What have you done to your Land Cruiser this week? (54 Viewers)

[65swb45]

Had a little fun this morning. I decided a few weeks ago to start pulling out the MISCELLANEOUS boxes tucked into every corner of the shop. About once a year for the 27 years I had a front counter in the shop I would predictably get annoyed around October (I think the Santa Ana winds had something to do with it) with how cluttered the countertop looked and, whatever couldn’t be put away in the 5 or 10 minutes I had patience for, got swept into a box and put somewhere out of the way.

It’s been 8 years now since I took down the old office, got rid of the counter, and put up the shelves necessary to start REALLY organizing things. So I organized all the big stuff, and it was finally time to start opening those boxes. I am very excited about doing this now, because now EVERYTHING actually has a home. What I was not expecting was the level of unobtanium I would find. Things like SD40 carb parts, dome light switches and, getting to the point of this post, a couple of dozen hose clips used to anchor the vacuum line from the distributor to the carburetor.

So I put some on the Karma Cruiser

Edit: Funnily enough, when I posted this yesterday, I was so jazzed about the hose clips, I forgot to mention the stay I attached to the valve cover for the hood prop rod. I made that last week.

 

[knuckle47]

@65swb45 I have tried to REALLY organize stuff for near 35 years now and it never stays..within months, it a mess again. I really know the meaning of REALLY the way you’ve stated it

 

[65swb45]

Then I moved on to the bigger project of the day: I pulled out the big blue magic eraser and started the process of de-rusting the Karma Cruiser.

Easily accessible, it was a natural choice to start. I had told @majdomo last week about my plan for using THE most compatible sheet metal for the repairs. With over 50 aprons that no one is interested in buying…

An hour later, with the tools all put away…

 

[cruisermatt]

Then I moved on to the bigger project of the day: I pulled out the big blue magic eraser and started the process of de-rusting the Karma Cruiser.
Easily accessible, it was a natural choice. I had told @majdomo last week about my plan for using THE most compatible sheet metal for the repairs. With over 50 aprons that no one is interested in buying…

I think you just raised the bar for all restorations everywhere. I have never seen someone able to claim OEM replacement patch panels!

 

[pb4ugo]

And a custom apron ready for a unique snorkle.

 

[charliemeyer007]

I like organization - the problem is the boxes break down UV/Ozone for plastic ones and the tape lets go on the cardboard ones.

On the other hand my US GI Ammo cans have never failed. I can manage a 50 cal can with lead bullets, but 20mm ones and larger can get too heavy for me to pick up.

 

[knuckle47]

@charliemeyer007 So true…the only way anyone realizes that comment is ….they have had some stuff stored a REALLY long time. Anyone who packs a cardboard box for 4-5 years never gets to see this …

 

[charliemeyer007]

I put tape on the inside seams/corners of cardboard boxes to help them hold up. The large USPS Flat Rate boxes are free, fairly sturdy when taped properly and stack nice. I might try hot glue to see if it holds up better than packing/duct tape. I have used more that 100 for my needs and to box all the reloading stuff from my deceased BIL. Magic marker on all sides in code so you can consult your computer spreadsheet for contents - search is a nice feature if you actually itemize the contents add part #'s too if you can

 

[knuckle47]

Well then, I have discovered that 2” wide fiberglass tape will get a 40lb + box of heavy steel parts across the country intact. I kinda do the same thing these days to “build” the box for future survival BUT, spreadsheeting the contents..wow, that is next level stuff…I should try it

 

[65swb45]

I think you just raised the bar for all restorations everywhere. I have never seen someone able to claim OEM replacement patch panels!

Actually Matt, I did something much harder back in the late 90’s with my blue 45.

A PO had hacked a chunk out of the passenger side of the firewall where the fan blower goes for some hellacious aftermarket something I never saw, and I just covered the gaping hole for a few years after I got the truck. Eventually I got a 1965 40 series that had a tub I deemed worthy of taking a graft from. Switching out that section of firewall was tedious. But it really was necessary, as there were several contours running through that section.

It was also then that I discovered the significance of the fact that the 45 was produced in a different factory, on a different assembly line than the 40 series: the contours were close, but not identical.

 

[RedOx]

One more seal to go.

 

[mdsims]

I put tape on the inside seams/corners of cardboard boxes to help them hold up. The large USPS Flat Rate boxes are free, fairly sturdy when taped properly and stack nice. I might try hot glue to see if it holds up better than packing/duct tape. I have used more that 100 for my needs and to box all the reloading stuff from my deceased BIL. Magic marker on all sides in code so you can consult your computer spreadsheet for contents - search is a nice feature if you actually itemize the contents add part #'s too if you can

Oddly enough, wood glue on the overlaps and regular amounts of tape to hold it together works VERY well.

 

[charliemeyer007]

Makes sense paper is wood. thanks I have some Titebond III to try

 

[Robs76fj40]

Well, it's been a good little while since I posted up any updates. However, I'm going to try and post some stuff weekly, at least. Have to set goals... hopefully this will also keep me motivated to make progress weekly in general. So I had bought "factory style OE" replacement brake tube.. just was happy at all with the look of it, so I ran all new stainless for the engine bay area. Actually what prompted this was trying to locate the hardline from the clutch master cylinder to the junction block on the right side down by the water inlet for the heater core. That, of course, snowballed into doing the brakes too. A lot of work, but I'm very proud of how it turned out. The lines aren't perfect, but I'm very happy- so they're complete and ready to add fluid and bleed out

 

[Robs76fj40]

I also made an air inlet tube for between the air filter and MAF meter. Pretty happy with that as well.

Oh and I need to post the pic of the junction block on the frame rail to "complete" the brake line post above... also shown is the junction for my fuel supply and return lines. Thanks for looking!

 

[Buffchief]

FYI....if you think you can order a rebuilt FJ40/60 alternator with internal regulator as described on Parts Geek website complete with correct pictures.....you can...BUT...you will receive a Chinese made/remanufactured alternator without a voltage regulator and play hell returning it and you WILL pay for shipping back regardless of the " wrong" item delivered!!! I fairly confident that they DO NOT have the correct item and will probably have to eat this one! FUBAR

 

[Flatlanderfj40]

Flipped the windshield down.

 

[mdsims]

Flipped the windshield down.

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Swoon

 

[MAR FJ40]

Picked up the tub today. 9 months at the resto shop for body work/paint. Now my install fun begins again. E-power steering, Resto air, dual air compressor for rear locker, fuel lines / finish up sniper install. Wiring harness, brake lines along firewall, master, seats...the list goes on. Most all is ready for plug and play. Man I am stoked to have her home!

 

[cims1970fj40]

Flipped the windshield down.

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What part of Kansas is that at?