A rookie asks, "What's this gonna cost me?"

[TexasRoach]

...and the forum erupts in laughter.

Doing my good rookie due diligence I've been trying to get smarter on some of the more significant issues that I'm going to face. I'm lucky to be starting with a really good '74 40 to begin with, but I might end up using it as my daily driver since I don't often go beyond about 10-15 miles each direction, and that is only 6 months of the year.

I found 40-series FAQ to be tremendously helpful for this, particularly the Best Modification You Have Done thread. Based on that I'm leaning toward the following as the primary objectives:

1. 4 Wheel disc brakes
2. Saginaw power steering
3. Pertronix EFI
4. Getting the hard top back on

My question for the masses is, what should I expect--low and high end pricing--to pay to have each done. For #4, let's assume I can find the side panels for the top, and that the top is in fair-good shape but needs some refinishing work.

Pretty open ended question, I realize, but better to wrap my brain around it now so I can start the many stages of denial, shock, grief, etc.

Thanks!

 

[Jdc1]

...and the forum erupts in laughter.

Doing my good rookie due diligence I've been trying to get smarter on some of the more significant issues that I'm going to face. I'm lucky to be starting with a really good '74 40 to begin with, but I might end up using it as my daily driver since I don't often go beyond about 10-15 miles each direction, and that is only 6 months of the year.

I found 40-series FAQ to be tremendously helpful for this, particularly the Best Modification You Have Done thread. Based on that I'm leaning toward the following as the primary objectives:

1. 4 Wheel disc brakes
2. Saginaw power steering
3. Pertronix EFI
4. Getting the hard top back on

My question for the masses is, what should I expect--low and high end pricing--to pay to have each done. For #4, let's assume I can find the side panels for the top, and that the top is in fair-good shape but needs some refinishing work.

Pretty open ended question, I realize, but better to wrap my brain around it now so I can start the many stages of denial, shock, grief, etc.

Thanks!

If you are not going to be doing the work yourself (it’s not difficult), try to find a shop that does strictly landcruisers or has done more than a few. There are a few mods that will hurt the value of a clean original rig. For example, Saginaw steering vs FJ60 or minitruck conversion , or using Monte Carlo discs in the front instead later 40 or 60 knuckles and components.

There are a few maintenance jobs that can be done to save you time and money while you are modifying and base lining your rig.

Good luck. Post some pictures.

 

[snaggletto]

Just drive it for a while. Manual steering is only a little bit of a pain in a tight parking lot. A decent carb works quite well also. Getting EFI tuned in can be a chore or a nightmare. One of the best parts is the simplicity of the vehicle.

 

[imyahucklbrry]

Post up some pics of your rig... worth a thousand words and will give everyone a chance to identify areas that need addressing and areas that you should maybe leave be!
For example, your steering setup as it is now: stock or PO tampered with? I’d just do a mini truck PS if my PO had not butchered the original steering... Unless you plan on 35 or larger tires, a Saginaw system might be unnecessary!
Does it currently run? How well does it run? One of the best things I did right away was get a rebuilt Aisan carb.... easy install!
Keep asking questions - whole bunch of smart guys on here!
And........... Welcome!

 

[ginmtb]

Consider @Racer65’s bolt on electric power steering if you have an unmolested 74. They’re only original once! Do things that can be changed back easily if you want to maintain the value.

 

[TexasRoach]

Gents

All great inputs...keep 'em coming. For those that requested pics as well as more background ( @Jdc1 @Lil'John @imyahucklbrry) here is the link: Intro

Again, many thanks!

TexasRoach

 

[pb4ugo]

Welcome back. Your list if upgrades, imo, are spot on. They will make it a great driver. The easiest and cheapest, is the ingnition. We need a better pic of the distributor. If is a points distributor, I'd swap it for a stk HEI unit. You can find a used for around $25, or buy new from Summit for around 100 bucks. They are plug and play and very good. Id be suprised if it doesnt have one already. As for brakes, run stk Toyota frt disc brakes, either swap out the knuckles and birfields, or get a complete 40 frt end. For rear discs, Poser sells brackets for the rear and then use Monte Carlo calipers. There's a lot of info using the search function on this subject. Power steering as mentioned b4, scout, fj60 or 80. This mod is more involved. All this really depends on your skills and time frame. The brakes are not diffcult, it's just messy and time consuming. Cost is most likely under $500 if you do it yourself. If your resourceful, probably less. This site will walk you thru it. Here's my scout steering.