Builds 1981 FJ40

[diesellibrarian]

Curious, anyone know when the or if the mini trucks transitioned to square ?

Square headlights in '82 I think, and then the new square body style in '84.

It was the decade of square, just ask Huey Lewis.

 

[peesalot]

I want a new drug....... Robin Williams called it ***idal, unfortunately it meant something we didn't realize.

 

[S.CarolinaFZJ80]

Keep the square bezel. Square bezels rule. Can't be put on upside down

 

[jim land]

Keep the square bezel. Square bezels rule. Can't be put on upside down

Yes it can , the upper and lower corners are different , but the headlight adjustement srew opening slot help keep it on the correct position

 

[Land Shark]

While I do prefer the looks of the round the square will stay for now

 

[Greek Cruiserhead]

My theory is that Toyota went to a square bezel to prepare Land Cruiser customers for the very angular 70 series trucks, which were almost certainly in development when the 40s went square bezel.

(I have a similar theory regarding the square headlights on the 62: they did it to soften the transition to the 80 series.)

I probably think about these things too much...

It could be a Toyota "conspiracy theory", Lol!

 

[Land Shark]

Installed a NOCO battery charger. Now should not have to worry about not driving it for several days and the battery taking a toll. Location is temporary. Ran the cord out to the front bumper for shore power.

Also dropped my air pressure from 35 to 30psi. Initial drive was meh. So at the advice of others here in the 40 section will play with it at 27psi. The test drive

 

[SteveH]

According to a magazine article I read 25 years ago, supposedly the headlights on FJ40s (pre '79) were too close together for the laws of some country and were moved further apart in '79 when the square bezel appeared.

One has to wonder if this perhaps also drove Rover to move the headlights from the grill (series 2 Land Rovers) to the fenders (series 3).

 

[Land Shark]

Ca

According to a magazine article I read 25 years ago, supposedly the headlights on FJ40s (pre '79) were too close together for the laws of some country and were moved further apart in '79 when the square bezel appeared.

One has to wonder if this perhaps also drove Rover to move the headlights from the grill (series 2 Land Rovers) to the fenders (series 3).

Cant be much difference, can it?

 

[Pitter Patter]

Ca

Cant be much difference, can it?

I read the same thing somewhere. Would be interesting to know what the measurement difference is, if any…

 

[3_puppies]

I read the same thing somewhere. Would be interesting to know what the measurement difference is, if any…

there is a difference as you can't install a round bezel where a square bezel would go and vice versa

update,
I placed a round bezel on top of a square bezel tonight, lining up 1 head light hole, and measuring the other end
the round bezel headlights are aprox 1 1/16" narrower than a square bezel

 

[Land Shark]

Well I missed Retro's birthday. LOL. Happy Belated Birthday Retro!!

 

[Land Shark]

At some point the dash was hacked for a radio over the years from PO's so I took some aluminum to blank off. This also allowed me a place to mount switches to. When I was installing my comms radio I needed a place for the mic mount and the blank plate made a good spot as well. Future space for other switches (driving lights, lockers etc). Also some new shifter knob bling.

 

[dr_dobro]

A nice 40 for sure ! Late models are my favorite since I am 6’4”
I might have some of the hardware for that kick vent window. I do remember putting all of it on a zip lock bag but that was just many moons ago. Just need to find as I don’t know where it is?

 

[CondeCruiser]

Looking good. I also have the hardware for the vent window if you need it.

 

[Land Shark]

Appreciate the offers on the vent window hardware. Already procured those bits.

 

[Land Shark]

Now that Im done prepping the 100 for a recent trip across country to Moab I can spend some time on this old girl. Thanks to @CondeCruiser for a fair deal on some lightly used springs and shock. Shocks went on tonight after work. All went well except one nut was an odd ball. Threw that out and ordered new. Springs are next once I receive the flip kits

 

[Land Shark]

Jumped in Retro this morning. Noticed on hill climb that it would not hold speed. As the day went on, a few short trips, it was very noticeable even in the flats. Got home and changed the fuel filter. Low hanging fruit and have been meaning to do this anyway. Test drive and she is all peppy again.

 

[Land Shark]

A wheel and tire change. Gotta admit @matzell was right. Those wheels sure look right. Now sporting the Maxis Razors in 33x10.50. I do like the more narrow profile. A little more road noise than the previous but with a softer ride.

 

[Land Shark]

Some elbow grease took off all the extra layers of paint. No patina but down to original paint and primer now. Still some very light pieces of pink left. Thats another day…