Builds Salted Pork fj55 family wagon build (4 Viewers)

[Roastchestnuts]

Started cleenig out the fj40 today. I am going to miss it!

 

[Roastchestnuts]

I have already said it but I am leaving to trade the 40 for the 55 on Saturday! pretty stoked!

I got some parts in the mail for the 55 project. I bought a rock auto 1f water pump, Denso Plugs, NKG wires (blue wires), and points and condenser. I am planning on picking up a battery off the Island too. from what I have read the water pump should work. I am also happy to say I already have a belt from the salt wagon project that should work with this.

I decided that I am not going to be as particular with going super factory correct with the 55 since this project I am already starting out with a more original vehicle than the 40 was when I got it. My goal with this 55 is to make a good fun family vehicle that is reliable enough to take on off island trips. No crazy lift or anything immediately.

It needs new tires and It has split rims on it now with 750 r16 size road tires on it... Not sure what I am going to do yet. I am thinking if I don't do splits Ill get either 70 series rims and put a 750 r16 off road tire under it or Ill go oem 15 inch rims and put 700r15 under it. the 15 inch tires seem much safer.

I Think I want to eventually do a holley sniper conversion after I get the kinks worked out. the 2f does not have the original carb any more either. it has a weber 38 that I think I will just rebuild. I was talking with Jonathan and as much as I like the aisin carb those webers are pretty simple carbs and easy to tune. and for me I have never had any issues on any of the 4 other vehicles I have had them on. Plus I know with the 2f air cleaner it has hood clearance issues on the earlier style hood and I know the weber air cleaner clears the hood. because of this I will probably keep it until I Holey efi swap it.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

It needs new tires and It has split rims on it now with 750 r16 size road tires on it... Not sure what I am going to do yet. I am thinking if I don't do splits Ill get either 70 series rims and put a 750 r16 off road tire under it or Ill go oem 15 inch rims and put 700r15 under it. the 15 inch tires seem much safer.

Was this a middle eastern or SA 55 originally? I wasn't aware that any NA ones came with 16" rims. There's no safety issues driving with the retaining ring rims. They are still sold and used in many parts of the world. You might have to get a truck tire shop to work on them though.

You can always run radial 16" tires but you need to use tubes made especially for radial tires (I think they are thicker since the side walls of the radials flex more than bias ply tires.

 

[charliemeyer007]

I never had issues with split rims, but if you don't know what you are doing when airing them back after replacing the tire, they can kill you. We got a shipment of tires for our company in the Signal Bn. I went and traded folks for a their bad spare tire on their duce and a half. By hand I changed all the tires (13)on my rig and generator trailer. It was a real work out. Much later we got a tire changing machine. Once one of the rims popped off in the safety cage - no one was hurt but I heard tell some folks had to go change clothes.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Was this a middle eastern or SA 55 originally? I wasn't aware that any NA ones came with 16" rims. There's no safety issues driving with the retaining ring rims. They are still sold and used in many parts of the world. You might have to get a truck tire shop to work on them though.

You can always run radial 16" tires but you need to use tubes made especially for radial tires (I think they are thicker since the side walls of the radials flex more than bias ply tires.

I believe the rims actually came from my 1964 fj40 possibly. Id have to ask Mark. I don't think they are original to the vehicle though. Its a US market fj55 100%. Cant remember the story fully but Mark got it from a mud member that bought it for parts but then realized it was too nice to part out. witch it is very easily savable.

I am not worried about bias plys more so the rims. I kinda like the bias ply power king super traction in 750 r16 size and look. I just have never messed with the split rims before. I know a guy on Ocracoke that has messed with them on military trucks and stuff that he has. I might see if I can bribe him in helping me.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

I never had issues with split rims, but if you don't know what you are doing when airing them back after replacing the tire, they can kill you. We got a shipment of tires for our company in the Signal Bn. I went and traded folks for a their bad spare tire on their duce and a half. By hand I changed all the tires (13)on my rig and generator trailer. It was a real work out. Much later we got a tire changing machine. Once one of the rims popped off in the safety cage - no one was hurt but I heard tell some folks had to go change clothes.

