[Gus]

This is my latest project/soon to be trail rig, 73 FJ40, build date May 73, it's a work in progress as can be seen, but the idea is to keep it running and enjoy in whatever condition it's in at the time. I picked this rig up to have a Cruiser to drive while the other ones are under construction or waiting for a rebuild, plus it seemed like a good thing to throw money at.
I hadn't planned on picking up an other FJ40, I've been very slowly picking away at my 79 FJ40 project and getting more and more nit picky about rebuilding it. I had started stripping down an 87 FJ60 for a trail beater, but soon realized the frame was (and looked like) swiss cheese; rebuilding these rigs is great but after a while it sure would be nice to actually be able drive one. Late October 07, flipping through the Classic and antique auto section of Uncle Henrys(a northern New England sell-anything kind of classifieds), during lunch break I find a posting for a 63 Toyota LandCruiser up in central Maine. A few things caught my eye about the ad, like the current owner (second owner) had owned the rig for the last twenty plus years, it ran pretty well, was bone stock with the exception of the shocks and was fairly solid(for a New England project rig). "Fairly solid" for a unrestored New England FJ40 means something a bit different than it does west of here; typically the Cruiser will need a tub rebuild or a new one all together and a bit of mechanical tinkering/tuning at the very least. A couple weeks later I cruised up to take a look; It turned out to be a 73, not a 63, but other wise was as advertised, so I handed the owner some cash, loaded it up and took off.
Fast forward a month, I was picking up some parts at Poor Wallys Cruiser Emporium, after chatting Cruisers for a while I was sold on having Wally build a new tub for the 73. While stripping the Cruiser to bring down to Wallys I discovered some pretty interesting "patch panels"; why spend all that money on those fancy patch panels from the various Cruiser shops when all you need is your licence plate or some roof flashing, some pop rivets and kitty hair.
Pic 1 is the Cruiser as it was the day I dragged it home, pic 2 some sweet patch panel work and pic 3 the Cruiser stripped of all the booty fab body work.

[Gus]

A few pics of the stripped Cruiser prior to going under the knife; the missing front floor panels and the glassed gas tank.

[Gus]

The Cruiser went to Poor Wallys in Feb. 08, in addition to the new tub he also installed electronic ignition and treated the Cruiser to a general tune up of the ignition/wiring. Going to pick up the Cruiser up was kind of like when my Dad braught me at about age six, to the bike shop to pick up my first bike; a real-live running driving Cruiser! As others have said around this site many times, Wally does excellent work, you get a hell of a Cruiser body tub for the money and he gets the job done fast.
Pic 1 The Cruiser at Wallys ready for delivery, pic 2 a close up after wheeling around the farm.

[green40]

Looks good! Did you test it on Wally's rock garden?

[cruiserjunkie]

Finally getting to go for a ride makes it money well spent. Im thankful Ive never had to deal with rust like that. Keep enjoying

[Gus]

Since last winter, I've spent most of my time on the 73 replacing worn out parts, working on misc. mechanical and electrical issues, fabbing up various parts and brackets, cleaning up the remaining rust and collecting parts(Thank you to all the Mud members & vendors I've done business with over the months). A few of the new parts or things I've done to the rig:
Replaced fluids and filters
Alternator
Brake master cylinder, new rear brakes and lines
Clutch master and slave cylinder, plus lines/hose
Genuine Toyota fuel tank
Exhaust(most of it anyway, no muffler yet), routed up above the skid plate
Replaced most cables & other linkage(s) through out the rig


I 'd like to get the following done in the near future:
Install 4" springs(flipped for extended wheelbase), w/ greasable shackles and spring pins and poly bushings
Install 34" Super Swampers on stock steelies
Install discs on front end
Finish fabbing bumper
clean out the frame and oil undercoat the *&#$@ out of it
Herculine the tub
Trim the front fenders

In the more distant future :
SM465 install
Fab a beefier skid plate
Aussie locker in the rear diff
FJ60 power steering
I suppose I should paint the rig at some point

A pic of the Cruiser as it sits today(except for that bumper), and a few goodies awaiting installation.

[Gus]

Originally Posted by green40

Looks good! Did you test it on Wally's rock garden?

Unfortunately I did not get the chance, I'm really trying to have the rig ready for Fall Gathering.

[JJS]

Looks good. You can't beat Wally's tubs for a wheeling rig, as long as weight isn't an issue.

[bsmith123]

Ah rig of the week time!

I am distracted by the scenery though! Nice rig keeping it simple is a good thing----like you said your out driving it

I wish I was!

[AKcruiserfreak]

Wow, I'm glad I'm not the only one with too many projects! It's looking good. Keep it up.

TK