1st time FJ40 owner

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chriscam2

chriscam2

Joined
Nov 2, 2015
Threads
2
Messages
16
Location
Highlands Ranch Colorado
Hello everyone. I am new to this forum and new the world of FJ 40's. This weekend I picked up this FJ 40 for $800. I am looking to restore this rig to original condition. The car has the original motor and suspension. Basically its all original other than the seats and a roll cage that has only been tack welded. Its not running at the moment. The guy I bought it from said he thinks there is just an issue with the starter.

I'm looking on advice on where I should start with this thing. I would like to try and start it but wanted some feedback on how I should approach that. The car has not ran in several years. Once I get it started I guess I will just go from there. Repair any issues under the hood. Overhaul the break system. Take stock on the suspension. Then get the body work done. Its has a little surface rust and some light bondo work. I have the shop and owners manual for the car so I thought step one should be to read all that.

In short I just wanted to introduce myself and and seek some advice on where to start and what not to do. I think I will be spending a lot of time here!

Thanks
Chris
 
Looks like the start of a good build! For that price you definitely scored.

Before you start tearing it down ask yourself what you want to make it into. You mentioned restoring it to original condition. Are you planning a full frame off restoration or just working on it in sections so you can enjoy it a bit in the mean time? If you are doing a full tear down then I would say dig in! If you want to just drive it and work on it, I would focus on the engine first. From the photos the body doesn't look horrible (there are some on here that started as Swiss cheese). Do you know the cause of it not running?
 
Great buy. The PTO winch alone is worth that or more. I would start with changing fluids, oil coolant etc. I would pull the gas tank and clean it. Tons of good threads and advice here. Run while you still can, these things are addicting!!
 
I'm looking to do more of a tear down, fix/clean up what I can save, replace things that too far gone. but before I go into full on tear down mode I wanted to spend a little time at get the engine running. The guy who sold it to me said its something electrical. He thinks the starter or solenoid is bad. He thinks its something small like that. If I can get it running, then I think I will just drive around the block a few times, get excited and then start taking it down. Being in the pretty good shape its in and the price I paid I'm more than willing to put time and money into making it something really nice. But want to keep it original best I can.
 
Well, your bezel is properly oriented, so you're already miles ahead :steer: Welcome!
 
Great find, was that on craigslist? Welcome to the madness!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Drivers mirror is aftermarket... Mirror arm is original

Mirror on pass side is Toyota

Valve cover somebody removed and painted blue... And painted red oil filler cap

Po installed a header

Radiator cap is aftermarket ... Oem works better IMO

BUT .... It looks like a clean cruiser... Welcome to mud Chris :)
 
Welcome to MUD Chris!

Nice rig for $800, I would start first by getting the engine running, then check the brakes and steering, and then be careful of the slippery slope.
 
Definitely go over the brakes well ... Specially with a single line master

If that ever went... You have nothing

There are upgrades to that... But... That would mean no longer original

It works really well ... When it's working well :)

800 was a steal
 
Nice Truck ! Welcome !



:cheers:
 
Change the oil.. it holds a lot, I recommend pulling the plugs, look at them, pour some Marvel Mystery earl or auto tranny fluid in each hole before you attempt to turn it over maybe let the oil set in there overnight before turning over with the plugs out, Make sure the transfer and tranny are filled properly with gear lube as the early FJs are notorious for seal failure and leaking out or the transfer transferring it's oil into the tranny. You may have a good engine do not risk damaging it or your trans/trans by being too eager. Air cleaner is probably Kaput too. BTY it's not a car or suv, it's a truck or a TUV (Tough Utility Vehicle.) Looks like you found a real deal! I'm curious, what kind of lock out hubs are on it?
 
Last edited:
Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. I bought this truck from a co-worker who was very kind. He was excited to see it go to a good home. The truck is a 1970. Tonight I plan on pulling the plugs and turning it over by hand. The oil was changed 5 years ago when the former owner put on a new oil pan. He never started it up after he changed the oil pan and replenished the oil. I checked the oil level and it was clean looking oil at the correct level.

Johnny C, how can tell the valve cover was painted?

These are the hubs Captn Conch. Thank for the tips on the fluids and turning it over by hand. I will be sure to check and follow.
IMG_20151103_074055.webp
IMG_20151103_074055.webp
 
For the electrical it could be something as simple as a bad ground (check the fuse box and battery cables), the flushable link could be bad, the power flows into the back of the gauge cluster so it could be one of those points are corroded. Don't remove the cluster without disconnecting the battery first though. Or it could be the starter solenoid as you said. These rigs are so simple that it hopefully something simple.
 
missing lug nut :doh:

windshield supports on the hood don't quite look right for the year, either

welcome :cheers:
 
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