Build My First Landcruiser: 78' Frame Off Resofication

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You're going to have to finish it. Because a running Cruiser is worth more than one that is not running.

Plus, this is one of those major life lessons---"You have to finish what you started", regardless of the time constratins. If you can't finish it before you leave, you can tinker on it when your at Mom's visiting.

You're a young guy and remember the 1st step in establishing a sucessful career and college education is to complete a project that has been started regardless of the blood, sweat and tears that it may cause you.

Believe me I wanted to quit many things on many occasions, especially college, but I always talked myself into sticking it out and finishing becasue the reward is much greater than quiting. Once you finish, any project for that matter, you'll realize that you can undertake any project and know that you'll get through it, regardless of time.

You've come this far now get to work and finish the fauker. BTW 86 the hard top and go for the soft top. Its a nice application.

You can do it! I'm rooting for you. :flipoff2:
 
So the GM dealership is going to try to machine the head....but its going to take alot of machining.....What confuses me is that they are only machining one head...so wont that throw the compression off in those cylnd.:confused:

They said if that doesnt work they will replace it.
 
Yo bro, I stayed up til 6 in the morning reading your thread. Was like an awseome novel starring my favorite characters, Fj40 and a owner with the love for one. So far a tear jerker but I love happy endings. So finish that bad boy. Besides, finishing what you started is a great feeling. Man you have put your heart and soul into this. I am definitly pulling for you. I am also moving to Ouray in 2 weeks or so and if you want to show my Earthtiger up on some trails look me up. Only when your back from SB. I love your going to cali w/a colorado built cruiser. Keep up the great work.

Weber
 
Wow I tried to take a sabbatical from mud....didnt work! I have to tell you guys the bad news....


I sold the cruiser!:frown:




















NOT







ok now for the real update: As you guys know (i think) the engine has been fully torn down for the last month or so. Two days ago the new GM head (supplied through GM warranty) came in so the heads were put back on and everything sealed up.

At that point I had no idea what to expect since the last time it was running the TBI was being a bit@h!

We put all of the settings to neutral and then fired her up. INSTANTLY it was running better than EVER. Stayed up with my mechanic buddy till 1AM and finished the initial tuning. Noticeably about 2 times as powerfull and I cant even begin to explain how responsive it is.

This morning I had plans to leave early for Pagosa Springs via the cruiser and take it in to Don Haywood (recommended by Mike) a wiring guru there. He has AWESOME shop rates and so I was hoping he could fit me in before I leave for SB (3 weeks). After a few holdups (bad fuel venting had to be re routed) I made it there.

He actually let me drop it off on the spot and even though his shop was packed he said he would try to get it done in a week or so.

When I get it back from him...all of the wiring will be fully soldered up and fixed.

I think this is the first time in a while I have felt good about the project and It seems like its finally running the way I envisioned when I first started the project.

Sorry for all the chat...rest of the posts will be tech related;):rolleyes:

:cheers:


 
thanks hugh.

so im trying to decide...should I get a lo-jack unit for when I move to cali...or one of those dope line lock units that lock up all fours...or just accept that if someone wants it they just screech it onto a trailer?

cast your votes now!
 
Make yourself two kill switches. One for short stops and double for long term parking. Most ex-pro car theives have said, they can overcome most anything, except custom kill switches...
...they take too long to figure out.
 
Not to give away all of my secrets..but at the moment I have a visible ignition switch... and then a visible momentary switch that you have to hold down while pushing the start button (no key)...the momentary switch has confused even some very seasoned mechanics and they had to call me to find out how to start it. and then ontop of that I have a hidden kill switch. BUT if a theif wants it all he has do do is open the hood....run a hotwire from the battery to the dizzy and then jump the starter....basically if my rig was locked and i needed to hotwire it....it woulnt take more than a few min. Thats why im worried...not sure how smart the average theif in cali is...but im expecting the worst (seasoned pros)
 
Eli,

More is better in this case. Do you already have a Grant steering wheel? If so an easy add on would be the Grant security system that allows you to remove the steering wheel. Hard to drive without a wheel :) I'm installing one now but since my 40 never leaves the garage I'm not sure I need it :frown:

You'll never totally discourage someone that REALLY wants your 40 but it is hard to steer a rig onto a flatbed without a steering wheel, especially if you crank the tires before you lock it up.

Keep us posted on the other good news :cheers:
 
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Allright...got an email from Don (wiring guy) tonight....he found alot of issues that would have had to been traced down...so at this point he has torn out all of my wiring and is starting over...Im driving down there before work tmrow to just go over it all and make sure the goal is understood. Will take a bunch of photos and post them up tmrow night if I have time.
 
mud1.webp

mud2.webp

The green cruiser is a off body that the shop was just finishing up...very very clean. First cruiser that has had a "new car smell"

Mine is the red one in the background
mud1.webp
mud2.webp
 
how much is he charging you for the re-wire?
 
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