Build 1978 US Market FJ40 Factory Restoration

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Sweet. At this rate it’ll take me another 20 to finish this thing.

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@topnault I've left a couple of messages through your chat service. I'm assuming you've been busy wrapping up SEMA, etc.. so I'll be patient.

Regarding exhaust, I'm thinking about giving this a try (has anyone else?) https://shop.cruiserparts.net/index...t_info&cPath=2_4851_3270_3290&products_id=441

I have had mixed experiences when ordering from Cruiser Parts and their reputation on the sellers forum isn't very convincing. However, I was thinking of fabbing up a mid-pipe on my own (I have flanges) and then connecting to this muffler.

Another option is something along these lines: Walker® 22636 - Heavy Duty Steel Round Aluminized Exhaust Muffler (3" Offset ID, 3" Offset OD, 21" Length) - https://www.carid.com/walker/heavy-duty-steel-round-aluminized-exhaust-muffler-mpn-22636.html
 
@topnault I've left a couple of messages through your chat service. I'm assuming you've been busy wrapping up SEMA, etc.. so I'll be patient.

Regarding exhaust, I'm thinking about giving this a try (has anyone else?) https://shop.cruiserparts.net/index...t_info&cPath=2_4851_3270_3290&products_id=441

I have had mixed experiences when ordering from Cruiser Parts and their reputation on the sellers forum isn't very convincing. However, I was thinking of fabbing up a mid-pipe on my own (I have flanges) and then connecting to this muffler.

Another option is something along these lines: Walker® 22636 - Heavy Duty Steel Round Aluminized Exhaust Muffler (3" Offset ID, 3" Offset OD, 21" Length) - https://www.carid.com/walker/heavy-duty-steel-round-aluminized-exhaust-muffler-mpn-22636.html
I have the carid (2nd one) in my notes folder.
For about 1/2$, better reputation and a more comforting photo on the site, I’d say it’s the choice.
 
Any updates @dmaddox ? I'll be on Long Island in June if you allow tours....
 
Spent the day wrestling with the EGR restoration, fitting, etc..

Luckily, @ToyotaMatt provides an early and late EGR kit, so the hardware is fresh and made the job much easier.

I had two EGR setups, one was pretty chewed up and used, but was able to take both of them completely apart and restore a nice setup for the project.

I used high temp silver on the aluminum and high temp black on the cast iron back piece.

Fitting the EGR cooler:

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After wrestling with it more, I had to remove and run an M10x1.25 (i think it was) tap into the block where the cooler mounted. That did the trick, as the engine paint, etc.. was quit built up.

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I was lucky enough to have the rear exhaust shield. The front is in the mail. I should have it installed this week. It is important because it has the snorkel for the heat riser.

Here, I finished the support bracket and u-bolt for the accordion pipe:

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Downpipe installed:

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The downpipe has a support bracket that secures to the motor mount (rear left) - I didn't know this, until digging through some parts and realized THAT was what the bracket was for!

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Hi @dmaddox what did you use to finish the exhaust manifold and how has it held up? There are so many mixed reviews online for everything I've come across.
 
Hello @greenEFSI - I used Eastwood Hi-Temp coating (non aerosol), and it has held up very well. I have had the engine to temp several times now and the heat helps the paint cure (as part of the application process/instructions). I am always skeptical of rattle cans, but this eastwood product seems to be doing quite nicely. Its also great it comes in a quart can, so if needed I can always touch an area up.

I've been waiting for warmer weather to finish the cruiser, but I am very close. I need to finish the hood/hardtop and the exhaust and I'm done. I am 100% open to anyone coming by to check things out, happy to chat @Goldbug
 
Spent the day wrestling with the EGR restoration, fitting, etc..

Luckily, @ToyotaMatt provides an early and late EGR kit, so the hardware is fresh and made the job much easier.

I had two EGR setups, one was pretty chewed up and used, but was able to take both of them completely apart and restore a nice setup for the project.

I used high temp silver on the aluminum and high temp black on the cast iron back piece.

Fitting the EGR cooler:

View attachment 2421074

After wrestling with it more, I had to remove and run an M10x1.25 (i think it was) tap into the block where the cooler mounted. That did the trick, as the engine paint, etc.. was quit built up.

View attachment 2421076

I was lucky enough to have the rear exhaust shield. The front is in the mail. I should have it installed this week. It is important because it has the snorkel for the heat riser.

Here, I finished the support bracket and u-bolt for the accordion pipe:

View attachment 2421077

Downpipe installed:

View attachment 2421079

The downpipe has a support bracket that secures to the motor mount (rear left) - I didn't know this, until digging through some parts and realized THAT was what the bracket was for!

View attachment 2421081
Hey @dmaddox ! I was happy to see your thread pop up in my notifications!
Question for you - do you have some posts detailing the vacuum lines for your carb? Sorry for being lazy and not crawling all 60+ pages!
I am hunting a question here: Vacuum Line at Carb Question - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/vacuum-line-at-carb-question.1331361/
 
Hey @dmaddox ! I was happy to see your thread pop up in my notifications!
Question for you - do you have some posts detailing the vacuum lines for your carb? Sorry for being lazy and not crawling all 60+ pages!
I am hunting a question here: Vacuum Line at Carb Question - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/vacuum-line-at-carb-question.1331361/
Just getting back at it here, @PabloCruise - did you solve your vacuum line project?


oh goodie.........

everyone's
1st generation 2F 1 on 1 OEM-Oracle has returned at last ....

welcome back sir . :D :wrench: :wrench: :wrench: :wrench: :wrench: :wrench:





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Really curious what people are using for exhaust systems. I'd like to do this right, but my options are limited.
While I'd like to utilize a local exhaust shop, all shops will "install a 2.5" in/out muffler that will fit". It could be tube, oval, or whatever is on hand.

