Intro and my 78' FJ40

[nickw]

Just thought I would formally introduce myself!

I have been a lurker for a while, with a few posts thrown in for good measure.

Located in Portland Oregon, but spend alot of time over in the Sisters/Bend area.

I figured I needed a rig I could explore the high desert with, something I would keep in Eastern Oregon specifically for Expedition trips. I had originally lusted after a troopy, who doesnt, but based on the current cost of those rigs I settled on this little gem. It is a 78', 99% stock and has ALL the smog crap still attached under the hood. No rust and about 150K on the clock. It gets about 14mpg, which seems pretty good for a 2F. I would love to swap for a diesel, but until a domestic diesel swap is available, the 2F will be the workhourse.

I have learned alot so far on this site and hopefully I will get to meet some of you guys in person.

Soon to come on the cruiser:

All PM items - clutch, hoses, belts, consumables
Stock steel wheels w/ 33x9.5 BFG's (fitting them tonight)
Front bull bar/winch
Rear ARB
Roof rack

Things that will be left alone:

Engine - for now, in completely stock configuration
Manual steering (KISS)
Tranny - smooth and reliable
Bobcats on the windows - watch out!

Hopefully these pics work-

 

[Hltoppr]

She's beautiful! Nice job findin' one that's not been molested!

If you're gettin' rid of the rear tire carrier...let me know....:chowtime:

-H-

 

[RoundOut]

Nice rig! Welcome to ExPo!

Welcome to ExPo! Awesome looking Cruiser.

 

[Jacket]

Awesome 40 Nick! Love that color. I'm hoping to add one of those to my driveway in 2008.

 

[Overland Hadley]

Nice Cruiser.

I want one!

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

welcome, gorgeous 40!

 

[ckkone]

Nice forty!

 

[Desertdude]

Great looking 40! - welcome to the Portal

 

[Andrew Walcker]

Welcome Aboard! :beer:

Very nice 40, reminds me of my 1979. Really wish I still had her....

 

[rusty_tlc]

Yay! That is the best color for a 40 evar!

 

[Clutch]

One of these days I am going to get one of those old 'Cruisers.

Dig the Bobcat stickers.

 

[nickw]

Thanks for the welcome guys-

I put the 33x9.5's on last night and it not only looks better, but drives alot nice to boot. Steering efffort went way down and the 2F sounds alot happier going down the highway.

As a side note, I think before I would try to find another rust-free stock 40, I would find a mech. sound vehicle (canadian BJ?) with a rough body and drop on a Aqualu body. I think at the end of the day you would be $$ ahead since there is such a premium on rust-free stock rigs.

PS - no bobcat stickers on this rig, sandblasted into the glass!

 

[kcowyo]

Sweet 40, optimum color, the right year. An excellent find.

:beer:

 

[ChuckB]

That is definitely my favorite color on a 40. How much do the stock wheels cost? I really want to put some 33x9.5s on my 55 with stock wheels.

Welcome!

 

[nickw]

That is definitely my favorite color on a 40. How much do the stock wheels cost? I really want to put some 33x9.5s on my 55 with stock wheels.

Welcome!

I was lucky, the rig came with 4 stock rims. I had to buy my spare though, searched for months for a used one with no luck. I ended up buying a brand new OEM rim for about $100 at the local cruiser' shop. You can find them cheaper, down in the $70 range, but shipping will kill you.

I had them blasted and powder-coated at $50/rim.

BTW - the 55's look very very nice with the pizza cutters and stock rims, saw one in the parking lot not to long ago-