Builds Salt wagon My first fj40 (build) (5 Viewers)

[Roastchestnuts]

Update - I believe my oil burning and over heating issues have been fixed. I am not seeing any smoke. before I would see an occasional puff at idle and a little when you romped on it and a little when you shifted. Now I am seeing 0 smoke. none at all!

I really pushed it yesterday too. Drove 60mph to the north end of the island. and pushed it on the beach in soft sand. and all is good!

 

[Roastchestnuts]

@Roastchestnuts , it was great to meet you and your wife in person. I could also have sat for several more hours drinking beers/wine and talking Land Cruisers. I couldn't think of a better way to spend the last night of our stay on Ocracoke. It was great to see the Salt Wagon in person. I am really impressed with everything you have done, you certainly have given me some great ideas for my 40 and inspired me to get mine up and running.

I did pick up some official salt wagon fan club swag
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I hope you get to bring your 40 down here someday! love your ideas with it. especially the color.

 

[SC-Cruiser]

I hope you get to bring your 40 down here someday! love your ideas with it. especially the color.

That is the plan. A nice slow cruise from Charleston to Ocracoke with stops along the way.
Thanks for the great conversation and your input on the color and what to replace the tired small block with. , I am definitely going to go with Nebula or Breath Green for mine, I need to order a spray can of each and make a decision. Not completely decided on the engine yet, I do like you perspective that a Small block is a little easier to work on than an LS.

 

[SC-Cruiser]

Update - I believe my oil burning and over heating issues have been fixed. I am not seeing any smoke. before I would see an occasional puff at idle and a little when you romped on it and a little when you shifted. Now I am seeing 0 smoke. none at all!

I really pushed it yesterday too. Drove 60mph to the north end of the island. and pushed it on the beach in soft sand. and all is good!

Glad to hear you have your cooling and oil burning issues solved.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Glad to hear you have your cooling and oil burning issues solved.

me too! the oil burning was getting worse untill i changed out the seals. Its acting much more like the standard 2f tractor engine. I have been running it a few weeks with the new seals. I need to check the plugs since I replaced them. I finally have that shed all set up after geting it moved. I just need to set up the drill press I have in there and get electricity to it. Its going to be my mini 10x14 workshop. Going to even get a 220 outlet so I can eventually get a nicer welder to do more.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Update: not much to update. I am planning on doing the windsheild gasket soonish. I am waiting on getting that truck I mentioned I was getting before I start. My buddy has been out helping the western part of the state after the hurricane so he has not been able to make it back east. We are thinking maybe soon though on the 1st ish.

 

[RevISK]

me too! the oil burning was getting worse untill i changed out the seals. Its acting much more like the standard 2f tractor engine. I have been running it a few weeks with the new seals. I need to check the plugs since I replaced them. I finally have that shed all set up after geting it moved. I just need to set up the drill press I have in there and get electricity to it. Its going to be my mini 10x14 workshop. Going to even get a 220 outlet so I can eventually get a nicer welder to do more.

If you can snag a Miller 211 (or something similar) 110 is really all you need.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Update: I have been MIA because of a lot going on. I had an art show that took much of my time. It did well. I had it on friday. I was happy to have alot of friends show up and a-lot of people from the Manteo area show up too. I also wrote another article on old digital cameras. And the kids at work have been nuts with halloween and what not. But I have some good news - if any of you guessed an Isuzu Pup you would have been right! I met my friends up in Naggs Head NC to take possession yesterday. this thing runs great! The previous owner @theglobb had done alot of good work to it. Has a new 4speed transmission, weber carb, water pump and lots of other goodies that had been fixed. Now its not a mint show car but it runs great. and feels very sturdy. I drove it over 70 miles home and it never skipped a beat. I would not mind driving it to new bern NC and back. I am also suprised on how well this truck is made. I always assumed wrongly that these were really cheaply made trucks. while they are it does seem stout.

