Hi guys, I'm 17, and don't have any experience rebuilding a car, but somehow I've managed to sucsefully overhaul the fj40 I have engine, and I'm beginning working on the body just needs some work on the rear quarter panel and wheel well. I have some friends that have been doing this kinda stuff for years so I get some help from them. What I've been wondering is how hard would it be to cut the tub in half and make a flat bed for the rear? Or should I just stick to keeping. It stock for my first build? I would like to crawl it but I think that's out of my budget for now, mainly just for overlanding and such. Thanks
Fj40 project keep stock or flatbed conversion?? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter carterfj40
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Personally I believe there is nothing better than a (mostly) stock 40. They are extremely capable out of the box, depending on the year money is best spend on upgrades such as breaks if it is an earlier model, don't forget to post pics if you can!
- Thread starter
- #3
It's a 1972, has the stock 1f engine with a custom crower cam, has a 4 speed with 4 speed transfer case here's some pics of what it looked like when I got it now it has some primer over spots I've sanded. It's on 31s.
JohnnyC
Long ago TLCA# 2231
I do not see rot... why do you want to rip off that tub?
Keep the body. Get it mechanically sound and safe to drive as far as brakes and steering. Drive it for a while then decide. That is in better shape than most. Once again, drive it for awhile before tearing into it!
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Cuz I like the flat bed idea plus I'm my opinion they look awesome but I am kinda leaning towards just keeping it stock, a lot easier.
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- #7
Rt now it's taken apart quite a bit is it worth it to put together and drive first?
Do a DIY paint job and put it back together. Focus on brakes/steering and electrical. That's a pretty solid rig to start with. Good Luck.
In my opinion yes, it is worth it to get it driveable first. A lot of people will get a vehicle like this and start right in to restoring, restor-mod, ect. They never get a chance to enjoy it for what it is and often lose interest or funding to complete it.
- Thread starter
- #10
Ok I'll keep it stock then, how much mods will it need for rubicon trail?
^^X2. Best to get to know the truck a bit before big mods to it. Plus, I'd think a flat bed on there would make it drive a bit wonky. Seems that 40s ride a bit better with more weight in the back, depending on your springs.
I would do a 4 inch lift using 4 inch lift front fj40 springs and 4 inch lift rear fj60 springs with adjustable spring perches mounted in the most forward mount which would stretch the rear wheelbase 1.5" rearward and give good ride and articulation. You can then fit 33" tires easily even 35s if u really want. Then u want a locker, winch, sliders, bumpers, good skid plate, ya it adds up. Right now just get it reliable and safe and go from there.
If you want a flat bed - go buy a mini truck or Tacoma.
Your also in the wrong crowd for this one question. I don't think I'm alone when I say that what I love about an FJ40 is that it is an FJ40. I don't want it to be something that it isn't.
But then- I also have a diesel pickup, a mini truck crawler, a BMW... so I'm a believer that between a fleet of vehicles I'll always get exactly what I want.
Your also in the wrong crowd for this one question. I don't think I'm alone when I say that what I love about an FJ40 is that it is an FJ40. I don't want it to be something that it isn't.
But then- I also have a diesel pickup, a mini truck crawler, a BMW... so I'm a believer that between a fleet of vehicles I'll always get exactly what I want.
Indestructible 47
SILVER Star
swap it for an FJ45.... if you really want a flatbed that is. otherwise, cool truck.
tip: unless u have access to a bank, at 17 do NOT mod it before it's running and driving. you will run out of dosh fast. i know. i'm 17 too. and don't get disheartened with the project. cheers
tip: unless u have access to a bank, at 17 do NOT mod it before it's running and driving. you will run out of dosh fast. i know. i'm 17 too. and don't get disheartened with the project. cheers
It sounds like you want to turn your 40 into a 45, which has been done as well as stretching 40s and making 4 door 40s. I would not do it without lengthening the frame, because IMO it would look odd without a longer wheel base.
It's easy to get some wild ideas, especially browsing forums and looking at build ups. I've spent more imaginary dollars than I can count building my dream 40 in my mind. Enjoy it as it is for a while and your feelings on what you want to do with it will change. If you want to use the back as a bed just leave the jump seats out and top off. Done!
It's easy to get some wild ideas, especially browsing forums and looking at build ups. I've spent more imaginary dollars than I can count building my dream 40 in my mind. Enjoy it as it is for a while and your feelings on what you want to do with it will change. If you want to use the back as a bed just leave the jump seats out and top off. Done!
