Builds 1981 FJ40

[Land Shark]

Meet Retro, a 1981 40 with 113k on the clock. While the body has several rusty spots the frame and motor are in great condition. Original 2F with all the smog still attached and starts and runs really well. For now I am just going to drive it around locally. Cannot stop smiling since I got it last week. First order of business was to get rid of the pink. Yes, a rattle can primer to start with. Can work more on that later.

 

[cruisermatt]

First order of business should be the 30 year old tires.

 

[3_puppies]

nice rig
color changing paint?

 

[sterling]

Nice score!
Love the original steering wheel on the later models.

Have you determined the original color? Engine bay, glove box....etc.
Color code on firewall tag

 

[R.K.]

I remember that rig from a Capitol Land Cruisers swap meet 25ish years ago. Hard to forget that paint scheme!

 

[Pitter Patter]

Please tell me you’re keeping those seats!

I have an 81 also. Cheers!!! But mine is in 1981 pieces.

 

[Greek Cruiserhead]

Please tell me you’re keeping those seats!

I have an 81 also. Cheers!!! But mine is in 1981 pieces.

Love the seats too!

 

[Land Shark]

First order of business should be the 30 year old tires.

Yes sir! Went and grabbed some yesterday. Now to grab some wheels for them.

 

[Land Shark]

Nice score!
Love the original steering wheel on the later models.

Have you determined the original color? Engine bay, glove box....etc.
Color code on firewall tag

Its quite the hodge podge of things. Thinking it was originally blue (sorry dont know that color number). There is red under the hood and blue is peeking out in other areas

 

[Land Shark]

Please tell me you’re keeping those seats!

I have an 81 also. Cheers!!! But mine is in 1981 pieces.

Yes for now at least. I would like to get the foam redone on the driver. My old rear end is feeling it. lol

 

[Land Shark]

I remember that rig from a Capitol Land Cruisers swap meet 25ish years ago. Hard to forget that paint scheme!

View attachment 3728170

Man! That is awesome. Thanks for sharing that. I see it had the lighter green doors back then too.

 

[Living in the Past]

First order of business should be the 30 year old tires.

How are you dating the tires? The tires from twenty five years ago are definitely different tires. I ask because I have a cruiser I can't find a date on the tires and believe they are from the last century but can't figure how old.

 

[cruisermatt]

How are you dating the tires? The tires from twenty five years ago are definitely different tires. I ask because I have a cruiser I can't find a date on the tires and believe they are from the last century but can't figure how old.

those are KM1's which have been out of production since like 2006

 

[pb4ugo]

Tires have a date code required by DOT. Its supposed to be the last 2 digits of the stamped #.

 

[Land Shark]

Yes these are old AF and I have new tires in hand Just waiting on the right wheels for the tires (have a few leads).

@Living in the Past Yes, date code should be on your tires. May take you a minute to find it but it should be there.

 

[Land Shark]

Grabbed up some oil and filter for the first oil change. Diffs , tcase and transmission will be next.

 

[sterling]

Yes these are old AF and I have new tires in hand Just waiting on the right wheels for the tires (have a few leads).

@Living in the Past Yes, date code should be on your tires. May take you a minute to find it but it should be there.

Steelies?

 

[TWatson]

Congrats on the find. Color originally was most likely medium blue 857 ; one of my personal favorite colors. Color should be stamped on the under hood vin plate. Enjoy.

 

[Land Shark]

Steelies?

Well Steel yes but not purist approved

 

[Land Shark]

Changed the oil yesterday and man that is a big drain plug head haha. took an 18" breaker and a busted back side of my hand to get it off. Went with 15-40. We will see how it runs on that...