This truck is a 1987 4speed 2wd model with the 4cyl gas engine. the worst two things about the truck are the seat and the dash. both are really worn out. but nothing I am too worried about. maybe I can find a junkyard seat and dash at some point. I may get the seat reupholstered. I think the truck deserves it. It also Needs a fan shroud. anybody know any places to find 80s isuzu parts?

Now that my wife and I have the pup, I can start some much needed projects on the fj40. number 1 being the windsheild gasket. and a knuckle job and a few other things.

 

[Admiral Snackbar]

My family had an '87 Trooper ( a long door 2dr) when I was a kid and that truck was anything but poorly made. It was a tank that just never quit until the rust consumed it. I think you'll find the P'up is the same way. And the driving lights are much needed, as the factory lighting can best be described as an attempt was madw

 

[ozmanny]

These were known as the first generation Holden Rodeo KB model from 1980-1988 in Australia and may be a source for some parts if they crossover from RHD to LHD. The G160/G180 engines were also commonly used on the Holden Gemini sedans here in Australia and had good aftermarket support.

 

[clrussell]

Update: I have been MIA because of a lot going on. I had an art show that took much of my time. It did well. I had it on friday. I was happy to have alot of friends show up and a-lot of people from the Manteo area show up too. I also wrote another article on old digital cameras. And the kids at work have been nuts with halloween and what not. But I have some good news - if any of you guessed an Isuzu Pup you would have been right! I met my friends up in Naggs Head NC to take possession yesterday. this thing runs great! The previous owner @theglobb had done alot of good work to it. Has a new 4speed transmission, weber carb, water pump and lots of other goodies that had been fixed. Now its not a mint show car but it runs great. and feels very sturdy. I drove it over 70 miles home and it never skipped a beat. I would not mind driving it to new bern NC and back. I am also suprised on how well this truck is made. I always assumed wrongly that these were really cheaply made trucks. while they are it does seem stout.

This truck is a 1987 4speed 2wd model with the 4cyl gas engine. the worst two things about the truck are the seat and the dash. both are really worn out. but nothing I am too worried about. maybe I can find a junkyard seat and dash at some point. I may get the seat reupholstered. I think the truck deserves it. It also Needs a fan shroud. anybody know any places to find 80s isuzu parts?

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Now that my wife and I have the pup, I can start some much needed projects on the fj40. number 1 being the windsheild gasket. and a knuckle job and a few other things.

Good buy!

Any house updates??

Congrats on the art show, any links or pictures of the show?

 

[sogafarm]

Update: I have been MIA because of a lot going on. I had an art show that took much of my time. It did well. I had it on friday. I was happy to have alot of friends show up and a-lot of people from the Manteo area show up too. I also wrote another article on old digital cameras. And the kids at work have been nuts with halloween and what not. But I have some good news - if any of you guessed an Isuzu Pup you would have been right! I met my friends up in Naggs Head NC to take possession yesterday. this thing runs great! The previous owner @theglobb had done alot of good work to it. Has a new 4speed transmission, weber carb, water pump and lots of other goodies that had been fixed. Now its not a mint show car but it runs great. and feels very sturdy. I drove it over 70 miles home and it never skipped a beat. I would not mind driving it to new bern NC and back. I am also suprised on how well this truck is made. I always assumed wrongly that these were really cheaply made trucks. while they are it does seem stout.

This truck is a 1987 4speed 2wd model with the 4cyl gas engine. the worst two things about the truck are the seat and the dash. both are really worn out. but nothing I am too worried about. maybe I can find a junkyard seat and dash at some point. I may get the seat reupholstered. I think the truck deserves it. It also Needs a fan shroud. anybody know any places to find 80s isuzu parts?

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Now that my wife and I have the pup, I can start some much needed projects on the fj40. number 1 being the windsheild gasket. and a knuckle job and a few other things.

