1960 FJ40

[johnfischer4]

Hey Everyone!

So my grandpa bought this set of 1960 fj40's, one for parts and the other to keep. he never got around to fixing it up, so i wanted to take it on as a challenge and eventually be able to go out to the desert and have fun with it.

I was wondering if anyone had a wiring diagram that I could look over while rebuilding so that I would have somewhere to start on this beast of a project. Also, I'm pretty sure that I will need to be buying a couple parts seeing as its been sitting around for who knows how long, so if anyone that knows a site or store that sells good parts for low prices that would be amazing too. One last thing. If anyone has rebuilt one, what are some "tricks of the trade" or things you wish you had known to do or buy before starting?

thanks!
-John

 

[SAS]

Welcome to IH8MUD and the TLCA (Toyota Land Cruiser Association) discussion forum.

Sounds like you have a heckuva project ahead. For tech info (all the mechanical and electrical stuff), head over to the "FJ40 & 55 Series Tech" forum.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/

Another way to navigate there is by the red buttons at the top of this page...see "Toyota Tech" at the top-left? That will be a page with model specific forums, FJ40, FJ60/62, FJ and FZJ80, etc.

Within each of these forums is a FAQ "frequently asked questions". Scan through that one first, it has links to specific tech and troubleshooting items.

Next, you can use the "search" button within "FJ40 & 55 Series Tech" to search the forum for specific words. A word I would recommend is "factory service manual" or FSM. Lots of them are in PDF format and available online. It is the next best thing to having a printed copy in your hands! Several vendors sell FSMs, but I'd recommend TrollHole Cruisers when you're ready to buy it/them (there are separate FSMs for body, engine, etc.--all very thorough--it is the factory manual, of course!)

Where to buy parts and stuff? Look to the red buttons at the top of the page again--you'll see a "Vendors Market" button. That one opens to many of the Land Cruiser businesses that keep us all supplied with new, used, and after-market parts.

There are several sites online where you can research these trucks. A recommendation for the FJ40 is Mark's Offroad (marksoffroad.net). Another, but focused on the 60-series Land Cruiser is The Wagon Way (thewagonway.com). As you browse around the FJ40 Tech forum, you'll find others.

After reading a while in the tech forum, you may also want to send tech email questions to techeditor@tlca.org. That is Robbie Antonson of the TLCA's magazine, "Toyota Trails".

Robbie will reply by email, but he captures some good tech exchanges and publishes them in the magazine.

http://www.tlca.org/trails/

The print edition (published six times a year) contains those exchanges, but unfortunately it isn't available online. But check out the link above for some inspiring Land Cruiser stories! Consider joining TLCA to get the print edition and the ability to download the full magazine in PDF format.

Finally, depending on where you live, there is probably a TLCA Chapter club nearby. Go to the buttons above again, click on the "Clubhouse". There you can search by region or by State for a club near you. If one is nearby, enter their clubhouse and find out when they have a meeting. Make some friends and learn all about Cruisers!

Again, welcome to 'Mud (IH8MUD), and good luck with your project!

Tracy

Capital Land Cruiser Club--VA/MD/Washington D.C.

 

[Rzeppa]

Hi John,

In addition to what Tracy said, I suggest checking out the https://forum.ih8mud.com/fj25-owners-group/ FJ25 group. If your rigs are really 1960 there is a better than even chance that they are actually FJ25s. There are a number of differences from FJ40s, but perhaps the most easily recognizable difference is that FJ25s do not have a bezel around the headlights and grill, and FJ40s do. Even if they are FJ40s, early vintage FJ40s often had some of the same characteristics as FJ25s, such as centered rear differentials. As such, the FJ25 group might be of a lot of help for you.

 

[johnfischer4]

Thank you Tracy and Jeff.

Tracy - Thank you for the step by step instructions! I feel a little bad for making you type it all out, so I apologize for that. I will definitely look into all the links. And as far as the TLCA chapters, I would sure hope that there is one in Southern California. A lot of off road events out here.
Jeff - I was misinformed about the year. I will be working on the '63, and the one I am going to attempt to use for parts is a '64.

I greatly appreciate all of the information and your time. I will post up pics of the progress as this project goes along.

-John

 

[johnfischer4]

Here is how it currently looks. (minus all the spider webs)

Just wondering should i repaint the engine red or should i choose a new color?

 

[SAS]

John, whether you paint the engine or just clean it up depends upon your intended level of restoration, and your intended use for the truck. If you want to build it as an occasional weekend desert trail rider, I'd suggest a good cleaning after you confirm its in running condition--seals, coolant system, valve-train (compression) and lower-end (crank bearings, etc.).

Pick a name for the truck and start a project thread! And time to time, check the TLCA Raffle Truck build thread for motivation. It was rough when we started.

Before:


After:


Tracy

 

[nuclearlemon]

yours could be a 63, it could be a 62. look on your passenger front frame rail for the vin. the number in front of the "fj40" will determine the true year. i have a 1962 that is titled as a 1963. it all depends on when a dealer got the rig as to what year it got titled. some are two and even three years off.

you will probably find more people in the 25 section that can relate to your rig since it's so old. we did a thread on my 1962 that may help you a lot. look for the "little orphan annie" thread.

good luck

 

[Rzeppa]

yours could be a 63, it could be a 62. look on your passenger front frame rail for the vin. the number in front of the "fj40" will determine the true year. i have a 1962 that is titled as a 1963. it all depends on when a dealer got the rig as to what year it got titled. some are two and even three years off.

you will probably find more people in the 25 section that can relate to your rig since it's so old. we did a thread on my 1962 that may help you a lot. look for the "little orphan annie" thread.

good luck

Indeed, I helped a local acquaintance get their 1963 FJ40 running and it had as many FJ25 parts on it as FJ40 parts (centered rear diff, FJ25 jump seats, etc.)

 

[1962TOY]

Indeed, I helped a local acquaintance get their 1963 FJ40 running and it had as many FJ25 parts on it as FJ40 parts (centered rear diff, FJ25 jump seats, etc.)

Where on the frame rail is the VIN? I have a titled 1962. I would like to verify.

Thanks

 

[Cruiser_Nerd]

First digit is the year of manufacture, this one happens to be 1958.

 

[Rzeppa]

Where on the frame rail is the VIN? I have a titled 1962. I would like to verify.

Thanks

Right side, front, outboard. A lot of times it is difficult to make out with rust and gunga, you may have to do some cleaning to be able to see it. It will also be on a plate riveted to the left a-pillar.