Yeah the whole death part is what makes me nervous. I know I could figure it out I just need to know how to be safe about it. It is cool that you can change a tire by hand or even fix a flat by just installing a tube. I bet that was a major workout 13 tires is alot.

 

[charliemeyer007]

The trick is wire brush all the rust and crud out of both pieces of the rim. Then inspect every square inch of the surfaces for cracks, especially at the ends of the ring. Make sure the pieces fit back together perfectly, no perimeter gaps - just the little space at the joint . Turn the tire over, and get on it/stand in the rim and air it up, with a lock on nozzle so you don't have to be any where near the bottom of the tire.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

I never had issues with split rims, but if you don't know what you are doing when airing them back after replacing the tire, they can kill you. We got a shipment of tires for our company in the Signal Bn. I went and traded folks for a their bad spare tire on their duce and a half. By hand I changed all the tires (13)on my rig and generator trailer. It was a real work out. Much later we got a tire changing machine. Once one of the rims popped off in the safety cage - no one was hurt but I heard tell some folks had to go change clothes.

That sounds like a lot of work. Not sure how you would use a tire machine on retaining ring rims. FWIW, these are not true split rims which are two piece rims bolted together (which I think are totally outlawed now). They are retaining ring rims. In Saudi, they typically snap a chain around one side of the tire and rim before they inflate the tire. That's about the only safety precaution I have seen them take, but I've only had two new tires installed on brand new retaining ring rims so it's not like I have many data points. I guess the theory is if the ring blows off for some reason the chain will stop it from becoming a projectile.

 

[charliemeyer007]

I think current style is bead locks. The serious off road folks seem to love them - not sure they are (all) highway rated.

Compressed air stores energy - that's why they use water pressure to test boilers not air pressure.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Things are currently in Motion! Ill get the 40 on the ferry going from Ocracoke to Cedar island tomorrow morning. My Father is going to meet me in cedar island NC with a uhal trailer. I rented the Uhaul trailer already I know the 40 fits on it. little nervous about the 55 fitting. We shall see. Notice the interesting truck bed cap.... Ill post more photos and details tomorrow evening!

 

[brian]

Compressed air stores energy - that's why they use water pressure to test boilers not air prpressure.

But mainly because the water and infrastructure to handle it is already in place 99% of the time. And it is easier and quicker to detect any leaks.
it is my choice what I decide to use.

 

[svsisu]

Things are currently in Motion! Ill get the 40 on the ferry going from Ocracoke to Cedar island tomorrow morning. My Father is going to meet me in cedar island NC with a uhal trailer. I rented the Uhaul trailer already I know the 40 fits on it. little nervous about the 55 fitting. We shall see. Notice the interesting truck bed cap.... Ill post more photos and details tomorrow evening!


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She'll fit! I was in the Napa Buxton yesterday and saw a uhual car trailer and was gonna holler at you... Is that the one your dad is grabbing? Ferry rides make for a long day, but short driving distance.

So cool you are keeping the LC swapping incestuous. Heck, you might end up trading the salt shaker, and getting the salt wagon back. I'll miss you having the salt wagon, but the new addition (both) will be awesome.

I'm very happy you and the @theglobb were sporting Hawaiian safety shoes during the engine swap. Have to keep island life real.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

She'll fit! I was in the Napa Buxton yesterday and saw a uhual car trailer and was gonna holler at you... Is that the one your dad is grabbing? Ferry rides make for a long day, but short driving distance.

So cool you are keeping the LC swapping incestuous. Heck, you might end up trading the salt shaker, and getting the salt wagon back. I'll miss you having the salt wagon, but the new addition (both) will be awesome.

I'm very happy you and the @theglobb were sporting Hawaiian safety shoes during the engine swap. Have to keep island life real.

I Know I like the thought that if I have the cash to buy it back one day I think I could. Salt shaker is such a fun little vehicle for Ocracoke very similar to the fj40 but wildly more modern. That being said I will absolutely miss the saltwagon and wish I could have both the 55 and the 40.

