Surprise!

I've found a few surprises in Buttercup like an old McDonald's toy and a screwdriver, but this one beats all that.  Look what I found!

I was laying down new carpet (more on that later), removed the quarter panel cover in the cargo area and looked down and see a relay and this trailer plug.  Looks like the PO just ran it out the tailgate.  As much as I'll use it, I will probably do the same but going to look out for some good gaskets I can run it out through (without getting water and dirt back in).  This is one less project marked off the list!

Power Steering FLUSH

One thing my mechanic missed was the power steering fluid.  It didn't necessarily look dirty but these Toyota's are suppose to be running Dexron ATF and not PS fluid.  Brown and not red is sure give away the wrong fluid was added.  While there is not much difference, it's enough that apparently your pump will complain.  On very cold mornings I notice it took a few minutes for the power steering to warm up and the pump to quit whining.

In comes my friend Kendall!  Buttercup and I met him at his work so he could show me how to flush the power steering.  Out with the old, in with the new.  It was not a difficult job, just a little messy.  The old fluid looked a lot dirtier than I expected.  Buttercup also got all her grease points lubed up and the engine bay power washed.  Man, what a good day.

We also removed the front brush guard (to inspect the power steering return line).  While it was off I took the opportunity to clean it up and spray it with some rust converter.  No one will see it but me but it sure makes me feel better.

Before

After

Buttercup says "thank you!"

FJ62 Side Mirrors

My passenger side 60s stock mirror broke so I was looking around for a replacement.  I really liked the idea of changing the side mirrors to the larger FJ62.  I found these on Cruiser Corps.  I should have listened to reviews.

They only came in gloss and when I opened up the package, they felt like cheap plastic.  I scuffed up the outside and painted them satin black.  They mounted flawlessly and I love the larger view but the drivers side does not let me adjust far enough and they are extremely wobbly when driving.

I may switch back to my stock mirrors and buy a replacement.  My buddy turned me on to car-part.com.  Looks like I can pick up a mirror there for a reasonable price.

Total poser shot in the snow!

Inspecting Buttercup

Buttercup got dropped off at Woody's for an inspection.  The slow clutch-fluid leak needed to be checked out and they also did a "used vehicle check."  Here's what I had them do:

• Missouri State Inspection
• Replaced a headlight (the low beam was out and required to pass inspection)
• Replaced clutch master cylinder (this is what I suspected was causing the leak)
• Oil change (now I'm on a schedule)
• Brake system fluid exchange
• Induction service (I'm not sure this was necessary but I liked the idea of burning out everything and starting with something I can monitor)

They also noted a small engine oil leak (what FJ60 doesn't so I declined the recommended dye test), the dome light was burned out, the windshield wiper reservoir was cracked, and the drivers window crank was stripped.  Not a bad punch list for a 30 year old vehicle.

She's now legal and titled in Missouri!  

Easy and fast upgrades

After the long drive home and some rain, there isn't much more irritating than bad windshield wipers.  They would be the first thing replaced and required before inspection anyway.  For some reason the wipers had a metal bracket attached to the wiper arm--my guess to fit the heavy duty blades that were installed.  The brackets were easily removed and new Rain-X Latitude wipers were a direct fit.

I also bought and installed a Broadway Mirror.  If you haven't seen or used these, they are fantastic.  You lose the built-in night time driving/glare reduction but after the 2 seconds it took to install, I could see a WIDE, crystal clear sight of view.  Night time glare does not seem to be an issue.

"Getting Through" Toyota 4WD Instructional Videos

These are pretty cool classics.  Toyota gives instructions on how to rock crawl, snow wheel, ford rivers, drive in the sand, and use a spare tire as a winch point.  See part 1 and 2 below.