Dobster's 1965 FJ40 Soft Top Resto

[Dobster]

Excellent - From what I can see the cross member seems to be shorter and the rear lights set up attached to it.

I went and took some more photos of mine and had a chat with the Panel Beater. He thinks the cross member attached is that it is orginal. All the rivets and bolts are all correct and he suggested to replace it the body needed to come off and this one hasn't been off. No signs of any other work from former damage.

Have a look at the pics and see what you think. Obviously the angle welded below is not original.

 

[Living in the Past]

Looks to well made to have been changed later. It formed just like the original ones we have here. Looks like the early FJ45LPB tail lights might fit the opening. Do you have the tail lights that came from the factory. Are they Koito? Funny Toyota would wait until the 74 model to import the amber turn signals to the US. I've seen the 45 tail light lens in three versions. All red, red/amber and red/clear. I wonder were the amber tail lights allowed in the US back in 65

 

[Dobster]

I have the tail lights at the shop so will check them out. There are some really cheap replacement tail lights for cruisers here which most have been applied at some point. The smallest imperfection in tail light lenses renders vehicles unroad-worthy hence they are changed.

 

[Dusty 66]

I learn something new on IH8MUD Everytime

Apparently Austraila has it's own tail light Spec 1969 is the earlyest DIY list
ToyoDIY.com


81551 REAR COMBINATION LAMP,RH
PN 81551-60210 FJ40, 43 RHD, AMBER-RED,AUSTRALIA SPEC.

81561 REAR COMBINATION LAMP,LH
PN 81551-60210 FJ40, 43 RHD, AMBER-RED,AUSTRALIA SPEC.

Early USA FJ40 RH or LH 64-68 61550-80011 and required a bracket

 

[JohnnyC]

I learn something new on IH8MUD Everytime

X2 I love that site

 

[Dobster]

I learn something new on IH8MUD Everytime

I learn something new in almost every thread.... but I have a long way to go. Great site.

 

[Dobster]

Passengers side rust issues

The passengers door well (left hand side) has had some angle welded in which has acted as a rust collector.

 

[Dobster]

The best method and again a ripping job done by the panel beaters was to cut the whole section out - replace. Looks like new...well almost.

 

[Dobster]

Fuel Tank Welding

One of the wells also needed some replacing but once again overall pretty reasonable.

 

[Corrugated Toy]

Great looking project! Solid start.

If you plan on ordering parts or getting some off of MUD and shipping is too much to OZ I may be of assistance.

My wife is Australian, and we lived in Canberra from 93-99. All her relo's still live in OZ most in Canberra. Her best friend lives in Hillside, VIC.(25 min. north of Melbourne).

Anyway...Point is we visit once a year and her parents visit once a year, with straggler siblings/friends in between. If your willing to wait 5-6 months for your order, or time it. I can take it over or send it with them.

Something to think about. Good luck with the rig and keep us posted.

 

[destin]

nice man!

At this rate your body work and paint will be done before mine

What color are you painting it ?

 

[Dobster]

Great looking project! Solid start.

If you plan on ordering parts or getting some off of MUD and shipping is too much to OZ I may be of assistance.

Brilliant - I really appreciate the offer and will take you up on it at some stage.

Right now things are really good for shipping as the Aussie dollar is on a high against the US, but I am sure there will be things I need. It is amazing how little there actually is available in Aust when it comes to the older vehicles.

Cheers Dobster

 

[Dobster]

nice man!

At this rate your body work and paint will be done before mine

What color are you painting it ?

I have a head start on you though - It has been on the go for a couple of years. My photos and files are all over the place and as I get them together I am putting them up.

It is Judson Green - same as the orginal. Boys at the panel beaters did a fantastic job sourcing the colour.

 

[My wife said no FJ!]

Love the idea of having people on both ends to ship stuff...lots of ideas!!!

Nice work Rob...very interesting about those rear light.

 

[destin]

nice man!

Cannot wait to see it painted

 

[Dobster]

Aussie Tail Lights

So here are the Tail lights and assembly. From everything that has been posted and what I can tell they look original. Koito brand and completely match the holes in the crossmember. Thoughts?

 

[Dobster]

Shopping list

Not sure if this should be here or in the Classifieds but it does give it some context.

At this stage I am looking for the following in as close to new.

Glovebox Door and knob - potentially 2 as my 25 will need one
Pedal Pads x 2 potentially 4
Outer dash Gauge Plate
4 speed gear knob or older one without standard toyota plate on it.
Transfer shift knob

and potentially more especially when I get to the mechanicals and I hate to think of what the list will look like once the 25 is started. Happy to take some direction here on where to get it. I pulled most of this from the SOR catalog.

Cheers Dobster

PS Wheel Cyclinders for my 25 would be great.

 

[My wife said no FJ!]

Thoughts are that you should clean those up real good and put them back on!

Very interesting that Toyota would bother to make different taillights for different markets...seems to me the smart think to have done was to standardize

Keep the pics coming

 

[wesintl]

Those are 45 tail lights

 

[Dusty 66]

Those are 45 tail lights

Same Part Numbers ?



81551 REAR COMBINATION LAMP,RH
PN 81551-60210 FJ40, 43 RHD, AMBER-RED,AUSTRALIA SPEC.

81561 REAR COMBINATION LAMP,LH
PN 81551-60210 FJ40, 43 RHD, AMBER-RED,AUSTRALIA SPEC.