"61" FJ40 Project

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Joined
Feb 10, 2017
Threads
1
Messages
6
Location
Lexington, Ky
Glad to have a forum like this to help as I attempt to bring what was a 1961 FJ40 back to being some sort of respectable ride. I didn't do myself any favors by buying something without doing more research, but here I am the new owner of this thing 1961 FJ40 Purchase

Could have saved myself a lot of headache if I had found that thread before I bought it.

Anyway, might as well start digging away at it one step at a time. I'd like to put one of the rear hatch doors it came with in it (came with the bi-fold and lift gate doors) and the corrugated top that's on it is set up for the bi-fold door. It's missing one of the top pivot hinges at the top of the rails which is no big deal. If I can't find one I'll fabricate or maybe even sand-cast one. The real problem is the opening of the rear hatch is 39.5 inches. The doors are 41 inches. Just going to assume based on what I see that someone has had the tub completely apart and put it back together with an inch and a half left on the garage floor somewhere. I'm thinking of just taking 3/4 of an inch out of each side of the door. I can tig weld so this doesn't scare me too much. I know it's not the right way to do it if I wanted to try to preserve the value of this truck being a "61" but given what it's been through, I think it's too late for that. There are many, many more issues l will need to tackle, just figured I'll take my time and do it one by one.

I'm all ears if someone has a better suggestion.

(I'll post pictures once I get enough posts.)
 
I remember that rig... so at this point you know it is a frankencruiser ... but... most cruisers are ... mine is as well

It's all how you make it ... build it for you and don't worry about it

I think at this point any sort of love you give it is better then it would get with most yahoos

Welcome to mud!!

:)
 
FrankenCruiser. I love it!
 
Does the hardtop have to be a priority?

Generally there are a host of mechanical issues that are more pressing. Steering. Brakes.
 
The top doesn't have to be a priority at all. The steering is pretty tight, brakes will be gone through (they aren't terrible considering they are the original drum brakes), I got a disk front axle with which I'm going to fab up a stand so I can clean it
 
*clean it up, and fix anything it needs to get it going. Also came with new rotors, calipers, and lines for the front disks. I've already got started on replacing all the fluids. Basically I'm not going to bore you guys with the basics. Just hoping to get some insight to help fix all the stuff that I'm not familiar with.
 
Enjoy the journey.
 
By the time you have the replacement axle rebuilt and installed, you will have mentally turned the truck over a few hundred times in your head, and you will have a much clearer vision of your goals.

If you need a booster, adapter, master cylinder to complete your conversion, I sell those parts.

Best

Mark

www.marksoffroad.net
 
It already has power booster and dual circuit MC, which means it is 10mm brake line fittings at the top. A disc frt axle is 10mm also. It might need something done to improve rear brake function (RDB swap) after the front is upgraded and working well.
The engine looks like a 72-73 F, based on valve cover, PCV, carb, air cleaner.
 
It already has power booster and dual circuit MC, which means it is 10mm brake line fittings at the top. A disc frt axle is 10mm also. It might need something done to improve rear brake function (RDB swap) after the front is upgraded and working well.
The engine looks like a 72-73 F, based on valve cover, PCV, carb, air cleaner.

You must have clicked on the link.:idea:
 
By the time you have the replacement axle rebuilt and installed, you will have mentally turned the truck over a few hundred times in your head, and you will have a much clearer vision of your goals.

Very well stated.
 
I always thought a 1961 was an FJ25- - -am I really getting old now?????

You maybe thinking of the FST tubs that were a carry over from the 25 series

Some 25's were sold past 60' as well ... I think it was @Cruiser_Nerd that had a 62 or 63? Fj25

Your not old ... just too full of knowledge to remember it all :)
 
You maybe thinking of the FST tubs that were a carry over from the 25 series

Some 25's were sold past 60' as well ... I think it was @Cruiser_Nerd that had a 62 or 63? Fj25

Your not old ... just too full of knowledge to remember it all :)

Nah, he's old...the way mentors are supposed to be.:)
 
You maybe thinking of the FST tubs that were a carry over from the 25 series

Some 25's were sold past 60' as well ... I think it was @Cruiser_Nerd that had a 62 or 63? Fj25

Your not old ... just too full of knowledge to remember it all :)

Few things besides the soft top carried over from the FJ25. Not sure how I missed it in the other thread the rear floor was a carry over on the 61 FJ40. This one has it. Notice the short ribs on the sides. 62 and later the side ribs were full length and were connected to the next rib with a U shape at the back. Curious if it has the bracket on the front of wheel well for the front arm of the rear jump seat? While shorter the 61 FJ40 jump seats had a arm on the front as well as the back.
 
Hey there guys, been loving the FJ so far. Time for a new clutch master however and I decided to do the slave while I'm at it. A local guy I met recently suggested I go with the JT Outfitters upgraded kit Clutch Master & Slave Conversion Land Cruiser FJ40 e-74 - JTOutfitters but after some research on here, seems they aren't very good to do business with. Does anyone (possibly a sponsor of the forum) sell a similar kit?

Thanks.
 
My 2 cents, I call Mark first about anything that's a replacement type item. You'll get great advice, great service and it arrives at your door quickly.
 
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