I purchased the truck in 2012. The truck, along with nine other FJ45's, grew up on a sheep farm in Northern Nevada just outside of Gerlach.
While I love the rear split window configuration of the early fixed cab's, it became evident that the rubber extrusion would need to be replaced and unfortunately could not be found in the 8 years gone by. The split window configuration also came with the dreaded 3+ inch reduced leg room compared to the removable top styles. However, that was a manageable adjustment.
Picture of the truck the day it arrived in Tucson.
Despite its appearance the cab and frame were very solid coming from the Black Rock Dessert. I purchased a very nice, very solid removable top SWB bed to accommodate the stretched cab. I also had acquired beautiful early fenders from an AZ grown '63 FJ40.
The build plans were to keep the Truck as close to original looking as possible but making it much more driver friendly. My MO as always it to keep EVERYTHING Toyota.
The drive-train would consist of an internal oiling F.5 with a large sight glass DD40/40 2 barrel carburetor, internally regulated alternator, 3FE power steering pump and an electronic distributor. H55 transmission and split case supported by a late 4X series saddle. 1982 4X series disc front end with FJ60 knuckles out to mate perfectly to 7X series tie rod and relay rod supported by an FJ60 power steering box. The rear end is also out of a 1982 4X series with the single cylinders and e-brake configuration.
I rebuilt the entire wiring harness thanks to Mark aka CoolerMan.
I have many pictures to share illustrating all the modifications that were made in the process of the build. It will be an accelerated thread as I'm very near completing it.
thanks for looking,
-Sean
While I love the rear split window configuration of the early fixed cab's, it became evident that the rubber extrusion would need to be replaced and unfortunately could not be found in the 8 years gone by. The split window configuration also came with the dreaded 3+ inch reduced leg room compared to the removable top styles. However, that was a manageable adjustment.
Picture of the truck the day it arrived in Tucson.
Despite its appearance the cab and frame were very solid coming from the Black Rock Dessert. I purchased a very nice, very solid removable top SWB bed to accommodate the stretched cab. I also had acquired beautiful early fenders from an AZ grown '63 FJ40.
The build plans were to keep the Truck as close to original looking as possible but making it much more driver friendly. My MO as always it to keep EVERYTHING Toyota.
The drive-train would consist of an internal oiling F.5 with a large sight glass DD40/40 2 barrel carburetor, internally regulated alternator, 3FE power steering pump and an electronic distributor. H55 transmission and split case supported by a late 4X series saddle. 1982 4X series disc front end with FJ60 knuckles out to mate perfectly to 7X series tie rod and relay rod supported by an FJ60 power steering box. The rear end is also out of a 1982 4X series with the single cylinders and e-brake configuration.
I rebuilt the entire wiring harness thanks to Mark aka CoolerMan.
I have many pictures to share illustrating all the modifications that were made in the process of the build. It will be an accelerated thread as I'm very near completing it.
thanks for looking,
-Sean
