Builds Rescuing a Basket Case '72 FJ40 (1 Viewer)

[FloridaLife]

Have I finally solved the problem? I think I have…maybe? Checked the various things that people had mentioned over the past few days, and was still finding that the (-) terminal on the coil was always hot, no matter whether the points were open or closed. I decided to swap in the OTHER set of used points that I’d found in the glove box, and this second set seemed to work as designed. So I was able to static time the engine. Turned the key, and wouldn’t you know it, it fired instantly and settled immediately into a nice idle.



I’m pretty happy, but also mystified. The two sets of points look identical. There was no sign of damage on the set I removed. So what would cause one to short to ground? Has anyone seen this before?

That's GREAT news, and it sounds great! And, of all the vehicles I've owned before, of the ones that had points, none of them had additional points in the glove box. That makes me think the previous owner had faced this situation before. I got a steal on a car many years ago that the owner could not get to run right. a $5 grommet on some linkage and it was running like a champ.

 

[rlong]

Has anyone seen this before?

You could try and check with an ohm meter between the contacts while being held open on the bench. Points can be finicky, hence why old cars always seem to have an extra set and a condenser in the glove box (if they were smart).

 

[charliemeyer007]

Points go bad. They can burn from a bad capacitor. Corrosion from sitting a long time. My 72 sat for like 15 years, I had to drag a points file threw them so it would spark. Sometimes new point have a coating on the faces - you need to clean that off if you want them to work. A little lube on the rubbing block backside will help prevent wear. Clean the cam really well. Make sure the contacts in your dizzy cap are clean. Aluminium ones quickly build an oxide layer which is an insulator

 

[FloridaLife]

You could try and check with an ohm meter between the contacts while being held open on the bench. Points can be finicky, hence why old cars always seem to have an extra set and a condenser in the glove box (if they were smart).

Speaking of a volt ohm meter, a couple of months ago I saw a commercial (force fed it while watching a YouTube video) for a "Smart Volt Ohm Meter" for less than $20 and supposedly it would automatically magically know if you wanted to check continuity or voltage or ohms or whatever. My first thought was "B.S." but then I thought all the technology advances and smart phones so I thought, what the heck, at that price I'll try it and if it doesn't work then I'm not out very much $. It took a couple of weeks to arrive, but by golly it works! I couldn't believe it. So if anyone out there is tired of looking at the dial on their VOM and trying to remember which setting they need, you can check this out and I am NOT affiliated with them, I get no kickback or anything from this.

Upgraded EBTN LCD multimeter

Upgraded EBTN LCD multimeter

m.ailsion.com

 

[diesellibrarian]

I’ve been on vacation for the past 10 days or so, so I haven’t been able to work on the Cruiser at all, though I am anxious to get back to the shop to see if my ignition problems are truly solved.

The other day I was able to take a little side quest to check out an old 40 that a fellow had messaged me about. I’d actually posted a want ad for a front bench seat, and this guy messaged me, saying “well I have a bench seat, but maybe you should just buy the whole truck.” So that’s what I did.

It’s a 1970 that appears to be complete and original, aside from an aftermarket carb (the original is in the cab, I noticed). It runs and drives and stops, but it’s clearly been sitting a long time (last registered in 1992, I think) and it’s filthy. The original colour is Spring Green, clearly visible in the engine bay and cabin. Stoked on that, as it’s probably my favourite colour on a 40. Body wise it has some rust and bondo, but overall it’s way less rusty than my ‘72.

I won’t say what I paid for it, but it was cheap cheap cheap. In fact, when I sell those Super Swampers I’ll probably be ahead of the game on this one.

Now I just need to figure out how to get the thing home. I’ll need to drive or tow it 300 miles to my place on the other side of the Rockies! More to come.

 

[MatthewMcD]

I’ve been on vacation for the past 10 days or so, so I haven’t been able to work on the Cruiser at all, though I am anxious to get back to the shop to see if my ignition problems are truly solved.

The other day I was able to take a little side quest to check out an old 40 that a fellow had messaged me about. I’d actually posted a want ad for a front bench seat, and this guy messaged me, saying “well I have a bench seat, but maybe you should just buy the whole truck.” So that’s what I did.

View attachment 3946181

It’s a 1970 that appears to be complete and original, aside from an aftermarket carb (the original is in the cab, I noticed). It runs and drives and stops, but it’s clearly been sitting a long time (last registered in 1992, I think) and it’s filthy. The original colour is Spring Green, clearly visible in the engine bay and cabin. Stoked on that, as it’s probably my favourite colour on a 40. Body wise it has some rust and bondo, but overall it’s way less rusty than my ‘72.

I won’t say what I paid for it, but it was cheap cheap cheap. In fact, when I sell those Super Swampers I’ll probably be ahead of the game on this one.

Now I just need to figure out how to get the thing home. I’ll need to drive or tow it 300 miles to my place on the other side of the Rockies! More to come.

Those rear lights are probably worth the price of admission.

