Gary's "Just Another Rebuild" 1975FJ40

[digger]

OK, I am almost finished. I washed it off and took a few shots of the almost finished product.
Tell me what you think.

Are you God? You have built the most beautiful Cruiser I've ever seen. Toyota couldn't have done it better in a wet dream!

 

[gwalt584]

Thanks, My wife and I drove through the country at sunset Sunday afternoon, It was a cooler than normal August Sunday afternoon, high 80's. She commented that it was much quieter than before the rebuild, even with the top off.

One Technical question though, My exhaust manifold had a 2 1/2" down pipe as original equipment. When I ordered a replacement downpipe it came in with only 1 7/8" or maybe 2" downpipe. I used an 83 FJ60 as the vehicle to order the down pipe. Did the 75 FJ40 have a 2 1/2" down pipe coming out of the manifold as original equipment?

I kept the 2 1/2" and my muffler guy welded the crack. it was a 2 layer down pipe and the outer layer only had a crack. The muffler shop ran 2 1/2" pipe all the way back. I used a Turbo muffler and it is much quieter than I expected but very nice sound.
Thanks again
Gary

 

[1Fine40]

I just read this whole build....I have to go clean up now!!! My shirt is totally wet from drooling!! Holy Moses man, are you gonna drive this thing???! What a piece of work...a purists dream to be sure.
2 questions for you:
What flares are you using on the rears?
What AC unit did you settle on and use? Any interior pics of it?

Thanks so much for sharing this outstanding build!!! I can only dream......

Cheers!

 

[gwalt584]

I just read this whole build....I have to go clean up now!!! My shirt is totally wet from drooling!! Holy Moses man, are you gonna drive this thing???! What a piece of work...a purists dream to be sure.
2 questions for you:
What flares are you using on the rears?
What AC unit did you settle on and use? Any interior pics of it?

Thanks so much for sharing this outstanding build!!! I can only dream......

Cheers!

back to you!
Yep I'm gonna drive it and even hunt out of it. I must say that it will not see the action it has seen in the past, like driving through the brush instead of around it.
The flares are Bushwacker from Man A Fre.
The AC was OEM , I even left the Toyota serial number sticker on the back of the blower unit, the condensor coil was date stamped July 1975, I think all AC units were added after the unit arrived in the states. The Compressor is the only thing new and it is from Nostalgic Air Products and is a Sanden model, wihich I believe is a very common compressor. I rebuilt the blower unit, added some insulation, tape up all areas where air could leak out. I was actually surprized at how much more air volume I am getting now out of the vents. I guess most of it was leaking out cracks and holes.

Thanks
Gary

 

[1Fine40]

Thanks man! What a clean machine!! Almost too purdy to use......I'll store it for you if you want!!!


Cheers!!

 

[gwalt584]

top

I picked up a new top, bows and tailgate from a member on the board, got the parts painted up and installed last week. So here is the what it looks like now. I am still waiting on paint work on the tire carrier and the remaining hard top parts.

I had to fab some latches from some angle iron for the tail gate. I wanted to use the existing ambulance door latch bolt holes. It worked out OK. I found out that my local NAPA store could make up "rattle cans" of paint. so I bought a quart of my color, 416 Dune Beige, and had them pressure up about six cans for me.

 

[marks69cruiser]

Great thread and even better cruiser! Beautiful work.

 

[Falco80]

Beautiful work right there, congrats!

 

[gwalt584]

Thanks

Great thread and even better cruiser! Beautiful work.

Beautiful work right there, congrats!

Thanks, I have enjoyed this project more than any other project that I have ever tackled. I have built boats, built high performance outboard motors (10K rpm 2 stroke 300+ HP motors) and other small stuff but this has been the most fun.
Gary

 

[primer7]

That thing is SICK! Nice Work.

 

[imtryingscott]

This thread is exactly why I will probably never be able to post my build. Some of you have amazing skill. Gary, you should run for president. I will vote for you.

 

[FJforty]

Geeez, it's so, so clean. I'll bet your oil filter isn't even dirty. It wouldn't dare.

 

[waiting for time]

Thanks, I have enjoyed this project more than any other project that I have ever tackled. I have built boats, built high performance outboard motors (10K rpm 2 stroke 300+ HP motors) and other small stuff but this has been the most fun.
Gary

I had a lot of fun seeing you create your work of art, thank you for that.

What is your next project going to be?

 

[tlc_4play]

Nice Work - and you've had fun doing it too

 

[gwalt584]

next project

I had a lot of fun seeing you create your work of art, thank you for that.

What is your next project going to be?

Paint the house! LOL!

 

[motor220099]

Awesome thread and gorgeous truck! I like your choice in tires

 

[gwalt584]

tire carrier and inside pics

I had been ask to show some inside pictures, so here you go.
I also got my winch mounted and the spare tire carrier.

 

[voyager:01]

it doesn't get much cleaner than this..

this is not "just another rebuild"

CONGRATS!!

 

[KCruiser]

AWESOME..the more i read-the more i learn-the more confidence i gain to start on mine...thanks to all for sharing your builds

 

[gwalt584]

thanks

Inspiring build. Great job mate.

thanks

Got to get the top on for winter now.
Gonna take the top parts and have the glass put in tommorrow.

I decided not to put a radio in it. I just added a mini amp and I am using it to attach my IPOD Touch or use my smart phone and play pandora through the mini amp system. the mini amp is designed for a motor cycle but works great in the cruiser.