73 FJ40 Refresh (1 Viewer)

[Engineer8000]

Starting this to document my refresh. I know you guys like pictures.

I bought this about 15 years ago and have done a lot of mechanical stuff but now it really needs a paint job. I want it to look like an authentic 73 on the outside with tasteful upgrades under the hood.

Currently running a 3FE with H55F 5 speed. I decided to stick with that drive train.

I want to install the proper 40 series crossmember and the split case parking brake that I found a few years ago. Also this has a late model BJ rear axle (the brake line is on the driver side) that I want to swap for a rear axle for an FJ. And I want to install OEM AC and the correct heater for a 73 so I can use my cowl vent.

 

[Engineer8000]

Of course, I started off planning the electrical. I want to replace the OEM harness and fuse block with a more versatile and reliable setup. I found this as a starting point, from a 2000 Jaguar, available inexpensive on ebay:

I disassembled it to figure out the circuits

 

[Engineer8000]

Pin out:

Proposed draft schematic for my truck:

 

[Engineer8000]

I've been struggling with the color. I really like the Heath Gray with coral seats. I've been lurking on the FJCO web site trying to decide. Amazing looking trucks come out of their shop.

My son who will ultimately end up with this when I'm gone likes dune beige. I'm torn.

 

[rainingagain]

Man, both colors are great. Dune beige with black seats? Or heather grey with coral seats? Damn that's a tough choice.

Are you planning to replace the turn signal lights on the fenders also?

 

[mattressking]

For the fuse block - any reason you didn't go with say a Fj60/62 block? Provides the modern fuses, has a small foot print and no soldered board.

 

[Engineer8000]

Man, both colors are great. Dune beige with black seats? Or heather grey with coral seats? Damn that's a tough choice.

Are you planning to replace the turn signal lights on the fenders also?

I have a new set of the proper rectangular turn signals going on. I would like to find some non US clear lenses for them.

 

[Engineer8000]

For the fuse block - any reason you didn't go with say a Fj60/62 block? Provides the modern fuses, has a small foot print and no soldered board.

I have a couple of those. I didn't go that way primarily because I wanted to put it under the hood and those don't have weather proof covers.

 

[mattressking]

I have a couple of those. I didn't go that way primarily because I wanted to put it under the hood and those don't have weather proof covers.

Ah! Under hood, got it.

 

[dmaddox]

Dune beige is classic...would be my vote!

 

[Living in the Past]

On the 40 series around the world beige is definitely a classic. Have a couple myself.

But for my 73 will keep it the original 72-74 color.

Doors in back were on it a long with the rest of the hard top when I bought. Never owned a red 40 series and really never considered it a color for one.
The orange also matches the owner's manual.

 

[Engineer8000]

Made some progress today, used my pin nut wrench.

 

[Living in the Past]

Made some progress today, used my pin nut wrench.

View attachment 3405326

What switch is hanging off the bottom of the dash in that location?

 

[V8FJ4078]

Made some progress today, used my pin nut wrench.

View attachment 3405326

View attachment 3405325

I need a pin nut wrench like that, I have tried others, but that would be awesome. Can you show what the end looks like? May have to make one.

 

[Engineer8000]

That is my IDLE UP switch. It is connected into the AC circuit of the ECU to bump up RPM when I want to, for winching, etc.

 

[Engineer8000]

more progress with the tear down, installed the 40 series top cover on the 5 speed.

 

[cruisermatt]

that is all a really cool combo of parts. Surprised you would downgrade from the later rear axle to the T-case parking brake, what were you using for a parking brake handle before?

 

[Living in the Past]

Second from the bottom is the 4/85-7/87 US FJ60 T case shifter. The one above it is a H55F 40 series shifter.

It is possible to get the T case shifter further forward using later 70 series pieces.

 

[Engineer8000]

I had made some area on the trans cover to put a 60 series e brake handle.

that is all a really cool combo of parts. Surprised you would downgrade from the later rear axle to the T-case parking brake, what were you using for a parking brake handle before?

 

[Engineer8000]

A little more progress today