Where to begin - Inherited my Aunt's 77 FJ40

[Honger]

It comes down to how you plan on using the truck.

Are you going to take it camping? Some light offroading and trail use? If so, I'd go single-stage on the body. A scratch/scuff is easily polished and if you have a deep scratch you can use touch-up paint. If you have clear and get a deep scratch it can end up requiring a lot more work... and touch-up paint looks bad on cleared paint.

But if you're going to just daily drive it around town and take it to cars & coffee gatherings and whatnot, then go with the clear. It's better for the periodic polishing.

I think of single-stage as more user-servicable and practical. Clearcoat as more protective and showmanship friendly.

That's my $0.02.

 

[NellieFJ40]

@Honger thats a great explanation which seems to fit with whst the shop was telling me.

Given that I'm currently located in iowa, unfortunately, most of its use will be on road.

I do still hope to take it once or twice a year on an "adventure" out west but even then will likely be pretty cognizant of taking care of the paint. I cant see doing anything more than what you suggested above...trails.

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Captn Conch]

Ok, I finished my single stage urethane paint experience in my garage several months back, In metallic Rescue Green. I documented it in the Paint section. Yes, it was a real challenge. You don't need a clear coat that is why it is single stage. I am so happy with my paint job. A "Clear Coat" is superfluous. Single stage urethane with the epoxy primer undercoat, (if some bare metal is involved,) and applied properly should last a decade or two if somewhat maintained. Don't pay for what you don't need.

 

[NellieFJ40]

@Captn Conch thanks for the thoughts. I continue to give thought to the clear on the exterior. I'll certainly let the forum know what i decide on.

I'm continuing with buying what oem parts I can and am trying to track down the hood and windshield latches/hooks. The hood to apron latches are still available so I've bought them but am struggling iwth the windshield latches. I think they are NLA but was trying ebay to source a pair. I came up with part number 53504-90300 but I don't think that's correct now that I've got them. The ones i purchased look like this:



Now upon receiving them I looked at my old photos and see that my OEM latches look like this:



Any idea what part number my OEM latches are? I'd like to find an new pair to match the finish on my new OEM hood to apron latches.

Thanks!

 

[Poser]

They are discontinued...

 

[NellieFJ40]

Thanks @Poser even if disappointing news! I guess if I want the 4 hooks to match that leaves me with:

1 original patina
2 Having them plated (if they can be disassembled?)
3 Paint them

Alternatively:

4 Go with new correct hood/apron hooks and new later style windshield hooks as pictured above.

 

[iptman]

Did you see this sticky thread at the top of this forum? Run through it if you haven't. Lot of good oem parts info in there. Obviously some parts have been discontinued since but vendors like Cruiser Outfitters @cruiseroutfit have high quality after market and sometimes even discontinued parts they've bought bulk stock of prior to discontinuation. There are also plenty of other quality vendors who support the Mud/Land Cruiser community. Take your time and don't use eBay or Amazon if at all possible. You will pay more and and have no after purchase support.

Ultimate OEM 4X SERIES PARTS IN STOCK

 

[NellieFJ40]

Thanks for the references. I have used the faq some as I've been navigating through this process. I think these hooks are the first parts I've bought off of eBay. Turned to onur first but caught him during his move unfortunately.

Thanks again for your thoughts

 

[NellieFJ40]

I'm having a hard time figuring out what all locations came from toyota with gaskets of the exterior of the vehicle. I know that the hood hinges did but I'm not sure about other pieces. Front door hinges, abby door hinges, windshield hinges? Mirror arms?

Any help would be greatly appreciared.

I blasted and painted my jack rods, jack, and Jack handle this afternoon. Of course I ran out of paint so now, per instructions, I wait a week to put the last coat on.

 

[NellieFJ40]

Oh so close to being ready for paint. Interior bodywork is done and has been re epoxied and primed.









Have a happy 4th of July everyone.

 

[erics]

Wow what a coincidence I just came across this thread... looking forward to meeting you later this afternoon Matt

 

[NellieFJ40]

Anyone know if there was originally a gasket for the front door handles? I can't seem to find one but the shop said there was one on there.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[GA Architect]

Anyone know if there was originally a gasket for the front door handles? I can't seem to find one but the shop said there was one on there.

Any help would be appreciated!

FWIW - When I refurbished my doors last year, I seem to remember there was a thin clear hard plastic type gasket between the door handle and door skin. One was so brittle it broke apart, so I made new ones out of milk jug plastic. I'm not 100% sure these were OEM gaskets, but possibly were.

 

[NellieFJ40]

Thanks @GA Architect. That's consistent with what my shop said but I can't find a part number anywhere online.

Id like to make some of these gaskets like you did but all the parts are at the shop so I don't have a template. If I could find them and they were available I'd just buy a pair.

 

[NellieFJ40]

Also, here are more progress photos from the last week or so.

 

[tls3601]

Wow looks great-are you looking for the inside door handle grommets? They keep the handle from scraping the vinyl door panel??

 

[GA Architect]

Thanks @GA Architect. That's consistent with what my shop said but I can't find a part number anywhere online.

Id like to make some of these gaskets like you did but all the parts are at the shop so I don't have a template. If I could find them and they were available I'd just buy a pair.

The gasket was a single, rectangular piece. If memory serves me right, it was about 1/8" longer than the studs, and about 3/8" or 1/2" wide.

 

[NellieFJ40]

Thank you both. Im tryimg to track down all these gaskets.

@tls3601 these are for the exterior door handles. At some point I'll start looking at interior parts. Gotta let the pain of the exterior parts ease first though!

 

[iptman]

So what did you decide to go with...single stage or base coat clear coat?

 

[NellieFJ40]

Well I'm going with the strange choice i guess. I'm going with the shops recommendation which is a single stage and clear.

I did also choose to use the chipcoat on the interior floor.