Build Won a '74 40 on a coin toss...

[Birdmon]

Sweet story brother. Welcome to the madness and to MUD. I have a buddy of mine that lives in Danville and he loves my rig. I am sure if he sees you driving around town he will let me know.

Sure I will see you on the road in the Bay Area!!

 

[ginmtb]

not sure why that posted that way... i have some pics that i can post if needed.

The question is, should I remove it? Other than one spot, it is in good shape. I'm just wondering if from a rust prevention standpoint it should be done. Thanks!

 

[ginmtb]

Sweet story brother. Welcome to the madness and to MUD. I have a buddy of mine that lives in Danville and he loves my rig. I am sure if he sees you driving around town he will let me know.

Sure I will see you on the road in the Bay Area!!

Sweet! Don't see many of these so I'll be on the lookout! If you're up for helping out a newbie and have nothing better to do, let me know.

 

[Birdmon]

Sweet! Don't see many of these so I'll be on the lookout! If you're up for helping out a newbie and have nothing better to do, let me know.

I am a newbie myself. Still Learning. I got my first FJ40 last September. had wanted one since High School. Now have one and learning as I go!!

 

[Hogan]

How's the motors running?

 

[ginmtb]

How's the motors running?

Seems to be "okay" but I plan on doing some stuff to it to rule out things - basically do a tune up and replace as much rubber hose as possible. Having only driven two other 40's, I don't have a good sense on how they should run. Both the other 40's were V8's.

The idle seems a bit more labored and has dropped lower than when I first drove it and the exhaust seems a bit stronger too. That is the other thing I need to do is fix the exhaust leak.

 

[Hogan]

What really made a difference to mine was going with a electronic set up out of a FJ60. If you go that way make sure you get the side panel that will clear the bigger distributor.

 

[ginmtb]

What really made a difference to mine was going with a electronic set up out of a FJ60. If you go that way make sure you get the side panel that will clear the bigger distributor.

I'm trying to keep this thing as stock as possible but we'll see - if I need to do some things to make it more reliable, then I will. Like someone else said, do things that are easy to remove if you do go away from stock.

 

[Hogan]

I'm trying to keep this thing as stock as possible but we'll see - if I need to do some things to make it more reliable, then I will. Like someone else said, do things that are easy to remove if you do go away from stock.

I'm the same way I still have all the original parts. Easy to bolt back on. Here's a picture

 

[dad4x4]

The question is, should I remove it? Other than one spot, it is in good shape. I'm just wondering if from a rust prevention standpoint it should be done. Thanks!

I Removed mine because it was in bad shape with pieces missing. I wouldn't mess with it unless you have a reason to. BTW, I love the story and the 40. good luck with the work and enjoy it.

 

[ginmtb]

I'm the same way I still have all the original parts. Easy to bolt back on. Here's a picture

Forgive my lack of knowledge, but I'm not sure what the "side panel that will clear the bigger distributor" - is it in this photo? Thanks! I wish my engine looked that clean!

 

[Hogan]

Yes it's the panel that's bolted on the engine block. You can see it in the picture behind the distributor and has a little rust on it. It runs the length of the block. Sorry I'm not very good with drawing on pictures with the computer.

 

[ginmtb]

Sweet have a working temp gauge now! Replaced the sending unit and voila!

...via IH8MUD app

 

[ginmtb]

Yay new windshield. Sadly could not save the old CA emissions sticker. . But sure is nice not having a big ol' spider web crack anymore!

Side passenger mirror replaced too!

Wasn't the cheapest install as the gasket apparently gave them problems. And this is a place that specializes in tough installs with chopped windows, etc. I watched the rope video on how to install but I'm glad I had a pro do it. I'm sure I would've buggered things up.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[ginmtb]

Okay doing some really important stuff now - testing out speaker locations! I've scoured the site and have seen many options for speakers. Being a former wannabe audiophile (130db in a Dodge Colt!), I realize the Cruiser is not ideal for creating that amazing sound stage. But I would like to have speakers in front of me and then some in the back for fill. I found some cheap outdoor speakers that I think will work pretty well:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0071I0Q5S/?tag=ihco-20

You can't beat the price and they are waterproof! Certainly won't have any bass at that size. I think a subwoofer under the driver's seat will complete the system. But I will test it out without a sub for now. These speakers are tiny at 5.25"x3.75"x3.75". 4 ohm too, suitable for a car setup.

