Builds Removing SBC conversion, going back to Toyota. 1972 Frame Off

[rkymtnflyfisher]

We don’t have a lot of 40s on the road around here. The white roof cap is usually the first thing I see.

Yup, I spotted one sitting beside barn at a ranch today, about 500 yards off the road!

 

[OhioFJ]

Thank you. I agree. There is a ton of extra work and effort piecing together a hardtop from different trucks.

Hardtop looks fantastic, nice job.

 

[Jdc1]

More hardtop;

 

[Jdc1]

To celebrate, 3/3 kids being in school today for the first time since 3/17/20, I tore down the wiper motor in prep for paint. I tried to hide the brass sleeves from Zak but he snuck one out to see if it’d clean up before I noticed. The final valve cover is being finished up today as well.

 

[Jdc1]

Done:

 

[Jdc1]

Today, I took a drive out to the 40 to install the valve cover. I let it come up to temp, checked the headbolts and swapped in the newly painted valve cover. I can’t believe how quickly the Sniper started after sitting for a few months. There are a few loose ends, but its ready for the hood and windshield install and to finalize the front end. The 40 finally pulled back into its spot under its own power.

 

[Jdc1]

Thank you @Coolerman

 

[Jdc1]

Got a box full of chrome, ready to put the front end together.

 

[Jdc1]

A small step forward today, I was able to get the proper springs for the headlight buckets and install everything but the lights and trim ring. I had the wrong screws or that would be done. Hopes of taking a test drive this year are starting to fade as the details are taking a ton of time.

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

What did you use for the plastic inserts for the adjustment screws?

 

[Jdc1]

What did you use for the plastic inserts for the adjustment screws?

I ordered a box a few years ago, I can’t for the life of me find where. Cityracer carries them now.

 

[Jdc1]

Ready for the bezel.

 

[White Stripe]

Ready for the bezel.

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Have you considered putting a thin piece of rubber between the fender and the grill mating surface? Its always bothered me its metal to metal.

 

[Jdc1]

Have you considered putting a thin piece of rubber between the fender and the grill mating surface? Its always bothered me its metal to metal.

I’ve been making gaskets out of 1/8” neoprene. There isn’t a lot of metal to metal contact anywhere.

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

You should slow down and take a few more months to finish up, I'd hate to see you get it finished in January and be tempted to drive it before the rains wash the roads clean!

 

[Jdc1]

You should slow down and take a few more months to finish up, I'd hate to see you get it finished in January and be tempted to drive it before the rains wash the roads clean!

We were making great progress and then I had to focus on the family for a few months, which put us behind again. It’s close to being able to do a shakedown but no rush now. Fortunately, the shop is on a gravel road so if we get a decent day, can make a small trip without worrying about salt. We had the glass cut for the windshield. Hopefully the install goes smoothly. My dad smoked the F in his ‘69 earlier this fall. He just got it back on the road with a freshened 1987 2F and a blessing from Jim C.

 

[RTP]

Have you considered putting a thin piece of rubber between the fender and the grill mating surface? Its always bothered me its metal to metal.

I used an old Thera-band and cut it up for gaskets for metal on metal parts.

 

[Jdc1]

The front end is moving forward.

 

[Jdc1]

The windshield is in the frame.

 

[Jdc1]

Work on the 72 is creeping along. The headlight bezel is almost ready for install.

Also the wiper motor assembly is a few days from being ready to reassemble.