78 FJ40 Build

[dustybaird]

I just picked up a 78 Land Cruiser and I know very little about them, Ive always liked one and was looking for a project vehicle and stumbled across this. It needs a lot of work but I got it for what I feel is a decent price and am going to see what I can make out of it. Here are some pictures how it sits now. Looks like the frame has been coated, Engine and transmission are supposed to be freshly rebuilt which so far looks to be true. Car had a huge folder of paper work shoved under boxes of parts stored in it. It has a chevy 350 swapped into that was done by a toyota dealer in the late 80's and has some headers on it that i cant seem to find any info on, they dump out by the back of the fenders.

Here are the pics

Pretty much every other part is in boxes that i pulled out of back, Hopefully I can get it on the road soon! I will try to keep this updated with pictures as I make progress.

 

[SportsmanJake]

Looks like a fun project.

 

[TheoM]

:iagree:

 

[cruiseroutfit]

 

[Josie'slandcruiser]

Hi all,

If you are looking for a project vehicle to learn mechanics and old Land Cruisers you've found one!

The rig is far from stock, and needs a lot of work. One of the first things I'd suggest is removing the headers and replacing with "rams horn" style GM exhaust manifolds.

But first thing is to find a local Land cruiser group to join. You are going to need help and advice, and a source for used parts. Also, establish a realistic budget for the vehicle, and determine what you want to use it for, before buying anymore parts and accessories.

Good luck! :beer:

Alan

 

[dustybaird]

Thanks for the info, Ive decided my plan for now is to just get it running and on the road as is and then decide what needs to be changed if anything. Here are some pictures of the last weeks work.

Previous owner left some items in the glovebox

Bought a set of used tires 33x12.5 goodyears

Test fitted my new wheels to make sure they will work before i have the tires put on. they fit perfect.

Pulled of the front end to access the motor, have been chipping away at it. Slowly getting ready to start

Ready for the radiator which arrived yesterday but has to be sent back. Ordered a Champion 3 row aluminum unit and it was warped when it arrived. Completely out of square and wont fit the housing. Emailed them to see what it will take to exchange it hopefully i can get that resolved easily.

 

[redthies]

Super cool to see another 40 being built. I just missed out on a 350 powered one near me a month ago. I'll agree with Josie on the headers vs the rams horn manifolds. It looks like the drivers side header is really close to the brake master. Are they going to exit through the wheel wells? It looks in the pics like they won't be able to route underneath. I've always liked that mustard color on the LCs.

 

[Rezarf <><]

Cool project, check out Radiator Barn's 4 core that fits in the factory 3 core spot.

Looks like you'll get it up and running soon.

 

[dustybaird]

Thanks guys!

Got my tires mounted.

Threw one on to see how they will look. After the brakes are all sorted il get them all bolted up.

Carb is all cleaned up and installed. new everything pretty much. almost ready to fire it up.

 

[TheoM]

Love those Champion radiators.I have the 4 core and it has served me well.

 

[dustybaird]

Minor update:

Added an electric fan from a Taurus

Threw the new wheels on so i can move it to an enclosed garage to try and get it done for cruiserfest

Pulled the top and doors off to see what it looks like and to help with cleaning it out.

Hopefully will have the engine running soon!

 

[tlc762]

What kind of powersteering box is on it? FJ60 or scout from the looks of the pitman arm. It also has shackle reversal on the front end. How's the clearance on the front wheels to the brake calipers and steering arms? That is usually the wheel fit issue with aftermarket wheels not the rear axle that you showed earlier....
HTH,
Will

 

[dustybaird]

It came with a saginaw power steering box, im not sure what its originally from though. It will be interesting to see how it drives with the shackle reversal, it was done by a previous owner when the frame was re-done. And the wheels fit perfect up front and have no clearance problems!

Got the motor closer to being ready yesterday, Hopefully going to start it in the next week or 2.

 

[dustybaird]

Started figuring out my power steering conversion.

Using a saginaw steering box. Still need a pump for the motor though.

 

[dustybaird]

Update time! Found the shift knob hidden in a corner of the glove box.

My brother started on the exhaust too.

Junkyard score. Ps pump setup and alternator with all the brackets i needed. Will need to make a different power steering bracket though since the motor mounts to the area the ps pump would normally go.

Alternator on. Almost time to start it up!

Thats all for now. Slowly getting closer.