1997 FJ80 - Desert Dune / Moonglow Pearl Restoration - DFW edition (4 Viewers)

[FIDO96]

I’ve been waiting to chronicle my rebuild of a 1997 FJ80 I purchased over Labor Day weekend. The weekend started out as a road trip to Austin to check out a rig @ Yota Ranch and then Hot Springs AR to check out two rigs @ Safari Classics. Beau was a wealth of info, but his two rigs were not for me. On the way back to DFW, a 97 FJ80 showed up on FB Market….less than 60 miles from my house. The Seller agreed to meet me in route and an hour later I owned a 1997 FJ80. This is a rust free, lived in Texas its whole life cruiser that already had a 2.5” OME lift and now 33” Toyo tires along with several key repairs. The original owner kept amazing notes so I have the original hang tags, manuals, service records from 1997 and window sticker. The Seller actually is a YouTuber and you may have seen this rig featured in several videos.

 

[cahill]

Looks good. Welcome!

 

[FIDO96]

Here are some pics from the first day. She needed some love and I started making my list of things to do first

 

[FIDO96]

There were lots of dings and dents and even pretty good body damage to the left rear quarter panel

 

[FIDO96]

First order of business was to take it to Dajda’s - Texas Cruiser Man. I live about 15 mins away so he was a logical choice. Mike had it for 3 weeks and we:

-Replaced / Rebuilt the Birfs
-All new AC Compressor, drier, hoses, etc
-Replaced the A/C air mixer servo. Someone previously shoved a wire nut into the actuator arm, and stripped the gears. It makes a clicking noise non-stop.
-New sway bar bushings
-Replaced EGR valve to solve P0401 code (still not done!)
-oil & fluid change
-New accelerator cable

 

[FIDO96]

Once the rig was back from Dadja’s it was off to DFW Stereo in Grapevine for new JL Audio speakers, Sony AV4000 head unit and Viper Remote Start & Keyless entry. I had them replace all 4 door lock actuators with OEM parts. When I got her, I had no power locks.

 

[FIDO96]

Next stop was all new interior. I used Trinity Leather & Accessories to install sound dampening, new carpet, Katzkin Seats and new door panels. I bought 4 panels from CruiserParts.Net so they could use the best of the bunch to full rebuild all four panels

While there Safelite replaced the rear hatch glass. The original had some odd streaks and splash marks from something that ruined the factory tint

 

[FIDO96]

I replaced the shift console and center console with all new (used) pieces as well as the dash cluster. The previous owner drilled all kinds of holes for cup holders, CBs etc.

 

[FIDO96]

I replaced the shift console and center console with all new (used) pieces as well as the dash cluster. The previous owner drilled all kinds of holes for cup holders, CBs etc. I pulled the cluster and polished the clear lenses with Meguires PlastiX and a Dremel Vera Scrubber (perfect tool for plastic restoration). I even replaced the dash and interior lights with LEDs. I have a Green D!

 

[FIDO96]

This week she’s at ICandy Auto Body. iCandy specializes in exotic and high-end cars and we’ve been taking our stuff to Melody for years. I’m doing full body repair, original paint, new OEM front bumpers, front glass replacement, OEM Desert Dune over Moonglow Pearl and having the wheels powder coated dark metallic gray and then machined so only the insides remain.

 

[FIDO96]

This week she’s at ICandy Auto Body. iCandy specializes in exotic and high-end cars and we’ve been taking our stuff to Melody for years. I’m doing full body repair, original paint, new OEM front bumpers, front glass replacement, OEM Desert Dune over Moonglow Pearl and having the wheels powder coated dark metallic gray and then machined so only the insides remain.

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[FIDO96]

Here’s a list of things done but no pics (yet)

- OEM windshield washer tank, pump & diverter valve so I have working washer
- OEM power antenna. It works properly and even retracts fully when you hold down the HOME button on the Sony unit (car wash approved)
- Lexus LS400 sun visor replacement (fully wired) with SolveFunction base
-SolveFunction steer shaft plug
-New OEM power mirrors - being painted to match
-3rd row seats fully restored (metal painted)
-Front seats have the new gears and gear cap guards installed
-Desert Does It seat jackers (game changer)
-repainted wiper blade arms (front & rear) plus blades
- new OEM fuel tank, hoses, clamps. Fuel shut-off valve, fuel sending unit and gaskets. Will be put on once back from paint.
-Need Caster correction for the OME 2.5” lift that was installed by PO. I have LandTank Caster Plates. Dajda would not install so I’m thinking Tandem Off-road??? Anyone else I should consider?
-tool kit and jack were cleaned, polished and painted. I got the jack thingy from Land Cruider Parts.
-Lasfit LED headlight and high beams with cutoff
- I have a 1994 grill and valance that will be painted and installed as part of the paint. TOYOTA across the front is the only way to go!

 

[405]

Nice work so far, keep the updates coming. Looking forward to seeing it after paint.

 

[FIDO96]

Here’s some pics I got sent today from the body shop…more body work and first paint going down. I decided to paint the front bumper/bumper ends Moonglow Pearl to match the body paint. Normally on a two-tone I don’t mind the graphite gray bumper/end caps, but the two different shades of gray are too close on this combination and it always messed with my OCD.

 

[FIDO96]

Here’s some pics I got sent today from the body shop…more body work and first paint going down. I decided to paint the front bumper/bumper ends Moonglow Pearl to match the body paint. Normally on a two-tone I don’t mind the graphite gray bumper/end caps, but the two different shades of gray are too close on this combination and it always messed with my OCD.

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She went into the booth this morning. Should have new paint pics soon

 

[FIDO96]

The first glimpse out of the paint booth. Wheels go off today to be powdered coated and re-machined. I just ordered the louvered vent trim (62905-60020) and drip rail trim. Might as well have it all nice and shiny too. New rubber for siding windows too

 

[FIDO96]

Just got pics of the wheels back from the refinisher…powder coated and then re-machined to only leave the recessed areas..

 

[405]

Looking good!

 

[FIDO96]

1997 throwback to 1994. With proper valance. No odd gap!

 

[Broski]

SWEET !