1966 FJ40 preservation/build

[daner]

Haven’t posted updates in quite a while, but noticed I had left off this thread fighting wiring issues and trying to salvage the tired corrugated top....and several months later, I’m still working on those items.

In the meantime I’ve been using the FJ40 as a daily driver, and it has been reliable and a pleasure to drive two miles to work.

Currently I am working on the heater, and had a question for other early 25/40 owners: does the defrost unit actually work well enough to drive safely in humid, wet days?

 

[HelloKitty65]

You got a heater? Lucky dog.

 

[daner]

Yeah, it has a heater but it needs a lot of work, which is why I was curious to hear from others so that I can decide how much of a priority it is

 

[daner]

Clearly things move slowly on this project...still working on the wiring and thanks to some of the earlier informative posts on windshield wipers I was able to get both of the wiper motors and original switch working as they should.

Moving onto the heater I was able to bench test the motor and it works well. The wiring is nonfunctional, but should be repairable. Looking at the switch made me wonder what purpose does the white switch to the left of the heater serve?

 

[daner]

Well, that was easier than anticipated. Cleaned off the contacts for the wiring and now the heater works! Not bad considering the truck has been off the road since 1981.

Now I need to find the duct that connects the heater motor to the core. If anyone has a spare or a source, I’d appreciate it.

 

[HelloKitty65]

View attachment 1871771 ....Looking at the switch made me wonder what purpose does the white switch to the left of the heater serve?

I think the white switch is supposed to be a second "H" knob, and it would control a rear heater if present.

 

[daner]

I think the white switch is supposed to be a second "H" knob, and it would control a rear heater if present.

Thanks! That was my guess but since there is no evidence of a rear heater...

 

[HelloKitty65]

I have one to match your other, less chewed up, but chipped. Your welcome to it. It would make a place holder, even if you never got a rear heater. My cousin, who drove this vintage around as a youth said you really don't need a rear heater, _if_ you are always in front.

 

[daner]

Reviving my old thread after a few years as I need some help:

After several years of reliable driving pleasure, my gas tank issues have resurfaced. I need a new tank. If I understand it correctly, the original tanks for early FJ40s are NLA...seems like others have used the 68-72 ”snorkel”

tanks slightly modified-is this accurate ( I believe this is what is in it)?

the second, tougher question, is will the 66 to 72 sending unit work on my 66 (which is actually a 65 titled as a 66?)

appreciate any answers, CCOT did not have the answers, nor did an IH8mud search...thx!

 

[daner]

Following up on my on own post so that others doing a search hopefully won’t attempt to make the 68-72 tank work in the older FJ40s, but yeah, it doesn’t work real well. The early seat frame doesn’t sit well over it without rubbing in several places.

 

[Drake2]

Didn't get as far as I had hoped. It still needs another day or so of prep work before I can shoot the interior, and I had a few hang-ups, specifically several switches on the dash could not be removed as the small screws were rusty/stripped. Since they are original and otherwise in good shape, Ill have to paint the dash with them in place. I have a Dremel tool with brass wire wheels that can get right up to the switch, not ideal, but it is what it is.

Several of the areas that can be problematic, like the drivers floorboard where it gets worn, or the rim where the hardtop sits and below the windshield were good. Don't think I've seen this much good metal since Twisted Sister opened for Ronny James Dio


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[Drake2]

My fairly boring stuff-and to be frank I'm not really sure why I bother as the top is so rough it is beyond saving as far as restoration goes, but I'm hoping to salvage it as far as daily driveable goes.

The fiberglass part of the top is creased and cracked. It leaks and cannot be driven as it will certainly do its impression of a sardine can if I get over 50mph...so I'm reinforcing the fiberglass in the creased areas with a fiberglass cloth and a healthy layer of fiberglass resin. Let's see how this goes:

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I'm hoping that can of Coors was a left over can you found in the truck from 20 years ago.....and not a recent beverage purchase

 

[HelloKitty65]

If you can find an early tank, even not great, POR can save it, or give it some more life.

 

[daner]

Well, back at it. This project was evidently a success despite the budget, lack of fabrication skills, and mechanical ability as I have been using as my daily driver for 1/2 the year, and it has been reliable and efficient. I have not used it off-road as I envisioned, but have taken it out on backroads when the weather is nice:

Partially because I don’t use it on rough trails, I’ve decided to paint it over the winter-which is why I’m posting it here in the 25 section as it has more in common with earlier 40’s and I will need help and guidance sourcing some of the parts: My first question is what has everyone else done about windshield gaskets? I did a search on mud and found that others have used the post 66 gaskets and cut them to fit-has anyone done this, or is there a better solution? Thanks!

 

[tahoe40/45]

You can cut a newer gasket to fit, just make sure the butt ends are tight, and maybe try to get some silicone between the two. I have had a gasket leak at the cut ends when driving in the rain.

Cruiser parts suppliers might have the correct one for the early windshields, or another option is SOR. Land Cruiser Windshield and Frame 40 & 45 Series - https://www.sor.com/cat120.sor

 

[daner]

You can cut a newer gasket to fit, just make sure the butt ends are tight, and maybe try to get some silicone between the two. I have had a gasket leak at the cut ends when driving in the rain.

Cruiser parts suppliers might have the correct one for the early windshields, or another option is SOR. Land Cruiser Windshield and Frame 40 & 45 Series - https://www.sor.com/cat120.sor

Good to know. I’ll look into SOR too. I did swing by my local glass shop and they recommended going with OEM if possible as they have had mixed luck with aftermarket gaskets.

 

[nuclearlemon]

Careful with the specter stuff. I found it shrinks up

 

[daner]

Careful with the specter stuff. I found it shrinks up

Thanks for that-I was just about to order. Now rethinking…

 

[daner]

A quick question before I start removing things to start prepping for paint: is this a stock passenger side mirror mount for 1965?

And I know these bumpers for the fold down windshield are clearly not stock, yet I find myself impressed by them as they work surprisingly well…my question is do factory hard top hoods come with the holes drilled for the hood latches? Thanks, would do a search but don’t want to stop progress and go down Mud rabbit holes.

 

[daner]

I guess that one answered itself when I removed it. Non-metric bolts and two ugly holes blasted into the side of the cowl. Not stock.