New to the family ('73 FJ40)

BamaBleach · 03-20-07, 11:18 AM

I've been lurking around these boards for a few months but I finally decided to actually join in the fun. I figured it was better to read around for a while before I started asking questions that have already been answered 47+ times.

Anyways,
I purchased this 1973 FJ40 in February and I'm excited about making some life-long memories and gaining some mechanical experience all in the same breath! I've always loved the Land Cruiser history and the quality of Toyota is unparalleled (I've also got a '07 FJC).

So why don't I stop typing and start linking some pics!

The guy I bought it from was a welder so he didn't allow rust to take over the body:

He installed a homemade front winch bumper for the Ramsey

New radiator and alternator, electric ignition, Weber Carb

Pretty clean on the inside (everything works but the horn)

It has the 2F engine and he upgraded the tranny to the 4 speed. He sprayed that beige rhino liner stuff on the floor and on (what should be white!!!) roof. The brake lights on the back are pretty cool because he installed some LED's (very bright).

Things that it needs:
1. Power steering - probably gonna hit up the junk yards and get a saginaw.
2. New front seating - the back seats are still factory but the front is from a S-10 and it's not a 60-40 split. It's not real stable so it drives me crazy.
3. The wiring under the hood needs to be organized.
4. Those old Mud Kings have got to go. Wanna go with a 33" or 34" bias ply (probably TSL).
4. Of course to clear the bigger tires I'm going to need some sort of lift. I've toyed with doing a SOA (my dad has done it before himself) but I'm not sure I want to run that big of a tire and get my CG up real high. With only a 33-4" tire I think I'm going to go with a smaller lift and/or a body lift. Haven't made up my mind yet. Oh, and I want to do a leaf spring reversal in the front.
5. She needs to be locked up front and back as well. Leaning heavily towards the Aussie. Might spring for the ARB in the front but probably not.

Let's see...I think that's it for now.

Oh, here's a pic of my FJC if anyone even cares:

Pygmalion · 03-20-07, 11:33 AM

Wow, that's a nice place to start from... I'm currently fighting the rust battle on my FJ55 and it isn't fun.

That front bumper is bomber... I bet you could shear off 6" tree trunks with that thing.

BF Goodrich makes a 33" x 9.5" tire that should fit in the stock wheelwells without any modification. That's what I'm leaning toward on my own vehicle, so I don't sacrifice stability. Plus SOA tacks on about $1K to $1.5K to my already bloated restoration budget, so I think it can wait for the time being.

Looks great! Can't wait to see where you take this one.

BamaBleach · 03-20-07, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pygmalion

Wow, that's a nice place to start from... I'm currently fighting the rust battle on my FJ55 and it isn't fun.

That front bumper is bomber... I bet you could shear off 6" tree trunks with that thing.

BF Goodrich makes a 33" x 9.5" tire that should fit in the stock wheelwells without any modification. That's what I'm leaning toward on my own vehicle, so I don't sacrifice stability. Plus SOA tacks on about $1K to $1.5K to my already bloated restoration budget, so I think it can wait for the time being.

Looks great! Can't wait to see where you take this one.

I'm thinking of going this route with the tire (34x10.50-15LT) :

Interco LTB

igotta40 · 03-20-07, 04:16 PM

It's a nice truck. Seems a bit curious that he put in a 2F motor and reinstalled the old F engine valve cover though. Might want to run that engine number and verify it. Should be just above the starter.

Idahofj40 · 03-20-07, 04:54 PM

That is a very nice 73! I really like the front bumper set up. You might want to flip the bezel over before the "bezel police" get on you....?

Rocinante · 03-20-07, 06:38 PM

Looks nice, congrats on your purchase.

BamaBleach · 03-21-07, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by igotta40

It's a nice truck. Seems a bit curious that he put in a 2F motor and reinstalled the old F engine valve cover though. Might want to run that engine number and verify it. Should be just above the starter.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll do that.

cruiser88 · 03-21-07, 07:03 AM

any toyota is a nice addition to the family

with no rust

your in the money

BamaBleach · 03-21-07, 09:04 AM

I got what I felt was a great deal on this cruiser. The guy I bought if from was going to be leaving for China in 2 weeks with his job so he had to move this thing fast. We asked for his bottom dollar and he gave it to us without any haggling.

cruiserfreek · 03-21-07, 10:11 AM

very nice start. bezel already mentioned. official welcome <

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