1973 Restoration

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Paradox

Is there such a thing as "too nice to drive"? Because when I see that Land Cruiser I think "Museum Piece", and then there is no way I could wheel in it.

I run into this paradox all the time. Restore them too nice, and then I am afraid to drive them, but what is the point to spend all the time and money to do a "half ass" restoration?

This sort of stuff keeps me up at night. Am I the only one?
 
Gauge said:
Is there such a thing as "too nice to drive"? Because when I see that Land Cruiser I think "Museum Piece", and then there is no way I could wheel in it.

I run into this paradox all the time. Restore them too nice, and then I am afraid to drive them, but what is the point to spend all the time and money to do a "half ass" restoration?

This sort of stuff keeps me up at night. Am I the only one?
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No! Hence the fact that the truck has only been driven three times since October and only on really nice days. It is almost a crying shame.

But then you have to ask yourself what is the difference between wheeling a restored rig and a new vehicle like the FJ Cruiser?

It is a dilema maybe only in perception.

I do know one thing that there are parts on this thing that would be next to impossible to replace even used.
 
Thanks Guys!

In regards to the doors they do seal pretty good. It takes a while to get the doors on these things to seal up right. I have found that loosening all of the bolts, then have someone put pressure on the door from the outside. You will then tighten the door jamb bolts. Then open the door carefully and tighten the door bolts.

On the soft tops there is a spacer between the window frame and the rail that goes above the door. It is no longer available from Toyota, but just look at the alignment and do a little measuring. I want to say it was around a 1/4".

Anyone is welcome to stop by and check it out. I am in the Boise, ID area. I am hoping to get it out to a couple of runs/shows this year.
 
maybe you're getting tired of reading it but.... It's just the best cruiser I have ever seen!! You did a great job. Congrats! :cheers:
 
Wow. Nothing else needs to be said...:cheers:

Hey, I live in SW Idaho myself. I'm flying to Denver this Saturday to pick up a 1978. She'll be my fourth. (77 in 88, 71 in 96, 74 in 2001)

I'm finally in a position to actually work on one.

I've never undergone anything like this before, so I was wondering if there is any way I can contact you with questions. I'm sure I'll have some.

I've been in contact with a guy in So. California. I tried getting a cruiser from him on Ebay, but waaaaay to nice for me to bid on. Besides, the wife talked me into getting an older one so I can have a project. I guess the cigars don't count...

Anyway, the first thing I'm going to do is pull the tub and start from the ground up.

I'm not quite the purist that you are, and I'm planning on installing a V8, Auto Trans, Power steering.

I hope to hear back from you!

Josh
 
Thanks!

I think I really enjoyed the journey of doing it. There was alot of planning, researching, and gatheing of parts. There were only two things I let other people do and that was the machine work on rebuilding the engine and the paint.

I have a factory rubber floor mat that I need to do some cleaning magic on and get installed. I am pretty stoked to get it done. I am still waiting for a real warm day to lay it in the sun before installation. I will post up some pics when I get it done.

I have also been toying with changing out the antiinversion shackles and installing some stock ones.
 
:beer: Wow NOW Thats Cool ! That'a restoration at its best ! I looked into going that way .......way too hard and very costly time and money and my body too rough but glad someone has the willing ness to pay attention to details and do it right........ I do not know If you got a answer on the paint on side view mirror arm but my 66 40L with no re-paint Drivers side mirror was painted same as body Thanks for the post ....:cheers: JC
 
Marc,

Question for you about your steering wheel you sanded down. Did you wet sand it or dry sand it ? I just started on the one i have for my 45lwb and it seemed easier to wet sand it. Just wondering what way you went about it.

Thanks much for posting this build for us.
 
krzyabncanuck said:
Marc,

Question for you about your steering wheel you sanded down. Did you wet sand it or dry sand it ? I just started on the one i have for my 45lwb and it seemed easier to wet sand it. Just wondering what way you went about it.

Thanks much for posting this build for us.
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Sorry for the delay, have been ultra busy here lately.


I wet sanded the steering wheel starting with 320 and going up to 3000 grit. I then polished with mothers aluminum polish. The mothers works very well on plastic parts.

I then did a final polish with Mcguires yellow wax.

Dusty 66

Thanks for the compliment and also thanks for the info on the mirror arm.
 
There should be some kind of contest for cruisers like this, I know the 80 guys are doing it, the 60 guys are too, the 45 guys, the 25 guys, the 55 guys...

You get my vote.

Super nice.

What is left to do?

Rezarf <><
 
REZARF said:
There should be some kind of contest for cruisers like this, I know the 80 guys are doing it, the 60 guys are too, the 45 guys, the 25 guys, the 55 guys...

You get my vote.

Super nice.

What is left to do?

Rezarf <><
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Thanks!

I picked up a factory rubber front floor mat. It is pretty clean, but needs a little tlc before install.

I also picked up an extra set of air rail parts and am sending those out for zinc plating like the originals were.
 
Great Job!

I love your cruiser, you have done a fabulous job. I am finishing up a budget restoration on a 69. I like the look of your tires, Just wondering what make and size they are. Also how much lift did you need to get the clearance?

Jay
 
In a word AWESOME. The time and effort in this restoration is amazing. I agree with the numerous others this is the best restoration I have seen.

I am in Spokane and come to Boise every once in a while I may try to get ahold of you and stop for a look if that is cool? I was showing this to the wife with envy on my face and she said "don't even think about it"

Congrats on your fabulous restoration.

:beer: for you - you deserve it
 
69fj40 said:
I love your cruiser, you have done a fabulous job. I am finishing up a budget restoration on a 69. I like the look of your tires, Just wondering what make and size they are. Also how much lift did you need to get the clearance?

Jay
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They are 33x9.5x15 BFG AT/KO's You can fit them on a cruiser with no lift, as they are skinny enough to fit inside the wheel-wells. I believe Marc has a 2.5-inch Old Man Emu lift on his 40 though.

Marc you need to tell the story about the guy offering you the quoted 'full-price' for it...

Dan
 
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