Builds Project Dumpster Fire - Building my 1972 FJ40 with my Dad

[msapers]

You're off to a strong start. I enjoy my sbc/nv4500 combo. It's a very enjoyable setup and works great. Instead of Saginaw steering have you considered fj60/80/scout steering. The box stays in the engine bay. Imo, it's a cleaner, easier install.

Thanks! I had that setup on my 76 and it was pretty good. I had a Saginaw setup on my old 72 and what I like about it is that it eliminates a bunch of joints and that relay box at the front. Less slop and fewer components to try to source in 20 years when these wear out.

 

[msapers]

Got the engine, transmission and transfer case out yesterday.

Dad and I are working on it consistently and are making solid progress. I really didn't want to do a frame off but that's the way it's headed.

 

[knuckle47]

Oh man…. Sorry this is heading down that path….
One reason I hesitate to start my upgrades… it could be 3-4 months before I get it back together
I really don’t want to miss enjoying the ride while I still can

And the funny thing is…my truck is perfect…those upgrades are only improvements

 

[msapers]

Oh man…. Sorry this is heading down that path….
One reason I hesitate to start my upgrades… it could be 3-4 months before I get it back together
I really don’t want to miss enjoying the ride while I still can

And the funny thing is…my truck is perfect…those upgrades are only improvements

I hear you. This thing was running 2 weeks ago.

 

[msapers]

I bit the bullet yesterday and bought a rebuilt GM 4X4 NV4500, I also ordered the Orion transfer case, the bellhousing, trans to t-case adapter and motor mounts from Advance Adapters. I'm going to be eating ramen noodles for a while but it feels good to have all the "big stuff" on it's way. I'm going to be editing today and I'll share the latest video tomorrow. Now I need to read the entire Orion thread (again), watch the videos from @BenjaminCA on T-case assembly (again) and find someone to blast and prime the body so I can start welding up holes and making patch panels. Should probably refill the welding gas too. I'm definitely in the anxiety stage of this project at the moment. I'll feel better when things stop coming apart and start going together.

 

[charliemeyer007]

Wow I'll bet that some big bucks. Hope it all goes smoothly for you!

 

[msapers]

Wow I'll bet that some big bucks. Hope it all goes smoothly for you!

Yep, and I'm by no means a wealthy person but this is something that I've been saving for over 11 years as well as selling some other projects. Dad's 80 years old, if we're going to do this together, now's the time. One thing I've learned (the hard way, like I learn everything) is that it's never the exact right time or circumstances in life to do something. It's easy to talk yourself out of doing something by saying "after we move", "when I retire" etc, but if you wait too long, you miss opportunities that will never come around again. Money can be earned again but regret is unfixable. That's a lesson that I don't need to learn again.

 

[charliemeyer007]

My dad made it to 86 and mom to 93 - hardly a day goes by that I don't miss them. My eldest sis just broke even a few weeks ago, 4 more to go.

 

[knuckle47]

Few will understand the value of your comments @msapers. At 26 I worked in a field dealing with people who were much older than I. Most of them were in their 70’s thru 90’s and had aged related problems. Compounding these worries was the fact that many never fulfilled their wants and wishes as younger individuals.

Regret has a way of festering the balance of a life. In the 46 years following those experiences, I no longer wait for things to happen. I’m doing crazy Land Cruiser stuff again but this time maybe crazier then 1974… I can’t take it with me and the last few days have shone a brighter light on things than ever before. My stock losses would have paid for a REALLY nice BAT version of an FJ40.

 

[msapers]

Episode 3 is up on YouTube. Honestly, I find that editing the videos is way more work than the actual build! It will be worth it though to always have this record of the project.

 

[charliemeyer007]

Editing well is a skill. Thank you posting, I know its extra work.

I wish there was a charge for crap or fraud vids. You put a deposit say $100 to post a uturd vids. In 5 days you get your money back unless the majority of the views rate it as crap or fraud. Maybe then every moron with a camera and a box will make an effort to not waste the time of viewers.

 

[msapers]

Editing well is a skill. Thank you posting, I know its extra work.

