A '78 FJ40 in the Lowcountry - HolyCityFJ40

[HolyCityFJ40]

How do you open the toolbox? It looks all wrong.

The driver seat folds and flips back, it ends up hitting the wheel well but theres enough space to access it. Looks like the PO lost the door to it though so it's just an open space and the seat frame is held down on the front by pins.

 

[HolyCityFJ40]

Those seats are SWEET

I'm over here researching how to convert them into buckets haha

I like the idea of bench seats to keep the '71 frame look but am annoyed when I shift into second b/c my elbow hits the passenger bench since my seat is 3" behind it. I saw a bunch of threads on here about bucket seats but not much for bodies <'71 unfortunately I think @GA Architect did it on his??

 

[HolyCityFJ40]

The frame number being covered up might be why it was sold to a SC dealership.

NCDMV will have their guy go out and check the frame number and all the other data plates before issuing a tittle/registration for an out of state vehicle. Not sure if they do this for an in state vehicle purchase.

Might be worth while to see what you have under that non original bedliner on the frame.

Yeah I may sand off the paint and see whats underneath this weekend. Will keep y'all posted.

 

[65swb45]

I'm over here researching how to convert them into buckets haha

I like the idea of bench seats to keep the '71 frame look but am annoyed when I shift into second b/c my elbow hits the passenger bench since my seat is 3" behind it. I saw a bunch of threads on here about bucket seats but not much for bodies <'71 unfortunately I think @GA Architect did it on his??

You could consider bending the shift lever forward towards the dash to deal with this. I run four speeds with bench seats in three of my rigs, and I really like that solution.

 

[HolyCityFJ40]

The vin goes with the frame

If I used my frame (1974 fj40) and stuck a 1984 Fj40 LX body on it … it would still be considered a 74’ as the frame is stamped and that is a 74’

¨It’s odd they’d reattach the old tags onto the frame (or maybe not?)¨
they removed the tags from the 78' and attached them to the 71' body

the frame is stamped .... not a tag... since they cant change that unless they cut out the section or grind and re-stamp (illegal) it stays a 78´

Heres where it is stamped:
Pic from Sor.com
View attachment 3922162

Confirmed the frame matches the VIN and tag. Leads me to believe the running gear and frame are original but the body is a ‘71.

 

[JohnnyC]

That’s good

I’d keep the area where the number is clear… one day somebody else will NEED to confirm that as well

 

[Camotubebender]

FJ40 Aftermarket Seat Frame

This is a complete kit for a seat frame to fit your FJ40. Please see other posts for peoples comments. Kit includes bent tubes, all intersecting tubes are a telescoped fit. Tabs for mounting two seats a tuffy box and 10 tabs for seat belts. You will need a little skill and a welding...

forum.ih8mud.com

This is a good kit for mounting buckets in the older models

 

[HolyCityFJ40]

FJ40 Aftermarket Seat Frame

This is a complete kit for a seat frame to fit your FJ40. Please see other posts for peoples comments. Kit includes bent tubes, all intersecting tubes are a telescoped fit. Tabs for mounting two seats a tuffy box and 10 tabs for seat belts. You will need a little skill and a welding...

forum.ih8mud.com

This is a good kit for mounting buckets in the older models

I did some research on this but wondered if he still made them. The post started almost 15 years ago. Seems like the most straightforward option. Crazy that no one has really made a bolt on conversion for <‘72 bodies.

 

[Camotubebender]

I bought a kit from him about a year ago, I will try contacting him through paypal and see if he is still making them

 

[Camotubebender]

I bought a kit from him about a year ago, I will try contacting him through paypal and see if he is still making them

No reply to my paypal message so that's not good. I'll let you guys know if I hear anything.

 

[HolyCityFJ40]

No reply to my paypal message so that's not good. I'll let you guys know if I hear anything.

Thanks man! Keep us posted.

Sidenote: with this frame, were you able to mount a Tuffy console without any additional brackets from Tuffy?

 

[Camotubebender]

Thanks man! Keep us posted.

Sidenote: with this frame, were you able to mount a Tuffy console without any additional brackets from Tuffy?

I did not end up with that much space between the seats, I used stock fj40 buckets. I will measure it tomorrow but I planed on putting the stock fj40 console in there but it wouldn't fit

 

[Camotubebender]