Cruiserparts.net has one listed, but I've ordered parts from them and received something completely different, having waited weeks to get it. Second, I have noticed some on eBay (Colombia), example. Ridiculously expensive.

Handy with welding, I'm tempted to order a 2.5" kit (Amazon or the like) and fab up my own system...but it will take quite a bit of hunting to find hangers, and a muffler.

Soliciting thoughts on how to attack this, with the desire it is "correct" for a restoration. Otherwise, I'd just have a local shop do it with whatever parts they have and roll. Thanks!
 
Here you go:

I had a fabricator install our exhaust. Materials ordered from Summit:

Vibrant Performance Straight Round Tubing 2645
Exhaust Tubing, Straight, Stainless Steel, 2.000 in. Diameter, 5 ft. Length, Each $79.99 x1
Vibrant Performance Ultra-Quiet Resonators 1140
Exhaust Resonator, 304 Stainless Steel, Polished, 2.25 in. Inlet/Outlet, 13.75 in. Length, Each $127.99 x1
Vibrant Performance Mandrel-Bent U-J Tubing 2605
Exhaust Tubing, Mandrel Bend, 2.00 in. Diameter, 45/180 Degrees, Stainless Steel, 4.0 in. Bend Radius, Each $74.99 x1
Silverline Xlerator Exhaust Tips XAC200
Exhaust Tip, Single, Round, Weld-on, Steel, Chrome, 2.00 in. Inlet, 2.25 in. Outlet, 9.00 in. Length, Each $5.99 x1
MagnaFlow Performance Mufflers 11234
Muffler, 2.00 in. Inlet/2.00 in. Outlet, Stainless Steel, Natural, Each $116.00 x1
Stainless Works Universal Exhaust Hangers UH2.5W
Exhaust Hanger, Weld-On, Stainless Steel, 5.000 in. Long, Fits 2.500 in. Pipe, Each $19.95 x2
Summit Racing Universal Exhaust Hangers SUM-630552
Exhaust Hanger, Rubber, Stainless Steel, Each $7.99 x2
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I hope this helps. Please don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions.
Regards,
 
Thank you for the responses! @Green Bean - a very tidy and off-road friendly setup! Also, thank you for the shopping list, will need to snag a few of those items!

What I am doing may be impossible, we'll see. The oem routing and "look" of the 1978 exhaust system goes below the skid plate, over the axle and then makes a 90 degree turn to a giant (12-13" round can) and then out the passenger side aft of the wheel well. If I can find a muffler that looks oem and doesn't cost 700 bucks, I can likely pull this off!
 
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Really curious what people are using for exhaust systems. I'd like to do this right, but my options are limited.
While I'd like to utilize a local exhaust shop, all shops will "install a 2.5" in/out muffler that will fit". It could be tube, oval, or whatever is on hand.

Cruiserparts.net has one listed, but I've ordered parts from them and received something completely different, having waited weeks to get it. Second, I have noticed some on eBay (Colombia), example. Ridiculously expensive.

Handy with welding, I'm tempted to order a 2.5" kit (Amazon or the like) and fab up my own system...but it will take quite a bit of hunting to find hangers, and a muffler.

Soliciting thoughts on how to attack this, with the desire it is "correct" for a restoration. Otherwise, I'd just have a local shop do it with whatever parts they have and roll. Thanks!
Dallas, we are working on a system: Builds - Rub A Dub Dub, Pablo's Got A New Tub!!! - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/rub-a-dub-dub-pablos-got-a-new-tub.80054/page-24#post-15483830

As @Green Bean will tell you, I don't have any for sale yet...
 
Finishing straightening out the original hood, fixing cracks and prepping for epoxy primer:

Cracks on both sides:

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Drilled pilot holes to stop cracks and weld in:

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Also, not sure why, but the cost of paint has become insane, 250 a quart. I needed 3 quarts to finish the cruiser. $800 for base coat and 3M headliner spray glue. This photo is from my previous purchase, I took the can in so they could match.

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After painting the rest of the panels, it was time to align the front end and mount the hard top sides. Aligning the front end is a pain after having a cruiser all apart. Ugh! Really, it is a two person job and very time consuming getting it right. I can see how many would give up with "close enough", but I was trying to get it as best as I could.

With some help from some tow-hook ratchet straps and trial and error, I was able to get it aligned.

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Once aligned, hooks installed:

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The wiper motor was out of phase/sync and would "stop" or zero right in the middle of the window. For reference, part number of oem wiper motor for 1978:

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If your wiper are out of sync, inspect/clean the motor and then install (but leave the linkage and arm off. Turn the ignition to "on" and cycle and stop the motor. It will then be zero'd. Reattach the arm on to the wiper motor, and then attach the amrature!

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