IH8RUST: FJ60

[IH8RUST]

So far, the most critical areas are the quarter panel and the rear wheel sections. The doors appear intact, and running a magnet along the bottom of the doors and other regions suggests I'm okay, although I'm only guessing. I won't know for sure until everything gets sandblasted when it goes in for the exterior paint. I found a shop and a quote for that, so that will be next in the upcoming months, but only after they complete the interior/cabin work next month!

I bought the patch panels from Cruiser Corp because they sell them. When we get to the cutting and welding, I'll have the sheet metal to replace. It turned out to be a non-trivial amount of money.

In the meantime, I focused on the rear bench seat. It was all surface rust, so I ended up disassembling, sanding, and priming it. I've never done priming before, so it's a new experience. The Optiflow stuff is runny, but it beats having to spray.

I forgot to take a before picture (doh), but it was completely rusted out. I also bought a couple of folding stands to give my back a much-needed break.

I have to wait 24 hours now, then sand the primer and reapply because I ended up with some contamination during the application.

 

[IH8RUST]

My OCD wouldn't let me stop, so I ended up stripping it down to redo the primer. I'll hit the remaining spots with the spray can. I'm pleased with the results.

Note to self, shake the can before mixing with the catalyst.

 

[IH8RUST]

The finished product. Obviously, I didn't address the dents, since the carpet covers it.

 

[IH8RUST]

My hands hurt from all the pulling and stretching of the leather. I still need to pull the leather wrinkles out some more. Also, hog rings are a pain to pull through the loops.

 

[IH8RUST]

I wasn’t happy with the janky hog rings, redid them using eyelets.

 

[IH8RUST]

Restored the seat hardware as best as I could. I can finally put it all back together now.

 

[IH8RUST]

And finished! I realized I never had the bottom bracket; carpet covers it anyway.

 

[KC Masterpiece]

Looking awesome. Where did you get the leather?

 

[IH8RUST]

Mosley! I was skeptical, but the material turned out to be nicer than I thought.

Edit: was at a local upholstery shop, the guy asked where I got it from before telling me the material is _really_ nice, so there's that.

 

[IH8RUST]

Tomorrow is the day. Outlined, donor parts ready to go, floor pan marked, equipment arrives, I cut and weld. Let's hope I don't put anything on fire.

 

[IH8RUST]

Nope. Called in a pro to help. Thankfully, the rust is localized and didn't seem to reach the A-pillar or within the rocker, so that's a plus. Sadly, the donor part on the driver's side is a PoS and can't be used, which is a blocker.

 

[IH8RUST]

Passenger side is getting there, but not without the machine making it more difficult than it has to be.

 

[IH8RUST]

Meanwhile, the interior upholstery continues as well. The bottom of the rear bench had this interesting rubber material that’s like unobtanium in brown. My exiting one is OK, if I’m spending the time, I might as well just replace it. I found a potential suitor, slightly thicker, but should do fine.

 

[IH8RUST]

Welding machine is kaput, I do something else.

 

[IH8RUST]

Welding machine back in action; the gun was the issue. This one solved it, and with that out of the way, the passenger side went considerably quicker, and it's looking good, phew.

 

[IH8RUST]

The driver donor floorpan is crap; I should have stuck with my gut feeling, but I decided to bring it home, which means a setback. It'll likely require custom fabrication to make it all work, bleh.

 

[IH8RUST]

It has, without a doubt, turned into metal fabrication, so instead of cutting a near plug-and-weld, several parts must be cut and welded together to make a single replacement.

 

[IH8RUST]

It isn't pretty, but it's close enough. Yes, we'll put a hole right there.

 

[MDH33]

That area often rusts because there's a leak in the sealer on the firewall that allows water into the cab and it collects in the footwells. Common 60 issue. Could also be the A pillar seam.

 

[IH8RUST]

That area often rusts because there's a leak in the sealer on the firewall that allows water into the cab and it collects in the footwells. Common 60 issue. Could also be the A pillar seam.

Is there any way I can debug this? I guess just run water outside and identify problem areas while I have it bare bones?