72 FJ40 Returns (1 Viewer)

[Desert FJ]

My parents purchased an FJ40 in 1972; I grew up in it and learned to drive in it. Drove it through college. Engine started running rough, so couldn't rely on it and parked it in a friend's pasture. It's been sitting out in the dirt for ~15 years, haven't seen it in at least a decade. I turn 40 next week, and my (perfect) wife surprised me by having my friends drag it out and load it in the garage to my surprise when I got home from work. FJ40 for my 40th!

Think I'll plan to keep it pretty stock. I will need to have the F bored and gone thru. Maybe EFI, disc brakes, re-gear, and some slightly larger tires, maybe some new springs and a minimalist roll cage. Not looking to crawl or anything, mostly for a fun occasional driver and some great memories.

Some rust in all the standard spots but frame seems all cosmetic so far. Considering getting the paint as good as I can and clearing to keep the patnia - not sure.

Would love any ideas or input folks might have on things to-do/not-do!

 

[kreativecid]

Great story! Did you find any cool keepsakes or favorite "things" after going through it? Maybe a Mt Rose ski pass or old midterm?

 

[charliemeyer007]

Mine was that color on the tub/hood. Looks like a clean rig to me. Have fun fixing it up.
free download manuals Land Cruiser Factory Service Manuals (FSMs) - https://www.cruisercult.com/factory-service-manuals

 

[Chungas Revenge]

Work it…..

God bless Nevada for its preservation tendencies. Downey air cleaner is solid.

 

[EWheeler]

My parents purchased an FJ40 in 1972; I grew up in it and learned to drive in it. Drove it through college. Engine started running rough, so couldn't rely on it and parked it in a friend's pasture. It's been sitting out in the dirt for ~15 years, haven't seen it in at least a decade. I turn 40 next week, and my (perfect) wife surprised me by having my friends drag it out and load it in the garage to my surprise when I got home from work. FJ40 for my 40th!

Think I'll plan to keep it pretty stock. I will need to have the F bored and gone thru. Maybe EFI, disc brakes, re-gear, and some slightly larger tires, maybe some new springs and a minimalist roll cage. Not looking to crawl or anything, mostly for a fun occasional driver and some great memories.

Some rust in all the standard spots but frame seems all cosmetic so far. Considering getting the paint as good as I can and clearing to keep the patnia - not sure.

Would love any ideas or input folks might have on things to-do/not-do!

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I think you would cry tears of joy at how good that paint looks after a good CLR scrub and a buff. Beautiful specimen. If I'm reading your post correct, this exact 40 was bought brand new (or nearly new) by your family? What a treasure.

 

[jayp2]

Work it…..

God bless Nevada for its preservation tendencies. Downey air cleaner is solid.

this

In much of the east coast it would have been "reclaimed" by nature in a decade living in a field

That thing is in amazing shape

 

[pb4ugo]

That looks great for sitting out in a field for 15 yrs. A family 40. You are blessed. What a wife. She may regret her decision as the parts start arriving and the bank account starts dwindling. Running, stopping, driving. I'd do 4 wheel discs and probably power steering of some sort. Make it a solid driver and enjoy it.

 

[steffan]

keep the pictures coming!

 

[90WT]

sub'd. Your rig is gorgeous.

 

[Desert FJ]

Work it…..

God bless Nevada for its preservation tendencies. Downey air cleaner is solid.

I worked at Downey for a summer... picked up the header and air filter... might have to keep those for old times' sake!

 

[Desert FJ]

I think you would cry tears of joy at how good that paint looks after a good CLR scrub and a buff. Beautiful specimen. If I'm reading your post correct, this exact 40 was bought brand new (or nearly new) by your family? What a treasure.

Yes, this is the exact one they bought! Still have the original keys with the tag from the dealer on them!

 

[FJ404345]

Do's and Don"ts as asked :

Clean and polish it up

Get it technical 100%

Then drive it first for some time, to see what you want to do, they are only original once

And

APLLY FOR THE IH8MUD WIFE OF THE YEAR 2025 AWARD !!!

Happy 40th Birthdag !

 

[clrussell]

Way awesome. I can see why you married her

40 is going to be fantastic!

 

[CBFJ]

Your 40 on your 40th. Way cool. Please start a build thread. And I'd vote to just CLR and preserve the patina, but don't clearcoat. That stops it, and who knows how badass it'll look in another 40 years when you pass it down...

 

[Chungas Revenge]

X2^^^ CLR vice clear.


Good place to start.

Preserving Patina - How To Tips and Tricks

I keep retyping my “formula” for old Patina preservation so I decided to make a thread so I can just link my response to how I preserve my old Land Cruisers the way I do. For the last 3 years I have been learning how to preserve Land Cruisers in their original state. Protecting their original...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Paul_A]

That's a great looking truck and what a wonderful story. It's perfect for a patina rig. I would keep it as bone stock as possible until you are really sure you want to "improve" certain things. Unless there was an issue with the motor it will be fine for now, and why gears? Just slow roll and let people stare. Congrats!