1976 FJ40 Build Up/Resto Thread

[MTDewX8]

for not doing any welding and assuming metal work before this project, I wouldn't believe you.
I would not have a clue were to start for I have never welded before. (ok once and it was for a lid and the bead looked like you gave a sharpie to a 2-3 year old and a blank wall with fresh paint)

sweet work, and cheers to a great ride

 

[LSUfj]

Very nice work. Looks like you drove around quite a while without the top and doors. Who made your tailgate? I have the CCOT tailgate, but I think I would really like to have one that looks factory.

Looks like I am a year or so behind you in my build. Its good to see someone make progress. Great motivation!

Thanks.

 

[LSUfj]

One more question? Did you paint the body in your garage? I just finished painting my frame and ended up with a coat of black dust (paint) on everything, wipes off, but still....

 

[Nomis]

Who made your tailgate?

Thanks.

One more question? Did you paint the body in your garage? I just finished painting my frame and ended up with a coat of black dust (paint) on everything, wipes off, but still....

I picked up the tailgate panel from SOR a while back - it is a flat panel that I painted to match. It bolts in to the rear door hinge bolt locations. If you're going for a factory look, a few places carry reproduction tailgates - both the split gate swing out style or the single piece fold down type. Both have the OEM indentations. That said, it would require drilling more holes for the hinges from what I remember.

I did paint the rig in the garage - I set up a few fans for ventilation when painting though. There is still some dust but not too much. I did have a fair amount of dust/shavings from grinding the welds down but it sweeps up fairly easily.

 

[Nomis]

Doors mounted. Threw the half top on - may run with it like this for a while.

 

[Nomis]

Update

Had a new exhaust system fabbed up and installed locally - pretty happy with the way it turned out. The tailpipe may be a bit close to the shackle at full droop but no problems so far:

 

[Nomis]

Also got to work on the hard top. Addressed some rust issue on the side panels.

 

[Nomis]

Side panels and rear doors painted up and ready to go:

 

[Nomis]

Installed all new weatherstrip from Toyota. The rear corner windows were a pain to install - even with the rope trick.

 

[Nomis]

Cleaned up the fiberglass cap. Removed all old caulking in the rain gutter and replaced with 3M flexible caulk to keep the water out. Also, had to fill up a few superficial cracks with some resin, sand, prime, block and paint with Cygnus white. Installed a new OE style perforated headliner as well.

 

[Nomis]

Hard top is complete and weathertight. Pretty much finished now other than a few odds and ends - may install A/C at some point down the line. Spent a lot of hours cutting, welding, grinding and painting but it turned out well and should be good for another 34 years. I sent a pic of the finished product to the original owner as promised and offered a ride but his wife said he was in rough shape and unable to do so. Although, he did say that he appreciated the work that was done on the truck and got a kick out of the photo of the finished product I sent him

 

[Nomis]

One last before and after:

 

[71AZFJ]

Great Work. Hopefully the P.O. will be in good enough shape to go for a ride someday soon. That is cool that you followed up with your promise. I'm sure you made his day.

 

[Jacket]

Had a new exhaust system fabbed up and installed locally - pretty happy with the way it turned out. The tailpipe may be a bit close to the shackle at full droop but no problems so far:

I had a new exhaust done on mine; similar design to yours except I exited mine on the drivers side. Sure enough after a couple of trips up to the mountains I found some contact between the pipe and the shackle but it is minor. Not sure how much wheelin' there is down in Tampa, but if yours spends most of its time on the pavement I think you'll be Ok.

Nice job on the hard top! Is that weatherstrip you ran along the tub OEM? Mine could use a refresh....

 

[cruiser enthuiser]

Just read thru the entire thread - Inspirational build!

 

[Nomis]

Nice job on the hard top! Is that weatherstrip you ran along the tub OEM? Mine could use a refresh....

Yep, it's the OEM weatherstrip - picked it up from my local Toyota dealership. Not cheap though, I believe it ran me around $279 prior to the discount. Well worth it though IMHO. That said, some folks have had luck with "garage door" weatherstrip from what I read - but I wanted to do it right, the first time.

 

[waiting for time]

Just went to your tread.
Realy nice build.
Well documented and good pics.

Gives a lot of information for my projects.

Thanx,

 

[Big Bore Lover]

LTNS,
The 40 does look dynamite guy. You have made much more progress than me. I guess I need to get it in gear since the weather is starting to cool off some now.
Be in touch

 

[Nomis]

LTNS,
The 40 does look dynamite guy. You have made much more progress than me. I guess I need to get it in gear since the weather is starting to cool off some now.
Be in touch

Going to try to make it out to Ft. Desoto with you all later in the month if I can.

 

[gwalt584]

carb fan

so where did you mount your carb fan?
I need to mount one on my 75. however, the 75 does not have the mounting bolts on the side vent. so I am trying to decide if I just want to mount it to the fender side.
Also, wiring issue, how did you do your fan wiring?
Great build, nice fab work.
Thanks
Gary