'72 Factory Soft Top Project. "Power Wheels" (1 Viewer)

[highlandcruzer]

Got her moved into the garage at our new house. Ready to start stripping the tub down and see I'm really dealing with. Excuse the dusty cell phone pictures. I've been pretty lazy about taking pictures so far. When we moved to our dream location here in BFE, we didn't realize exactly how far from civilization we'd gone. We haven't been able to get internet buy any means for over a year. Didn't know if I'd ever start a thread on this. Just have a few crappy pics from my phone when inspiration hit me at the moment.

 

[highlandcruzer]

I have no idea why that hole is there behind the driver's seat mount. There's no cancer there. It looks like somebody just hacked it out with a hatchet or something. Literally.

 

[highlandcruzer]

 

[highlandcruzer]

The gas tank has a slow leak. I think its gonna need another patch.
I count seven. Maybe number 8's a charm. (kidding)

 

[highlandcruzer]

Here's where I am currently: Stripping body paint and trying to get a game plan together for rust/dent repair.

 

[highlandcruzer]

Been hanging on to this tub for three or four years now I guess. It was free to the first to come get it, from an Olde North State Cruisers and Mud member. (thanks again Erymer! )

My plans for it have changed a couple times. Thought about making a trailer out of it at one point. Looks like it's going to be sacrificed for this project in one form or another. It's got it's own rust issues, but a lot of what the 72 needs is solid on this tub. As you can see it's a later tub w/ bucket seats, no center hump and no tool box. I'm kind of a purist. So I'm going to try to cut and graft sections so as to keep the everything about the '72 true to the year. The goal is to keep every factory spot weld and seam that I can. I don't want the repairs to be noticeable if I can help it. I'm a glutton for punishment. (OCD/perfectionist)

The rust you see at the step up is just surface. The underside of this tub is very clean.

 

[JohnnyC]

wow your moving on this build...nice job


I say hold onto the extra tub...for your next one LOL

 

[weagle99]

Good start to this project...

I didn't think a '72 had a column shifter or split hood. Are you sure about the year?

 

[highlandcruzer]

I say hold onto the extra tub...for your next one LOL

Wow. It's like you're inside my head!

To tell you the truth, I've had a hard time with the idea of chopping it up. (hoarder ) The quarters, rockers, and rear sill are shot on this tub anyway.
The main things I need on the 72 are the floor support channels. They're perfect on this tub. Mainly need the mid bed one at the first step-up . The first vertical piece of sheet metal is shot. I also need at least a section of the gas tank pan. I'm thinking I'm going to graft in the center section of bed, minus the seat mount areas, which are fine. Anything that will save me money on this will really speed this project up. I'll try to snap some better pictures of what I'm working with.

 

[highlandcruzer]

Good start to this project...

I didn't think a '72 had a column shifter or split hood. Are you sure about the year?

It's titled as a 72. Jun. 71 manufacture date. Would I be more correct calling this a 71? BTW, anybody know what stickers might have been there?

 

[highlandcruzer]

wow your moving on this build...nice job

Thanks. I'm sure It'll slow down when I need to start spending money!

 

[weagle99]

Sounds (and looks) like it is actually a '71.

 

[JohnnyC]

x2 you have a 1971

 

[highlandcruzer]

But it CAN'T be a 71! Cause I've got these here plates to put on the thing! "Story of my life". I'm rockin' 'em anyway. ;p I don't have much choice if I want vintage tags in Virginia. It is titled as a 72. Guess I'll have to get used to saying "it's actually a 71".



You knew right away, didn't you Johnny? ;p Now how do I change a thread title....

I never knew of any changes between the years. I just figured maybe June was the change over month. I guess it was at the dealership for a while?

So..What are all the differences between the two years. Split hood and..?

 

[Pistorman]

In the UK cars, when you read the plate for a specific year, they actually cite the model as of the next year when they figure it was sold and registered first. May be the same case with Japanese cars. Mine is supposed to be a 6/70 FJ40 but comes with everything a '71 does.

 

[highlandcruzer]

In the UK cars, when you read the plate for a specific year, they actually cite the model as of the next year when they figure it was sold and registered first. May be the same case with Japanese cars. Mine is supposed to be a 6/70 FJ40 but comes with everything a '71 does.

Partly why I didn't think twice about the vin plate. I know my 2000 Tundra was manufactured in '99, etc.

 

[JohnnyC]

in the usa...many a TLC sat for a long LONG time before being bought.

a guy i met once worked at the same shipping port that toyota used in NJ during the late 60's ...he had told me thousands were there...and some seemed to never move.

the build date is what i would go with IMO

 

[BigRedFJ40]

Sept. 1971 they went with the one piece hood, lost the marker lights in the grill and went to the rectangle directionals on the fenders......

 

[Pistorman]

Sept. 1971 they went with the one piece hood, lost the marker lights in the grill and went to the rectangle directionals on the fenders......

Everything but the split hood on mine. Mine is still split and has the spear. In a way I've learned most FJ40s are pretty inconsistent regarding their year of production. Especially when it comes to emissions. They were made for so many markets in and outside of the U.S. and who knows how and when they source items.

 

[JohnnyC]

its titled as a 72...keep the 72 plates ...and tell people its registered 72 truck built in 71

when looking for parts...look 71