Help!?!? (Recommendations for a Newbie)

[nwertman]

I picked up an FJ60 in Montrose a several months ago. I love the vehicle, and I feel like I got a fair deal on it, but it needs a TON of work. Every time I’m ready to move forward with a small project (like a stereo) some other maintenance work pops up. I’m a fairly handy guy, but I know absolutely nothing about cars...

Here is the set of questions I’m currently facing:

• The vehicle has a 350/NV4500 engine swap. Do you guys have any recommendations where I can get these parts serviced? Safari LTD has done some work on the stock Toyota components, but they’ve mentioned that they would prefer to not service the engine.
• Any good recommendations for someone to do some body work to abate some rust?
• Where do you guys get parts? I really need to replace the majority of the interior of this vehicle (seats are after market and falling apart and most of the trim is pretty rough)

Really, the biggest problem is #1. The vehicle doesn’t start so it is useless to me in its current state. I really need to get it up and running again since it is my primary vehicle for camping & fun-in-the-sun activities!

 

[RustbombFJ40]

I would think most shops could handle that engine and transmission. Im pretty sure there are more small block chevy engines around the country than any other type of engine. Places to get parts depends on what youre looking for. Resto parts would probably be Spectre Off Road. For mods you can check out Man a Fre. They are a bit pricey but generally good stuff. If youre looking for aftermarket seats I would check the manufacturer websites and decide what you want then google it for the best price.

 

[nwertman]

Thanks for the recommendations! A gear-head buddy of mine recommended a garage in GJ which currently has the vehicle. I’m guessing the problem is somewhere in the computer (I’ve got air & fuel, just no spark).

I’d like to take the vehicle’s interior back to stock. I really need to find OEM or very similar seats (two front seats and the back bench seat). I’m likely going to need to replace most of the interior as the project progresses (door panels, trim elements, carpet).

I will contact the shops you outlined above. They may know a good place to get some used or after-market but similar to OEM parts.

 

[RustbombFJ40]

I take it you checked safari already?

 

[jonharis]

I take it you checked safari already?

It's a Chevy. Safari don't work on Chevy's But for your interior stuff they are a good source. You might check with Shane, AATLAS1X too. He has a bunch of interior stuff.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/metric-tlc/

I take my lesser vehicles to Katz Automotive in Grand Junction. Have for about 10 years. Always been happy with their service. That doesn't help much with you being in Montrose.

 

[RustbombFJ40]

Well of course I meant for the resto parts. None of mine are lesser vehicles...they are all special in their own way.

 

[jonharis]

Special. Right.