 

[FloridaLife]

I’ve been on vacation for the past 10 days or so, so I haven’t been able to work on the Cruiser at all, though I am anxious to get back to the shop to see if my ignition problems are truly solved.

The other day I was able to take a little side quest to check out an old 40 that a fellow had messaged me about. I’d actually posted a want ad for a front bench seat, and this guy messaged me, saying “well I have a bench seat, but maybe you should just buy the whole truck.” So that’s what I did.

View attachment 3946181

It’s a 1970 that appears to be complete and original, aside from an aftermarket carb (the original is in the cab, I noticed). It runs and drives and stops, but it’s clearly been sitting a long time (last registered in 1992, I think) and it’s filthy. The original colour is Spring Green, clearly visible in the engine bay and cabin. Stoked on that, as it’s probably my favourite colour on a 40. Body wise it has some rust and bondo, but overall it’s way less rusty than my ‘72.

I won’t say what I paid for it, but it was cheap cheap cheap. In fact, when I sell those Super Swampers I’ll probably be ahead of the game on this one.

Now I just need to figure out how to get the thing home. I’ll need to drive or tow it 300 miles to my place on the other side of the Rockies! More to come.

That's great! How about I pay you double what you paid for it!? LOL. If it runs and drives, I'd drive it just as it is. It looks like it has stories to tell.

If it has been sitting a long time I would rent a Uhaul car trailer to get it home. One with all 4 wheels off the road rather than a 2 wheel dolly, just in case a wheel bearing needs grease. And that short of a distance you might even be able to pay a vehicle hauling company to get it for you and deliver it to you. And they will probably get a kick out of hauling it. With mine, they tried to talk the previous owner into selling it to them but he explained I had already paid and he had already mailed me the title. When they got here they told me that everywhere they stopped for fuel, food, or restroom people would ask about it and take pics.

 

[CruiserTrash]

I’ve been on vacation for the past 10 days or so, so I haven’t been able to work on the Cruiser at all, though I am anxious to get back to the shop to see if my ignition problems are truly solved.

The other day I was able to take a little side quest to check out an old 40 that a fellow had messaged me about. I’d actually posted a want ad for a front bench seat, and this guy messaged me, saying “well I have a bench seat, but maybe you should just buy the whole truck.” So that’s what I did.

View attachment 3946181

It’s a 1970 that appears to be complete and original, aside from an aftermarket carb (the original is in the cab, I noticed). It runs and drives and stops, but it’s clearly been sitting a long time (last registered in 1992, I think) and it’s filthy. The original colour is Spring Green, clearly visible in the engine bay and cabin. Stoked on that, as it’s probably my favourite colour on a 40. Body wise it has some rust and bondo, but overall it’s way less rusty than my ‘72.

I won’t say what I paid for it, but it was cheap cheap cheap. In fact, when I sell those Super Swampers I’ll probably be ahead of the game on this one.

Now I just need to figure out how to get the thing home. I’ll need to drive or tow it 300 miles to my place on the other side of the Rockies! More to come.

This is awesome. Congrats man!

 

[diesellibrarian]

That's great! How about I pay you double what you paid for it!? LOL. If it runs and drives, I'd drive it just as it is. It looks like it has stories to tell.

If it has been sitting a long time I would rent a Uhaul car trailer to get it home. One with all 4 wheels off the road rather than a 2 wheel dolly, just in case a wheel bearing needs grease. And that short of a distance you might even be able to pay a vehicle hauling company to get it for you and deliver it to you. And they will probably get a kick out of hauling it. With mine, they tried to talk the previous owner into selling it to them but he explained I had already paid and he had already mailed me the title. When they got here they told me that everywhere they stopped for fuel, food, or restroom people would ask about it and take pics.

Good input for sure. I’m no stranger to having Cruisers hauled for me, and just like you say, every time the driver has talked about people chatting with him at the gas station, trying to buy it, etc.

Anyway, I think I’m gonna try driving it. With my job I have four days off every second weekend, so my plan is to grab a buddy, throw a bunch of spares into the back of my E350 cargo van, drive out to BC, spend two days going over the thing, and then drive it home in tandem. If something goes wrong, we’ll grab a U-Haul dolly and pull it behind the van.

I think I’ll need to fix the rear sill at least before it’ll pass safety - but at the moment my half-baked plan is to do a full restoration on this thing, though a lot will depend on how much of the original paint I’m able to save. The truck is just so complete and original that I think it deserves to be brought back to its former glory.

 

[FloridaLife]

Good input for sure. I’m no stranger to having Cruisers hauled for me, and just like you say, every time the driver has talked about people chatting with him at the gas station, trying to buy it, etc.

Anyway, I think I’m gonna try driving it. With my job I have four days off every second weekend, so my plan is to grab a buddy, throw a bunch of spares into the back of my E350 cargo van, drive out to BC, spend two days going over the thing, and then drive it home in tandem. If something goes wrong, we’ll grab a U-Haul dolly and pull it behind the van.

