1970 FJ40 restoration (11 Viewers)

[zags]

It runs! I put it back together and ran it for about 30 minutes yesterday. It runs great, no smoke or noise. The seat covers and seat foam that I ordered should be here tomorrow, so I am looking forward to taking it for a ride once I get the seats covered and installed. The next project after the seats is installing all new glass and getting the doors and top put together.

 

[zags]

I put my seats together and got them installed. I used SOR seat covers and foam. I was very impressed with the quality. I fist zip-tied burlap over the seat springs to keep the springs from digging in to the foam over time. Installing the foam and covers is pretty straight forward. I carefully used a heat gun to smooth out any wrinkles in the covers . I am really happy with the way they turned out. I had Bell Glass in Phoeinx cut new glass, so after I fix a minor paint flaw on the windsheild frame, I'll be starting on that.

 

[zags]

seats installed.

 

[thecrazygreek]

Very nice!

 

[ARCTICMUTT]

The seats look killer...nice work on them!

 

[crushers]

i love those old seats so much better than the newer ones ...

 

[Awl_TEQ]

Very nice job! I think I'll go check SOR for foam on the 42.

 

[miko]

i love those old seats so much better than the newer ones ...

+1. Those seat covers on that style looks sweet.

Any idea which years had the bench with the middle backrest? My '66 has just the driver/passenger bench and I'd love to do go to this setup when I get around to fixing my seats.

peace*mike

 

[zags]

+1. Those seat covers on that style looks sweet.

Any idea which years had the bench with the middle backrest? My '66 has just the driver/passenger bench and I'd love to do go to this setup when I get around to fixing my seats.

peace*mike

I think they were used from mid year 1970 through 1972. The center backrest actually holds the fuel vapor separator for the emissions system.

 

[crushers]

which also makes a nice arm rest with a slight mod to the lower arm.

 

[zags]

One quick progress pic.
I have been slightly distracted by playing with my next project. My wife fell in love with a '63 Sunbeam Alpine that we found on Craigslist and it will be getting a full restoration for her as soon as I am done with the 'Cruiser. She has always been supportive of my car hobby over the last 25 years, so I told her that I wanted to build something just for her. Of course, it figures that she wouldn't pick something easy to build like a Mustang or Camaro, but I like oddball cars and this one will be a fun challenge.

 

[Pearly]

Beautiful work!

Nice Sunbeam too - I almost bought a Tiger a few years ago - wish I had!

 

[zags]

Okay, one more

 

[zags]

Beautiful work!

Nice Sunbeam too - I almost bought a Tiger a few years ago - wish I had!

My first thought was to dump a 302 in it and build a Tiger clone, but my wife insisted that it be stock. She has learned over the years that when I say "It bolts right in" that it doesn't necessarily bolt right in. Also, she has driven enough of my cars with double pumper carbs with lumpy cams, heavy clutches, lockers and loud exhaust that she is leery of what I might do to it. Smart girl.

 

[Chamba]

One quick progress pic.
I have been slightly distracted by playing with my next project. My wife fell in love with a '63 Sunbeam Alpine that we found on Craigslist and it will be getting a full restoration for her as soon as I am done with the 'Cruiser. She has always been supportive of my car hobby over the last 25 years, so I told her that I wanted to build something just for her. Of course, it figures that she wouldn't pick something easy to build like a Mustang or Camaro, but I like oddball cars and this one will be a fun challenge.

My father had a rhd '67 sunbeam tiger II when I was a kid. He got it in England before I was born. I loved that car. He sold it when I was 14.

 

[lelandEOD]

Yup,
I helped my dad restore a '58 MGA for my mom when I was in junior high. Congrats on the new project! Don't get too sidetracked though!

 

[JADCRUISER]

good combination!!!

Yess,yes,yess
a roadster and a FJ40
the best combination.... welcome to the Club!!!

One quick progress pic.
I have been slightly distracted by playing with my next project. My wife fell in love with a '63 Sunbeam Alpine that we found on Craigslist and it will be getting a full restoration for her as soon as I am done with the 'Cruiser. She has always been supportive of my car hobby over the last 25 years, so I told her that I wanted to build something just for her. Of course, it figures that she wouldn't pick something easy to build like a Mustang or Camaro, but I like oddball cars and this one will be a fun challenge.

 

[DSRTRDR]

love the bubble top

 

[GreggC]

possibly the most detailed FJ in the world. very good job mate

 

[JADCRUISER]

I agree , ...........................................a guide to follow!!

possibly the most detailed FJ in the world. very good job mate