1972 fj40

[Catahoula]

Hey guys .. I just purchased my first land cruiser and just wanted to introduce myself (I will be asking lots of questions im sure). It’s a bit of a rust bucket but it was love at first sight. I have been looking for a project and something to tinker with and I found this 1972 fj40 .. its got the original F motor and everything is original … it starts and drives good and although it’s not so easy on the eyes its got a good core. Im not super mechanical and will be learning as I go … I plan on just drivin her and havin fun .. Fixing things as they come my way … until I have the money one day to restore her. Ok .. Down to business
1. Its got the original drum breaks and they work good (after pumping a few times) .. I have a front axel with disk breaks from a later 70’s fj and was wondering if I should go ahead and switch them out or keep the drums on there or what?
2. What are just a few general things I should check for or go ahead and do now to avoid any future problems?

Thanks guys I really appreciate your time and im sure you will be seeing lots of me around here … im definitely a beginner!!!

 

[woody2]

Congrats. Looks like some fun work ahead. I would flip the bezel before the bezel police jump on you (personal experience).

 

[CruisinMT]

thats one hell of a skylight

 

[splitshot]

If you need to pump the brakes, that should be the first thing to check out. Otherwise I'd be looking for a rag top, especially if your going to be driving around Colorado this winter.

Welcome

 

[Toyrod]

You have probably noticed by now that the "skylight" is a bit oversized. There is a guy in Colorado advertising a complete top in the for sale section for $300. I would jump on that as it looks to be in good shape and are getting hard to find.

Other than that, lift kit and big tires are all you need, right after you do install the disc brake axle.

 

[makomark]

I can see the 5000SF homes in the background. I know times are tough, but what is the Homeowners Association going to say when you park that thing in your DW?

 

[Catahoula]

lol ... makomark

sorry for the misunderstanding makomark ... thanks for the input ! good luck hunting!

 

[BrianSanDiego]

Hey buddy,
if the brakes work well but you have to pump them,they may just need adjusting.

Here's a good thread about how to go about doing that....
https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/229393-drum-brake-ajustment.html


Have fun with your new toy!!
B.

 

[mcwinery]

72 LC

I just bought a 72 as well. I mean it is still on the trailer. I did start on a 69 a few weeks ago but found this one which runs and what the heck. It will take me at least a year to get the other one running. OR LONGER!!! I have the hard top I am going to sell. I dont need 2 of them. If anyone is interested. I am in Napa Valley so Colorado is a bit far. Contact me via Ih8mud.

George

 

[makomark]

Hi Jake..like the name, its also my sons name. Was not trying to insult the guy you bought it from, but only the PIA homeowner associations. I am fortunate enough to live in a nice house with a HOA, they nag me everytime I bring my FJ40 out to work on it. The doctors and laywers in my hood don't appreciate a work of art when they see one. I also hunt and fish. Our Florida duck hunting season opens up for me on Sunday, we have the best public duck hunting in the USA right here, hoping to limit out by 8:00 AM. I am not sure what your parents living in a doublewide has to do with anything. I assume you are trying to make a point that you are poor and still going to college. You've made a good choice. As bad as things are, the unemployment rate for college grads is 2.8% and over 8% for everyone else. Good luck and I'll shoot a nice Pintail for you on Sunday. Cheers.

 

[Kroll]

Well welcome to the world of land cruisers!
I started my experience with cruisers when I was only 16. Coincidently my rig is a mar.1972. Now I'm 19 and looking back, I am glad that I was given the opportunity to buy one. You're going to meet a lot of interesting people in this great community.
Don't get too carried away with mods. It gets hard to resist them when you're in college.
cheers
karl

 

[Chromed]

Congrats on the rig! Prob wont be the last one. Youll deff find all the info you need to fix or customize that thing to your hearts desire, right here! Lots of great people and info!

PS WELCOME

 

[FJFOOL]

Welcome, Jake !! From the looks of your front left wheel, you may have a leak in your brake system, which is why you have to pump them up. Could be your neighbor's dog as well, come to think of it. Have fun with the new rig, tried wheeling with it yet?

 

[okie]

Hey guys .. I just purchased my first land cruiser and just wanted to introduce myself (I will be asking lots of questions im sure). It’s a bit of a rust bucket but it was love at first sight. I have been looking for a project and something to tinker with and I found this 1972 fj40 .. its got the original F motor and everything is original … it starts and drives good and although it’s not so easy on the eyes its got a good core. Im not super mechanical and will be learning as I go … I plan on just drivin her and havin fun .. Fixing things as they come my way … until I have the money one day to restore her. Ok .. Down to business
1. Its got the original drum breaks and they work good (after pumping a few times) .. I have a front axel with disk breaks from a later 70’s fj and was wondering if I should go ahead and switch them out or keep the drums on there or what?
2. What are just a few general things I should check for or go ahead and do now to avoid any future problems?

Thanks guys I really appreciate your time and im sure you will be seeing lots of me around here … im definitely a beginner!!!
View attachment 275403

View attachment 275404

OH, looks like someone at least left you the raingutter in tact!!! NICE! early 40s are tha best. I have a hardtop cap without the raingutter that i would just give to you if you were close enough. I like your passion for your truck, you will love it.

welcome!

 

[cruiserdoc]

if you need help

Great purchase.

I have a 67 fj40 which I have done a ton of work to over the years. I live in Tulsa and if you need some help or what not, or if you just want to talk cruiser you can always pm me. By the way, I have some 2 inch leaf springs, some (better than what you have got at the moment) tires and wheels and other various cruiser parts that may help resurect your cruiser if you are interested

good luck

Drake

 

[mike@dw]

Welcome! Great to see another Okie. I am in OKC and mine is a 72 as well. I have a nice hard top, sides and all that I will probably never use if you ever get to that point.

Good luck and enjoy

 

[decided advantage]

So what are your plans for it? Are you keeping the top? Restoration or just a lick and a promise for some trail fun?

A suggestion. Try to keep the work to fun ratio on the upside. My first inclination was to start digging and tearing out the bad( I ended with a rusty chassis sitting in my driveway). The sum of the tired parts has easily taken twice the space the ol' cruiser originally took. Now as I try to rebuild I'm finding the things are going back together MUCH slower and the parts cost is several time over the original purchase price already. Now I have all the neighborhood experts that can't believe how slow I am.

Have fun with it!

 

[alkarich]

Great vehicle to learn on. Start with the basics. Running and stopping well. Front discs are always nice, but as stated above if your current brakes are operational I'd hold off for now. How about all the little electrical stuff? It seems most of your marker lights were painted over. Take 'em off and start cleaning. Plus the cool reverse light. Well have fun with it.

 

[Catahoula]

Hey Okie ... thanks for the post .. I live in stillwater ... where do you live? the guy i purchased this from lived in Tulsa and i guess when he was pulling it back from Colorado the cap flew off and he just kept driving ... sure would be nice for the ice this winter to have something to drive besides my 2wd tacoma! lol .. good to see some okies on here !!!

 

[4WD Toyota Owner Magazine]

Catahoula--that's also a wheeling park in Louisiana, no?

Dave