'75 FJ 40 Resto

[ktmusa8]

So I am a newbie and this will be my first resto. I got the cruiser off of ebay and it was rusted out a lot more than I was told. Not too happy about that, but now that I have it I am set to restore it. A '68 has been in my family since my Granddad bought it new but my uncle is a tightwad and won't let it go for a reasonable price. Therefore, this money pit. But i am looking forward to getting this one restored and driving it to his house and making him jealous since the '68 is on blocks now and has been sitting outside the past 10 years.

 

[gisham]

good luck! That thing looks like it has been sitting at the bottom of the ocean for the past few years...

 

[ktmusa8]

more

some more pics

 

[DRay]

She's a beauty. advice: save your money and buy a complete tub. don't try to piece it together. too much time and frustration involved if you don't do that kind of work.

 

[ktmusa8]

I know. I am pretty pissed at the guy. That is what I get for trusting someone on EBAY. My fault. I guess.

 

[ktmusa8]

I was thinking about just getting a new tub. You are right. That will probably be the best course of action.

 

[DRay]

what did you pay? just curious.

 

[gisham]

i hope the frame is in better shape than the body-

oh well just take your time, you will get her straightened out!

 

[ktmusa8]

I am kind of embaressed to tell you the truth. She is a runner though which is why I bought it in the first place. and the tranny and transfer case are good too. $2950.

 

[dx379]

I have bought many cars on eBay, but only one sight unseen. I'd say 90% of the vehicles I have purchased have not been in the condition they were advertised - which seems to be the case here. The bad part is being stuck on the other side of the country bc you bought a 1-way ticket... Anyway, good luck with this - and also curious what you paid for it...

Jonny

 

[lostmarbles]

Another cruiser that's fallen into good hands

Personally I'm not interested in what you paid for it .... It's only money.

And being bothered about "value-for-money comparisons" post-purchase is simply a recipe for depression IMO.

(I'll never ever tally up what $$$s I've sunk into my obsession for the same reason.)

Good luck with your "restoration" ktmusa8.

 

[bikersmurf]

My $0.02, don't get obsessive with trying to make it perfect with all the original parts. You can sink truck loads of money into it to make it 100% original and most people would never know.

I've seen far worse... You can make a nice truck out of it and be proud of it.

 

[romegadave]

Both Bikersmurf and Lostmarbles are right....its a long journey with some frustration but man knowing you got one makes it all worthwhile. Good luck.....and good luck in always finding the $$$$ to spend on it!!

 

[thecrazygreek]

Thats a Factory soft top model... (Which is why you have a pre 75 hard top on it) Go with a OCD beetle top and a new set of bows, and 1/4th of the resto is done!

Do you have the tailgate?

 

[ktmusa8]

Okay. That is a new one to me. I haven't done enough thorough research on it. I didn't know that it was a factory soft top model. I wish I had the tailgate. I think that I am going to have a tough time finding one. By the way, how can you tell that it is a soft top model. (just for future reference so i don't look like a complete fool) ;>
p.s. thanks for all the encouraging words guys. It really helps knowing there are kindred spirits out there. I was thinking all day today how daunting of a task it was going to be to get her restored.

 

[StaleAle]

You can tell it's a factory soft top by the body side of the door hinges. The open part of the fixed hinge is designed to allow the pinned soft doors to be easily removed. Also, the footman loops on the back quarter panels. They didn't put those on factory hard top models.

 

[BreckenridgeCruiser]

Get in touch with Paul Pilgrim down in Costa... he can make whatever metal body parts you need and does some of the best work I have seen. he will even customize stuff fro you if you need it.

Pilgrim Restorations

Excited to see what you do as I am starting the same adventure shortly!

 

[gisham]

FJ40 - BOLT ON TAIL GATE: eBay Motors (item 360193455525 end time Oct-22-10 19:25:19 PDT)

Tailgate- Kinda $$$ but you see them from time to time for a good price-

also post up in the wanted section. The membors on this board are great for getting parts at a reasonable price-

 

[jmdaniel]

Another cruiser that's fallen into good hands

Personally I'm not interested in what you paid for it .... It's only money.

And being bothered about "value-for-money comparisons" post-purchase is simply a recipe for depression IMO.

(I'll never ever tally up what $$$s I've sunk into my obsession for the same reason.)

Good luck with your "restoration" ktmusa8.

+1

 

[gwalt584]

restore

Look at it this way, it will be source of pride and a great accomplishment when you are done. I drive mine to the store and to various places and nearly always somebody comes up to me and starts a converstion about the cruiser and compliments me on the cruiser.
So, as the VISA advertisement says, "That is Priceless".
yes, I spent more than I planned but the satisfaction is worth every penny that I spent. congrats on a nice cruiser.
Think about what it will look like not what it looks like now.