Frame rust

[barkev]

Hi folks. My 1978 fj43 has some rust on both ends of a horizontal beam on the frame, right behind the firewall. Anyone know what that's called? And can I get at it without removing the cabin? Thnx

 

[Rodger]

So I was doing some winter maintenance under my truck today and thought of your question.
But I am confused as the frame/chassis does not have a cross member under the firewall and the metal shown in the photo looks like body metal not frame/chassis,
Assuming you still the problem after the intervening months could you clarify where you mean? And I apologise for the delay but I only remembered you query today!

Regards,

Rodger

 

[barkev]

Hi Roger.
Thanks, I still can't quite identify the part.
I've attached a video I shot...
Kev

 

[barkev]

I believe you're right, it's not the frame.
It's located between the cab and the box ...

 

[Rodger]

Hi,

Definitely bodywork not frame/chassis so with suitable metal you should be able to cut out all the rust and weld in repair panels. You are aware that the metal used on pre'79 40 series trucks was thicker, certainly than we see on todays' LCs. I can't remember the gauge but if you need I can search it out.
It looks to me that it was not welded at the lead edge but a good spray inside with rust inhibitor should hold back the dreaded worm.

I think the pane;l maybe the inner sill.

Hope this helps

Where in Canada are you?

Regards,

Rodger

 

[barkev]

thanks Roger! Great help...
yeah I had the cab floorboards done, also the back. Damn, should have had that underside done while I was at it. I'm in Bogota, Colombia. I took it to a chop shop down in Toyota land and had them do the floors, it was cheap, like a grand. They bumped me for another $300 for detailing but didn't do it.Then left it in a parkade in the rain for a month that ended up costing me $200 so I don't trust them. Also there's a few floor bolts missing from the passenger side. Long story short, not going back unless I get to watch them do it.

 

[barkev]

hey rodger, did you track down the guage measurements for pre 1979 Toyota Landcruiser metal? I guess the flooring I had replaced is with a thinner guage than the original but I have a way to go yet...

 

[Rodger]

Aah, sorry, no I haven't but will try over next couple of days

 

[Rodger]

Had a quick look and from what I can find pre 5/76 bodies were 16 gauge. From then on it appears that they are 18 gauge but then restos are using 16 ga as we're dealing with straight panels.
Modern cars, which utilise many curved panels, very from 22 to 26 although the latter dents when you look at it!
The companies that are making replacement panels appear, in most cases, to be using 16 gauge.

Hope that helps.

Regards,

Rodger

 

[barkev]

Thanks buddy! I'm in Toyota land down here so I'll ask around. Probly go with 16 gauge. Thnx again