1978 FJ40 frame off restore - Arkansas

[ArkansasLarry]

I'm getting ready to start a restore on a nice 1978 FJ40. A little rust around the doors but nothing that can't be fixed. The 40 is mechanically sound (71,000 miles on the 2F) and so far I have only had to have the exhaust manifold machined to correct a leak. I'm currently planning on:

- HFS correction lift (2" in front / 4" in rear)
- 33 x 10.50 x 15 BFGs on stock steelies
- Paint back to original color - Dune Beige
- Reupholster seats
- Replace seals, weather striping, emblems, knobs, etc.
- Jury is still out to rhino line the bed/floor board

Comments and/or ideas are welcomed and greatly appreciated. BTW, I have the original window sticker that list the 40 at $8,280.25 -- the rear heater was a whopping $68 - and it still works!!!

I will start loading pictures when I get my star! Great freakin' site guys - this is going to be fun

 

[Poser]

Welcome.


Post up some pictures of your truck and that window sticker.

 

[hindsight]

Yep, we need to see some starter pictures.

Doc

 

[ar2stp48]

78 resto

Welcome Larry. Great to see another Arkie join; where in our wonderful state are you located? I am in Magnolia. My '78 came from dealer in Harrison and sticker shows closer to $7900, must be missing an option--if there was such a thing.

 

[Stumpalama]

BTW, I have the original window sticker that list the 40 at $8,280.25 -- the rear heater was a whopping $68 - and it still works!!!

That would be $28,379.79 today using this calculator. The heater would be a $233 option.

Cool!

 

[tyama]

Hiya! Welcome! Will it be ready for the Ramble? ty

 

[ArkansasLarry]

I've been hanging out in good ole Fort Smith these days, but grew up in Hot Springs. I'll post the sticker when I get my star. The dealer was in Johnson City, TN and the detail includes:

MSRP 7,768
All weather guard pkg 25
AM radio 117
Mud and snow tires. 75
Rear heater 68
Warn locking hubs 107
Freight. 120
Total 8,280

 

[Roboosfj40s]

Got a good buddy in Bentonville and my Ma was from White county. She was a Yates/Denton. Welcome to the best site online and yes Many Pics

 

[ArkansasLarry]

I don't think it will be ready for the Ramble on June 3 - I'm hoping to have it complete by July 4. There is always next year though!!!

 

[Stumpalama]

1978 2011
MSRP 7,768 26,624.11
All weather guard pkg 25 85.69
AM radio 117 401
Mud and snow tires. 75 257
Rear heater 68 233
Warn locking hubs 107 366.73
Freight. 120 411.29
Total 8,280 28379

That is an expensive AM radio! Hubs weren't cheap either.

 

[ArkansasLarry]

Wow - that is an expensive AM radio. For that money I would have at least expected an 8-track AM/FM. Bad negotiation by the original owner -- he he.

 

[ArkansasLarry]

Pic of my '78 40 ready to be restored and the original window sticker.

 

[Blueegg]

Cool find, Thanks for posting the window sticker!
I live in Ft. Smith and also have a 78.

 

[ArkansasLarry]

OK here are some pics in her current state. I am planning on adding the lift kit this weekend. I will try to add photos as this project progresses. Please post if you have any specific picture request.

 

[ArkansasLarry]

Here are the pics!

 

[ArkansasLarry]

More pics!

 

[ArkansasLarry]

Sorry about all the posts - I can't seem to find out how to post more than 3 pics at a time.

 

[ArkansasLarry]

Still uploading pics.

 

[ArkansasLarry]

Enjoy!

 

[ArkansasLarry]

Almost there with the first set of pics.