Nut & Bolt Frame-Off 1978 FJ40 Restoration (2 Viewers)

[wngrog]

Got any Cruiser size footman's loops? I need 5

 

[MScruiser]

Got any Cruiser size footman's loops? I need 5

I do not.

 

[MScruiser]

Well, the PO struck again. I dig the ambulance doors out of the attic, only to discover he had cut circles, and drilled several holes in the sheet metal for aftermarket speakers. And what a wonderful job he did too.

First, I determined how big my patch would be.

Next I fine tuned the fitment, and held the patch in place

A few tac welds to hold it in place.

 

[MScruiser]

Next, I place more tac welds between each previous pair of tac welds. Once it cools, I place a tac weld in between the last set of tac welds. I continue this process until the weld along the seam is continuous.

Continuous weld

Then it's time to grind down everything nice and flush.

Then I put a coat of cheap primer down to keep things clean until I sandblast the entire door.

 

[MScruiser]

More awesomeness from the PO. I HAD thought the rear of the hardtop panel was in good shape. Alas, upon further inspection, I found the typical rust areas.

Here's the back side. Yup, bondo coming out the other side of the metal is always a great sign.

Started fabbing up a new piece. I'll fold this little bend over to match the original, and give it a lot more strength.

 

[MScruiser]

Going in. Still more welding and grinding to do, but the cancer is gone now.

 

[pmccraney]

What's the current status on this one?

 

[MScruiser]

What's the current status on this one?

Waiting to have my rear panels and doors media blasted.

 

[Papalud]

Fake news

 

[MScruiser]

Fake news

 

[BMThiker]

 

[under_psi]

ha....nice...

are you not blasting them?

and what about the smoking, did it clear up?

I've been out of the loop and haven't been on enough lately.....I feel out of place with no LC now....

 

[pmccraney]

....and what about the smoking, did it clear up?

?

 

[MScruiser]

?

Nope, smoke did not clear up. Expected head gasket....

There's a lot more to that answer. I'll have a major update on that in the next month.

Lou, nope, not blasting myself. All those panels are huge. Would cost at least a hundred dollars in media, and would make a gigantic mess, not to mention burn up a few days. I'm outsourcing them to MS Mobile Blasting

 

[pmccraney]

Nope, smoke did not clear up. Expected head gasket....

There's a lot more to that answer. I'll have a major update on that in the next month.

Bummer. I know you will figure it out though.

You've come along way... Looking forward to seeing the finished product.

 

[under_psi]

Nope, smoke did not clear up. Expected head gasket....

There's a lot more to that answer. I'll have a major update on that in the next month.

Lou, nope, not blasting myself. All those panels are huge. Would cost at least a hundred dollars in media, and would make a gigantic mess, not to mention burn up a few days. I'm outsourcing them to MS Mobile Blasting

just. damn. but, on the bright side, you'll KNOW what is in it now......

 

[MScruiser]

Redoing the hard top.

Neato

At least 10 broken off bolts had to be removed. Fun!

Broken bolts. Common scene on this build.

Surprisingly very little rust on this top. According to Cruiserdan, the sticker indicates it has been replaced previously. This explains why it's in such great shape.

 

[MScruiser]

Sandblasted the drip edge after scraping the old seam sealer out. Then coated everything in 2 thick coats of SPI 2-part epoxy primer. Yes, I am letting it cure in our guest room (the wife is not happy with this).

This is what I have chosen to use to seal the drip edge: SEM High Build Self Leveling Seam Sealer. My research tells me this is a very nice product. My paint shop had some samples for me to check out, and I was very impressed. A little pricey ($35 a tube).

 

[MScruiser]

And BTW, the hardtop sides, doors, and ambulance door have all been painted. Awaiting wetsanding now.

 

[wngrog]

Good work!