Uglina's (78 FJ40) Fix-up Thread

TEQ · 02-14-06, 12:26 AM

Last fall I decided I wanted an FJ40 and began learning all I could about them. I got lots of great advice on this board, and have been a regular lurker since. I am absolutley digging the build-up threads, especially buckroseau's. I've joined TLCA. I have carefully watched eBay, Craigslist, Hemmings, and the for/sale/wanted forum here for the "perfect rig". I've test driven half a dozen rigs.

My goal was to find a late model rig that was usable as a daily driver out of the box, mostly original, and a candiate for tinkering/restoring as a way for me to cut my teeth on a full frame-up restoration.

Thanks to Bull (he pointed me at the ad), today I finally made the big leap and purchased my first FJ40.

Until I can come up with a better nickname, I'm calling it (haven't decided on it's sex yet) "Turd" because it's Mustard Yellow.

{EDIT: Her name is Uglina. My 13 year old daughter says so.}

See pictures later in this thread.

Details:

Background:

Build date Nov 1978.
Originally from Texas.
Body restoration by CCOT in '94.
Moved to WA in '95.
I'm the 3rd WA owner.
71k original miles (documented).

Drivetrain:

Completely stock motor.

Suspension/Lift, Wheels/Tires:

Stock suspension.
CCOT Power Steering (PO - Circa '94)
CCOT Front Discs (PO - Circa '94)
Ugly (imho) white spoker wheels. Soon to be replaced with original factory steel wheels with hubcaps.

Interior Enhancements:

CCOT A/C (PO - Circa '94)
AM/FM/Cass with CD Changer, sub, & rear speakers. No metal damaged (PO).

Exterior/Armor Modifications:

Tow hitch/reciever (PO).
H4 headlights (PO).

Long term I don't really know what my plans for this rig are other than I will do nothing to it that impacts it's originality. I really would love to make it better than factory-new with a frame off restoration someday, but I don't really know if I'm really capable...yet. My short term plans are to enjoy it by driving it to and from work regularly. Along the way I know I will be fixing all the little things.

It leaks a bit of oil and I want to have someone take a hard professional look at the motor. Reliablilty is paramount while I'm still convincing my wife this was a good idea.

I want to replace the wheels with stock steel wheels/hubcaps.

Dash pad is cracked.

Steering has a bit more play than I'd like.

etc...

First real question: A PO had installed a weber/OME carb. The most recent PO had removed it and put the original factory carb back on. I noticed tonight that the air cleaner assembly is not bolted to the block where it should be. The two pictures below illustrate. Note the missing fastners. It *feels* secure, but clearly this can't be good, right?

89s rule · 02-14-06, 11:38 AM

Congrats, looks like a nice rig. Stick with the factory carb, a better option in most peoples opinion. I second getting rid of the white spokes.

No clue on the air cleaner bolts, but certainly could not hurt to have it bolted down. Looking fwd to more pics!

Colorado Boy-74-FJ40 · 02-14-06, 11:47 AM

Nice looking rig. I too am going to keep my rig all origonal. My Dad was the origonal owner of mine and I also want to do a frame-up someday. I am battling rust right now.

TEQ · 02-14-06, 12:54 PM

Here are some more pics I took before I bought it...

TEQ · 02-14-06, 12:56 PM

3 more

Colorado Boy-74-FJ40 · 02-14-06, 01:01 PM

Do you mind my asking what you paid for it?

TEQ · 02-14-06, 01:08 PM

more...

TEQ · 02-14-06, 01:09 PM

more...

bull · 02-14-06, 03:00 PM

I just took his new 40 for a spin! Very Solid! Its a rarity that you come across vehicles like this. I thought my 78 was nice. This thing blows it out of the water.

Draken · 02-14-06, 03:49 PM

Very nice rig indeed....where was this advertised...I thought I was pretty up to date on the local rigs for sale, but this one surprised me....

cruiserhead · 02-14-06, 04:19 PM

Very,very nice.Good luck with it.Yes I would bolt the air filter down.

kellyo · 02-14-06, 04:26 PM

Congrats on a very nice looking rig. Should be lots a-fun. Your addiction has just begun. These things are like "crack" as one is not enough and there is always something else to buy, build or "improve" on. Good luck.

Benson · 02-14-06, 04:33 PM

A couple of points:

1. Why would you have to restore that rig at all? Don't bother with a frame off - it looks great already.

2. Please don't call that rig "Turd", no matter the color. Come and look at mine before you decide on something derogatory. Also, the sex of the rig s/b female if you are a dude. It could save you some embarrassment over the cb when yelling on the trail

and,

3. Congratulations. That is one sweet ride.

Robert LaDuke · 02-14-06, 06:30 PM

Congrats on the new truck! She's a beauty.
Stock steel wheels with caps and 33's would be my choice.
I got all those aircleaner bolts from SOR .They might still be available from the dealer.
I got a New dash pad too. The SOR replacement pad is a good one. Cheaper than buying an OEM and looks identical.

spotcruiser · 02-14-06, 08:01 PM

Yep, nice rig. SOR has replacement hardware to match stock.

shotgun · 02-14-06, 08:15 PM

Thats a great looking rig! Just one point . I am the original owner of a 78 and it came from the dealer with those exact white spoke wheels. I assume they are the "stock" wheels. Welcome

TEQ · 02-14-06, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draken

Very nice rig indeed....where was this advertised...I thought I was pretty up to date on the local rigs for sale, but this one surprised me....

Bull noticed it in the Micronews (Microsoft Employee ads). The guy selling it is the father of a MS employee. Older guy, retired air-force. Had the rig for about 3 years just for fun. He purchased it from somone else in Redmond who purchased it in '95 or '96. Prior to that it was bought from CCOT in '95 by "Auto Advice" in Tacoma.

TEQ · 02-14-06, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benson

A couple of points:

1. Why would you have to restore that rig at all? Don't bother with a frame off - it looks great already.

Because I like the idea of perfecting things with my own hands. That said, I'm not entirely what will happen. For now I will just enjoy and tinker. Or is that tinker and enjoy?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benson

2. Please don't call that rig "Turd", no matter the color. Come and look at mine before you decide on something derogatory. Also, the sex of the rig s/b female if you are a dude. It could save you some embarrassment over the cb when yelling on the trail

and,

Good points, all. I am somewhat constrained by my significant others; specifically my wife, 12 year old daughter, and 10 year old son. My kids have traditionally named all our cars and picked the sex. But "turd" was my idea, and I would never let them use language like that

.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benson

3. Congratulations. That is one sweet ride.

Man, I had fun tooling around in it today. Grins ear to ear.

TEQ · 02-14-06, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shotgun

Thats a great looking rig! Just one point . I am the original owner of a 78 and it came from the dealer with those exact white spoke wheels. I assume they are the "stock" wheels. Welcome

Is your motor original? Would you mind taking a few pictures of your engine for me? I think the air cleaner assembly on this rig is from an earlier model, which explains why the mounting holes don't line up and the bolts are missing.

I am also curious as to what a stock/original wiper fluid system looks like.

Thanks!

-cek

lone gunman · 02-14-06, 10:43 PM

sweet 78 one of the nicer ones, maybe i will see you around the area. i met bull last summer at cruiser days in canada he had a very nice 45 up there and this huge ass great dane that road in the back. maybe i will see you up there next summer ya never know?

congrats on the FJ40