1963 FJ45L FOUND! Restoration and Info Thread
- Thread starter dmaddox
- Start date
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Show her this pic. JohnnyC found it somewhere...I'm told it is a 1964 FJ40, pic taken when it was new
Coolerman
SILVER Star
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Just read through your whole thread. You lucky SOB! Beautiful truck. I'll have to try the VIN plate restore tips on my plate. Looking forward to seeing it painted.
dmaddox
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #184
Well lets make that three rust repairs fellas.
As I am going through every square inch of steel, working my way through the prep work, guess what I ran into? Some WELL hidden rust. Bottom rear corner.
FYI - IF any of us are re-installing door weather stripping, LET US REMEMBER not to trowel on the glue and plug the drain slots on the bottom edge of the door. I used a piece of baler wire and clean out all of the drain slots, all 6 plugged with dried old glue, dirt, and other bits of debris.
So, as I am sanding along - look what literally started turning to dust!! This made me angry and is holding up the project. Recall - there are two other rust fixes in the bed support posts. This one is passenger door. After I found this I went over the driver door even closer - luckily it is solid.
I hacked out all the rust, bent a strip of steel in. Here is a photo of the finished weld, ready for more clean up.
Better to catch it now I guess.
Later guys,
Dallas
As I am going through every square inch of steel, working my way through the prep work, guess what I ran into? Some WELL hidden rust. Bottom rear corner.
FYI - IF any of us are re-installing door weather stripping, LET US REMEMBER not to trowel on the glue and plug the drain slots on the bottom edge of the door. I used a piece of baler wire and clean out all of the drain slots, all 6 plugged with dried old glue, dirt, and other bits of debris.
So, as I am sanding along - look what literally started turning to dust!! This made me angry and is holding up the project. Recall - there are two other rust fixes in the bed support posts. This one is passenger door. After I found this I went over the driver door even closer - luckily it is solid.
I hacked out all the rust, bent a strip of steel in. Here is a photo of the finished weld, ready for more clean up.
Better to catch it now I guess.
Later guys,
Dallas
tahoe40/45
SILVER Star
Nice tip on the door drains.I just checked mine,two on each door had dirt in them.
PabloCruise
SILVER Star
Great stuff Dallas!
dmaddox
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #187
Well, I have been keeping everything up to date and wanted to further authenticate the land cruiser; keeping the thread and restoration as honest and well documented as I can.
I removed the heater and a receipt fell out - take a look below.
Notice the date (sorry fuzzy photo). 05/25/68
Stephen E Miller Jr bought 6 gallons of gas from Steve Richtar Phillips 66 for 2.03.
I searched out and found Stephen E Miller and believe it or not, I found him.
A tired 87 year old voice answered the phone as I introduced myself.
After we exchanged pleasantries he was amazed I had the little Toyota pickup!
"You have to be kidding sir!" he stated. "Oh how I loved that pickup. I hauled my girls and their scout troop all over in that thing with there supplies and projects."
Me: "It is in amazing shape still today - can you tell me a bit about it?"
"Well, my father -in- law bought it from the county auction in 1965 and I inherited it."
Me: "Do you remember the mileage (about) when you inherited it".
"Oh, it was low - I'd guess between 15-20K miles or so at the most. We ended up selling it to a good friend of mine Bill Price, who has since passed away. He painted it red."
Me: "Yes it is sure red, and is about to become Toyota Green through a restoration".
"Well, I am sure glad it didn't end up in the crusher - I have often thought about that truck."
Me: "Do you have any pictures of it when you owned the pickup?"
"I don't think so, I can dig around". (I am going to write him a letter, hopefully he can find some).
We then spoke a more about the details, he told me of some short trips in it he made, etc...
So in short, Toyota to County, County to this fella's father in law who was "Eblin". Then to Stephen Miller, then to Bill Price, and then to McKiernan.
So, not as short of ownership - but still a cool history that I am honing in on.
Just thought I would share.
Thanks much,
Dallas
I removed the heater and a receipt fell out - take a look below.
