Wisdom Turns Folly (WTF). 1973/75/76/78 Mashup (4 Viewers)

[Comet]

Haven't seen that you've posted anything on ignition, but I have a fresh supply of new NipponDenso vacuum advancers that can be installed in the '76 distributor (if stock) in 10 minutes or so. I also have some FJ60 distributors ready for refurbishment. All you'd need for that is an FJ60 parts rig to get a donor dented side cover .

You are on my list now. Thank you for the offer. I look forward to educating myself on what you are talking about when I get to the engine. What I know currently (isn’t much frankly) is that I do not want points.

 

[4Cruisers]

You are on my list now. Thank you for the offer. I look forward to educating myself on what you are talking about when I get to the engine. What I know currently (isn’t much frankly) is that I do not want points.

I've converted several Toyota 2F points distributors to Toyota electronic ignition using parts from FJ60 distributors. I can refurbish and modify your '76 points retard distributor to vacuum advance and Toyota electronic ignition. BTW, I've also converted FJ60 distributors to points and to Pertronix - the sky's the limit.

 

[Pighead]

I think mutts make better dogs than purebreds. And mashups make better LandCruisers. And i drive what i preach.
I see you have a Late F engine. And 2F blocks.
Back when i was looking for an engine to build, i had the same. You might want to look into putting that Late F head on a 2F block. Which might accommodate domed pistons and could, theoretically, increase compression.
I did that in 2004, still driving it.

 

[Comet]

My 60 series was set up that way. Late head with domed pistons. I was under the impression that it decreased compression. Either way, Buster Brown was a mover and a shaker. I think it’s still an adventure vehicle (Rebangobuster on the IG). Had I not been emotionally forced to sell that rig, it would still be with me. Happily married for 26 years, ’nuff said.

@Pighead I believe the F Head is in decent shape and I have a few extra push rods for the occasion. The oiler is the copper pipe though. I thought that was a weak point vs the newer head. The rockers are still soaking in diesel and atf to see if they can be released. That F engine sat for many years with water intrusion near #5 & #6. I will check on them in a month.

I can’t thank you guys enough for offering up options. There is a lot of extremely valuable information that could easily be missed by a goober wrench monkey like me.

Short term goals: Treat/paint Frame, ‘78 axles on ‘73 springs, set engine after I determine if 4 speed can be rebuilt or just go with the 3 speed because it’s in one piece. Lack of better technical knowledge-the rear cone on the 4 speed transfer case is in pieces and can not be used. I will be looking through the parts stash I was granted from the Grey Bondo Queen soon enough. I hope a spare is in there.

Intended purpose is to drive around town, forest roads, and occasional Potts Mountain Trail near me in Virginia. Possible annual trip to Uwharrie in Troy, NC for the Carolina Relic Run. 3 speed is my preference but I know nothing about the gearing to determine which is best for my use. Interstate use is strongly discouraged by the devil on my shoulder-he prefers slow speed off camber roll over situations that will make me squeal like a pig.

 

[Pighead]

The oiler is the copper pipe though.

Then i don't think it's a Late F...

 

[Kris]

I'm really enjoying the tear down of the rusty cruiser/s. I bought a super rusty one near me for cheap because it had many of the missing interior items mine was missing.

The amount of rust that I swept off the floor and my face was astounding.... Good luck!

 

[matzell]

Man, I wish I knew you were looking. I have two 78's that would have saved you a bunch of time.

My thoughts on what you have:
76 2F
H42 4spd from 75 or 76 with attached t-case
Fj60 axles front and rear, or at least rear and wheel spacers on front. (that is what I did on Lynchburg Lemonade and love it)
2.5" lift of your choice
33's

This will give you 3:70 gears and rubber overdrive and still be fine for the trails you want to do.

I have a bunch of parts stashed away. PM me if you need something.

 

[Comet]

@matzell thank you for your offer. I will follow up with you. It may take some time but I hope to sort through all the treasures I have accumulated with all three vehicles. The ‘73 frame is in amazingly good shape except for the rear diagonal support. I would like to install an auxiliary gas tank in the rear from an S-10. Both beds are in rough shape so I am contemplating raising the floor in the back yet keeping the exterior appearance intact.

This is right after coroseal. Went from beautiful rust color to black in minutes. I used a pump sprayer to hit the macro level and a brush to cover the micro level.

 

[mwalls54]

thats impressive on how it turned out.

 

[Comet]

@mwalls54 I am just as shocked as you. The rain for the next four days isn’t going to help. I will have to start all over once it dries out.

Hobart Handler 140 needs some MAPP gas help per @mwalls54 comments on penetration…..

 

[Comet]

Rust, to Coro seal, red primer, to John Deere Blitz Black. I did the primer so I could tell where I missed.

 

[Comet]

I have been thinking how on earth I would move the tan ‘76 from my neighbors garage over to mine. Using my grandfathers reaming bit with a square shank, I enlarged the bolt hole on the back of my Gravely 16G so I could add a 2” ball. Success!!!! I then temporarily hooked up the ball hitch on the truck and on the tractor. I think it’s going to work. Next up is getting all the other crap (valuable cruiser sheet metal) out of the back yard and make room for the tan one. Tan is giving up the sheet metal to go on the ‘73. Now just hoping the brakes on the Gravely are good enough to hold both the tractor to hold ”WTF” while backing in.

 

[Comet]

Frame for WTF sent to hibernation in the garage next door. Gravely 16G tow rig was phenomenal.

 

[Comet]

Third and final disassembly (who are we kidding) of the ‘76. Split hood has grown on me, it will be utilized in this build. Frame is to be sold off (already arranged) to fund gaskets, body mounts, and suspension bushings. Searching MUD for cheap/free junk after I catalog all the junk I already have.

 

[Comet]

15” wheels for now. Question/preference is either for the aluminum rims on Bondo Queen or an assortment of the wagon wheels on WTF body donor? MUD collective opinion?

 

[4Cruisers]

15” wheels for now. Question/preference is either for the aluminum rims on Bondo Queen or an assortment of the wagon wheels on WTF body donor? MUD collective opinion?

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Stock 15" chrome spoke FJ60/62 wheels with 30X9.50R15s look good. I sold my last set at about $35 each.

 

[Comet]

End of day progress. Way more rusted and busted bolts than I would like. Just another opportunity to learn how to weld a nut on a broken stud. More to come.

 

[Comet]

We have lift off. My Porter Cable Tiger Claw Saw got jammed up. Went and purchased a Milwaukee 15 amp corded Sawzall. It didn’t work so I turned around and drove back to exchange it. The new Milwaukee definitely worked and made short order of the body mounts with the carbide tipped blade. New energy Suspension body and leaf spring bushings ordered from O’Riley’s (Supply chain delays).

 

[Comet]

Exhaustion. Duplex next door (storage vessel) is being sold. Ten days to get all my hard work out the door into another place. Cripes…….this includes all the tools and whatnot (read that as my sh$t) that is vital to a viable resurrection of WTF (Wisdom to me). Just another day in the life of a 49 year old hulk of glory. Me or the rig, you decide.

 

[matzell]

Rent a POD until you figure out where to put everything. They can store it for you or drop it in your yard/driveway. Might be cheaper than a storage unit?