Ok I am in the process of restoring a 72 FJ-40 that is in need of some serious attention. If you haven't noticed from some of my other posts and ???, I am learning as I go. Let me toss out my plan for the project and then talk about what can be avoided till more funds/skill appear. I will include some pics of the progress that has been made.
1. I have planned on having the frame blasted and powdercoated for about $250
2. Saginaw PS, with the plates welded to frame prior to powdercoating. $A lot
3. Drop a 97 4.3 vortec in the cruiser to a toy 4spdtranny and 3 spd case.
4. Lift it 2-4"
5. Body panel repairs, specifically door sills, DS toolbox, and rear quater panels.
6. spray bedliner under tub and in tub. $900 Thinking about durabaking myself.
7 different seats
8. Family cage $400
Now I have learned alot on this forum, FSM, and general tinkering. I am learning to weld at the fire station, and I have the option to rent a spray booth for ~$100 for a weekend. I know for a fact that I would have trouble putting the engine in myself. I am trying to save money where possible so I am thinking about using a Zero-Rust/POR-15 product on the frame myself, Durabaking the tub myself, and painting it myself. I am not comfortable with the bodywork, so I am tossing the idea around to have a friend weld in good metal then cover with black diamond plating since my color choice is freeborn red. I have a deal worked out with a local cruiser guy where we swapped labor, me on his rental houses and him on the cruiser. Problem is the work is done on my end so I need to pick and choose how I have him work on mine. Sorry about the ramble, just feeling a little helpless and a ways away from driving my cruiser. Here are some pics for you to toss in someinput.
Day I got her.
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Tub
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Frame
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1. I have planned on having the frame blasted and powdercoated for about $250
2. Saginaw PS, with the plates welded to frame prior to powdercoating. $A lot
3. Drop a 97 4.3 vortec in the cruiser to a toy 4spdtranny and 3 spd case.
4. Lift it 2-4"
5. Body panel repairs, specifically door sills, DS toolbox, and rear quater panels.
6. spray bedliner under tub and in tub. $900 Thinking about durabaking myself.
7 different seats
8. Family cage $400
Now I have learned alot on this forum, FSM, and general tinkering. I am learning to weld at the fire station, and I have the option to rent a spray booth for ~$100 for a weekend. I know for a fact that I would have trouble putting the engine in myself. I am trying to save money where possible so I am thinking about using a Zero-Rust/POR-15 product on the frame myself, Durabaking the tub myself, and painting it myself. I am not comfortable with the bodywork, so I am tossing the idea around to have a friend weld in good metal then cover with black diamond plating since my color choice is freeborn red. I have a deal worked out with a local cruiser guy where we swapped labor, me on his rental houses and him on the cruiser. Problem is the work is done on my end so I need to pick and choose how I have him work on mine. Sorry about the ramble, just feeling a little helpless and a ways away from driving my cruiser. Here are some pics for you to toss in someinput.
Day I got her.
Tub
Frame