Builds Won a '74 40 on a coin toss... (3 Viewers)

ginmtb · Oct 29, 2017

3rd coat on calling it a night. Garage is pretty strong smelling, probably need to stay clear of it until morning. Still should be able to paint in the early afternoon (hopefully the wind isn’t blowing). Going to throw at least one more coat on it.

ginmtb · Oct 29, 2017

Put the final heavy coat on this morning and now will put on a thinned coat so it is even smoother. Then paint. Starting to warm up so should be good. Decided to install the new OEM dome light - need to get an LED to provide more light. But nice to see it is working!

ginmtb · Oct 29, 2017

Yes, I am that neighbor. I decided against the thinned coat as it wasn’t timing out right getting the top coat on. So it has a little more texture but still looks good to me. I’m bummed I didn’t get a chance to take a photo of the cruiser all wrapped up and in my “paint booth” but there was a lull in the wind so I had to get it back in the garage quickly (I have a tree that drops little flakes).

ginmtb · Oct 31, 2017

Look at that shiny roof! Weird the cruiser sounds very different with a top on... couple creaks and rattles here and there but overall I’m pleased with the improved sound level in the cab.

ginmtb · Nov 2, 2017

First things first - drove my cruiser down a pretty steep decline and it was quite long (2 miles, 25mph or less in 2nd gear). It was blowing white smoke most of the way down. Once I got on the flat and got back up to cruising speed all was good. I wasn’t redlining it in 2nd but it was at around 3K rpm. Any thoughts? I checked oil and it looks fine (not milky) and radiator fluid is at the same level it has always been. Thanks!

And installed a couple of things tonight - LED for my dome light which is a nice upgrade. 4 bulbs for $6.99 amazon prime! Also installed new modern gas struts for my hatch. I was going to do the struts inside the OEM ones however it appears they don’t make the strut anymore that fits inside them. Very narrow diameter required. So I got these instead and used my old mounting brackets. I can still touch my head on the handle (clearance is 5’ 7.5”) so will need to be careful but it is a nice improvement over what was there.

Flatlanderfj40 · Nov 3, 2017

I used these.

ginmtb · Nov 3, 2017

Flatlanderfj40 said:
I used these.

View attachment 1567334

I must have a different OEM strut because the diameter of the bigger part (tube) of the strut will not fit. I measured the inside diameter and it will not work based off the spec. I had purchased the Napa one a long time ago in anticipation of doing this and it doesn’t fit either. Very strange...

Nader · Nov 3, 2017

Coming along nicely!

Regarding the smoke issue. I know white smoke indicates coolant, but I'd be suspicious that smoke on decel (similar to descending a grade in gear) indicates leaking valve seals.

ginmtb · Nov 4, 2017

Cross-referencing the Cross Country Expedition trip I just took (starting at post 1104) in my build thread:

FJ40 Cross-Country Expedition: Will YOU join us???

ginmtb · Nov 7, 2017

I can’t afford a $200K land cruiser but I love this little detail and could do that. Wonder if it is overkill however with my @Racer65 laser beam headlights... That flush mount is pretty sweet.

ginmtb · Nov 7, 2017

40 years earlier...

Nader · Nov 7, 2017

Those are European 1s and 7s.

velillen · Nov 8, 2017

ginmtb said:
I can’t afford a $200K land cruiser but I love this little detail and could do that. Wonder if it is overkill however with my @Racer65 laser beam headlights... That flush mount is pretty sweet.

View attachment 1570151

Not on a landcruiser but on my Tacoma I have LED headlights and LED fogs. I have non "DOT" floods for fogs so I don't use them in traffic. The LED headlights are quite nice though and work most of the time. But I will say turning the fog's on on dark back roads really lights things up even more. Especially with a flood pattern.

Seeing this detail just got added to my list to possibly do on my FJ40 lol. I like that brands flush mount too as all I'd really see was Rigid's offerings and I hate how its stamped rigid on the face plate

ginmtb · Nov 8, 2017

Stopped by Land Cruiser heaven in Salt Lake City and got a great tour from @cruiserdan! A must if you are in the area. Heck even if you aren’t make the trip! Incredible collection!!!

Oops forgot to include the link to the museum:

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