Builds The Architect's '77 FJ40

[GA Architect]

Was going to purchase a new OEM 56211-90300 windshield spacer/gasket, but with a little "303" (Thanks to @Weber Sarge ) and elbow grease......I can live with the OEM unit that is in there. Unscrewed the windshield bolts and pushed it forward to reveal the below:

After running my shop vac across this a few times to remove the dust, dirt and several dead insects, I wiped the joint down with soap & water as best I could. Now it was time to inspect the spacer. Felt it and was still very pliable, so I thought......Where is that '303' Sarge raved about and I bought a couple of weeks ago? I'll give it a shot....so after about 5 to 10 minutes of working that piece over, front, back & sides,.....I just smiled. Well, a photo is worth a few words:

Thanks for posting the '303' tip, Sarge!

 

[Weber Sarge]

You're welcome , the stuff is getting higher on my favorites list with the results I've had on plastics , rubber and vinyl .
I see now they make a quick detailer and some other stuff now...

You plan to pull the frame off the tub ? I'd do some serious cleaning below that seal and make sure there is no corrosion on the cowl ...

Sarge

 

[cruiserkreutz]

Hmmm... What is this "303" you speak of? Code for magic pixie dust? Looks great!

 

[Jdc1]

Hmmm... What is this "303" you speak of? Code for magic pixie dust? Looks great!

303 is a rubber cleaner/conditioner that even has a uv treatment in it. It's better than armor all because it doesn't leave a slippery residue.

Amazon.com: 303 (30313-CSR) Aerospace Protectant Trigger Sprayer, 32 Fl. oz.: Automotive

 

[Honger]

When you refer to 303... I'm assuming you mean the general formula "303 Aerospace Protectant" right?
Had a bottle of that back Stateside and loved it... glad you reminded me. Gonna have to try and get some over here somehow.

 

[GA Architect]

You're welcome , the stuff is getting higher on my favorites list with the results I've had on plastics , rubber and vinyl .
I see now they make a quick detailer and some other stuff now...

You plan to pull the frame off the tub ? I'd do some serious cleaning below that seal and make sure there is no corrosion on the cowl ...

Sarge

No "frame off" at the present time. When I had the windshield tilted forward, I pulled up the spacer and cleaned the cowl very well. I was expecting to find some rust, but there was very little. Any spots that had surface rust were cleaned, primed and repainted with my Nason Ful-Cryl II touch-up paint. Also, I'm having a local automotive paint distributor mix-up a quart of Cygnus White T-012 for the roof and any bezel paint needs.

When you refer to 303... I'm assuming you mean the general formula "303 Aerospace Protectant" right?
Had a bottle of that back Stateside and loved it... glad you reminded me. Gonna have to try and get some over here somehow.

Hmmm... What is this "303" you speak of? Code for magic pixie dust? Looks great!

303 is code for:

....Aerospace Protectant, the good stuff!

 

[Chungas Revenge]

a quart of Cygnus White T-012

Nice...Looking forward to the pics!!!

 

[DSB345]

Great progress on your rig. Looking great!

 

[GA Architect]

Top & Sides are off and in the process of being restored. Grinding out the rust for the repairs, then it will be prime & paint......I'm questioning the re-installation, being Summer is around the corner. Maybe I should look for a tailgate, Bestop and Doors?

 

[upperblack]

Tcstark has a nice real steel tailgate at a great price and it's just around the corner from you. Running it topless is addictive in the nicer months. This is why you need a 2nd cruiser one topless one hardtop

 

[DSB345]

Rick, I'm trying to make a decision on the rim color for my rig. Cygnus White T-012, Black or Grey powder coat. The black looks great on your rig I must say. Go for it on the Best Top
Dave

 

[G-Cat]

No Bestop, I hope. OE style bows and OE style top are the only way to do that rig Justice. Please don't make me unsubscribe!

 

[cruiserkreutz]

^^^ Totally agree (only I WON'T unsubscribe)

 

[DSB345]

That's ruff

No Bestop, I hope. OE style bows and OE style top are the only way to do that rig Justice. Please don't make me unsubscribe!

 

[Jdc1]

That's ruff

Sometimes the truth is ruff.

 

[GA Architect]

Tcstark has a nice real steel tailgate at a great price and it's just around the corner from you. Running it topless is addictive in the nicer months. This is why you need a 2nd cruiser one topless one hardtop

Gee Thanks! There goes a few more Benjamin's flying out the ol wallet.....But come Summer, it'll be topless brother.

 

[GA Architect]

Sometimes the truth is ruff.

Yep, just ask my family. I know of no other way to be, being brutally honest is the best policy.

 

[GA Architect]

No Bestop, I hope. OE style bows and OE style top are the only way to do that rig Justice. Please don't make me unsubscribe!

You got a used set for sale on the inexpensive side?.....Speaking of the OEM bows and top, does one have to have the exterior cleats on the rear corners to cinch the top down?

 

[cruiserkreutz]

I think someone makes a top with super strong magnets in place of the straps (Trollhole?)

 

[upperblack]

I think someone makes a top with super strong magnets in place of the straps (Trollhole?)

Correct trollhole has a version with magnets... Looks pretty sweet

BTW Rick, looks like tcstark sold that real steel tailgate.