Benchmark for FJ40 Build/Restoration (1 Viewer)

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Joined
Aug 22, 2008
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Location
Florence, SC
Is there a benchmark of any kind that I can reference as I begin to put together my half finished FJ40? Any "stock" photo's somewhere or a "correct" restoration? I have no idea even where to put the light switch...I have boxes of new parts but no Idea where some of it goes.....I'm slowly ID'ing parts in a Man A Fre catalog so that helps but Pic references would be nice.....
I've searched and been looking at '65 build threads but just wanted to know if I was missing something that might be the reference for a rebuild....
Thank you....
 
Pics

best pics I use are at SOR.com:) have fun......... and keep readin here you will find what you need.
 
I know what you mean by over whelming. I just got my 77 fj40 down to the frame and engine mounted in a stand.

With my mounds of parts and photos I have taken I sometimes look over everything and think what the hell have I done?!

But then again I haven't had this much fun in a long time. I mean why else would I work in a 100 degree garage getting covered in grease?

Just think of how nice the end product will be!
 
You might want to check with the guys in SC. There is a guy there by the name of Jere, I think, and if I remember correctly he had done a fantastic '65 restoration. Check in their club house...maybe someone has photo's for you!

Nice find. Next time tell your wife I'm looking for another Toy also ;)
 
You might want to check with the guys in SC. There is a guy there by the name of Jere, I think, and if I remember correctly he had done a fantastic '65 restoration. Check in their club house...maybe someone has photo's for you!

Nice find. Next time tell your wife I'm looking for another Toy also ;)



Hey "My wife said no FJ," do you miss her???
 
Is there a benchmark of any kind that I can reference as I begin to put together my half finished FJ40? Any "stock" photo's somewhere or a "correct" restoration? I have no idea even where to put the light switch...I have boxes of new parts but no Idea where some of it goes.....I'm slowly ID'ing parts in a Man A Fre catalog so that helps but Pic references would be nice.....
I've searched and been looking at '65 build threads but just wanted to know if I was missing something that might be the reference for a rebuild....
Thank you....

yea there is nothing like that that I can think of. I also tried to figure this out and see if I could find some reference or guidlines for my resto I was going to begin . I had to end up reading, researching, and learning the hell out of things before I started and im still learning. Yea the spector catalogue helped me alot, i don't have the manafre one. Also if you can get a hold of a microfitch machine ( i think thats the correct spelling) you can look up part numbers from the toyota catalogues on them and that would br a big help.

good luck with your restoration.Is yours a 65 fj40?
 
Hey "My wife said no FJ," do you miss her???

:lol::lol::lol:

Actually pretty cool woman!!! Just last week we went to look at another old cruiser (possible parts rig for mt '64) and it turned out to be a June '65 FJ40. Actually not too bad, but still priced a little high...we'll see. Anyways, the guy also had a nice FJ45 sitting outside when we showed up, and well my wife LOVED IT!!! So, I made a few calls, and apparently I now have 'long term' dibs on a local 1963 FJ45, (the guy is not too sure if and when he wants to sell) and this will be my wife's rig!!!

Did I tell you that my wife is actually a very cool woman...very very cool :)
 
Is yours a 65 fj40?

It is....I think I'm going to the library today to see if they have any FSMs...Although I'm not doing a "purist's restoration" I'd like to at least put the light switch in the correct spot....I'm sure It'll take lots of searching to get some of the details so I'm prepared..(probably just overly-anxious)....
Thanks for the suggestions...
 
If you have the parts in hand, might as well make it as stock as possible. Won't be that much harder, and the end value will be significantly higher.

Go to this page with your new VIN number in hand, and you can check out when it was made. Specter Off-Road, Inc.-Landcruiser Parts & Accessories - FJ40 Frame Numbers Then from here it's just a matter of connecting the dots to have a drop dead stock cruiser.

You might also want to contact Frenchy as well, check him out at his website --> The Museum scroll down the page to see his bug in his living room (his name is legendary with VW folk) he is slowly getting into older Toyota's and I think he'll be able to help you along in your project...or at least speak to you in VW lingo;)
 
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Great - So that puts it at an October '64 build date with #30720...? I don't think its going to be a really stock deal...I don't know if I have the patience to do another "correct" restoration...It'd have to be all or nothing....I think I'm just going to enjoy learning and playing with this project....
 
You ought to get up with JP (clemsoncruiser) he has a lot of early cruiser knowledge stuffed in his head. Also Jere Peterson and Alan Hardin are other good somewhat local sources for resto questions. Come to the annual meeting Sept 20th and you can meet all three along with seeing a ton of cruisers.
 
If you're really looking for help and info on how to do things right with your Cruiser, then you should really take Marshall up on his offer...these are good guys with great Cruisers who would really be able to help answer your questions :beer:
 
As far as pics of the period-correct dash and the engine compartment, there are pics of my '64 and '65 both here and in the 45 forums, as well as on my website. The '65 is a concours-level restoration.

Best

Mark A.
 
It is....I think I'm going to the library today to see if they have any FSMs...Although I'm not doing a "purist's restoration" I'd like to at least put the light switch in the correct spot....I'm sure It'll take lots of searching to get some of the details so I'm prepared..(probably just overly-anxious)....
Thanks for the suggestions...

wow that is an early cruiser. well, the key thing is to have fun with it!
 

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