Builds Utah... the "new blue" - the unforeseen build

[2fpower]

Maybe I missed it earlier in the thread, what’s the deal with the fixed windshield brackets?

Aqualu full tub and windshield part. I tried to put stock hinges on and none would fit. That is all I know. I would like to be able to hinge them down if there is a known path to that goal.

 

[74fj40]

In 12 years of ownership my windshield has been down maybe twice. I actually like the idea of rigidity

 

[2fpower]

In 12 years of ownership my windshield has been down maybe twice. I actually like the idea of rigidity

I have seen many fj45's with fixed top have this style of solid non-hinge things, so I am sure they are available for your rig too.

 

[tornadoalleycruiser]

kelly, would it help if i brought you 2 or 3 different windshield hinges to compare to what you possibly have. I have i believe in my possession a known correct fixed set of backets off an FJ45, the short and the long hinges. I imagine comparing the fixed plates i have to yours would determine if they used a one off? or if they installed them upside down drilling the holes in the wrong spot..

 

[2fpower]

kelly, would it help if i brought you 2 or 3 different windshield hinges to compare to what you possibly have. I have i believe in my possession a known correct fixed set of backets off an FJ45, the short and the long hinges. I imagine comparing the fixed plates i have to yours would determine if they used a one off? or if they installed them upside down drilling the holes in the wrong spot..

Originally I wanted to change to a real hinge and started this thread with the question, aqualu fj40 windshield hinge and lock

Now, I with the family cage in there, not sure that I care about being able do drop it down, so content with the solid fixed "hinge".

I was confident that I could do the swap, as I too have a set of long and short hinges, and neither of them line up with the holes. You are correct that the bottom holes appear to be drilled into the tub, while the top have captured nuts on the aqualu top. Aqualu sells the hinge for $175, so at that point I decided to leave it be.

To illistrate this, I swapped some hinges on the car to hold it in place, one long and one short. One of them allows 2 bolts and the other 3 of the 6 holes.

 

[Varty Yo]

Do you have anymore details into the rear seat installation?

 

[2fpower]

I took a couple pictures of the stock hinges, to show the issue.

 

[tornadoalleycruiser]

So. Just asking. Do you think that is a stock fixed windshield plate? It looks like the holes are in the wrong places. And FYI. the difference in the short vs long windshield hinges is due to lower wiper motor or upper wiper motor. Spacing of the holes should be the same. I believe i may have a set of fixed plates in the spare garage. If you want to fold down, you will have to weld up and redo the holes. If you want to keep it simple and leave it, carry on. OR, build a floating plate behind the holes that the bolts go into and wallow out the existing holes without needing to weld them back up. Tap some stainless plate as a backer for the hinges to bolt into and sandwich the alum. The stock holes for the hood hinge on the cowl "float" in a similar way. it doesn't look like the holes will be seen, if your painting. now is the time.

 

[2fpower]

Agree with your thoughts, @tornadoalleycruiser decided to move on.

 

[2fpower]

Put some primer down on the half doors and rear section.

 

[2fpower]

More pics.

 

[2fpower]

Sure no problem, I sent you a PM about your address but whenever is fine with me.

I'll just leave them on my side table here at work and they won't get lost LOL

I think I will take you up on your offer. Crawlarado never came through. Let me know if offer still stands.

Kelly

 

[2fpower]

Just realized I had not posted pictures of it painted. That seems like so long ago now. I’m just waiting for better weather so I can start driving. I did realize that I have a air leak in the ARB, must be in the differential. Suck.

 

[2fpower]

Installed the half doors and took it for a nice drive

 

[2fpower]

Took it out for a drive and starting hearing metal on metal noise. Figured out that I had been in 4wd for some time as vacuum lines were reversed.

One of the wheels was turned to lock also, so GREAT! Took off the outer locking spring things as they would not turn to unlock, then took it for a drive. Still had the noise.

So put it on the lift and got the rear wheels going pretty good, no noise. Turned the front on and the noise came back. Appears to be a bearing on the nose to the front driveshaft.

Will tear into it tonight.

Thanks go to @tornadoalleycruiser for not calling me an idiot.... although I deserved it.

 

[tornadoalleycruiser]

I still have the OEM 4wd delete plug to go in the front of that tcase, no need to worry about a bearing! Marv gave it to me years ago.

 

[2fpower]

Ends up that all the issue was the darn dust cap was loose. Took it off, and back on the road

 

[2fpower]

Since I put this together, the rear locker has not engaged so I talked @kc_chevota into helping me figure out what was wrong. Well, pretty simple diagnosis. When we took off the cover, it was apparent that I left too much line inside the differential, and when I had originally put the cover on it pushed the line into the gears. There was about a three-quarter inch section that was basically ground to nothing. So we talked about the options, and we decided to add a swagelok fitting. I had assumed these are brass lines, but they were hard steel. 3/16 union compression. Checked for leaks, found none, so put it back together

 

[tornadoalleycruiser]

Toss one of those kits in the trail spares!

 

[2fpower]

@Awl_TEQ I think that it is time for me to give up on Crawlorado.

Can I take you up on the offer for the W without the hole in it?

Kelly