The Faux 40

[fj40alex]

The Faux 40 made a second loop around the ‘hood. Running pretty well. But we ran out of gas because the Roadkill-style lawnmower gas tank ran dry. Did I mention the OEM gas tank was rusted through. Found a poly tank that should fit per the Interwebs. Luke also got the headlights wired.

 

[fj40alex]

Keeping up with the Faux 40 theme, we did some quick “bodywork” to cover up some holes.

 

[fj40alex]

Wiring homestretch. Luke completed the headlights, tail lights, & turn signals / marker lights.

 

[fj40alex]

Time for front brakes. When we acquired the Patrol, the front brakes were MIA. No hard brake lines, no brake shoes, no springs, no brake cylinders, & no idea what we needed. Sourcing compatible parts for these Patrols is a global scavenger hunt. We found re-lined OEM brake shoes from a Patrol guru in Cali, four needed springs from a parts car, and new cylinders from Australia. Luke bent up some brake lines and got it all plumbed. One-wheel to go.

 

[fj40alex]

Moving to the interior. The original door cards were a cardboard-like fiber material - horrible choice for a soft top. Decided to go with weather proof HDPE plastic and stainless screws. Luke also welded a driver seat frame and mounted a new J**p seat (with lap belt).

 

[fj40alex]

Back under the hood. New alternator and new spark plugs installed. Also got the choke cable routed to the single barrel carb.

 

[fj40alex]

The body is pretty rust free except the thin sheet metal panel under the seats (we only have 1 of 3). Decided to have a new metal panel cut, insulated both sides since the muffler is directly below, then top with lone original patina piece. The other two will be under the new bucket seats. Only 500 other openings for heat & exhaust to escape.

 

[fj40alex]

The Patrol had a big weekend. First real miles outside the neighborhood to the gas station then to Luke’s high school car show. Sadly we only took
1 picture between the both of us. Few other tidbits recently added: 3D print mockup of the steering wheel emblem, driver side door cards, & repurposed FJ40 side mirror.

 

[lowtops]

I got some pics for you! It was very cool to see it out there.

 

[fj40alex]

I got some pics for you! It was very cool to see it out there.

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Thanks. I failed at getting any pics and Luke only took one. He was super excited to drive it there.

 

[fj40alex]

Next up - the original e-brake liner was toast. Luke found some replacement liner material and brass rivets. It’s a near identical set up to a Willy Jeep ebrake. After wrenching on this, it seems like in the early 60s that Nissan engineers “borrowed” ideas from the more recognized Willys and FJ40s of the same era. There are many near identical designs and several compatible parts.

 

[fj40alex]

Second real outing - to Tipsy Burro. Patrol ran well. This winter’s to-do list keeps evolving.

 

[fj40alex]

Before Luke installed the e-brake

 

[Comet]

Before Luke installed the e-brake

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Asbestos?

 

[fj40alex]

Asbestos?

Luckily no, at least according to McMasters. Also known as semimetallic woven strips and friction material, these strips have a brass wire woven into the material to increase strength and improve heat dissipation. They can be riveted or bonded. They do not contain asbestos.

 

[fj40alex]

Xmas came in the form of biased ply, directional Pizza Cutters with a funky tread pattern. Luke was able to mount them on the well-loved 15” cruiser wheels that previously circulated from @roadstr6, @FJinTegaCay and @forrest5000 (and maybe others). The pantina on them is perfect for this application.

 

[forrest5000]

Xmas came in the form of biased ply, directional Pizza Cutters with a funky tread pattern. Luke was able to mount them on the well-loved 15” cruiser wheels that previously circulated from @roadstr6, @FJinTegaCay and @forrest5000 (and maybe others). The pantina on them is perfect for this application.

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Where is he?

 

[fj40alex]

Where is he?

4th block - his high school auto shop class. Teacher lets them work on projects after class and during their weekly auto club meeting.

 

[forrest5000]

4th block - his high school auto shop class. Teacher lets them work on projects after class and during their weekly auto club meeting.

Wow did not know any one still had auto shop.

 

[lowtops]

We need a money shot of them on the Patrol!