Builds TheAmigo's 1981 FJ40 Build Log (2 Viewers)

[theamigo]

New bearings all around.

All mating surfaces nice and clean.

I had to make the engine noises, but it shifts... like a tractor. It's great! Seems to test out well. I'll wait to button it down until I get a few more things done to prep the transfer case for assembly.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Wow, that is clean!

 

[Vae Victus]

Looking good man. Keep going. A little at a time. Pace yourself.

 

[theamigo]

Been having lots of fun away from the garage but I am making progress.

A group of friends and I did almost half of the WABDR. Bethel Ridge was amazing.

Started rebuilding the old hi-lift that came mounted to the front of my 40 when I bought it. Called Hi-Lift and they’re going to send all the original stickers for me to reapply.

Found some great sliders courtesy of both Mud and CL...

Got the intermediate plate mated.

 

[theamigo]

Stopped here for the night. I love having such great rebuild kits from @cruiseroutfit!

 

[Jdarkhark]

Man this was a sobering read. I am now very disappointed in the level of depth I am taking my build! Incredible work on absolutely every front. I'm sure I'll be contacting you when I install my front and rear arbs here soon.

 

[Vae Victus]

I remember rebuilding my tranny and tcase like it was just yesterday (and not 2014...). Great looking work sir. I'm only slightly ahead of where you are....

 

[theamigo]

I remember rebuilding my tranny and tcase like it was just yesterday (and not 2014...). Great looking work sir. I'm only slightly ahead of where you are....

Thanks. I'm checking out your build thread now. It looks great!

 

[theamigo]

Before and after.

 

[Vae Victus]

Good job on the extra effort on all the zinc plating (cad?). Looks nice, keeps the rust off during the build, and beyond.

 

[theamigo]

Good job on the extra effort on all the zinc plating (cad?). Looks nice, keeps the rust off during the build, and beyond.

Zinc base with a gold chromate sacrificial finish on top.

It's pretty easy and adds a nice clean look. Steve @ Commercial Electroplating takes good care of several of us on the board. I ship it down, and it's back in 2-3 weeks looking new.

 

[theamigo]

Just checking in to say I'm still alive! I'm waiting on the right time to take the engine in to the shop. Once I do that I'll start working on the body. I've got a few other irons in the fire at the moment at home, but I still intend to finish by next summer so I can take it to Cruiser Fest and/or @cruiseroutfit 's BBQ. That's my goal.

 

[JDNs78FJ40]

Received my first batch of hardware back from plating today. Pretty happy with the results considering the age and pitting on some of the pieces.

View attachment 1619480

That looks amazing! Who did you send those to for re-plating? I live in UT. Thanks.

 

[theamigo]

That looks amazing! Who did you send those to for re-plating? I live in UT. Thanks.

Post #131 just up the page has the info.

 

[Rock40]

Any update? It's been awhile....

 

[theamigo]

Sigh... For some stupid reason I decided to build a house.

Things are in stasis at the moment. My updated goal is to finish by summer 2020.... I need to start on body work now, and find a trustworthy local painter to work with me to finish that part up. I will finish it, and it is a priority.

 

[theamigo]

I have a coworker that just bought a beautiful 1971 Datsun 240z. I'm so jealous, I'm getting the itch to work on my own project again!

Our rental doesn't have 240 in the garage so I'm going to buy a generator for when I need the compressor and welder. I'm about to start back up with mounting the gearbox/tcase, driveshafts, steering components, and other things to the rolling chassis. Once we move into the new house I'll have a new shop to wrap it up in!

 

[NW40]

Any updates, @theamigo? It's been a year to the day since your last post! Your build is amazing, and I'm curious what progress you've made! Nice work.

 

[theamigo]

Any updates, @theamigo? It's been a year to the day since your last post! Your build is amazing, and I'm curious what progress you've made! Nice work.

Hi! Funny thing - I had so much to do when we were clearing land and building a house that I had no time for the FJ40. We've been living in a 5th wheel as we built our homestead. Plus, I bought a 100 series as a 3rd vehicle for our 16 year old to drive and it took a bit of work to get it up to snuff.

However, our house just got finaled. I'm about to start back on the 40 very soon.

 

[NW40]

Good to hear! I know how other projects can take priority for a while. I'll be watching for updates!