took the actuator off - put to vacuum pump - thing moves instantly (less than 3 hg) - it holds. Put back on. Drove, put load on it nothing, bent tab so the mechanical kicks in with the butterfly opens so vacuum take over, spent time, confirmed that is working. Took the air cleaner off and can see when putting the gas pedal down, the secondary butterfly crack open looking down the carb. The mechanical components of the secondary are fine. The paper clip moves a mm or 2 from that.

For what ever reason, the vacuum is not pulling the secondary open. My last check (lean drop about 2 months ago, had 16-17 Hg at idle) and since then had a smoke machine on and found a big leak.

decided to give up that rabbit completely at the end of day. Most of the time, don't use a secondary anyway. Just at times, won't have one. This will be a riddle to solve after SAS.

Also, found an oil leak carb side of engine, rear. Oil going down the block. The valve cover acorn wasn't on all the way. Turned 1.5 revolutions to tighten. Hopefully that is it. There was oil located there on the head/valve cover area in the back, seems logical, where nut was loose too.

Vacuum pump on actuator, testing it out and what load (hg) does it need to get moving.

 

[clrussell]

This cruiser is so nice. I love the little details

 

[OlYellr]

This cruiser is so nice. I love the little details

Thanks! That is the point right, to inspire others and or share ideas/solutions.

Ian asked for some axle breather extensions like I have last night, adding that to the list to make/bring along next weekend.

 

[wchevron]

What material did you use for the heat shield. Finally got mine on the road since buying this winter, couldn't believe how warm my legs were getting driving around.

 

[clrussell]

Thanks! That is the point right, to inspire others and or share ideas/solutions.

Ian asked for some axle breather extensions like I have last night, adding that to the list to make/bring along next weekend.

I do like those vents. I need to do something like that on mine as well.

 

[OlYellr]

What material did you use for the heat shield. Finally got mine on the road since buying this winter, couldn't believe how warm my legs were getting driving around.

used almost all 7 sq feet. It's what Nolan uses on his stuff. might as well use what he uses.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CEM3O0?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

 

[dazerb]

Developing a final punch list. Stopped by Russ's late yesterday and we loaded up and drove around and could re-create the noises - in the end it is the exhaust - The PO did exhaust work kind of close(ish) to stock location - anyway - will send a pict.

I was concerned it could be the new springs etc. Been texting to Ian as he is shaking down his rig with same setup and while steering is better, not right. Seems like tire pressure may have a bigger role in talking with Ian last night for his issue. I think mine is good after crawling around in and on it. Was concerned with a loaded rig, was too much for the medium springs. I now think it will be ok after a full complement of people in the back driving around.

Speaking of driving around, it has been years in the making to get to this point to drive. Now I know what people mean by an oven. Man, this thing is a mobile Easy Bake Oven.

I got this heater shutoff valve (stock image from where I got it, not mine) - and I closed it, but the heater still produces heat - maybe it restricted some flow, but not all - temp on the gun almost 160 on inlet pipe to heater. - I wish it was a ball valve on that thing instead. Good idea in theory, my experience is not matching theory.

Rest of trans hump hot AF too. So ordered some floor/tunnel heat shield to put down.

Put oem hub caps on yesterday. Will share my punch list later when better vetted given the limited days left.
View attachment 3673683
Temp gun picts...

View attachment 3673684
and by the TC lever.

View attachment 3673688
feet...
View attachment 3673689

How else you gonna keep your burritos warm

 

[OlYellr]

Few more small items resolved.

Ambi door lock/handle wouldn't lock via key. lots of slop in old handle. Got new one and will see how to fix old one. Did some strikers too. Not a lot of meat leaf on one. Doors shut better. Winch hooked up and running. Rear door now locks with a key!!

Installed brackets had powdered last year to hold jack bottle rods etc. May get to other side to get tool back in its proper space. (today is a lot of packing/sorting what to take or not). Installed jump seat straps too

Striker old vs new... (From CityRacer)

Old and new lower striker

This little stop is made from Frankincense and Myrrh. ($$) don't have - (Body rust - exhaust etc will be next big project, next year/winter - I'm kind of done and just want to drive around)

 

[mtn biker]

Kinda cutting it a bit close aren't you. You are going to SAS right?

 

[OlYellr]

Kinda cutting it a bit close aren't you. You are going to SAS right?

Nothing like a little bit of pressure to get one motivated! Really some of the stuff now is not important for a successful trip (winch yeah, door handle no). Heading out Sat am.

 

[65swb45]

Kinda cutting it a bit close aren't you. You are going to SAS right?

As Pismo Jim put it 20 years ago before one of our Surf N Turf gatherings: If it wasn’t for pizza, shop lights and trip deadlines, we’d never finish our trucks.

 

[OlYellr]

Left for SAS yesterday with @Plains Cruiser to make NE convoy - long day driving. Some pics. Connecting with TX convey this am. Decided to drive. Was hot yet YELLR did great.

Made it to CO

Found tire rub with the CO picture. A hard left makes it. Turns out clamp on rear of drag link needs to spins back more (bolts sticks out just enough to catch when fully cranked). I’m going to do that before we head out to catch Tx crowd.

 

[Green Bean]

No pressure or anything... but a whole lot of us are deeply envious and will be living vicariously through you for the next week or so. So have a bunch of fun, take a lot of pictures and don't screw it up.

 

[OlYellr]

No pressure or anything... but a whole lot of us are deeply envious and will be living vicariously through you for the next week or so. So have a bunch of fun, take a lot of pictures and don't screw it up.

There will be plenty of pictures- got a lot of good ones today. Both Ian and Erik know their photography. They were asked to use their craft on Thursday for an event.

Will play catch up.

Samples

And

And

 

[OlYellr]

Making’ dreams come true (those who follow thread, my AI experiments back in March vs now)