The Certified land cruiser foot ware was pretty funny: 1 Jonathan broke his about half way through the weekend and just went around barefoot after that. 2. I didnt realize when I got on the ferry that I actually had two different rainbow sandles on. I had one of the thicker ones and one of the thinner models haha.

Thats good to know about the trailer. wheel base wise the 55 should fit. Its a huge hassle with these stupid trailers because of where I live. I am dropping this one off in buxton when I get back witch is just more ferry riding haha.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Early this morning waiting on that 7:30 to cedar island NC. One last adventure with the saltwagon fj40!

They put me at the front witch was really nice. Easier to get off the ferry.

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Mission success! I have acquired some salted pork! I was worried the uhal trailer was going to be too short but it was fine! with a hair to spare. I am so excited to get this thing home under the carport and cranking on it. My first Major goals are to hear it running. get the driveshafts back in, and the last major goal that will take 99 percent of the time on this build is to weld in front floor panels and supports, and the rockers. much like @roadstr6 did on his 1971 fj55. Bucky is certainly the inspiration for my build! I have rocker panels though that I think I am going to use. although the 2x4 looks fantastic and would go in that direction if Mark didn't give me the patch panels.

Much Like when I picked up the salt wagon, My dad went along and helped! he is not as much of a fanatical car guy as I am but I know he enjoys helping me out and the adventure. One of the things I never liked about the salt wagon is my dad and I picked the fj40 up right after my uncle passed (my fathers brother) and we cleared out some of his stuff on the same trip. That never sat right with me but I think It was a major distraction for my father in a good way. This trip however had nothing sad about it. All fun!

Side note: somebody asked about the split rims: they actually did come off my fj40! so kinda weird there. but they are not original to the fj55

we used a very cool 5 speed diesel 80 series to get the fj55 up on the trailer!​

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Kathryn is one of the nicest people I know! She is awesome!​

More to come! I still gotta catch a ferry home and bring the trailer back on another ferry...

 

[Roastchestnuts]

On the ferry with the fj55! almost home! Its hot as hell today! 98.

 

[Ol Yeller]

 

[SC-Cruiser]

 

[Roastchestnuts]

Its been a busy day! I went this morning to buxton to drop off my uhaul trailer. I left my house at 6am and got back home at 10:00ish am. I then dicided I would start messing with some stuff. I had already purchased plugs and wires and a water pump. I got denso plugs and NKG wires. the water pump was a cheeper gates from rock auto. Its a 1f pump. I purchased it to clear the radiator. So I started installing that stuff. With the old plugs out I also made sure the motor would spin all the way over. I had heard it run from a video. but I knew that video was a little while ago. Motor seems fine in terms of turning over.

tomorow after work I really got to get my isuzu pup head back on. but after that I am going to try and figure out the coil, dizzy, starter wiring. Maybe start bolting up the alternator too. Ill probibly have questions as the coil wiring colors seem to be different colors than the fj40.

witch brings me to my first question for you guys. what belt do I need if I want to run my alternator on the passenger side like the 1f engines? I am Just running alternator water pump and crank. Ill take more pictures when I get home. I don't think I have the correct alternator pully for the thicker belt I have.

The next issue that I know I am going to have with the 2f over the f: the weber 38 carb is set up for mechanical linkage and this fj55 is set up for a cable. I Purchased a cable linkage kit for the carb that I think will work with the least amount of modifying. I know I am proibly going to rebuild this weber. It needs cleaning up for sure.

I gotta push it a litte further under this cheep carport but this is going to be the 55s home till I get it running and driving!

I almost forgot to mention this before but this distributer has some sort of Pertronix electronic points deal. I am not sure it will actually work If I just wire it up. I know the 1976 fj55 we pulled this 2f out from had some sort of MSD box too. I have points and a condenser that I might use if I cant get this to work.

 

[samc2447]

Don't bother rebuilding the Webber. Find a used OEM carb that someone is getting rid of for a sniper upgrade. The webbers are not suited to the 2f and you'll never beat the OEM carb.