Ok, I know there’s been pages and pages on this topic but every truck is different along with personal situations. Here’s the facts-
I’m a 49 yo father of 3 older kids (youngest 14) wife and dog- with a pretty busy work schedule but plenty of energy.
Love to tinker with anything mechanical.
Rebuilt a 73 Fj40 back in the late 80s (frame off, fiberglass tub, 350, suspension lift, 35s you get the idea) still have it-
Starting a rebuild of a 78 Fj40 with my 14 year old son. Trying to keep it as stock as possible for the classic Fj40 look and feel.
Pros of this Fj40- great mechanical condition. Motor, drivetrain just need cleaning and paint. Sheet metal on hardtop sides, driver and pass doors, excellent as well as rear doors excellent. Interior is clean and in great shape. Now the bad- rear sill gone, both quarters well on their way rockers have some holes and small hole drivers floor pan behind the seat. Would like suggestions from those that have been here before. I’m not a body man but have done some welding and I have plenty of persistance. Part of me, due to time constraints, wants to replace the tub with a 3/4 tub but there’s something telling me to fix what I have.
Plan on breaking it down to bare bones and cleaning/fixing/painting-frame up.
Want to change suspension for a better stance and ride (suggestions)
Have access to a shop and most tools necessary for rebuild.
Really excited to get into this project with my son, just don’t want to make a mistake with the body.
Pros/cons of 3/4 tubs from all those that have been there/done that- pls checkout the pics and tell me to go for it or replace.
Thanks in advance!!
I’m a 49 yo father of 3 older kids (youngest 14) wife and dog- with a pretty busy work schedule but plenty of energy.
Love to tinker with anything mechanical.
Rebuilt a 73 Fj40 back in the late 80s (frame off, fiberglass tub, 350, suspension lift, 35s you get the idea) still have it-
Starting a rebuild of a 78 Fj40 with my 14 year old son. Trying to keep it as stock as possible for the classic Fj40 look and feel.
Pros of this Fj40- great mechanical condition. Motor, drivetrain just need cleaning and paint. Sheet metal on hardtop sides, driver and pass doors, excellent as well as rear doors excellent. Interior is clean and in great shape. Now the bad- rear sill gone, both quarters well on their way rockers have some holes and small hole drivers floor pan behind the seat. Would like suggestions from those that have been here before. I’m not a body man but have done some welding and I have plenty of persistance. Part of me, due to time constraints, wants to replace the tub with a 3/4 tub but there’s something telling me to fix what I have.
Plan on breaking it down to bare bones and cleaning/fixing/painting-frame up.
Want to change suspension for a better stance and ride (suggestions)
Have access to a shop and most tools necessary for rebuild.
Really excited to get into this project with my son, just don’t want to make a mistake with the body.
Pros/cons of 3/4 tubs from all those that have been there/done that- pls checkout the pics and tell me to go for it or replace.
Thanks in advance!!