What order do you rebuild a rig in, by the way?

[alex e]

I am at the stage where I have all the proper pieces, & it's all going to be put back together, & since I've never done this before......

I'd like to get some idea what order to go in after the engine/tranny/t-case are mounted on the frame, then what?

 

[Poser]

Start with the frame, and install the components from there.

 

[fieldsken1]

no way dude start with the roof and work your way to the base

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

Can't argue with that concept!

But, be sure to stay focused, and don't get side-tracked from the main project by side modifications/upgrades.

Good luck!

Alan

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Start with the frame, and install the components from there.

 

[Degnol]

Start with what's in your checking account, then check the balances on your credit cards, then take a good long look at your wife and calculate how much she means to you.............Everything good? Then go for it!

 

[FJ40_68_Nick]

I would start from the middle and work my way out.

 

[Magnum44]

I have to agree with Poser. I would start with the frame first.

 

[alex e]

Ok fast forward then. Can I reassemble and put the brakes/booster/mc on last?
Frame, then motor and tranny/tcase, then body, saginaw conversion install, then wire it all up and get it running. Paint then install interior. ???

 

[Slow Poke]

Start with a good solid base and build up. Frame, front and rear axles , tie rods, brake lines, frame wiring harness, brakes, .... a good rolling chassis. Then on goes the engine and transmission and TC. Drive lines and anything else that you think would be easier now than when the tub is on.
Now for the excitement. The tub goes on!!! now the tub wiring harness and all the fire wall brake and clutch lines and before you know it you've got s*** everywhere but it's a blast!!!!

Have fun, Slow Poke

 

[Slow Poke]

Another thing, If you haven't already taken things apart, get a good digital camera and take lots of pictures of the disassembly. Can't tell you how many times this has saved me. And tape and label stuff. I did a lot of this in the beginning and then tapered off at the end and wished I had stuck with it. But the camera saved me.

Slow Poke

 

[ccolin]

some people start with new wheels and tires

 

[FineWynsFJ40]

I heartily agree with Slow Poke on getting a solid rolling chassis, then engine/transmission/transfercase & driveline, then tub & cowling, then wire it up, fenders & exterior panels, seats & roll bar, then the rest of it. I had my panels & pieces painted when it was sandblasted, each piece painted individually but at the same time. Wiring using a Painless kit is interesting, as the wires are pre-terminated at the fuse block, but for the harness-to-truck side, sometimes creativity is required.

Brian

 

[Rigger]

Good thread, good question.

If you are okay with taking the truck out of commission for a while, seems sensible to begin at the frame. Pulling the body off the frame allows access for the clean up and any needed repairs and upgrades.

I want to sort of limit the downtime, so I am in a different spot. I am going with several upgrade "phases". Brakes are going to be first. I have collected up some of the material needed for the brake system overhaul. I may do some suspension mods at the same time, though.

Not sure what's next; body work or roll cage.

 

[Copenhagen1]

I feel like I am in the "mock-up" stage, only I am still driving it and enjoying it.

If you watch any of those American Chopper or Boyd's Hot Rod shows, they always "mock-up" whatever it is they are building and make sure everything fits and works, then tear it all back down and make it pretty.

I am trying to drive and enjoy my 40 by getting it running correctly and making any modifications while it is in this stage. I am very close to having it run 100% like I want it and I am planning a small lift and power steering. I am still chasing down some electrical gremlins and once I have all that done, I might disassemble it and make it pretty.

That may be completely wrong but it keeps me interested.

Copenhagen1

 

[bustanutley]

A 40 is a very simple and well engineered truck. You can put it together in about any order you like.

 

[fieldsken1]

buy bottle of whiskey then drink then get hammer then get after it have fun

 

[jtoro]

I started fixing everything (tranny, engine, steering, suspension, etc.) and after having a perfectly running rig that has been driven extensively and proven, will take it apart and start painting. This gives me the pleasure of seeing it working and getting better everyday. Also because doing mechanical work on a nicely painted rig is a pain.

 

[mcwinery]

Screw notes and pictures

Because I suck at taking notes and pictures, I bought a 72 Fj40 so I would have something to compare my 69 fj40 when I start to put it back together. Also I have something to drive in the meantime.