Removing body tub for painting?

[Gippster]

Everyone,

I'm a total newbie. I wanted a project and got one—probably one that would cause a divorce or bankruptcy.

Everyone, I'm embarking on a thrilling journey with my '84 FJ60. It's a project that I'm passionate about. I've waited ten years to get one, and I'll spend ten years rebuilding (probably). I'm willing to invest my hard-earned dollars and countless hours into it. I'm aiming for a restoration that rivals those professional builds, and I'm excited to see it come to life.

My first step is the mechanical work, and I'm fortunate to have found a local Cruiser-specific outfit with a highly skilled team. I deeply respect their expertise and will be following their guidance, focusing on triage work and getting the engine in working order. I'm also considering a future upgrade with the Man-A-Fre Hot Rod 2F (or equivalent) + 5-speed transmission.

While discussing this with the local experts, they strongly advised me not to ask the local paint shop to remove the tub. They said the body mounts are no longer made and are very difficult to find, or something along those lines. My goal is to strip the interior (it has to be done anyway) and get it to the shop for repainting in and out.

I want to understand if that's the case simply because removing the tub would allow me to work on de-rusting (mainly scaling, no rot) and painting the frame independently in my garage while they're working on the painting (~6-8 months). Could you help me understand if I'm asking for the impossible or if I should crawl under it and do the frame de-rusting the hard way?

I appreciate any help you can provide.
Gipp

 

[BurntToast]

Pretty sure @cruisermatt sells full OEM body mount kits, if that brings any consolation. Best of luck!

 

[cruisermatt]

. They said the body mounts are no longer made and are very difficult to find, or something along those lines.

Every component to the body mounts are readily available OEM, every bushing, nut bolt and washer. Not cheap, but it’s a lot of part numbers.
I sell them in a convenient kit, I’m not aware of anyone else that does either

 

[cruiserpilot]

I guess it depends on condition of your body. Start by soaking all visible threads and nuts with
penetrating oil on everything, body mounts, shocks every bolt and fitting along the entire frame.
I can say from observing my own 60 rebuild, and pictures of the many trucks that have been posted
on this forum over the last years there are particular areas that need attention. The body mounts under
the rear seat just in front of the rear wheels and the mounts under the front seats are where rust will
develop most after the entire rear sill and frame area. If you can loosen and remove those mounts you
can get to the metal underneath. I did a workaround. At this point I will take a look at ToyotaMatts kit.

I use Megazip.net as a source for original Toyota parts, their breakdowns of parts lists with diagram ensures I can see all that I need. Another interesting thing is they specify how many of a part you might need. When I bought new fender bolts for my BJ74 it said (8) needed in parenthesis- this info is invaluable to me. No need to verify how many needed.

Official Mud greeting! BTW Pics required!

 

[Gippster]

Official Mud greeting! BTW Pics required!

Bad Gippy, I give you pictures because forum has limitations: