[Buckethead]

Alright here we go. I have been in the process of building an fj40 for about a year now. So I have not been able to go out wheeling and have a good time because when you dont have a lot of time, or a lot of cash, rebuilds take a long long time. Also, since my lovely wife decided to quit work to stay home with our little girl, money got even more tight. SO I sold my nice new Tundra (wifes car payment is all I want) and I bought myself a new DD. Now, if I had a long commute, I would think an older camry or something would be a fine choice, but being that I have a 5 mile drive to and from work, I decided to go with something a little more... me.

I bought this FJ55 about a month ago and I pick it up mid week next week. It was pretty solid, needed a little bit of body work (dents and what not, for a cruiser in the south, the rust was very little. I have pictures of when I bought it, and some of the body work being done.

It will be painted and back at my home here next week and the real fun begins, I get to drive around a bit. I am getting pumped.

It is a 1971 Arizona Pig, bought from a guy in Cartersville Georgia. 1F motor that runs like a champ, rebuilt 4speed trans and transfer. It also has a new carb and a disc brake front end.

I have a parts rig that is a 78 model. So that along with the pile of extra parts that came with this rig, I could almost build me another fun trail rig. Here are some pics, let me know what you think.

[Buckethead]

more

[Buckethead]

more

[Trollhole]

Very nice. Welcome to the club.

[clemson55]

Awesome man looks good, always nice to get another pig on the rd.

[Buckethead]

Thanks.

I am really pumped.. I have a new windshield (cruiserparts.net) and a set of 32x11.50 AT mounted on an old set of FJ60 wheels that I had laying around (again, trying to save cash)... After a good cleaning on the inside and working out some kinks with the old pig, I will have a solid rig..

Mentioned it before, but now I have a pile of extra parts, couple of front and rear ends, 2f motor, 3spd trans and transfer case and a 78 parts rig that is whole minus the driveline (its in my 40) so if anyone that is close to me in Alabama needs anything, I will be more than happy to make some good trades or what not. Im not looking to get rid of anything specific (its always nice to have spares) but if someone was in a pinch for something they really needed, I would be happy to help.

[scouthead]

What's with the wood dash trim?? I have seen a couple other 55s with wood glove boxes and dash panels...Are these things the mascot for some carpentry union??

[Buckethead]

Originally Posted by scouthead

What's with the wood dash trim?? I have seen a couple other 55s with wood glove boxes and dash panels...Are these things the mascot for some carpentry union??

What is with that?

Is this something that people just did or did a few of them come that way?

I saw another pic today with the exact same wood!

[toddslater]

Nice looking pig you have there, a nice solid example. Keep the progress pics coming. I will pull a list of bits that I need together in the next week and PM it to you. IIRC, I'll be in Atlanta the week of Feb 5.

[Gumby]

Originally Posted by scouthead

What's with the wood dash trim?? I have seen a couple other 55s with wood glove boxes and dash panels...Are these things the mascot for some carpentry union??

70s thing.

[OffRoad Rage]

Hey Buckethead,
It looks like you did a transplant of the '78 tailgate into your '71. Did everything line up OK? Any problems. I have just the opposite situation, I just bought a '78 and will have to install the '73 tailgate it came with onto my mine so I wondered if it would work or what I'd be up against. Yours looks great so far. Too bad we aren't closer or we could make a swap. I'll be in Alabama this summer but I don't think I could get the tailgate on the plane. I may be interested in some of the '78 specific parts if you're willing to part with them. Keep up the good work. My resto thread will be up in a couple of weeks.

-Norm

[Buckethead]

Norm,
this gate was already on this pig when I bought it, doesnt seem to have had any fab work ... so you should be fine.

I am going to bring my parts closer so I will know more about what all I have.

When you come to alabama, send me a pm -- if you have time, we make go do some wheeling.

[offkilter]

Buckethead....the new pig looks solid. Nice work! I too have thee old 71 and 78 combo...the 71 being my so-called solid rig and the 78 being a little shaky. I would be interested to hear your thoughts with respect to the later tailgate functioning within the body of an early pig......i was under the impression that this was not realistic....thanks for brightening my day. My stock 71 tailgate functions well, however- would be pleased to know other options are feasible when the time comes. Also- looks like you scooped the last used windshield from cruiserparts...I had to opt for the new... Are you going to switch out those mammoth side view mirrors? happy trails with the pigs- DK

[mel lowe]

slick set of swines
slick set of swines
slick set of swines


I thought maybe two would appear in my shed.......


nothing yet



congrats

[Buckethead]

Originally Posted by offkilter

I would be interested to hear your thoughts with respect to the later tailgate functioning within the body of an early pig......i was under the impression that this was not realistic....thanks for brightening my day. My stock 71 tailgate functions well, however- would be pleased to know other options are feasible when the time comes.

Are you going to switch out those mammoth side view mirrors? happy trails with the pigs- DK

I havent noticed any problems with the gate yet. It comes back from painting on thursday (I hope) and I will let you know how it works out.

I am putting the small round mirrors from the 78 on it. The big ones suck.

[Buckethead]

Originally Posted by mel lowe

slick set of swines
slick set of swines
slick set of swines


I thought maybe two would appear in my shed.......


nothing yet



congrats

Thanks,
but I believe you have the diesel action ... so that is cool.

[dsa03cjj]

dude, that is going to be one awesome restore!!! welcome aboard

[75PIG]

Nice pick up....

Keep the pictures of the restore coming.

[Buckethead]

A little Fresh White
A little Fresh Nebula Green to come.

[Buckethead]

One more

[offkilter]

Great progress indeed, Buckethead! -I look forward to the addition of the green.......viewing these pictures provides great motivation for a little painting of my own when spring arrives. thanks - DK

[Buckethead]

Originally Posted by offkilter

Great progress indeed, Buckethead! -I look forward to the addition of the green.......viewing these pictures provides great motivation for a little painting of my own when spring arrives. thanks - DK

Thanks,
I am sure that the guys painting wish it was spring -- even down here the cold the past two weeks have made for a heck of a time.

Hopefully tomorrow the green will get sprayed.

[Buckethead]

Finally warm enough to shoot the green.

[Buckethead]

[Buckethead]

[tucker74]

Looking good man - I see some color sanding and buffing in your future

Nice looking piggie!



Tucker

[k9crazy]

I so love that color! My favorite for sure. If I wasn't so obsessed with restoring mine to factory, that's the color I would choose. Looking great!!!

[Buckethead]

[Buckethead]

Now I have to iron out the kinks and get this thing ready for daily driving.

[blong]

Nice progress, looks great. Hope you don't mind me asking, what did you paint the rims and bumpers w/? Can't wait to see pics of it on the road, good luck with the kinks.