The Long Slow Build - 1980 FJ40

[gcrump01]

Thanks @tlc762. I didn't think about it being a single bulb with two filaments. I'll verify that the bulbs are good tomorrow or over the weekend. Also plan to take the switch out from under the dash and bypass it to see if I can get brake lights. Can someone confirm that the ignition switch does NOT have to be on for the brake lights to work? Ignition does have to be on for the turn signals & reverse lights (which all work, btw). Headlights & running lights also work without the ignition on.

Also, I did verify that the brake light fuse is good.

 

[samc2447]

Correct, brake lights should light up regardless of key position when the brake pedal is pushed. They are activated by the plunger switch on the pedal assembly. The switches are inexpensive and easy to replace. I would check that the switch is actually functioning, ie. plunger moving and check that you have the correct 2 filament bulbs installed as mentioned above.

 

[gcrump01]

Brake lights appear to be a bad brake switch - I'll get one ordered.

Moving along, I picked up the hood, spare tire carrier & windshield frame today along with hinges & various small parts. Tire carrier was a bitch to get the pins back in & I damaged the paint a little doing so. Grease & a BFH!! Easy touch up though.

 

[gcrump01]

And a few with the hood installed. My painter forgot to paint the hood support rod so I'll add that later & the hood hold down latches.

 

[gcrump01]

Put wiper linkage & motor on the frame today. Now, to get the glass installed.....

btw, where do I attach the ground wire coming off the motor??? One of the bolts for the motor cover??

 

[gcrump01]

Windshield installed along with the wiper motor & wipers - and it works!!

 

[gcrump01]

Interior rearview mirror and sun visors.

 

[gcrump01]

And seatbelts for the front. It's been a really good day. Had city police come by & fill out paperwork for a tag. Definitely not reported stolen...

 

[upperblack]

Looks great!!

Did you instal the windshield yourself?

 

[gcrump01]

Looks great!!

Did you instal the windshield yourself?

No, I chickened out! Decided it was cheaper in long run to pay local glass shop $60 to put it in, rather than break a $350 windshield.

 

[upperblack]

I don't blame you

 

[gcrump01]

Mounted the tag & drove it around the neighborhood this evening. Still waiting on the new brake switch so I have no brake lights and didn't want to go too far.

I noticed before that my temp gauge and oil pressure gauge don't work. Not sure where to start with that??? Any ideas, I'd love to hear 'em. Both the temp sender in the head and the oil pressure sending unit are new Toyota parts. I'm thinking maybe the grounds on the back of the gauge cluster??? The fuel gauge works at least.

 

[TCSTARK]

No, I chickened out! Decided it was cheaper in long run to pay local glass shop $60 to put it in, rather than break a $350 windshield.

I am batting .500 on windshield installs. Now that I know the rope trick it is easy.

 

[gcrump01]

Exhaust installed yesterday so I got to drive it around a little. Steering wanders a little to I expect the "toe in" is not correct. Hopefully I can check that tonight.

 

[gcrump01]

No time for the steering tonight, too many active kids.

I did have time to program my homelink garage & gate opener.

 

[gcrump01]

drove it around a little today. I did verify that it is toe out slightly, so I'm running it by the alignment shop Friday to adjust. Speed seems to show about half of actual speed (started a separate thread about that)

 

[gcrump01]

Good day today overall. I managed to get all of the gauges working and changed out the speedometer for an extra one I had. Everything seems to work. Carb cooling fan even kicked on today after I drove it around. Still have an idle issue, but overall it's in pretty good shape.

I went ahead and adjusted the toe out problem, it's now slightly toe in - amazed how much difference it makes in the feel of the steering.

 

[sadam_husain]

looks awesome mate, is the colour the same shade as it shows in the photos red's can sometimes be a bit difficult to photograph

 

[gcrump01]

T309 Freeborn Red just like it came from the factory.

 

[gcrump01]

I hesitate to even type this, but I think we have the carb issues worked out. Wouldn't idle, then wouldn't run at all, but only part of the time. Turns out there is a small metal screen in the carb & there was some gunk in it, basically not letting fuel into the bowl.

I drove it about 10 miles last night with no issues so hopefully it is good to go.