Builds The Escape Wagon Restoration

[EscapeWagon62]

Definitely an inspiring thread to watch. Nothing better than a tastefully modified restored to stock 60/62 series. Now go do something with it other than work on it. Congrats on a job well done. Looks great.

That’s my plan and thanks for the kind comments.
Plenty of places to go and see now

 

[Vasopressor]

Great thread on a beautiful cruiser!

 

[EscapeWagon62]

Great thread on a beautiful cruiser!

Thanks and I shot you a PM back on your steering box question

 

[EscapeWagon62]

Solved a problem few would care to solve.
My key in ignition buzzer/chime was inoperative since doing the H55 swap. I feared that we screwed up some wiring but it turns out I hadnt reconnected the harness on the lower steering column.

 

[ToyotaMatt]

TOTALLY Timeless !

Excellent work ...........

 

[HemiAlex]

I just read this whole thread. You do great work.

 

[EscapeWagon62]

I just read this whole thread. You do great work.

Thank you.
Following your latest acquisition

 

[HemiAlex]

Thanks!

It's going to be a long road but I've got modest expectations.

 

[LCnAZ]

@EscapeWagon62 , wonderful project! In post #1 you show the side plate and gasket. I've never noticed (or heard of the side plate) it as it's buried under so much stuff. I can't even find it in parts schematics. Can you elaborate on what the plate covers and how you replaced the gasket? Thanks.

 

[airmech]

I realize this is an older thread, but just wanted to say thanks for documenting all your work and all the great
pictures. You are to be commended for your craftmanship and attention to detail. As an original owner of an 88
FJ62, these old trucks just get into your blood and yes, it is a sickness. Also, congratulations for having such an
understanding wife! I wish I had a dime for every time I heard- "and how much is that gonna cost?".
Anyway, you did great work. Beautiful truck.

 

[LCnAZ]

@EscapeWagon62 , wonderful project! In post #1 you show the side plate and gasket. I've never noticed (or heard of the side plate) it as it's buried under so much stuff. I can't even find it in parts schematics. Can you elaborate on what the plate covers and how you replaced the gasket? Thanks.

FWIW, I dug up the info on the plate (Push Rod Cover). Here is post with part number, etc.. Side Plate Gasket Leak? - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/side-plate-gasket-leak.1262565/#post-14031866

 

[EscapeWagon62]

@EscapeWagon62 , wonderful project! In post #1 you show the side plate and gasket. I've never noticed (or heard of the side plate) it as it's buried under so much stuff. I can't even find it in parts schematics. Can you elaborate on what the plate covers and how you replaced the gasket? Thanks.

FWIW, I dug up the info on the plate (Push Rod Cover). Here is post with part number, etc.. Side Plate Gasket Leak? - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/side-plate-gasket-leak.1262565/#post-14031866

Thanks for the compliments.
Glad you found the part number.
This repair remains on my least favorite and hope to never do again list. Getting all of the stuff out of the way was a bear but trying to get it installed without removing all of the stuff had too much risk (bending the push rod cover).
If I recall I needed to pull the air intake, distributor, loosen the coolant lines up where the valve cover meets the valvetrain/engine block, loosen and move the AC compressor bracket.
The post/link you show should help.

 

[EscapeWagon62]

Maybe a winter project
Maybe I keep it as a “just in case I need it later” part.
I already replaced my original dash pad since it was cracked and sourced a used one off ebay. It’s in solid shape overall but I’d be kicking myself for not buying one of the few brand new OEM pads still available.

 

[cps432]

Maybe a winter project
Maybe I keep it as a “just in case I need it later” part.
I already replaced my original dash pad since it was cracked and sourced a used one off ebay. It’s in solid shape overall but I’d be kicking myself for not buying one of the few brand new OEM pads still available.

View attachment 2782747

I really wish they had them for the 60. It’s one of those parts that I would defiantly pay the premium for... your eyes are always on it.

 

[EscapeWagon62]

Threw a check engine code 22 the other day (water temp switch). I had replaced this switch early in my ownership. i may have put in an aftermarket or a used one….can’t remember
@ToyotaMatt shipped me a new OEM one plus I’ll replace the cold start injector timer switch while I’m in there.
Over the winter I’ll shoot the cold start injector off for cleaning.

 

[TexFJ]

Threw a check engine code 22 the other day (water temp switch). I had replaced this switch early in my ownership. i may have put in an aftermarket or a used one….can’t remember
@ToyotaMatt shipped me a new OEM one plus I’ll replace the cold start injector timer switch while I’m in there.
Over the winter I’ll shoot the cold start injector off for cleaning.

View attachment 2790510

curious to see how it moves the temp gauge needle. as others, mine stays around the quarter mark.

 

[EscapeWagon62]

curious to see how it moves the temp gauge needle. as others, mine stays around the quarter mark.

Different sensor
The temp switch talks to the ECU (engine could be hot and the ECU thinks it’s cold) and causes drivability issues.
Replacing the twmp SENDER should solve your 1/4 mark issue

 

[EscapeWagon62]

Seems like the gremlins are following me.
A/C stopped working. Blue light turns on, no idle up, no compressor/clutch activation.
Did a quick mud search and found this…..said to jump the AC clutch to see if it engages (it did) leaving the probable cause as a leak. (Apparently the system has a fail safe if the pressure is too low so that the compressor doesnt burn up)

FJ62 AC not coming on/ idling up?

forum.ih8mud.com

Had a dye test done and bingo. Will figure out if its fixable or if I need a new compressor.

On the bright side, rig is running great and everything that breaks now is one less thing to fix when I retire

 

[cps432]

Seems like the gremlins are following me.
A/C stopped working. Blue light turns on, no idle up, no compressor/clutch activation.
Did a quick mud search and found this…..said to jump the AC clutch to see if it engages (it did) leaving the probable cause as a leak. (Apparently the system has a fail safe if the pressure is too low so that the compressor doesnt burn up)

FJ62 AC not coming on/ idling up?

forum.ih8mud.com

Had a dye test done and bingo. Will figure out if its fixable or if I need a new compressor.

On the bright side, rig is running great and everything that breaks now is one less thing to fix when I retire

View attachment 2798528

I admire your optimism!

 

[EscapeWagon62]

Problem found