Builds Project Pikachu: 1977 FJ40

[cbmontgo]

Beautiful! Man he’s kept that old Ford in great shape.

He’s a neat guy. 83 years old and still really active.

He used to buy and restore tractors in his younger years. This one was probably restored 20 years ago, but still looks good. Only has 530 hours since the last engine overhaul.

 

[cbmontgo]

I picked up the kids at school in the 40 today. As we rolled into the driveway, a nice flock of turkeys walked in front of us.

It was little sister’s turn to sit in the front on this trip. Young man was not happy about that, particularly since she slept for the whole ride.

We had a nice buck in the yard today as well.

 

[cbmontgo]

On a different tech note and making a very long story short, I’ve taken possession of my son’s 1999 3rd Gen 4Runner Limited 4x4. Apparently it isn’t uncommon for the axle seals to compress and fail when the wheel bearings wear (bearings are in the hub, not the axle on these), so the rear diff oil leaked out over the course of a few months. We are two states away, so of course this went unnoticed.

This not only ruined the rear brakes and wheel bearings, but it destroyed the differential and damaged the transfer case in the process. Toyota wanted $4k just for the rear end work (prior to my discovering a bad transfer case), so bought him a Camry and shipped the 4Runner to Colorado to do in my shop.

I’ve got everything done now (replaced brakes, seals, bearings, differential third member, and transfer case) and the 4Runner is running perfectly now. Think I’m gonna hang onto this rig and drive it for a while. May do a few cosmetic restoration items and have some fun. These are great driving little rigs.

 

[cbmontgo]

So my dad’s health has been in a bad spot the last few months, so I went to Mississippi to help with some family stuff. While there, my buddy Wes and I dropped by @wngrog’s place. Got the chance to check up on The Goat, drive Project Patina and the Warthog, and ogle over the multiple other awesome rigs he’s got. Thanks for the tour, Nolen. It’s been right at 3 years since I was here last, picking up the hulk that became Project Pikachu.

 

[cbmontgo]

Also, my dad gave me his triple locked ‘96 FZJ80 over the weekend. Gonna add this one to the stable and keep it fairly stock.

 

[wngrog]

Thanks for letting me brag on my
Junk heaps.
How was the Ms BBQ burger?

 

[cbmontgo]

Thanks for letting me brag on my
Junk heaps.
How was the Ms BBQ burger?

Dude...that place is good! Thanks for the suggestion. Quite the joint.

 

[cbmontgo]

Still trying to get back to Colorado, stuck at DFW due to flight delays. Should’ve driven the 80.

 

[middlecalf]

How many miles on your “new” 80? My ‘97 has 285k.

 

[cbmontgo]

How many miles on your “new” 80? My ‘97 has 285k.

This one has 245k, but got a new factory engine somewhere around 200k I believe. Runs well, but needs some TLC from sitting in storage for a long time.

 

[78Cruzr]

Great write up! Thanks for sharing some good reference info, pictures and a great thread for your kids to reminisce through...

 

[1MOA]

Ford Jubilee tractor

Tell him to make sure the filter/strainer on the valve assembly is clean Also sometimes people forget there is a screen below the sediment valve at the top where the bowl screws in and it can cause problems.

 

[cbmontgo]

Tell him to make sure the filter/strainer on the valve assembly is clean Also sometimes people forget there is a screen below the sediment valve at the top where the bowl screws in and it can cause problems.

Thanks. We cleaned that filter screen and replaced the entire fuel tank and various other parts.

 

[cbmontgo]

We’ve got a legit snowstorm coming in tonight, so I went on a gin and propane run into town in case we stay inside tomorrow. She is running beautifully as always.

 

[cruiserboy14]

beautiful!! ive been running mine as a daily driver when I don't have to go downtown phoenix or long highway travel. these machines are tanks.

 

[cbmontgo]

The paved roads are still slushy (i.e. not safe for rust-free classics), but I needed to go for a drive and get my 40 fix in. Just stayed on back roads with the heater dutifully humming at my feet. Nice afternoon.

 

[wngrog]

Splendid

That said you need to just coat it with Fluid Film so you can drove the £¥~> oit if it

 

[cbmontgo]

I decided to go for a drive today to some nearby spots to exercise Pikachu and clear my mind after an exhausting last couple of weeks. The route was Highway 67 down to Cripple Creek, then to Victor, then 7 miles into the north end of Phantom Canyon, before heading home.

The history of these three areas is quite fascinating, with tales of ghosts, mines, railroads, brothels, and wild times.

It was cold and windy today, but I continue to be impressed with how cozy it is with the soft top. For tech: I had a coolant leak in the cab today, which just required tightening of a heater hose at the firewall. Very little coolant loss.

Cripple Creek as seen from near Tenderfoot Pass. Collegiate Peaks in the distance, where we had some really good times this past summer.

Edge of town.

Grabbed a chili verde burger at Maggie’s in the old Lampman Building, which has been the home of everything from drug stores to mortuaries over the years. Currently hosts the Colorado Grande Casino. Enjoyed reading about the history of the namesake.

Downtown Cripple Creek.

 

[cbmontgo]

Then, I passed through the nearby mining town of Victor, which is still very active with Newmont Mining. It is wild how much of this mountain must have been devoured over the years. It is pretty sad, but I guess it is reality.

I was told by one of the locals last summer that this mine nets over $2M per day. Clearly little to none of it stays in these towns, as both Cripple Creek and Victor are very unkept.

Downtown Victor:

 

[DangerNoodle]

Then, I passed through the nearby mining town of Victor, which is still very active with Newmont Mining. It is wild how much of this mountain must have been devoured over the years. It is pretty sad, but I guess it is reality.

I was told by one of the locals last summer that this mine nets over $2M per day. Clearly little to none of it stays in these towns, as both Cripple Creek and Victor are very unkept.
View attachment 2154485
Downtown Victor:
View attachment 2154487

So you are one of the 40's I've seen driving around Woodland and Divide! Its cool to see another person from my hometown on mud.