Awsome truck! I had the same year but with the diesel, 5 spd, and the 7 ft bed. That thing was super dependable and got 35 mpg. I regret selling it but it squeaked terribly and I couldn’t find parts easily. I paid $500 for it and sold it for the same amount.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

My family had an '87 Trooper ( a long door 2dr) when I was a kid and that truck was anything but poorly made. It was a tank that just never quit until the rust consumed it. I think you'll find the P'up is the same way. And the driving lights are much needed, as the factory lighting can best be described as an attempt was madw

Luckly this does have the hella off road lights that actually work pretty well on it. I love the isuzu trooper and I would love to own one here. I have a buddy that has one that I have helped change fluids and breaks and such. its a rustbucket and even so its awesome. They are soo much fun for how slow they are. If I could find a 4 door diesel I would be all over it. very much a poor mans land cruiser.

These were known as the first generation Holden Rodeo KB model from 1980-1988 in Australia and may be a source for some parts if they crossover from RHD to LHD. The G160/G180 engines were also commonly used on the Holden Gemini sedans here in Australia and had good aftermarket support.

Thats really good to know as I already am looking for a few parts. nothing major but exhaust tail pipe and fan shroud. Here in the states its also a Chevrolet LUV. (not sure on engine though) the early Chevy luvs are really cool looking! I am sure its the same Isuzu 70s truck.

Good buy!

Any house updates??

Congrats on the art show, any links or pictures of the show?

thanks! I drove it to work this morning!

No real major house updates. They are working on moving the electric meter and adding a new breaker box. after thats done I will wire up the shed for power. then I can run my welding stuff out of the shed and work on some body panels on the fj40.

Art show went well. sold the two more expensive pieces first and the little stuff is all still there. I think the big pieces are still there too but sold. Like the salt wagon photo is gone. I dont have a link to it but Its there for another 2 months.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Awsome truck! I had the same year but with the diesel, 5 spd, and the 7 ft bed. That thing was super dependable and got 35 mpg. I regret selling it but it squeaked terribly and I couldn’t find parts easily. I paid $500 for it and sold it for the same amount.

the 5 speed diesel would be really nice. Honestly a 4x4 would be perfect here but Its probibly good its 2wd as I would never want to drive the fj40 if the pup was 4x4. I think we got a good deal on this especially for all the new parts that are on it.

 

[Grayscale]

Update: I have been MIA because of a lot going on. I had an art show that took much of my time. It did well. I had it on friday. I was happy to have alot of friends show up and a-lot of people from the Manteo area show up too. I also wrote another article on old digital cameras. And the kids at work have been nuts with halloween and what not. But I have some good news - if any of you guessed an Isuzu Pup you would have been right! I met my friends up in Naggs Head NC to take possession yesterday. this thing runs great! The previous owner @theglobb had done alot of good work to it. Has a new 4speed transmission, weber carb, water pump and lots of other goodies that had been fixed. Now its not a mint show car but it runs great. and feels very sturdy. I drove it over 70 miles home and it never skipped a beat. I would not mind driving it to new bern NC and back. I am also suprised on how well this truck is made. I always assumed wrongly that these were really cheaply made trucks. while they are it does seem stout.

This truck is a 1987 4speed 2wd model with the 4cyl gas engine. the worst two things about the truck are the seat and the dash. both are really worn out. but nothing I am too worried about. maybe I can find a junkyard seat and dash at some point. I may get the seat reupholstered. I think the truck deserves it. It also Needs a fan shroud. anybody know any places to find 80s isuzu parts?

View attachment 3764343View attachment 3764356
View attachment 3764359View attachment 3764361


Now that my wife and I have the pup, I can start some much needed projects on the fj40. number 1 being the windsheild gasket. and a knuckle job and a few other things.

Typically, the Weber air cleaner assemblies provide filtered air to the valve cover with a 90-deg barb on the underside? Looks incomplete.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Typically, the Weber air cleaner assemblies provide filtered air to the valve cover with a 90-deg barb on the underside? Looks incomplete.

Might be. I have not had time to really go through everything yet. starts and runs great. I did notice there is a hose coming out of the valve cover that is not conected to anything.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

I have been MIA for a bit. I hope everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving!