Here are my mounting positions:

Front - under the dash mounted horizontally and then tilted upwards - there is more room actually than appears in the photo - don't think it will be a knee or shin buster unless things get a little crazy in the cab

Rear - mounted vertically on the roll bar just above the wheel well

I also ordered a new head unit that will fit in my Tuffy console I'm getting (yes, the money keeps on flowing). Pretty nice, no CD, but BT capabilities and AM/FM.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GN5K5WY/?tag=ihco-20

Amazing how inexpensive things are. I'm looking for a powered sub vs. building one. Anyone have thoughts on a powered subwoofer? Thanks!

 

[ginmtb]

Little wins today:

1) Got all the speakers in (only front currently work) and they actually sound pretty good. Looks good too!

2) Unstuck the dome light switch now I have a working dome light! Anyone have a cover taking up space they'd like to unload?

3) Extracted two sheered off bolts at the bumperettes. Well, pounded them through and knocked the tacked on nut off. All new bolts for the bumperettes eventually anyhow

4) Got the rust off my replacement license plate dome light cap. Those 3M fibrous pads do an awesome job!

5) Started the prep work for the rusty metal replacement. Cut it out and scraped off any loose rust. Seems pretty solid still but it definitely has seen better days. Anyone ever use Rust Doctor for behind welded on patch panels? POR15 is pretty gnarly and as I understand it can't be heated. Rust doctor is latex based and can be welded/heated.

Tomorrow I will cut the fender patch panels to size. Oh and definitely found my exhaust leak - front side of the muffler. Might just have my buddy fix it with the welder while he is here.

...via IH8MUD app

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Looking good, Mike! Fun stuff, huh?

 

[ginmtb]

Looking good, Mike! Fun stuff, huh?

Thanks! I'm trying... I like what someone said - there is no finish line with these things. Just trying to get a few things taken care of and then I'll be good to go for awhile (fingers crossed). Still waiting for my new suspension. Really excited to get that installed.

How is yours doing? Driving it much? Are you doing anything to it? I've driven mine at least every weekend since I've owned it and still have that stupid ess eatin' grin on my face...

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Mine's running and driving great!

I worked all the steering kinks out - it no longer tries to run into curbs or into oncoming traffic or off cliffs - so, that's a good thing. I also aligned the steering wheel, so I feel centered again...

I've eliminated all leaks, except the front input shaft seal - this is really a VERY minor leak, so rather than drop the tranny right now, I'm waiting for my bypass hose.

I drive it every chance I get, but it's getting too hot here, to make desert trips without air conditioning - my dogs can't take it and I don't go without them.

I have an intake manifold coming from Georg and will be sending my carb to Jim in a couple of weeks - he'll rebuild/tune it over the summer and I'll put it all back together in a couple of months.

Sorry for the hijack - I'll email you a bit more news.

Keep smiling Mike!

 

[ginmtb]

Mine's running and driving great!

I worked all the steering kinks out - it no longer tries to run into curbs or into oncoming traffic or off cliffs - so, that's a good thing. I also aligned the steering wheel, so I feel centered again...

I've eliminated all leaks, except the front input shaft seal - this is really a VERY minor leak, so rather than drop the tranny right now, I'm waiting for my bypass hose.

I drive it every chance I get, but it's getting too hot here, to make desert trips without air conditioning - my dogs can't take it and I don't go without them.

I have an intake manifold coming from Georg and will be sending my carb to Jim in a couple of weeks - he'll rebuild/tune it over the summer and I'll put it all back together in a couple of months.

Sorry for the hijack - I'll email you a bit more news.

Keep smiling Mike!

Ooh I need to align my steering wheel as well. While not a horrible thing, would be nice it it were centered. The directionals work properly so is it as simple as removing the steering wheel and resetting it to center?

I still need to tackle my leaks. I plan on basically replacing all the rubber hoses under the hood and I do have a oil pan gasket. I got a bypass hose as well and will install that after I get things all degreased underneath. Got it from a MUDder and it is really nice!