1967 FJ40 Build Thread

[fireflyr]

Well, here goes. I bought this 1967 FJ40 in 2003 in stock condition. Initial mods are were to take out the VW seats and replace with the correct stock bench seats from Specter Off road with new covers and foam.

The original F engine came out and a rebuilt forklift Toyota F engine went in. I drove it like this for 5 years when I burned an intake valve and decide to replace the F with a 1973 F.5 or Transition engine. The refirb grew out of the engine swap.
I pulled the drivetrain (3 spd trans and transfer case), rebuilt the F.5 and cleaned and painted the frame. The vehicle had very little rust so that didn't occupy too much of my time. The interior of the tub was stripped, primed and coated with Durabak.

 

[fireflyr]

The body work was finished, PPG primer and Nason's Dune Beige 416 sprayed (in the driveway). I would wait until about 7:30 PM, when the winds died, and the bugs were down to spray. Get a couple coats on whatever pieces were being painted, then move it into the garage to dry. This went on for a couple weeks until I had everything painted.
I installed a MAF 4" lift with Safari springs and OME shocks, extended steel braided brakelines (Downey Off Road: RIP) Jim at Downey was a huge help. He even called a couple times when I was in Montana to verify info. If anyone has dealt with early Landcruiser brakes, they know that sourcing parts can be difficult. Downey will surely be missed.

Homemade front bumper:

 

[fireflyr]

Cheap jumpseat rebuild:

Paki Soft Top install:

I wish I had taken the time to do this during the last year that this all took place. As time goes by you tend to forget all of the problems and solutions that kicked your butt, but the aim was never to "restore" the vehicle, but rather to have a reliable fun 'Cruiser that the family could enjoy. I think we nailed that.:smiley_drive:

Finished Product:

 

[fireflyr]

This is how it started:

What we ended up with:

 

[adventureduo]

Stunning. You make me want to sell the 80 and buy an old FJ40.

 

[fireflyr]

Stunning. You make me want to sell the 80 and buy an old FJ40.

Actually, this should scare you away. I forgot to mention the lack of A/C, radio, PS, PB and by the time we got to Kernville coming out of Monache Meadows, we were all dehydrated and our feet were cooked! I drool over the built 60/70/80/100 series cruisers. Don't even get me started on a TD Sportsmobile!

 

[ChuckB]

Actually, this should scare you away. I forgot to mention the lack of A/C, radio, PS, PB and by the time we got to Kernville coming out of Monache Meadows, we were all dehydrated and our feet were cooked! I drool over the built 60/70/80/100 series cruisers. Don't even get me started on a TD Sportsmobile!

I think your 40 is one of the nicest I have seen. But, I know where you are coming from, I felt your pain when I drove the FJ55...

 

[adventureduo]

Actually, this should scare you away. I forgot to mention the lack of A/C, radio, PS, PB and by the time we got to Kernville coming out of Monache Meadows, we were all dehydrated and our feet were cooked! I drool over the built 60/70/80/100 series cruisers. Don't even get me started on a TD Sportsmobile!

hahhahahahha i hear you loud and clear. I had an old 1967 army truck that was the same way... and i sold if for the 80.. so i could drive further!

Still a sweet rig though... you can't compare comfort to classic style.

 

[brentbba]

Stunning. You make me want to sell the 80 and buy an old FJ40.

Dave, Dave, Dave...not again! You sold your 80 once before...and look what happened!