I have had lots of house projects lately. But I do have a couple of updates: The Saltwagon has been Ok Its been sitting more than Id like to admit. I did do a patina preserve with the flood product. and sprayed everything underneath with 2 cans of fluid film. I have had to adjust the valves a few times.

I have had issues with the starter and I finally figured out what I think it might be. I have never had a ground strap to the starter. I just never had when it was a SBC fj40 and since it did not have one before and I really did not know that they had a ground there. I am hoping this will help.


some not so great news: I am still having some weird overflow issues with coolant at the overflow tank. no overheating according to the gage. I bought an actual headgasket tester at the Jungle websight. Should be here today. I will test it and go from there. If it is the headgasket I will pull it and either find a machine shop or buy a new head for the 2f depending on the cause.


So before I could post earlier today our cell service went out. But now the not so great news its just plane Bad news bears - I got my tester in and It went from blue to yellow... means we got some exhaust gasses coming out in my coolant. I am going to start a tear down tomorrow i think. I have already ordered a oem head gasket and intake gasket. Going to check for cracks. maybe over the holidays find a machine shop in New bern NC near the inlaws that I can take it too to get the head checked for cracks. Worst case senerio Ill be looking in the classifieds for a new 2f head. I remember seeing a pretty good deal on a freshly rebuilt one. I did use a non oem head gasket from Cruiser Corps. I am crossing my fingers thats the issue. I have found that other gaskets from that kit have been bad. so far the only ones I am still using on the fj40 are the oil filter to block gasket, valve cover gasket, and the timing gear cover gasket. I would not recommend this kit to anyone just go oem... the worst part is I normally try to do OEM!! ahh kicking myself..

Weirdest part is I have not had over heating issues since that first time. just coolant overflow. and no coolant in the oil.

I did finally correctly secure my radiator. I bought the bars for a later fj40 and cut them to length and welded them back together. I am very happy with how they turned out. Ill post a picture later.

I am going to start back on the 4speed here soon. I finally have the space and power to the space to work on it. I just need to organize the large shed and put some more shelving in.

Some non land cruiser updates. Isuzu Pup is epic. its a good backup to the salt wagon. My wife and I took it on a couple our trip to New Bern NC and back. the bonus is the PUP has heat. I am super happy we ended up with the Isuzu as its been a life saver for projects around the house. The best part is it sips gas. I wish there was more info and parts availability out there though. I do want to find a fan shroud for the pup.

I am looking for that next project haha. I really want to find a good willys cj2 or m38. I would love to rebuild one of those. they seem so similar to the fj40s but smaller.

We wired the shed and Have a 220 outlet.
I am going to buy a compressor to run air tools. (anybody have any recommendations on compressors or ones to stay away from? my budget I think is 800$ and I will only be using one tool at a time. Excited to be able to use some air tools. I have a few ingersoll rand impacts that a friend gave me I also have a little 3/8 aircat ratchet. I am going to get a few different things too. any recommendations

I asked Santa (AKA my Wife) for a small plasma cutter for xmas. I am excited with that! Ill end the long winded post with some good saltwagon shots -

 

[Grayscale]

Did you recheck your head bolt torque, post over-heat episode?

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Did you recheck your head bolt torque, post over-heat episode?

yeah it was checked the first time around.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

for some good news: Of course my brain immidiatley went to worse case and I started looking for a head. I did find a machined head for the 2f for a really really good deal that I am going pick up over Christmas break when I am in the area. Its a no brainer for the price I figured why not since I will be in the area. Has some flash rust but should clean up just fine. guy said it was from a friends machine shop and the previous owner never picked the head back up. He said the only issue is its missing the exhaust valve on cylinder 6.(that part is kinda weird only things I want to do to the head is to obviously add the exhaust valve and spring but I want to add OEM valve seals if I end up using this head. I dont know what the machine shop put back in.
Looks like a scotch bright or something would take the flash rust right off.

If anything I will have this extra head. of course Ill check for flatness and all that if I pick this up.