65 FST- 1st-Attempt to refurbish a cruiser

[TalaLeo]

Hey guys,

I picked up a 65 FST and from what I understand these are not technically 40s but 25s. Anyway, it had a 1F in it and a floor shifting tranny (I believe original all). Since it came with a running 2F, I swapped the engine (well a friend did because I do not have a shop). It just sits there staring at me to finish the job but I do not know where to start.

All I want to do is get the Engine running properly, get the rig shifting and moving on its own seam, before I even go so far to look at the fuel tank and steering box etc. That would be next.

I want to keep it as original as possible and THEN perhaps rebuild the 1F and put that back in. Not looking to make a garage queen and want as few non-purist parts on this rig.

Where the heck do I get the wiring harness equipment? Looked on Spectra Off-Road and it doesn't make sense yet.

Help

 

[whitey45]

Welcome to mud, we can all tell you a lot of info, but if you search here you will get all your answers, its an fj40 fst, lets see some pics!!

 

[TalaLeo]

Damn I must suck at searching in MUD cause I don't find it, or I have doubts that the exact info matches my exact equipment. I am good a Google though. Pics coming and yes there is a learning curve i suppose.

 

[upperblack]

Welcome to mud.
Go to google type ih8mud then your question.
That's seems to work easier

 

[TalaLeo]

1965
Photos in this link until I figure out the site better. UpperBlack you know this, and apparently a couple Google Search Bar tricks I didn't.

 

[hdjtachtig]

Nice project. You are right, wiring is a mess. "Coolerman" can help you with a new harness if you need it, or you can try to fix it yourself. Wiring diagrams can be found on his website: Cruiser Wiring

I uploaded some of your pics here, I think you need more posts to be able to post pictures.

 

[kevos37]

I would stick with the 2f motor. A LOT less hassle.

 

[TalaLeo]

CoolerMans site is badass! Like it AWESOME find! The rig came with a diagram for the 1F from Prospero's Garage @ColorWiringDiagrams.com but I have a 2F in it now. Coleman seems to sell all the proper wire and connectors- I will hit him up!

 

[Landpimp]

nice! looks pretty solid

I see the eye bolts on the dash, so it is a FST

id get it running and maybe go thru the brakes, then just drive it. I say maybe on the brakes because it looks like the old ball and claw front axle, so it may be more cost effective to change it to disc.

didn't see your location till a second ago..but it felt like it was in the western wa just from the pics, I know a 2nd Gen Costco Tarp-port when I see one

 

[TalaLeo]

Thanks LanPimp. Btw I will be strongly considering those DiSc brakes. Anything tricky with getting a set for all four axles on this 1965 in Particular I should know about?

 

[handcannon]

Contact Poser, on this forum, as he sells some real good adapters for the rear disc brake conversion. His brackets are what I used many years ago to convert my 40 to rear discs. You will need to get a pair of front calipers off a Monte Carlo (1975? has been too many years since I did mine so my memory is fuzzy). Also a pair of Chevy discs, which you will have to take to a machine shop to get the center hole enlarged a bit. The years for the discs is a bit fuzzy also, but search this forum to find exact details for the calipers and discs needed.

You will have to find your own front disc solution as I can't help much with front brake info, except to say that I have a 1978 FJ55 front axle that I'd be willing to part with. It has stock disc brakes, and supposed to be the same size and mounting as an FJ 40. If you are interested PM me as this forum isn't for selling stuff.

Don

 

[nuclearlemon]

you'll have to change out your brake lines. early cruisers ran 9mm fittings and you'll need to fit 10mm fittings. also, most do boosted brake setups with a dual reservoir and your firewall isn't set up to fit a booster and you may run into clearance issues for the booster/master. easiest way to do disc front is a 76 and newer axle assembly because you'll be changing from ball and claw to birfields. also, the 10 spline axles tend to be weaker than the birfields with finer splines at the diff.