Dave's 1978 FJ40 long restoration project
- Thread starter DSB345
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Next stop the dentist...for biting the bullet! 
Dave and Mark this is a fantastic thread. I am new to this forum and just read it start to finish and learned so much.
It brings up an interesting question for me. My project is a 74/78/81 Frankenstein of a build currently in several boxes in my garage. I’ve spent the better part of the last two years, striping it down, acquiring parts, straightening the frame, striping non Toyota parts, including the PO’s V8 and Saginaw PS, trading for 2F that is currently being rebuilt. Progress is slow and my boys are getting older and just wanting to drive the thing. And I still have SO MANY missing parts. Your level of restoration was always my goal but it will never be correct due to the mix of years when I bought it.
Recently a complete running and driving ‘78 rig near me in PA came up for sale. I can’t help but wonder how many hours and $$$ you are into this thing, starting with a complete truck, and after the experience if you would do it again? Or if a “rolling restoration” as was mentioned previously would have been preferred. I know the answer depends on ones goals and objectives and budget etc etc but curious on your thoughts.
Mostly, thanks for the inspiration!
It brings up an interesting question for me. My project is a 74/78/81 Frankenstein of a build currently in several boxes in my garage. I’ve spent the better part of the last two years, striping it down, acquiring parts, straightening the frame, striping non Toyota parts, including the PO’s V8 and Saginaw PS, trading for 2F that is currently being rebuilt. Progress is slow and my boys are getting older and just wanting to drive the thing. And I still have SO MANY missing parts. Your level of restoration was always my goal but it will never be correct due to the mix of years when I bought it.
Recently a complete running and driving ‘78 rig near me in PA came up for sale. I can’t help but wonder how many hours and $$$ you are into this thing, starting with a complete truck, and after the experience if you would do it again? Or if a “rolling restoration” as was mentioned previously would have been preferred. I know the answer depends on ones goals and objectives and budget etc etc but curious on your thoughts.
Mostly, thanks for the inspiration!
Wow Dave!
Not just the tracks. . . but it looks like new sprockets and rollers too! Don't see any new idlers in the mix though but I'm sure they'd be swapped out if needed. We recently replaced the track chain on our excavator as the pins and bushings were worn. Buzzed off every track pad and put them back on the new chains; not a mentally stimulating but tedious job. When I was a young fella I used to rebuild those track rollers for D8s, 977s, etc. -- pressed the innards out, installed them in a new shell, and pressed the collars back on. Quite the workout. . .
Nice to see progress on the 40 as well -- looking forward to body shop update pictures!
Not just the tracks. . . but it looks like new sprockets and rollers too! Don't see any new idlers in the mix though but I'm sure they'd be swapped out if needed. We recently replaced the track chain on our excavator as the pins and bushings were worn. Buzzed off every track pad and put them back on the new chains; not a mentally stimulating but tedious job. When I was a young fella I used to rebuild those track rollers for D8s, 977s, etc. -- pressed the innards out, installed them in a new shell, and pressed the collars back on. Quite the workout. . .
Nice to see progress on the 40 as well -- looking forward to body shop update pictures!
DSB345
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It wasn't my original intention to restore my rig as for most of us. If I was to do it again, I would probably have just waited to find one of these I found California Gold which I did find and is my second one. It's much funner to tinker with TLC, it's nick name, than to restore one. With that being said, I am learning a lot and will have something I will be proud of when I'm done. Mark has been a tremendous help with this build and should get a lot of credit for the quality of workmanship. The project may cost me a lot but it's worth a million dollars for what it's done for me.
Thanks for the appreciation.
Dave
Thanks for the appreciation.
Dave
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DSB345
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Idlers are there too. It is an unfortunate repair but I had run mine to the ground. It takes a special intimate knowledge of the inners to be able to do that. It's going to be a while on paint about 3 to 4 months. In the meantime, I will need to get the motor and frame dressed out. Hopefully, I can get some time off this winter to work on it. I am so busy right now and have been for a while. It's getting harder as I get older to sit in the seat. Age is creeping up with me quickly. 
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My personal journey has been as you suggested. I built my swb 45 from the ground up in just under a year's time back in '92-'93. It gave me an enormous sense of accomplishment. But when I found my daily driver 45 almost two years later I had learned two things: it would be a rolling resto-mod, a mechanically-sound but visual 'sleeper', and that as such it was and still is more in keeping with my adventuresome spirit, I.e. I'm not afraid to use it.
Life is what happens while you're making other plans.
One of my proudest moments in the course of running Mark's Off Road was helping @calfj60 decide to abandon a marathon build and buy a running rig before he lost any more opportunities to go camping with his family.
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Wow! Just finished reading this. What fine work Dave and Mark! Looking forward to more
Wow, just wow! A great build thread. I have a 79 FJ40 which is still a 78. I bought this truck in 2009 and it started and drove (not so straight) and I love it. I am going to buy a tub for it as it's so far gone and front fenders. I would love to do the kind of restoration that I'm seeing here.
These trucks ARE the greatest, most reliable and best looking!
These trucks ARE the greatest, most reliable and best looking!
DSB345
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Thank you!
Dave
Dave
Wow, just wow! A great build thread. I have a 79 FJ40 which is still a 78. I bought this truck in 2009 and it started and drove (not so straight) and I love it. I am going to buy a tub for it as it's so far gone and front fenders. I would love to do the kind of restoration that I'm seeing here.
These trucks ARE the greatest, most reliable and best looking!
Wow, just wow! A great build thread. I have a 79 FJ40 which is still a 78. I bought this truck in 2009 and it started and drove (not so straight) and I love it. I am going to buy a tub for it as it's so far gone and front fenders. I would love to do the kind of restoration that I'm seeing here.
These trucks ARE the greatest, most reliable and best looking!
Hey J.C., sent you a PM. In the middle of my restoration right down the road from you. Lets talk!
Ken
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Just read through your entire thread! BTW, I "borrowed" a few of your engine pics for my archives. 
I figured it was the closest thing to OEM I have seen in a long time so will use the pics for future reference.
Can't wait to see this completed... Looks like it won't be much longer!
I figured it was the closest thing to OEM I have seen in a long time so will use the pics for future reference.
Can't wait to see this completed... Looks like it won't be much longer!
DSB345
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Thank you Mark!
Just read through your entire thread! BTW, I "borrowed" a few of your engine pics for my archives.
I figured it was the closest thing to OEM I have seen in a long time so will use the pics for future reference.
Can't wait to see this completed... Looks like it won't be much longer!
Yes I am with Mark! Excellent work Dave.
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How about an update Dave?
Yikes, hope you have a speedy recovery sir