Notice the date (sorry fuzzy photo). 05/25/68
Stephen E Miller Jr bought 6 gallons of gas from Steve Richtar Phillips 66 for 2.03.
I searched out and found Stephen E Miller and believe it or not, I found him.
A tired 87 year old voice answered the phone as I introduced myself.
After we exchanged pleasantries he was amazed I had the little Toyota pickup!
"You have to be kidding sir!" he stated. "Oh how I loved that pickup. I hauled my girls and their scout troop all over in that thing with there supplies and projects."
Me: "It is in amazing shape still today - can you tell me a bit about it?"
"Well, my father -in- law bought it from the county auction in 1965 and I inherited it."
Me: "Do you remember the mileage (about) when you inherited it".
"Oh, it was low - I'd guess between 15-20K miles or so at the most. We ended up selling it to a good friend of mine Bill Price, who has since passed away. He painted it red."
Me: "Yes it is sure red, and is about to become Toyota Green through a restoration".
"Well, I am sure glad it didn't end up in the crusher - I have often thought about that truck."
Me: "Do you have any pictures of it when you owned the pickup?"
"I don't think so, I can dig around". (I am going to write him a letter, hopefully he can find some).
We then spoke a more about the details, he told me of some short trips in it he made, etc...
So in short, Toyota to County, County to this fella's father in law who was "Eblin". Then to Stephen Miller, then to Bill Price, and then to McKiernan.
So, not as short of ownership - but still a cool history that I am honing in on.
Just thought I would share.
Thanks much,
Dallas
Texican
s-Moderator
way cool...........
That is quite cool man
dmaddox
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #190
More updates as I fervently restore the cruiser.
First off, I know that the "Eaton" heaters were a common dealership addition. Dom - I see you have the identical heater in your 45. I am going ot restore mine to a satin black I believe - but will do some research on the OEM colors of those heaters. I think yours was unpainted - I'll have to check.
Nonetheless - what on earth did they use to install these things????
I am not joking when it looks like they used a Colt 45 to shoot a hole for the mounting points.
Take a look:
Were drills not available to Toyota shop mechanics?
Well, It was a warm day to day and I wanted to get the underside of the:
1. Hood.
2. Fenders.
3. Toolbox cover.
4. Running board brackets.
I also wanted to shoot the inside of the doors - as they were prepped and ready to go at this time.
I primed with a UTEC Surfacer primer. Similar to a 2k, or etching primer. (pictures of all products I am using will come as this unfolds).
Loaded up the M416, and off to the shop I went:
Here is a shot of the parts on stands in the paintbooth:
3 coats of primer later:
Now, call me crazy - but I am wetsanding all of the primer. If a fella is going through all the trouble and we are here anyway - why not? This way the sealer will lay down nice and smooth.
I wet sanded each piece and then set them back on the racks to dry.
I returned home and continued to D/A the interior. It has been a good day - hope you all had a fun Saturday!
Good night!
Dallas
First off, I know that the "Eaton" heaters were a common dealership addition. Dom - I see you have the identical heater in your 45. I am going ot restore mine to a satin black I believe - but will do some research on the OEM colors of those heaters. I think yours was unpainted - I'll have to check.
Nonetheless - what on earth did they use to install these things????
I am not joking when it looks like they used a Colt 45 to shoot a hole for the mounting points.
Take a look:
Were drills not available to Toyota shop mechanics?
Well, It was a warm day to day and I wanted to get the underside of the:
1. Hood.
2. Fenders.
3. Toolbox cover.
4. Running board brackets.
I also wanted to shoot the inside of the doors - as they were prepped and ready to go at this time.
I primed with a UTEC Surfacer primer. Similar to a 2k, or etching primer. (pictures of all products I am using will come as this unfolds).
Loaded up the M416, and off to the shop I went:
Here is a shot of the parts on stands in the paintbooth:
3 coats of primer later:
Now, call me crazy - but I am wetsanding all of the primer. If a fella is going through all the trouble and we are here anyway - why not? This way the sealer will lay down nice and smooth.
I wet sanded each piece and then set them back on the racks to dry.
