[FJ_Jarhead]

During my second tour of Iraq, I purchased a 1968 FJ40 with the help of my uncle, a retired chemist with several patents on the Corvette and other high performance cars of the day.

I grew up helping him restore Corvettes. We were going to meddle our mutual interests in creating something a little different using a 1968 FJ40 and various muscle car parts from the late 60s to include a 327 small block from an earlier model Corvette.

Unfortunately, six months upon my return from Baghdad my uncle passed away from a massive heart that hit him during his morning jog.

Besides losing him, I lost his skilled services and the blueprints in his head. Luckily for me, he left me a garage full of tools acquired over his lifetime and 327 small block ready for a little machining.

Essentially unaided locally (like a blind squirrel finding a nut) - I've taken a stout / running heap and most of my garage space into transformed them into an enduring task.

Along the way, I've befriended a few FJ40 owners who answer my ignorant e-mails about "where can I find this and that". As I can't always bother them too much, what not a better way to say "Hi, I'm a FJ40 project addict that needs help"

The 1968 FJ40 (before restoration / rebuild)

[Downey]

Clean machine. A good start would be to get a Downey V8 Instruction manual (free for the asking) before you start. Heck, talk to me and I'll throw in a free catalog to boot. THANKS FOR KEEPING AN EYE ON OUR COUNTRY IN IRAQ.

Jim

[FJBen]

Originally Posted by Downey

Clean machine. A good start would be to get a Downey V8 Instruction manual (free for the asking) before you start. Heck, talk to me and I'll throw in a free catalog to boot. THANKS FOR KEEPING AN EYE ON OUR COUNTRY IN IRAQ.

Jim

Thats very cool!

Oh and ask away on the board...TONS of knowlege.

A huge thanks for protecting our country!

[Degnol]

I have a pair of almost new bib light lenses(amber) that I will contribute. PM me your address and I'll send them to you.


Ed

[John Smith]

That is a clean looking 40! If it does not have discs in front that would be my first mod. If you are going to put in lots of HP you are going to want to be able to stop it also.

[FJ_Jarhead]

As my uncle took most of the 327 engine blueprinting with him and most of the Birfield.com community strongly advised going with the stock engine, I purchased a running 1978 2F motor and frame to make life easier for me.

Of course, I learned that having two semi-running FJ40s in a well-managed homeowner association community ain't good.


As soon as I learn how to shrink the project pictures , I will post picture progress to date -

For now, I've done the following:

(1) 1968 tub and body parts completely repaired and painted
(2) 1978 frame fitted with a 4" lift and POR-15
(3) 34" x 9.5 Super Swamper tires (Bias Ply) on Chrome FJ62 rims
(4) 2F motor overhauled
(5) 4 speed transmission / transfer rebuilt
(6) New stainless steel hard brakelines and hose
(7) Mini-truck power steering box

[nodaksn3]

Jar- Nice looking cruiser. Welcome back, and we hope you don't have to go for a third time. Thanks for contributing to saving our collective rear-ends. Ned. (ex- 101st, one tour in 'Nam)

[FJ_Jarhead]

Here is a shot of the 1968 tub on the 1978 frame with 4" lift from Skyjacker and 34"x9.5" swampers




The 1978 2F returned from the machine shop





And, a shot with the 2F mounted (don't mind the rust for now its Cleveland)

[FJ_Jarhead]

The 2F prior sending out to the machine shop -

[FJ_Jarhead]

The 1968 tub (before the effort to unass the previous owners' modifications which were many)






After a few weeks with my friend who does body work / painting on the side (we metal patched the faux radio slot and eliminated a few extra dash guage slots)




The 1965 VW Bug is awaiting its engine on steriods while serving as a place to park the yard equipment.

[cleanpool2]

Do I see a Jeep in the driveway?????????
anyway good luck
It is looking good my friend.....

[toyotology]

I am somewhat in the same boat as you... I am combining a 70 and 71 FJ55 into one... and my project is on hold until i finish the engine in my wifes '66 beetle

[rapovt]

Nice work! keep asking questions, that is what we are all here for.

[lukebz]

interesting build!! i recently purchased a 68 from the orig owner who installed a 66 Vette drivetrain which included the 327 and Muncie 4-spd tranny. Just got it running and haven't driven it much, just around the yard(it has no brakes, ha!). Looking forward to the suspension install and Rhino Lining the tub and top soon. Got the SS LTB's 34x10.5x15 so pretty close to your choice as well. Looks like we may have a lot in common. Good luck and keep us posted!!!!!

[dgangle]

Judging from the NC plate I assume Cleveland, NC?

If so you may want to look up Cirbo here on Mud. I understand he's in the Charlotte area and IIRC was selling a nicely built VJ40 to someone in or around Cleveland, NC.

Look him up..maybe he can give you some pointers/advice.

http://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series...e-finally.html

[bsmith123]

Man it looks good!

I know what it's like to be deployed and dream dreams about the next project--what else is there?

So you decided to go with the 2f? I dont think you can go wrong there---ease of maintenance, resell value, and they perform just fine


I am putting a 79 2F in my 71 but it is still in the process of being shipped. Any issues with hooking things up on the 78 motor using the 68 wiring, hoses, etc?



best of luck