I was looking at the photos in the link above. One thing I noticed about the 79 FJ40 is that there were no side defrost ducts. It doesn't even have the holes to where the ducts attach to. After 1978 it should have the side defrost ducts. Body swap from an earlier model or foreign vehicle?
You can find ethanol free gas stations for your state at this website.
Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. and Canada
There is also an app called Pure Gas that you can get for your phone to look up ethanol free gas stations.
Go with OEM brake rotors. I have replaced multiple rotors on my Toyota vehicles and the aftermarket ones are terrible. I live around big hills and the aftermarket rotors warp after 1-2 years from the heat from braking when going downhill. OEM rotors last forever.
Find a cheap coil wire and clip the ends that go into the distributor and the coil. When it is going to be parked swap out the wire. The engine wont start and anyone who knows anything about cars will look under the hood and everything will look in order.
@samatulich. It was very nice to finally meet you. I hope to run into you again in the future.
I’m also glad I got to stop by and see your progress on the 40 during the clutch change. I was surprised at how simple everything was. It gave me a lot more confidence to work on mine when I find one.
I actually stopped by and saw the FJ40 and your brother yesterday. I've seen it in town for the last couple weeks and had to stop by and say hi. Awesome rig. Hard to believe it's been all over North and South America. It's still in its original paint and looks great with lots of street cred...
I know it is more to get vehicles shipped from Seattle to Anchorage. I suspect it's cheaper to go southbound because the barges are mostly empty. Not much going southbound.
I'm still learning about these but from what I've gathered there are a few things off. It looks like a US model with the front and rear heater and side dash heater vents but it has bumper nipples which is a big red flag, at least to me. The body looks clean and I don't see any red flags there...
Thanks for the story and updates/upgrades you have done. I really appreciate the clear photos and write up that went along with each of your posts.
Have a great trip.
Ben, thanks for the info on the engine bay. I'm no where near ready to buy but, I'm trying to make myself as knowledgeable as possible so that when I am ready I will be able to see problems and warning signs to be able to buy with confidence.
I love your 78, there is so much potential there...
I've have loved the FJ40 for 25 years and I've been looking at them for the last couple years to familiarize myself on what to look for when I go to buy one in the next year or so. I want a late 78, which this is. I can tell by the side heat vents. I can see paint oxidation. What I am having...
I have been reading here for a long time and I have to post. This is the greatest build thread of all time. I can't believe you did this without a dedicated garage. I look forward to getting a 40 someday and making it a rolling restoration but you have now set the bar so high I don't think many...