Springtail MPAC 1977 FJ40 Build (1 Viewer)

[hindsight]

Looking good man! Don't worry about tightening up all the mounts yet anyway, you'll want to be able to play with it when you are getting the front end lined up



Tucker

Thanks....good advice!

Doc

 

[ethernectar]

Subscribed - love the color!

 

[Dudleyfj40]

That looks great Doc!

 

[Outdoor707]

Looks great. Kind of the color of Key Lime Pie.

 

[hindsight]

Looks great. Kind of the color of Key Lime Pie.

Thanks! I think that the color looks lighter in the shop (with the white walls and bright lights). It will be interesting to see it outside soon.

Doc

 

[high country cruiser]

Subscribed

More please ;p

 

[hindsight]

No pictures today....However, I spent quite a bit of time continuing to fit the poly mounts to the frame. The new longer bolts arrived so we were able to secure the PACOL Body to the frame. Amazingly all of the holes lined up quite well with only minor modifications (reaming holes basically).

The POly body mounts worked pretty well with the exception of two things

a) The bolts are very hard to start as they have to thread through some poly material before getting to the metal nut insert. Kind of a PIA.

b) 2 mounts needed to be cut in half and trimmed as there was no way they were ever going to work in the body mount. No biggie....3 minutes with the dremel and they bolted up fine.

The only significant issues that had to be dealt with was that two holes in the back of the tub were not drilled and the passengers side forward most mount will need to have a spacer built as there is almost an inch of space between the body and the frame.

Tomorrow, I think that I am going to seriously contemplate buying this...

MAF FJ40 long range 28 gal tank

Doc

 

[Outdoor707]

On hold?

Where did the 40 go? Ever since you bought the pig you have left us hanging.

 

[hindsight]

The mechanic has left it sitting in lieu of other jobs...I have been getting on his butt about it.

Doc

 

[hindsight]

Finally, a little bit of movement in the right direction! The FJ is back at the mechanic shop after spending almost a month doing nothing.

While they work on the engine components (an area that I have no business being in BTW), I volunteered to put in the Man a Fre 28 gallon fuel tank...well I never got to it. The transmission cover needed to be mounted first...I had bought a fiberglass replacement from JT outfitters. It sort of fit....after a few hours of drilling, trimming etc, I managed to get this done.

The only concerning part is how to deal with this gap (I am not even sure why it is there)

Overall, I think that the transmission cover is OK...I think that they could have done a better job with the fit and finish.

My plan will be to return next week with my riv-nuts and finish the job. Ultimately, the hump will be Linexed on both sides to increase strength and as a sound deadener.

Doc

 

[Outdoor707]

You really like the fiberglass transmission cover better than the rubber mat that used to be bolted on there?

 

[hindsight]

Doug,

That was pretty sad...the original cover was so rusted that it could not be salvage in any way either

Doc

 

[PixelWrangler]

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h61/wellconnecteddog2/FJ40%20Project/IMG_0579.jpg[/IMG]

Doc

The Transmission cover is correct for my '75 which has a corresponding "bump" in the floor which would fill the gap. Thought I might have a photo of the area, but alas, no.

It's hard to tell because of the cancer, but it doesn't look like your '77 had the "bump"?

 

[ccasteel]

My 3/76 parts cruiser had the hump. If you can look past all the debris you can see it in the upper left.

 

[hindsight]

Interesting variation...Yeah, there was no hump in my previous tranny cover.

Started on the MPAC Center console unit....basically the approach will be to have a cradle that can have the option of interchangeable modules up front and an inexpensive removable container for the back portion.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/539203-working-center-console-need-bit-help.html
Initial Cads


Base unit

Base unit with cup holders (just holes here but will have plastic inserts), The cups are offset so there is an area for switches, power points etc. near the driver.

Doc

 

[hindsight]

After a bit of thought and talking to the body guys, I came up with a plan. The gap was filled with some sort of filler material (not sure what the body shop called it). Apparently, it will become very hard and will stick to the fiberglass. After it is dry and sanded, the coating of Linex will definitely keep it in place.

Be kind...it is my first attempt at body work.

I will let you know what it looks like when finished.

Doc

 

[Texican]

Could you not find a decent OEM metal one to go in here?.....what year is the tub?

 

[hindsight]

The tub was manufactured by PACOL...my old tub does not have the hump either. I would imagine whoever made the fiberglass hump either had a variant or figured it would be easier to fill a gap rather than fabricate the little hump.

I looked into getting a metal tranny hump...the price for anything available was outrageous.

I think this will turn out fine in the end.

Doc

 

[burnttoastburgos]

lookin great.....i wish you would've painted the firewall....looks so nice when they match. carry on!!

 

[hindsight]

Wow! I just got done leafing through your build...I am absolutely stunned at the detail and fabrication that you have put into your FJ.

I like the way that you did your firewall...I did mine with coating all the way up because of the salty roads here in Iowa. I think that more people will be interested in looking under your hood than mine.

Your build is truely inspiring. Thanks!

Doc