I wish there was a charge for crap or fraud vids. You put a deposit say $100 to post a uturd vids. In 5 days you get your money back unless the majority of the views rate it as crap or fraud. Maybe then every moron with a camera and a box will make an effort to not waste the time of viewers.

Thanks man, I'm trying. Suggestions are always welcome!

 

[knuckle47]

When you were cutting the bolt off the winch I saw dad facing the opposite direction and crack a smile…like, this is great…
Nice new engine too.

 

[msapers]

When you were cutting the bolt off the winch I saw dad facing the opposite direction and crack a smile…like, this is great…
Nice new engine too.

Yep! It's so good to have him here. For the last 10 years, before the knee replacements, his life has been almost totally inside his house. In fact, prior to starting work on the 40, he hadn't been to my house in over a decade, although I go over to his place several times a week. Those new knees made all the difference and it's fantastic having him up off the couch and outside where he belongs.

 

[msapers]

Lots of news this week. Episode 4 is up on Youtube (below). After reading the Orion thread 3 times this week, I contacted Georg at Valley Hybrids. He seems to be the undisputed expert and after talking to him, I've decided to have him build my Orion. That was a hard decision for me because I hate for anyone but me to work on my stuff. However, Georg is the man when it comes to these cases and I'd rather utilize his experience than gain my own experience at the cost of a blown up transfer case. Speaking of the Orion, It arrived, along with the bellhousing, adapter and motor mounts. Meanwhile, Dad and I have been busy pulling everything off the body so it can be removed and sandblasted. This poor rig had had so many holes drilled in it. I'm going to burn through a whole spool of MIG wire welding them up but that's assuming that I have a body left after blasting.

I also noticed that there is no sign of the mounting holes for the bottom hinge of the factory tire carrier. The good news is that the bedliner doesn't seem to have promoted any rust. I'm assuming that's because Bondo doesn't rust.

On a brighter note, a couple of Mud members pointed me toward Aero Tanks, who offer a 22 gallon rear mount fuel tank in case my Con-Ferr one is junk. Thanks Guys! In the same thread, I found out that Mark's Offroad is still around (as is Mark himself!). This is great news as I'll be needing many things during this build and I prefer to support local shops when I can. Plus, as I remember, Mark's shop was a wonderland of Cruiser goodness. Lot's of eye candy if you dig old parts like I do.

Here's episode 4. Quick summary: I almost burn down my garage. Dad whistles. Later, I almost die when the chain comes off the engine in midair, my wife visits the garage and supports me by pretending to be impressed. (She's deeply excited and super supportive about the Land Cruiser being finished but has zero interest in the process.)

 

[knuckle47]

The moment the engine dropped….even I jumped. Luckily no one’s hand was in a bad spot. Looking serious now

 

[msapers]

The moment the engine dropped….even I jumped. Luckily no one’s hand was in a bad spot. Looking serious now

Yeah! That was not a good moment. Dad thought he killed me. After doing the day job that I did for 25 years, I'm physically incapable of panic, (or at least I'm incapable of showing it outwardly) so on the video, it looks like I don't even care.

 

[msapers]

On a personal note, I'm down 101 pounds from my heaviest weight and still losing! This is Land Cruiser related because I can get down on the ground and back up again for the build and actually fit in the rig when it's done. The picture on the left is me on October 23rd, the day of my bariatric surgery and the picture on the right is me yesterday. The 40 and I are both being modified with utility and longevity in mind!

 

[msapers]

Someone sent me a private message saying that I would change my mind about using my 40 as a daily driver and road trip vehicle because of the inherent design issues of older vehicles. Joke's on him because these are my current vehicles. The truck (1964 F250 4X4) is my daily and road tripper. The 1950 Chevy is a weekend hot rod. The FJ40 is the newest, most modern vehicle I own!

 

[knuckle47]

Had a similar situation 20 yrs ago when I was an active motorcycle rider. My newest bike was 1947…the guys on the new fuel injected FLHTCU-I did not believe I would ever keep up on group rides…

It’s a good feeling to know !