I returned home and continued to D/A the interior. It has been a good day - hope you all had a fun Saturday!
Good night!
Dallas
Nice story Dallas. The green will look cool (although you've done that color before 
). you always do a good job. It's nice to follow your progress.
). you always do a good job. It's nice to follow your progress.
PabloCruise
SILVER Star
Awesome Dallas!
To me this is part of the magic/beauty of Land Cruisers.
I have found some interesting paperwork in th Pig, but never thought of looking folks up.
I got the 40 from the original owner, and got to talk to him for a while before buying the 40 from him.
dmaddox
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #193
Wes, thank you for the comments! I was hoping to make it up to the swap meet but was tied up in the booth. I hope someday we can shake hands.
TJ, I didn't realize you had gotten your 40 from the original owner, now THAT is cool! I knew it was a long shot - I guess that's why I was so surprised he answered the phone.
I have been meaning to sit down and call you - just about when I was going to - we moved back to Colorado Springs, which about killed me.
Thanks for the comments fellas - one of the BIGGEST factors of fun for owning Land Cruisers is the community and the people I meet.
Have a good one today - looks like a beautiful one.
Dallas
TJ, I didn't realize you had gotten your 40 from the original owner, now THAT is cool! I knew it was a long shot - I guess that's why I was so surprised he answered the phone.
I have been meaning to sit down and call you - just about when I was going to - we moved back to Colorado Springs, which about killed me.
Thanks for the comments fellas - one of the BIGGEST factors of fun for owning Land Cruisers is the community and the people I meet.
Have a good one today - looks like a beautiful one.
Dallas
Very cool story Dallas!!!
Also agree with the 'extra' work you are doing...I like going the extra step myself
Also agree with the 'extra' work you are doing...I like going the extra step myself
PabloCruise
SILVER Star
Texican
s-Moderator
Very very cool, I got my 79 FJ55 from the original owner, he told me the whole history of the truck, he even stops by the shop from time to time to see it and check on progress. Story is here
https://forum.ih8mud.com/fj55-iron-pig-preservation-society/244794-79-fj55.html
Butch
https://forum.ih8mud.com/fj55-iron-pig-preservation-society/244794-79-fj55.html
Butch
dmaddox
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #197
Hello,
I have been spending major hours working on the body. I have never put this much prep work into a cruiser before, but the wet sanding is killing me. I have wet sanded about every visible area with 400 grit so it is liquid smooth. Then I'll hit it with a light coat of sealer and off to the color factory. Cab, then bed, then parts. I used 2 gallons of primer on this thing. Yes.....that is nearly 3 gallons sprayable 2k Primer.
I put on a light coat, then two really heavy. I used a 1.8 tip and blocked it down smooth with 400 grit.
Here are some pictures to keep the post alive. Not too many people follow this I don't think but that's ok, it give me a place to document all this.
Cheers - Dallas
I have been spending major hours working on the body. I have never put this much prep work into a cruiser before, but the wet sanding is killing me. I have wet sanded about every visible area with 400 grit so it is liquid smooth. Then I'll hit it with a light coat of sealer and off to the color factory. Cab, then bed, then parts. I used 2 gallons of primer on this thing. Yes.....that is nearly 3 gallons sprayable 2k Primer.
I put on a light coat, then two really heavy. I used a 1.8 tip and blocked it down smooth with 400 grit.
Here are some pictures to keep the post alive. Not too many people follow this I don't think but that's ok, it give me a place to document all this.
Cheers - Dallas
For what it's worth, I am reading every post
Great work...wish I could convince my wife to sell her DD, then she could tell you what color she wants it to be while there still is time...
Great work...wish I could convince my wife to sell her DD, then she could tell you what color she wants it to be while there still is time...
dmaddox
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #199
Ha! Better hurry - Rustic Green is incoming. Oh, and a change in price may reflect nearly 100 hours of body and paint labor over the past while, and more to come /sigh. I am so sore from wet sanding for hours. Thanks for checking in Dean - it's good to know people keep in touch.
See ya,
Dallas
See ya,
Dallas
Lookin' good Dallas!!!
