My Jan 81 FJ40 Frame Off Resto Mod

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When I ordered my 3/4 tub I thought I would not run an oem spare tire carrier.

However, I really don't want to spend $1000 for a 4 Plus set up and I like the look of rear Bumperettes.

I also have hears others say the oem tire carrier put strain on the tub itself.

I'm interested to know what others think. Go back to OEM tire carrier or not?
 
KY Longhunter said:
When I ordered my 3/4 tub I thought I would not run an oem spare tire carrier.

However, I really don't want to spend $1000 for a 4 Plus set up and I like the look of rear Bumperettes.

I also have hears others say the oem tire carrier put strain on the tub itself.

I'm interested to know what others think. Go back to OEM tire carrier or not?
Click to expand...

I intent to leave it off and build my own carrier. I think it can be done with the OEM look including bumperettes.
Beside the strain on the body the originals where out there hinges and start to rattle.

Love the soft top combo.
 
New pic of top. Driveshafts back in.

Next up, wiring. eek!
image-1222700147.jpg
 
When repairing my wiring harness, where do I start?

This maybe a dumb question, but should I replace any and all wires that have been spliced, etc.?

I know Coolerman sells the wire and some plugs, although not really the late model stuff.

Is it worth my time to go through each connection???

p.s. i found the LED Headlights Icon uses in their new rigs but they are $263 each !!!
 
What was your wiring like before the resto ? Everything working as it should ? Mine was in very good working condition, albeit dirty, so it just needed a good clean and re-wrap. If it was dodgy to begin with then I would rather replace than waste time chasing faults ...

:meh:
 
tucker74 said:
Continuity my friend, make sure each circuit does what it's supposed to from the wiring diagram. Then trace back each section if you find bad circuits ...

Have fun!
Tucker
Click to expand...

Thanks...this is exactly what I needed someone to tell me :doh:

tmarx said:
What was your wiring like before the resto ? Everything working as it should ? Mine was in very good working condition, albeit dirty, so it just needed a good clean and re-wrap. If it was dodgy to begin with then I would rather replace than waste time chasing faults ...

:meh:
Click to expand...

Dont really know of any known shorts but there are several splices where POs added accessories etc.

Im going to clean up and check it on a multimeter and see what I come up with.
 
KY Longhunter said:
Thanks...this is exactly what I needed someone to tell me :doh:
Click to expand...

Really wasn't meaning to be a smart-ass, it's not a fun task though. If you've got the harness out of the truck, lay it out on the floor similar to how it will be installed. I rigged up an extension for my multi-meter probes to be able to hit both ends stretched out. If you're lucky it will only be a few spots, you can get all the connectors and pins from here:

Vintage Connections

Tucker
 
tucker74 said:
Really wasn't meaning to be a smart-ass, it's not a fun task though. If you've got the harness out of the truck, lay it out on the floor similar to how it will be installed. I rigged up an extension for my multi-meter probes to be able to hit both ends stretched out. If you're lucky it will only be a few spots, you can get all the connectors and pins from here:

Vintage Connections

Tucker
Click to expand...

I didn't take it that way at all, I just didn't know where to begin.

Thanks for the link! :beer:
 
Skip's 78 FJ40

Alex,
Just found this website yesterday, read several threads before coming across your rebuild...couldn't stop reading last night!

I have a running '78 (original w/4" lift and 34x9.50 Super Swampers). I have owned this truck for 14 years and done lots of trail riding, love it!!

A few years ago, I bought a 1981 fj40 rust bucket from Michigan off of e-bay and bought a super nice '79 frame from California. This was the start of my project, then 'life' sidelined it for about five years. I have been getting the itch to get back into it...especially after reading about yours!

I have mulled over using a fiberglass tub, then an aluminum tub, but think I will just try to find a decent original '79 to '81 tub. I also had the same title problem as you have...sheesh, people can really screw up a title!

Your '40 really is coming together and looks GREAT...kudos! Keep at it, you've come a long way!!

Skip in NC
 
fj401978 said:
Alex,
Just found this website yesterday, read several threads before coming across your rebuild...couldn't stop reading last night!

I have a running '78 (original w/4" lift and 34x9.50 Super Swampers). I have owned this truck for 14 years and done lots of trail riding, love it!!

A few years ago, I bought a 1981 fj40 rust bucket from Michigan off of e-bay and bought a super nice '79 frame from California. This was the start of my project, then 'life' sidelined it for about five years. I have been getting the itch to get back into it...especially after reading about yours!

I have mulled over using a fiberglass tub, then an aluminum tub, but think I will just try to find a decent original '79 to '81 tub. I also had the same title problem as you have...sheesh, people can really screw up a title!

Your '40 really is coming together and looks GREAT...kudos! Keep at it, you've come a long way!!

Skip in NC
Click to expand...

Skip,

Thanks for the words of encouragement. Sometimes life gets in the way and things move S L O W...

I would consider aluminum tub if I had to do over, but dont think I would go fiberglass. Ive been told (or sold) on the fact that the metal tub would have better re-sale, but there's no way I would sell it now.

Cheers! :beer:

Alex
 
When I was removing my knobs/switches I broke my headlight switch $$$!!! see pics

What suggestions do others have short of replacing switch alltogether? Any fixes?

$OR sells a non-USA switch, what's the difference? Does anyone know?
image-2127704447.jpg
image-720108963.jpg
image-2376578100.jpg
 
Non-US probably does not have the dimmer function. When my non-US switch fried on my LX I simply replced it with two toggle switches (one for running lights and one for headlights). I really like that setup because now I can turn on just the headlights when it is raining, etc.

I would do that even with a US spec rig because I don't think I ever used the dimmer on my 83 FJ40 US Spec rig in 15 years of ownership.

I agree with everyone else - the top looks fantastic!

Josh
 
If a 79 switch would work I could help you out there.
 
if you still need a switch I have a spare one also.

Daryl
 
HJ47 said:
Non-US probably does not have the dimmer function. When my non-US switch fried on my LX I simply replced it with two toggle switches (one for running lights and one for headlights). I really like that setup because now I can turn on just the headlights when it is raining, etc.

I would do that even with a US spec rig because I don't think I ever used the dimmer on my 83 FJ40 US Spec rig in 15 years of ownership.

I agree with everyone else - the top looks fantastic!

Josh
Click to expand...

Josh

Thanks for the info and idea. I might follow your pointer.

Alex
 
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