Kotekaman
Keeping it in low range
FINALLY - '67 FJ45 LPB Restoration Begins
My '67 FJ45 is finally getting restored (not resored as the thread title suggests...)!
I don't realistically have the time (or the skills) to restore this 45 to the quality it deserves (I spend too much time working), so I am having a group of cool cruiserheads who do this for a living perform the restoration (see banner above the shop window on the first attached photo).
I started out with an FJ40, but before any work was started, I swapped it for the FJ45. A lot of reasons for that, but I think the main one was advanced cruiser sickness had set in (maybe it becomes terminal when I HAVE to own a bone stock FJ25?)
As described in the above link, I fell in love with cruisers while relying on the 70 series as a daily driver/work truck while working in Indonesia. Since then, I have been making plans and working with the shop to get my own cruiser built. After some disappointments and delays, I was able to hook up with Onur, who is now the General Manager for the company. Onur is a true Toyota OEM fanatic, and has given me a lot of good guidance and suggestions for the build. I can say with confidence that the build is in good hands with Onur and the rest of the guys, and am looking forward to watching this build, and getting a professionaly restored/slightly modified FJ45.
The FJ45 ready for body work, fabrication/mock-up:
And a picture of her when we first met....
The plans for the build are:
Drivetrain:
My '67 FJ45 is finally getting restored (not resored as the thread title suggests...)!
I don't realistically have the time (or the skills) to restore this 45 to the quality it deserves (I spend too much time working), so I am having a group of cool cruiserheads who do this for a living perform the restoration (see banner above the shop window on the first attached photo).
I started out with an FJ40, but before any work was started, I swapped it for the FJ45. A lot of reasons for that, but I think the main one was advanced cruiser sickness had set in (maybe it becomes terminal when I HAVE to own a bone stock FJ25?)
As described in the above link, I fell in love with cruisers while relying on the 70 series as a daily driver/work truck while working in Indonesia. Since then, I have been making plans and working with the shop to get my own cruiser built. After some disappointments and delays, I was able to hook up with Onur, who is now the General Manager for the company. Onur is a true Toyota OEM fanatic, and has given me a lot of good guidance and suggestions for the build. I can say with confidence that the build is in good hands with Onur and the rest of the guys, and am looking forward to watching this build, and getting a professionaly restored/slightly modified FJ45.
The FJ45 ready for body work, fabrication/mock-up:
And a picture of her when we first met....
The plans for the build are:
Drivetrain:
- Rebuilt 3F-E - I went round and round on this one, from the OEM engine to a LM7 SBC to a Cummins 4BT and everything in-between. In the end, I can't legally get a Toyota IVD-FTV turbo diesel here in the States (believe me, I tried), so I wanted at least a fuel injected gas engine, but couldn't bear giver her anything other than a big, heavy (and reliable) Toyota F engine. I guess I've realized that with this particular FJ45, she's not about getting from point A to B in a hurry, but about the journey in between. At least she'll still have a Toyota "F" soul.
- H55F Transmission with FJ60 split transfer case
- FJ60 front axle with disc brakes
- FJ60 rear axle with drum brakes
- ARB Lockers front and rear
- Will reverse the SOA back to SUA with Proffits shackle reversal and OME 2.5" lift.
- Saginaw PS
- Interior Roll Cage - Don't plan on rolling, but who does? I've seen the aftermath of a few 70 series PU rollovers, and the cab has crushed nearly flat every time.
- Rear and Mid-Frame sliders - Don't think she'll be a serious wheeler, but let's be realistic, I live a few hours from Moab, she'll want to go, but she's got a big a$$ hanging out behind the rear axle...
- Custom Front Bumper (winch, grille guard)
- Paint - Fashion Green #2 (T303)
- Bedliner inside the tub and bed
- Interior - I haven't quite nailed this one down yet, I want the stock instrument cluster, but am not sure if the gauges will be enough to keep me appraised of the health of the newly rebuilt 3F-E.
- Aftermarket bucket seats
- Aqualu Bed
- Everything else as stock as possible!
Last edited:
