Build 1978 US Market FJ40 Factory Restoration

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Nice work so far. What are you going to do about the holes where the flares were mounted? And the bad chop job when they were installed?
 
I too have seen the abundance of fender flares... I have seen it done well, but its most often the fix for cut fenders. thus I'm more inclined to prefer no flares. plus I'm a horrible purist. lol
 
Here's the scandal with flares. You have those that want a "look" and just rivet them on.....not cutting the quarter. Easy fix.

Then, you have guys like the PO of my cruiser that hack the bajeebus out of the body...so much so they introduce water into the interior. All to put 31" tires on. It is going to require a measure 30 times, cut the replacement fenders once....tack in - attempting to retain the factory weld dimples....then spend hours grinding to make a nice straight quarter. I'll tackle this when I get all of the emissions, exhaust, interior issues solved. The biggest things were getting it off that giant lift and wide mud-terrains and onto stock suspension and wheels. Next is re-smogging/emissions.
 
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Great Job!! It`s looking good!!! :steer:
JP
 
dmaddox said:
I installed the correct 78 igniter and distributor but the vacuum advance diaphragm hits the oil filter.

I was able to get it to fire...sort of...cough sputter and die. My neighbor helped crank while I moved the dizzy around. And with him giving it gas, it would fire but not idle at all.

My 1980 2F fsm shows an old points distributor in the graphic which has a smaller vacuum diaphragm.

Is this right?

View attachment 1792559
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This looks like a vacuum advance and retard distributor. I can't remember which port is retard but you're going to want to plug that one. I thought those only came on 76-77 40s but I could be wrong.
 
iptman said:
This looks like a vacuum advance and retard distributor. I can't remember which port is retard but you're going to want to plug that one. I thought those only came on 76-77 40s but I could be wrong.
Click to expand...

I could be wrong too - but going off documentation. 76-77 were a clip-type cap with semi-electronic, transistorized ignition systems. This is true 78 distributor and igniter pack. I verified part numbers with Toyota as well as two other 1978 owners.

It is possible however, the vacuum diaphragm is from something else. And yes, thank you for the heads up. I have advance hooked up and retard is plugged. For correctness, I have a line going to the retard port, but it is plugged.
 
Yes on the clip-style but no on the semi-electronic. Straight up mechanical points through 77.

Here's the DizzyFAQ maintained by @Coolerman. It says the 78 had factory advance/retard but the canister is different than the Cali spec 76-77 advance/retard canister (which yours appears to be).

Dizzy FAQ
 
dmaddox said:
Here's the scandal with flares. You have those that want a "look" and just rivet them on.....not cutting the quarter. Easy fix.

Then, you have guys like the PO of my cruiser that hack the bajeebus out of the body...so much so they introduce water into the interior. Morons. All to put 31" tires on. It is going to require a measure 30 times, cut the replacement fenders once....tack in - attempting to retain the factory weld dimples....then spend hours grinding to make a nice straight bondo-free quarter. I'll tackle this when I get all of the emissions, exhaust, interior issues solved. The biggest things were getting it off that giant lift and wide mud-terrains and onto stock suspension and wheels. Next is re-smogging/emissions.
Click to expand...

I have 31" tires on my stock 1978. No lift, no flares, no cut....THEY FIT!!!! Mine is a Dec of 1978 build and very stock other then the electric power steering, LED headlights, and 3.70 gearing. Even have functioning/correct emissions. If you need any details/pics lmk.
 
Hello! Just adjusting brakes today.

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Thanks for the reply.

I have just ordered all new door hinges from Toyota - I hope to have those soon along with bushings for the tire carrier. The rattling is near unbearable and even shouting there is no way to have a conversation with the passenger.

I am NOT looking forward to the boogered up weld-job on the driver top door hinge. I don't even know how to begin fixing that.

I have a ton a parts I have acquired for the restoration, just have not kicked off the process. I am trying to get her mechanically sound and complete before I start the restoration. This includes an upcoming re-smog as well.

In the meantime I am continuing to collect parts!
 
WTF is up with the welded door hinge? The dreaded curse of the PO...

I have a fairly complete setup of 1978 Fed smog parts in a box to sell cheap. LMK if interested.
 
Hello FJ40Jim!

Yes - I am also *hopefully* and cheerfully awaiting a rebuilt carb sometime soon :)

Also, I would be interested in your smog parts, send a pic of what you have and what you'd want for the gear!

The welded door hinge. Sigh.... I'll post more pictures of that situation soon, but it is not going to be an easy fix!

Thanks,

Dallas
 
dmaddox said:
Is this hole (looks factory), stock on a Jan/78 cruiser?

I assume an ignition release. As sloppy as this clam shell feels I can’t help but think it’s wrong?

Thoughts?

View attachment 1773867
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My ‘10/1978 does not have that hole
 
dmaddox said:
Question on the correct toolbag and tools.

I have been researching this today.

I was told photo 1 was the correct bag and toolset for my Jan/78 cruiser.

Photo 2 and 3 is what I have.

According to Tools, Tool Kits, Options and Accessories

Post number 36, both are wrong! (Last photo)

What is right?

View attachment 1787899

View attachment 1787900

View attachment 1787901

View attachment 1787902
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Photo one is right. Last photonis what should be in it. Nice rig as a starting point.
 
Reminds me of hunting down all the stuff for mine and fixing it up. Following this one....
 
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