Builds The Architect's '77 FJ40 (1 Viewer)

[GA Architect]

Yes you can, but the best way is to unbolt the hinges from the tub and than take your time removing the pins using a vice and a counter punch. Unfortunately its a bear to unbolt the hinges if your gauge panel and other items are still there.

With Chassis Saver, I would lay down 2-3 coats with a good brush, sand that down smooth and than I applied Rustoleum semi-gloss black on everything. Lots of work but should last forever.

Thanks, just finished up the 2nd coat of Chassis Saver. Once that dries, I'm going back with the Rust-Oleum Professional Enamel, black.

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

Got a care package from SouthBoston this week, so I did a little maintenance this morning. My hood was seriously loose, but with these installed, nice and smooth. What do you think, you think those plastic bushing were in need of some help?......Here, have a look.
View attachment 1018533
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FYI - You had better have some touch-up paint handy. The hinge pins do not come out easly! Had to beat those suckers out with my ball pein and a small bolt on my vise. Then you have beat each one back into place.....Yes, it marks up the paint. But I have some good touch-up paint that from 2 feet and squinting, you'll never know there was a chip in the paint.

Now, to attack the door hinges.....Anyone offer any advice as to removing the door hinge pins? Can you remove the pins with the hinges still attached?

You'll want to fold your windshield forward before removing the top pin, otherwise you'll scrape the paint. Then insert it back in upside down to facilitate an easier removal next time.

 

[Racer65]

Thanks, just finished up the 2nd coat of Chassis Saver. Once that dries, I'm going back with the Rust-Oleum Professional Enamel, black.

Did those 2 coats go directly onto bare metal, or did it require additional prep?

 

[GA Architect]

Did those 2 coats go directly onto bare metal, or did it require additional prep?

I had the step sand blasted, then two coats of primer, two coats of Chassis Saver & will have two coats of enamel.

 

[Assassin]

really enjoyed reading your thread / very nice rig---and good to see another dune beige fj40 in GAwja!!!

 

[GA Architect]

Decided to go trail riding this morning with my son.....Turned out, to be more of a wheeling trip! And let me just say, WOW! I knew the Toyota FJ40's had low end power, but I got to see it in action today. I am beyond impressed with my rig, and my 14 year old was too! Here are some photos....You see many desert type wheeling photos from out West, here are some from East coast - Blue Ridge Mountains.

 

[GA Architect]

Here's one of my son wheeling my rig!.....I'll give him "Prop's." With it in 4-Low, we creeped all around this morning.

 

[GA Architect]

Ok, the photos that were not taken...Goodness Sakes! I wheeled my rig this morning also on 4-wheeler trails, and just crept along in 4-low. Man, I could just feel the torque hitting the ground thru the gas pedal, it was incredible.

I've wheeled 4 wheel drives for over 30 years, and this by FAR, out classes them all. My '84 K5 with the granny gear, comes close, but not really that close.....IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE, from my Toyota FJ40!

OK, I need to temper those emotions, could lead to me wheeling my rig more often. I will say this, my 2-1/2" lift and 33x12.50's didn't rub, "Highly Surprised". But I also didn't have my rig in too many crossed up positions either. But we were in a few spots, and I was ready to hear the crunching of metal.

Here, have a look.

 

[78fj40mg]

I like it a lot! Ur FJ40 - Awesome Pics - Happy trails!

You are the only architect I know that goes 4-wheeling! Wa....hoo!

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Great pics!! Great trout stream!! Looks like you trolled a bit - catch anything??

 

[GA Architect]

I'll be floating a dry-fly on top, come Spring.....Or spinning a Panther Martian 1/16 oz.

 

[GA Architect]

I like it a lot! Ur FJ40 - Awesome Pics - Happy trails!

You are the only architect I know that goes 4-wheeling! Wa....hoo!

Yea, I hear, "You're not like most Architects"........ .....Guess there's got to be one black sheep in the herd!

 

[Assassin]

looks like a fun day for sure...great pic's//were u up around cohutta area?

 

[78fj40mg]

Yea, I hear, "You're not like most Architects"........ .....Guess there's got to be one black sheep in the herd!

It's good to have a black sheep in the MUD family, specially an AIA!

 

[GA Architect]

looks like a fun day for sure...great pic's//were u up around cohutta area?

Location: Long Swamp Creek in Tate, GA

 

[MrMoMo]

I am beyond impressed with my rig

Haha, and now the addiction REALLY starts, I bet there was cruiser grin from ear to ear for a number of hours! Soon there will be a second 40, just for trails, and a third to re-build over the next few years for your son! ;cD

 

[PuKE]

Yea, I hear, "You're not like most Architects"........ .....Guess there's got to be one black sheep in the herd!

Awesome thread GA! I don't usually get along with Architect's [I'm a PE]
But I feel better knowing that somewhere in Georgia, an architect enjoys the same FJ40 wheelin' that I do.

Cheers!

 

[micruz60]

Just thot I'd chime in here.... Having practiced Architorture for over 30 years, and driven a 40 for 35 years... It really is not too uncommon to find archs that wheel, ... respecting the Design quality in these rigs. Most architects that I know are snobby elitist sorts who want a bimmer or auddy, and probably would wrinkle their noses at wrenching.... Let alone spending time on construction sites helping the contractor realize a unique design.

 

[GA Architect]

Just thot I'd chime in here.... Having practiced Architorture for over 30 years, and driven a 40 for 35 years... It really is not too uncommon to find archs that wheel, ... respecting the Design quality in these rigs. Most architects that I know are snobby elitist sorts who want a bimmer or auddy, and probably would wrinkle their noses at wrenching.... Let alone spending time on construction sites helping the contractor realize a unique design.

Not many wheeling Architects in GA that I'm aware of, but there probably are a few around here. As for understanding construction, that's how I put myself thru college.

"...snobby elitists..." Yep, seems like that is most people impressions of what an Architect is. Being that I mind my own buisness, most people don't know what I do for a living, and that is just fine with me.....Oh, that is if you didn't know what my screen name is on MUD.

 

[GA Architect]

Awesome thread GA! I don't usually get along with Architect's [I'm a PE]
But I feel better knowing that somewhere in Georgia, an architect enjoys the same FJ40 wheelin' that I do.

Cheers!

PE, eh! My best business friend is an Electrical Engineer, who owns a major MP&E Firm in Atlanta.....I play well with others in my industry, "Team Effort"!