About two weeks ago I finally ended my search for an FJ45 when I discovered this 1978 Austrailan 5 miles from my house. It was sitting under the pole barn of a local Toyota dealership owner. We briefly entered into negotiations and I secured the 78'. My plans are to get it running to see what it needs and then rebuild it. I will probably convert it to LHD and I may end up installing a diesel and 5 speed in it. Plenty of time for those decisions later. Part of the deal included a 69' rolling chassis with a bed on it and an extra top w/upper cab half. Plus another complete bed. After the first work day I had the bed sitting on the truck frame and the extra bed had donated it's headache rack and tailgate to the cause. I'm looking forward to getting it running and taking my first drive in it. The 78' is in very good condition. The cab has virtually no rust in it and the frame is in great shape as well. The hood is toast due to rust as well as the aprons. The front fenders are fiberglass as is the bib and cab roof. No worries on the sheet metal. I already have a complete front clip almost ready to go on it. So lots of work to be done!
I was sad to see her go. She did go to a local guy and I signed him up to join our local club. So she's not completely gone. I purchased a 2H complete with 5 speed and split case. It should be here at the end of the week. I have the brakes and clutch working now. I'm going to rebuild the carb (the kit will be here tomorrow) and drive the 2F for awhile. This will accomplish a few things. First and foremost I can start driving my 45!!!! While I'm driving it I can find out what condition the drive train is in for future sale, I can decide if I'm going to swap it over to LHD and I can gather the rest of the parts for the diesel swap. Anyone know a good source for the 2H controls I will need? The motor appears to be complete for everything I will need in the engine bay. I know I will need the fuel shut off knob in the dash, glow plug controls and indicators to start with. I'm also not sure what I will need for throttle control yet? After I round up what I need for the 2H I will swap in the diesel and drive it for awhile checking out the new drive train for what it might need when I rebuild the entire truck. Oh and I dropped off my rims at the powder coating shop today! BTW my new avatar is both the 40 and 45 sitting under the flag on Memorial Day in my driveway.
