Clean one owner (1 Viewer)

[archie73]

So I picked up this sweet unicorn. 1966 shorted. Just as it rolled off the boat. Local seller thought about restoring it, but decided to pass on it in favor of other projects.

I’ve always wanted one- just like every other 40 owner. I know they grow on trees down in San Gregorio, but up here in Idaho they’re pretty rare. I passed on a Canadian mining (?) truck a while back due to rust- this one has less. The Canuck had lead a hard life, that was obvious.

Shouldn’t take much to buff this one out.

Pretty sure it was only driven to church on Sunday's.

Suspension rides like a dream

ARB catcher’s mitt front bumper- bonus!!!!

OEM locking tailgate

 

[sofj45]

I had that same rare factory reverse light under my 62 at one point.

 

[miller]

So I picked up this sweet unicorn. 1966 shorted. Just as it rolled off the boat. Local seller thought about restoring it, but decided to pass on it in favor of other projects.

I’ve always wanted one- just like every other 40 owner. I know they grow on trees down in San Gregorio, but up here in Idaho they’re pretty rare. I passed on a Canadian mining (?) truck a while back due to rust- this one has less. The Canuck had lead a hard life, that was obvious.

Shouldn’t take much to buff this one out. View attachment 3872569Pretty sure it was only driven to church on Sunday's. View attachment 3872570Suspension rides like a dream View attachment 3872572
ARB catcher’s mitt front bumper- bonus!!!!
View attachment 3872573OEM locking tailgateView attachment 3872575

I feel like we are in the same boat although mine does have a roof and engine lol

 

[whitey45]

Longbed thats been bobbed! Ready for a small block chevy! Has potential!!

 

[Lifelong40Fan]

Congratulations. It'll keep you from boredom!

 

[whitey45]

And empty your bank account!

 

[redfj45can]

 

[archie73]

In the process of getting it in its new resting place, I got to experience the subtle steering system. It has this ingenious feature- somewhere in the middle it has a skip. This was undoubtedly to make sure you were paying attention to the road.

I think they had a lot of thought in to this truck. In order to help with weight distribution, the frame is packed with mud/sand.

Unfortunately, while filling it for better handling, it seems to have been attacked by an angry beaver.

There are hopes that I can turn it into this in the coming weeks

A bit of polish should do the job.

 

[archie73]

Longbed thats been bobbed! Ready for a small block chevy! Has potential!!

Are you suggesting I bought less than OEM correctness? I admit the paint a bit distressed, but surely the rest is factory spec…

 

[archie73]

I feel like we are in the same boat although mine does have a roof and engine lol

I feel like my side of the boat has more holes in it. At first it was a bit wet around my toes. Then it was around my knees and I wondered how I got here. I felt that sudden shock when it caught the jewels. Somewhere around time the water was lifting my man breasts, I started to worry. Now I gasping for air and I haven’t touched it since last fall. Surely I’ll feel the bottom soon…

 

[Lifelong40Fan]

When you find them, the mud dauber nests are OEM and NLA. DO NOT REMOVE!

 

[Unimogguy]

I’ve posted several hard tops for sale semi-recently.

Here’s a link to 2 for sale:

For Sale - FJ-45 Hard top and FJ-40 tailgate for sale

I was looking for something else and stumbled on this. Figured I’d post it here in case someone was in need. I can only imagine what shipping would be….$$$$$$$$$ https://www.sor.com/cat/110#tab2

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[archie73]

It seems as though I’m making fun of the person who modded this truck. The truth is my 40 is more of a 20 footer. I respect the potential vision and how this truck may have been used. I actually respect the ingenuity of the tailgate/seatbelt set up. I have my doubts it would if held up (and the final results left something to be desired), but I do respect the thought.

Going forward I am not positive what to do with this thing. I impulse bought it for a couple reasons-

• I have always wanted one
• It was local
• I’m probably not the “restoration” type, so I’m off the hook with this one
• The wife gave me permission
  • Side note I’m not sure what she’s planning to buy?!?!?!

While I respect these are increasingly rare (expensive) trucks, I’m not sure this is one of those. Deficiencies include:

• The frame and bed are bobbed-poorly
• Drivetrain is gone, baby gone
• Steering- this likely the most underwhelming part- so far
• Suspension- yet to be determined, but I’m assuming those are ball and claw axles.
• Brakes- I’m guessing that’s a GM master cylinder???