I think I’ll need to fix the rear sill at least before it’ll pass safety - but at the moment my half-baked plan is to do a full restoration on this thing, though a lot will depend on how much of the original paint I’m able to save. The truck is just so complete and original that I think it deserves to be brought back to its former glory.

Sounds like a good and fun plan. Is the original green that darker green on the outside, or a different shade of green? Any pics of the inside?

 

[diesellibrarian]

Sounds like a good and fun plan. Is the original green that darker green on the outside, or a different shade of green? Any pics of the inside?

It’s originally Spring Green, which is a very light mint green. Here’s a crappy pic that the seller sent me a couple months ago.

The underside of the hood is the OG colour.

 

[FloridaLife]

It’s originally Spring Green, which is a very light mint green. Here’s a crappy pic that the seller sent me a couple months ago.

View attachment 3946901

The underside of the hood is the OG colour.

LOL! I remember seeing that pic now, but, as I sit here in HOT & HUMID Florida, I thought that was an old mattress sitting on top of it! Now that I see your pic larger, I realize it was snow. LOL!!! Probably did not have my glasses on when I saw it.

 

[FloridaLife]

LOL! I remember seeing that pic now, but, as I sit here in HOT & HUMID Florida, I thought that was an old mattress sitting on top of it! Now that I see your pic larger, I realize it was snow. LOL!!! Probably did not have my glasses on when I saw it.

And I'm sure that pain medication + rum & Diet Coke had nothing to do with it. LOL

 

[diesellibrarian]

IT’S ALIVE!

I don’t have any documentary proof, but yesterday I pulled the 40 out of the garage and drove it around the block a couple of times! It ran pretty well, even though I have not fully timed it. The gearbox is very notchy, but everything seems to work! Was able to run it through all three gears.

Now back to working on the final detais: mounting the seat, painting the underside of the tub, etc.

 

[PapaGiamati]

We will need documentation of that drive back with the new 40! That will be like a proper vicegrip garage style roadie.

Great work as always!

 

[diesellibrarian]

I’ve got a few minor updates for y’all. Firstly, I got the cable controls sorted for the 5687. I just need to fabricate a bracket for the switch, and the winch will be fully functional. I don’t know that I’ll ever really use the winch at all, but you never know. I at least need to get it running so that I can re-spool the cable, haha.

Here’s the brake cable and clutch cable connected and working properly. I learned that the small butterfly nut above the brake drum is for when you’re operating the winch from outside the cab and you need to engage/lock the brake. The brake lining on this winch is in surprisingly good shape.

I also installed some mirrors. In keeping with the rest of this truck, they’re not period correct, but a fella sent them to me for the cost of shipping, so I’m running them. One step closer to being legal!

While I was at the shop I also whipped up this custom cold air return vent for a house I’m working on. Couldn’t find a commercial product that worked (the vent is in the floor, not the wall), so I transferred my Land Cruiser fab skills (such as they are) to residential HVAC haha.

 

[diesellibrarian]

Nice, calm summer day today, so I decided to do some painting. First up was undercoating. I went through a couple can of Dupli-Color rubberized undercoat/sound deadener, and was able to undercoat the rear wheel tubs and the underside of the cargo floor. I used this Dupli-Color stuff on my FJ62 and it’s great. Goes on easy, dries fast. Plus, unlike tar-based undercoats, you can paint over it. I don’t have any great pics of the undercoating, but I did snap some shots of the work I did on the top side of the tub!

Here I’ve laid down some red oxide over a coat of self-etch. This was all bare metal, so I definitely wanted to start with an etching primer, but I wanted red oxide under the top coat so that the red shows through when the paint gets scratched, etc. Anyway, I then pulled out my custom spray bombs and hit the cargo floor with top coat, and this is how it turned out. I will be blending the old paint/rust with the new, but that will happen after its h had a chance to cure.

So yeah, the truck is really coming together. It moves easily under its own power now, so I was able to get a bunch of shots from several angles. It is turning out pretty much as I’d envisioned it, which is really fun.

I’ve also spent some time getting my home brew soft top bows sorted. If you’ve been following my thread, you may recall that these bows were made from a set of Bestop bows that I hacked up and welded back together in a different configuration. I did this because I prefer the look of an FST over the “fastback” look of the Bestop tops. My plan is to have a canvas bikini top made to fit my homemade bows.
Anyway, that’s all for now. So close to being done that I can almost taste it!

 

[diesellibrarian]

Maybe it’s a good time to revisit how this truck looked when I bought it…

Pretty proud to have restored some dignity to this old rig.

 

[fireflyr]

I like how you said ‘so close to being done’. Hate to break it to you but these things are like painting the Golden Gate Bridge. You get all the way yo the end, then start over at the beginning.

Nice job on your Landcruiser! That thing was beyond basket case.

 

[MatthewMcD]

View attachment 3958802
So close to being done that I can almost taste it!

Looks like you are missing a lug nut.