Builds ‘76 FJ40 “The Plow” (1 Viewer)

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

The Jade Bean

Figuring out life still.
SILVER Star
Joined
Aug 22, 2011
Threads
148
Messages
5,296
Location
Hurst, Texas
Well I feel like I have a million threads, so here’s a million and one. We are waiting on Summit Auto Transport to drop off our new to us 1976 Colorado plow 40 that we snagged from Classic Cruisers. Both Aaron from Summit and Brandon from Classic are a joy to work with.
The 40 to be referred to as “The Plow” from here forth is a tad crusty, but amazingly the frame is a beaut especially given the body. I weld as a hobby so I should be able to muddle my way through it. My loving wife says that’s best as I only enjoy projects or I get bored. She’s not wrong. My son is especially excited and I’m looking forward to wrenching with both him and my daughter.
The Plow is pretty much complete and unmolested since she had a purpose and she did it well. I first plan to make her topless as why else would you drive a 40 and then put my split rims I kept off our old Troopy on her. Yes they are “dangerous”...that’s a matter of opinion so no need to tell me.
She’ll be a slow project and I don’t currently plan to go the purist route. I’m considering a 350 and h55 swap as I’d like some power. Really I’d prefer a Toyota diesel as I miss the sound and smell from our old Troopy, but initial cost and general parts sourcing makes me think that’s not the route I’ll go.
I’m also considering putting my favorite era 40 parts on her, split hood, round front blinkers, etc. I know, I should be flogged for even thinking any of this. However she’s mine and I’m building her for us and I only plan to live once...not counting eternity, but I don’t think I can take the 40 with me.
Here are some pics I was sent and I’ll post up more when she shows up to her new home! For those wondering, I snagged for $6,500 running and driving.
C9E6C711-2124-48F4-A449-1C7CC956590F.jpeg
0E112CD9-A04E-4CA2-8124-7DF36ECA9A76.jpeg
CDB0749A-D7DF-402D-86BA-57709283915E.jpeg
82F554CA-ACEA-47FE-A3F7-08F32DBE0C5D.jpeg
3A4E0661-4D89-458F-B6FB-AE2990DC7BAE.jpeg

EDIT: Pretty cool, I just learned the Cruiser was owned by the PO for 30yrs. Bought it in 91 I think according to the papers I found in the glove box.
 
Last edited:
Few more pics.
09045EE8-80B3-4E19-A19A-694374DEFBDE.jpeg
1CF1CA01-92D3-45EB-9FCB-D301761B33C8.jpeg
9D42046F-88D3-414E-9A61-886D218FD311.jpeg
DB494977-94F1-4B1F-BF5A-9366F3CE1845.jpeg
785B8E4D-C6A0-4C07-9AA9-850D5D4AEBD2.jpeg
 
I don’t know if it was just coincidence that the 40 currently on my coffee bags looks the same, but cool none the less!
2114726B-7CD8-48D3-9BBF-2FCA7841B92C.jpeg
18492310-40D2-407F-BDCF-E405F651ADC4.jpeg
 
Saving this spot for links to goodies I want. ;)

SOFT TOP
Soft Top - Dirt Road Tops
Soft Top Bow Kit - Real Steel Cruiser Parts
Trollhole - IH8MUD

BODY PANELS / ACCESSORIES
Body Panels / Accessories - SOR
Weld In Patches - Real Steel Cruiser Parts
Zinc Plated Acorn Lug Nuts - Cruiser Corp

HARDWARE
Nuts/Bolts - Overland Metric

WRITE-UP RESOURCES
Rear Cargo Sill Write Up

ELECTRICAL
Harness - Cruiserman
Wire Loom - Holley
Hot Rod Wire Kits - Rebel Wire

WELDING
Clamps - Butt Welding Clamps

DASH MOUNTS
Magnetic - Steelie Mounts

WHEEL BALANCING
Behind Wheel Mount - Centramatic
Beads / Powder - IMI-Flex

PAINT
Color Matched Spray Cans - my perfect color

TOWING
Flat Towing - SOR

SEAT FRAME
Frame Kit - IH8MUD

V8 SWAP
Parts - Mosley Motors
Transmission/Transfer Case Crossmember - Advanced Adapters
H42 4 Speed Transmission, Adapter Bellhousing - Advanced Adapters

TUNE UP
2F Tune Up Discussion - IH8MUD

MISC
Various Parts - Rising Sun
Vin Name Plate - eBay
 
Last edited:
It also matches our 1:10 scale RC 40!
C44D9B6E-B853-4339-9718-22A0C7A5CAC5.jpeg
 
Congratulations on the new to you 40. When you get her home and situated, make a short run out West and meet me and @1911 for some coffee in Weatherford. Good luck on the build and there's a great LC mechanic in NRH, if you run into anything where you need some help. PM me if you need any information.
 
IT’S HERE!!!!!! My son said, wow this is OLD! 🤣😂🤷🏻‍♂️It’s only one year older than me. 🤔🤣
66080BA2-4636-44EF-96A5-1AC9EB2C5FB9.jpeg
 
Congratulations on the new to you 40. When you get her home and situated, make a short run out West and meet me and @1911 for some coffee in Weatherford. Good luck on the build and there's a great LC mechanic in NRH, if you run into anything where you need some help. PM me if you need any information.
That’d be sweet!
 
Congratulations Daniel! Good buy. And my favorite 40 color to boot. This will be a fun and rewarding build for you.
 
Thanks all! She fits good! I sprayed Break Free on the lug nuts, bolts holding the top on and rear swing out (it’s almost stuck closed). She runs and drives, a little rough though. Plan is to remove the top and stow in the back yard and then start tuning her up and do a once over.
0E79A8C8-EAD2-4C4A-8B2D-54B4076EEC6E.jpeg
B9BBB920-E4D2-46B6-84F1-E483D240B5BF.jpeg
 
The top does rub against my... never mind.
B1EBEAC3-8371-4BEE-A5FD-CD97AA9A895D.jpeg
 
Looks great! Like the stripes on base color. Hope you are keeping dat. @dogfishlake is an expert using the Michigan wrench. Might wanna get some tips for when you need it. You may not.
 
@dogfishlake any ideas for busting rust loose? Break Free...heat? A giant hammer?! :D
 
Already had a little battle with the rear swing out. Lol. Hinge was bending as it was seized. Pulled the whole thing off for now until I can come back around to it. Also bought a tail gate from Classic Cruisers for options.
89C83914-6045-4982-99CA-1B63F98712E3.jpeg
5E71C2D0-7D89-4B6D-BA59-776E285902CA.jpeg
69BB7592-4B05-47E3-9D81-3E4881EB4326.jpeg
1022C47E-275D-4131-AA2B-879FAF109969.jpeg
C92A9481-565E-4198-A92B-453BC9613C7D.jpeg
 
Great project. I hope you left the plow in Colorado!
Yes the plow was sold before I bought the Cruiser. No need for it here in Texas. :D
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom