OK where to start.
I know the beginning.
I bought my 1980 FJ 40 soft top just over 5 years ago now; I know this because at the time I was working in Bendigo north Victoria, I had an interview for a new job in Melbourne. Just over 2 hours south. I drove down in the very small hours for an interview at 3pm. Hooked up with a couple of friends and took the old girl out for her first test drive off road, out at Gembrook. Had a ball of a day the Stock 40 on cheese cutters with open diffs and a worn 2F did everything asked of it. I was however 10 min late for the interview. I am however still working for that company in Melbourne 5 years later.
The earliest photo I can find is of a trip to Tasmania with the new leaf springs and my Daughter on the bonnet.
From there I bought a set of Simex Jungle trekker II in 34x10.5x15 and wheeled happily for many months.
The Air con was first to go using the pump as an air compressor for re inflating the tiers.
A friend suggested we have a go at the entry-level competition Vic Winch Challenge 2004. So I spent large, rebuild 2F for low down Torque, front and rear ARB air lockers, Internal bead locks. New warn 8000lb High mount. Strengthened the cage to suit the comp regs. As well as a H55F 5 speed box and 4.56 Diffs.
We had a ball finished mid field and learnt a hell of a lot. But suffered some minor panel damage.
We would be back to do better, 2005 saw us compete on 35”x10.5x15 Simex Extreme Trekker Centipedes and a set of fender/sliders. As well as a new young green Navi.
The second Vic Winch saw us set the tuck up far better. The high mount had become a wide mount with a 6hp motor. The suspension had been set better. We have always traded articulation for hight. A lower centre of gravity is more stable. But we still don’t disgrace ourselves in that department.
I run 35’s tires with no body lift and just a 2in lift in the leafs spring pack the rest is all angle grinder, however the new spring packs usually have 1 or 2 leaves removed to lower the truck again, I get the flex and the ride hight I want at the expense of wearing the leafs out pretty quick. We usually have a new set each year for comp.
2005 Vic Winch Challenge saw us drive every stage start to finish inside the DNF time. We took a 2nd fastest stage time as well as a 3rd, We finished overall 9th and best Carbi Truck. Beating the other 40 in the field with is 383 V8 Daz
2006 hmmmm my 40th on the 6th of the 8th. Well this was going to be a year to remember I decided. New 6-point cage to meet the CCDA comp specs for the next step up from Vic Winch. I decided I was going to do this for my 40th year
1- Ateco Challenge.
2-Alpine Challenge
3-Vic Winch
4-Quite smoking
5-Buy a Mountain Bike
Daz agreed to partner me at The Alpine, which is a team even where everyone competes as a pair. In his 383 V8 coiled on 80 series FJ 40. Yes the very same one I beat at Vic Winch 05
The year did not start well as we went out for some practice with this, devastated was the word.
But after a few weeks of taking it all in this came up on Ebay and it was mint, no rust no faults, Air Con, Power Steering, PTO winch and Drive. Long range tanks a new 2F Reo, it had everything including a Roberts locker up front working and an ARB rear working. Roberts designed the ARB locker and ARB bought the design.
I laid out $8000 large and tore it apart, parting out everything except the body and Chassis. Making my money back, I also got $5000 from the insurance company for my old 40 which we bought back from them for $200, fully locked and loaded. Things were looking up.
Time was now our only enemy, with 3 months to the ATECO. I work permanent nights I also have a top mechanic who gave me the keys to the workshop. Worked every night, home and in bed by 8am up a 12noon worked on the truck ate, back to work at 10pm. Lots of help from friends for which I can never repay. We left the workshop at 12noon the day of comp, untried and untested.
It was just like the old trucks with less rust a new paint job. So mine is now a half breed of 1980/1981.
We had a ball at the ATECO and did not disgrace ourselves with the big boys.
The Alpine to date has been the best comp I have ever done for driving and fun the team aspect makes it so much better. An unforgettable 4 days. Even with Daz hitting my truck and this is on DVD the official Alpine coverage as well as its front cover.
The Vic Winch after the Alpine was in some respects disappointing, it was also very dry and for a 2F not competitive against the V8 and Turbo’s, with very little winching apart from the Sunday where we took a 2nd on Stage 12. We are nimble and winch well speed is not our forty when compared to the competition.
So for 2007 I decided to build a new 2F, hmmmm things got out of hand I went the whole hog actually 2 whole hogs I think. Some of you may think I’m insane spending $14000Aus on a 2F not including the TURBO and ECU and all the other little bits. But hay all I can say is it’s my money
THE MULE
We fitted a wide arse 60s series axle for 2007’s Vic Winch try and stop the rear quarters getting damaged, guess what it worked. Again another very dry year but I like the wider rear, the truck looks FAT.
Well it’s 2008 the 2F-ETI is now been fitted as we speak and should be up and running for the end of March at an estimated 400hp/300kw. Turbo’d Intercooled and one of a kind.
But it's not all about comp.
My favorite spot
R&R
Started with my daughter so only fitting we end that way, she has grown a little though.
Well I think I have bored you enough.
Mods to come a 60 disc brake rear other than that just have to upgrade what the new engine breaks.
Here are a few links of interest.
FJ40-2F-ETI-LOCKED-N-LOADED
3rd ROCK 4X4 :: View topic - Matt's FJ40 2F 1980 Soon to be 2F-ETI
FJ40_LOCKED_N_LOADED - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
ENJOY Matt
PS I forgot to mention this is also my daily driver.
matt.mcinnes
been here since I got divorced and ended up been a single dad for a few years in 2000. Need a fresh start long story and nothing to do with 40's but I have a wonderful daughter to say the least. Opportunity here opened up and i have never looked back.
mmw68
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