Just bought my first 40 and looking for ideas on where to start...

[KingsFJ40]

Hey guys- well after years of driving by an old farm up in the mountains of Western North Carolina, I was finally able to purchase a '76 FJ40 from the land owner of a farmer who passed away back in the early 90's. I remember growing up seeing the 40 roll up and down the gravel road ever so slowly. Mr. King primarily used this rig as a farm truck, only going to the end of the pasture and back. He also was the care taker of a mountain home for some folks from Florida. The rig has a bit over 44K miles and mechanically appears to be in great shape. The body is super rough and will probably require replacement panels and/or full rear tub replacement. All parts are intact and all original.

The FJ sat at the edge of his home for years until today, when I got her loaded up on a roll back and sent to her new home. The FJ is not running- definitely in need of a battery, belts, tires, and Lord knows what else. I certainly know I'm embarking on a journey that the wallet and the wife will not be very pleased with, but in the long run it will be well worth it.

So....my question is....where should I start? My initial intentions are to just get her up and running...road worthy. Long term is more than likey a full restoration, but that will of couse depend on time, $$, etc.

If anyone lives in the southeat (I live in Charlotte, NC) and knows of some folks to begin talking to regarding a garage, mechanics, etc., please let me know. I'd definitely appreciate any contacts in the region of some good folks to speak with about getting her into a garage to begin assessment.

I look forward to getting to know the group here...everyone seems very knowledgable and my kind of folks.

Thanks.

 

[platypusREX]

First post some pics. 2nd. Dont call it a FJ because for some reason ONE person will get bent out of shape.

Where to start? Your wallet.

 

[3_puppies]

best bet would be to hook up with a local club, Olde North State? a TLCA club in NC I think

It will cost lots of $$'s if you are not able to do any work yourself. With some local help, you can do most of the work yourself. These rigs are very basic/simple machines, most "new" mechanics have no clue on working on a carburated vehicle.

we need pics of your new rig. and welcome

 

[Michael Hanson]

Id start with fluid changes,belts, hoses, battery. Tires,brakes,clutch. That should keep you busy for a few hours. MIke

 

[the gimpey one]

Definitely join olde north state cruisers!! That club is super active and i assure you would jump all over that thing as long as parts and beer floweth!!

 

[KingsFJ40]

Good call Mike. 3_puppies- I have heard of Olde North State...I'll try and link up. Again, a good bit of rust that I'll be contending with. Here's what I've got:

 

[Michael Hanson]

It will look great when your finished. MIke

 

[kling-on]

nice story to go along with a nice find.... welcome to the sickness

 

[69LC]

Welcome! Sounds like a very similar story to how I found mine.

 

[skidplate]

Just get it running and stopping, change fluids, give it a tune up and drive it. Too many people start by tearing them apart and then they loose interest, go broke ,and end up years later selling them as basket cases. Drive it and enjoy it, then decide which way you want to go with it. my .02. Welcome to your best resource on Landcruisers!

 

[duffontap]

Just get it running and stopping, change fluids, give it a tune up and drive it. Too many people start by tearing them apart and then they loose interest, go broke ,and end up years later selling them as basket cases. Drive it and enjoy it, then decide which way you want to go with it. my .02. Welcome to your best resource on Landcruisers!

A BIG X2. As you drive it, you will get a feel for its personality and for what you like and then refurbish or upgrade accordingly.

Looks like a great start. Lots of original parts there that you won't have to track down.

 

[REZARF]

If I was going to do it over again and my cruiser was like yours when I started, I would in this order...

Buy the facotry Manuals or at LEAST the Haynes manual. And get a good basic tools set.

Powerwash the rig and degrease as much as possible (read putty knife and wire brush on axles etc)

Baseline the rig (swap out all new fluids and belts, air cleaner, plugs, wires, cap...) this is when I would fix any obvious issues... cracked tires, failed lights etc.

Buy a local cruiser head a nice steak dinner if he'll tune up your timing and carb and points.

Get the truck steering and stopping straight.

Put 1000 miles on it and start to access from there.

 

[farinvail]

That looks in better shape than what I started with. Take a lot of pictures as you go. Sounds like you've had some good advice so far. Get some inexpensive tires and change all the fluids, belts, battery. Clean it really well. Turn the bezel (white part that wraps around headlights) so the thick part is on top. (It's currently upside down) Register it and drive it.

Check the rear pinion nut is tight.

 

[weagle99]

Always cool to see another Cruiser rescued!

I am always surprised how many of these rigs were just shoved to the side somewhere to molder away. Different times I guess.

 

[Roboosfj40s]

It is a good thing to save one of these trucks. It will take the wallet to an new high lol. I agree with others. Get all the mechanical stuff working good and safe including changing all fluids and drive it like it was new. Get the feel of it and how these wonderful creations work and give yourself some time to plan out what you want. Welcome to the insanity and good luck. Enjoy as they has their own personality.

 

[crumbo]

be prepared for a love hate affair, you will love the 40 and the missus will hate you for it

 

[dconley00]

If you are not mechanically inclined get a Hayes manual or one of the toyota manuals if you can find one. And read it cover to cover.

 

[Devilmans Hand]

Like others have said
Join your local cruiser club. Amazing how obsessed we all are with our 40s.
fluid changes for everything.
Look up tricks to start a 2f that has sat for a long time.
You will likely need to rebuild the Carb. Look up Pinheads vids on YouTube and get the fsm for your year. You can find them for "free" online if you look around. The Carb is easy to rebuild and well worth learning. There. Is the Trollhole Carb option too. Tune it once it runs. ( valve lash, Carb, timing )
Once its running and safe drive it like that for a while. Decide what needs replacing/fixing.
you will likely need to rebuild many parts and replace seals, make some cruiser friends that will help and show you how its done.

 

[Devilmans Hand]

And never consider a frame off restoration until you purchase a second 40 to drive around while the other one sits in pieces.

 

[dohcdelsol93]

man...look at all those bells and whistles...so many lights and switches on that dash i'd never be able to figure out how to work them all!!!


I got my 40 back in June, got to drive her about 8 miles then the had to sit for about a month to get a new motor.

In july she was back in action and has been a daily driver ever since.

The best way to find out what she needs other than your basic fluids/visual items is to drive her! She will let you know what needs attention first!

Its the most god awful uncomfortable vehcile i have ever been in but also the most fun. I sold my motorcycle within a few months of getting the 40 back on the road.