The good news is:

• The cab is pretty good. I mean the angry beaver got to the dash and hump as well, but…
• I will shortly have a title
• I’ve been wanting a longer wheelbase rig
• It’s not so nice I feel bad for making it my own
• Short bed is better for my pursuits
• It’s an FJ45!!!!

So what’s the plan? I don’t know yet. With the right build it could make up for the shortcomings of the 40. That’d be an LS, auto, wider axles. Something I can take out and enjoy in sand hollow or Moab and drive on the street. OR I could do something different, I really don’t know yet.

What I do know is the 40 is getting tube fenders at the moment. This needs to be done by summer for the wife to daily it. The “father-son” electric f100 needs to be finished as well. So I guess what I’m saying is bask in all its glory- it’s gonna be in this state for a bit.

 

[archie73]

I’ve posted several hard tops for sale semi-recently.

Here’s a link to 2 for sale:

For Sale - FJ-45 Hard top and FJ-40 tailgate for sale

I was looking for something else and stumbled on this. Figured I’d post it here in case someone was in need. I can only imagine what shipping would be….$$$$$$$$$ https://www.sor.com/cat/110#tab2

forum.ih8mud.com

So I have both of those, but…

The tailgate looks to be in similar condition to the SOR tailgate. Some cancer, but functional. The hardware would be nice, but I’ll figure something out.

I’m a bit ashamed about the top- I should have checked… In my excitement to get the rig home, I failed to check that the top was bolted in place along the back of the cab. The 45 was loaded facing backward on the trailer. You can see where I’m going I bet. The latches on the windshield held. The top is tweaked pretty good. It’ll take some time, but I’ll get it massaged back into useable shape. This I’m totally to blame for happening. Never trust a used vehicle.

 

[middlecalf]

That tailgate latch is brilliant. Especially for Idaho, and I can say that since where I’m from. But the license plate does say Wyoming.

Get a radio, you already have the antenna.

 

[Unimogguy]

So I have both of those, but…

The tailgate looks to be in similar condition to the SOR tailgate. Some cancer, but functional. The hardware would be nice, but I’ll figure something out.

I’m a bit ashamed about the top- I should have checked… In my excitement to get the rig home, I failed to check that the top was bolted in place along the back of the cab. The 45 was loaded facing backward on the trailer. You can see where I’m going I bet. The latches on the windshield held. The top is tweaked pretty good. It’ll take some time, but I’ll get it massaged back into useable shape. This I’m totally to blame for happening. Never trust a used vehicle.

Oh…ok. I just didnt see them…So I figured I’d post the ad.

Stoked to see what this will become! If you need some inspiration check this build out:

67 FJ45LPB build

I've been tinkering and wrenching on this truck since 2010 and feel that it will need a new home someday soon. With that in mind, I thought a good first step would be to try to recall (and detail) what I can about the last 15 years of ownership. Hopefully that will answer some questions that...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Pics45]

Nice find. Anytime you score a 45 pickup it's a good day. Whitey beat me too it.........Nice bobbed long to short bed.

 

[archie73]

That tailgate latch is brilliant. Especially for Idaho, and I can say that since where I’m from. But the license plate does say Wyoming.

Get a radio, you already have the antenna.

In my mind I want to make a more refined version of the tailgate latch. I do wonder about the durability of that type of set up though. Especially if the frame were flexed.

I’d rather patch the dash than install a radio in there. The beaver was very angry that day. While my 40 is pretty far from stock, I have managed to keep the dash stock. Seems silly, but it matters to me. Time will tell on this one.

This was obviously built in the days of cheaper LC’s. You would never fathom doing any of this type of modification in today’s market.

 

[archie73]

Oh…ok. I just didnt see them…So I figured I’d post the ad.

No worries on the parts ad. No doubt there’ll be items I’ll need.

Stoked to see what this will become! If you need some inspiration check this build out:

The timing on that build was very well coincided with my purchase. Definitely something to aspire to.

 

[sofj45]

Here’s the cool part of cruisers is they are your own. Make it yours whatever that is. Seatbelt tailgate latch is cool as s*** just for coming up with the idea. I would have went with the simple hasp latch and screwdriver trick personally. This truck although not perfect for one aspect is a perfect canvas to make it your own. Ls/auto/80 axles what ever you feel fits and is within reach have fun with it. After all it’s just some metal,rubber and wires but of all else it’s yours so build it how you want.
Can’t wait to do the next heart transplant on my green 45. It will be on engine number 4 of its life but first time away from a 1f and 3 spd