How NOT to restore the FJ40

[myquestoyota]

This is not 100% verified, but rumor has it that his stellar work is displayed at a local dealer in Lynnwood, WA by Alderwood mall.

One of those dealers on Old 99?

 

[Landpimp]

Your correct, Cats Exotics
http://www.catsexotics.com/web/inventory/All_years/Toyota/All_models/All_body_types/All_vehicles/

I think both the red and tan 40's were sold to Cats(by asshat) at the Mecum Auction a month ago in Seattle

http://www.mecum.com/lot-detail.cfm?lot_id=WA0614-185490


this was asshats also, but its not the same as the one Cat's has
http://www.mecum.com/lot-detail.cfm?lot_id=WA0614-185515

I recall a guy about 4-5 months ago bought a 40 from Cats, he posted here once then never came back,must have been one of asshats "resto's" there were some issues if I recall.

This is not 100% verified, but rumor has it that his stellar work is displayed at a local dealer in Lynnwood, WA by Alderwood mall.

 

[torfab]

Thanks for backing that up, I didn't have any real proof. Why would Cats buy them from Mecum? I saw those all sold, and they all had his shop in the pics. The one we inspected was hacked together. At first glimpse it was beautiful, but as soon as you looked past the glossy paint, you could see it was a quick and dirty resto.

 

[Landpimp]

"I’ve built and sold FJ40’s all over the world including the high end auction houses. I just sold 2 FJ40’s at Mecum Seattle, commentators stated on TV, they are the nicest “high end” FJ40’s they have seen.I’m building a Canadian BJ42 with 3B diesel to the same spec. Super rare and desired vehicle (Have not seen one sell at any auction) in progress, stock with 2 ½ in lift 33 BFG’s and power steering. Highest quality build will pre-sell for 65k. It’s 24 volt, I’m ordering parts from all over the world, if you want something nobody else has, could be for you, early enough to pick colors. Another 69 FJ40 stock with upgraded drive train on another eBay auction very soon low 20’s, a 1 owner 77 FJ40 nice body on restoration all stock will be done in 2-3 months, high 20’s. These vehicles will be offered on eBay."

also his award wining camo biuld
" That paint job has won several awards."
Link to a previous Camo FJ40 build

http://s953.photobucket.com/user/fj40man79/library/1974 Camo FJ

Thanks for backing that up, I didn't have any real proof. Why would Cats buy them from Mecum? I saw those all sold, and they all had his shop in the pics. The one we inspected was hacked together. At first glimpse it was beautiful, but as soon as you looked past the glossy paint, you could see it was a quick and dirty resto.

 

[Bear]

The man. The myth. The legend.


Soon to be at your local theater.

 

[Landpimp]

and I thought(after the fact) I was full of myself on maybe more than one occasion

The man. The myth. The legend.


Soon to be at your local theater.

 

[Bear]

Joking aside. Whether their product deserves it, most salesmen dish out a heavy dose of BS, and actually come to believe it themselves.

What's sad, as this thread demonstrates, there are so many unsuspecting souls that fall prey to this type of scum.

His trucks will keep getting flipped until someone finally is stuck with one of them and realizes what they really purchased--in all its glory.

Hard to believe a dealership falling for this. Goes to show, stick with what you know, and learn from afar until you know what you're getting into.

 

[myquestoyota]

I thought the headliner paint was a special restoration technique.

 

[LJ zook]

Wow what a story! Thanks for the pictures and stories. .

 

[Fireman]

Updates?

 

[FJ40Jim]

This thread had been put on hold due to threats of extortion from Brett Young, but since extortion has gone from threat to actuality, there is no reason to accede to his demands.

So on with the show.

The engine and tranny are mated with the low miles clutch that came in the truck. It is one of the few things that was actually as advertised on this truck. The BH mounting ears, oil filter, starter, carb & P-brake are installed after the engine is in the bay.




Look out below.



From here, the tail of the trans is picked up by a floorjack to allow raising & lowering to facilitate installing the rear mounts. Once they are loosely together, the front mounts will be bolted up.




After the engine is in, the junkyard Hyundai battery is replaced with a stock Gr24 battery. Seems like a good idea to at least have a stock size battery to run the winch & aircon.




The ground battery cables are all in reasonable condition, so they are cleaned & reinstalled. The positive cable was an old parts store replacement that was almost completely burned up at the starter end. It's replaced with a proper cable and terminal.



The AC hoses were all routed wrong. This one is now positioned so the belt will not cut any further into the hose.



Underneath, the P-brake has to be rebuilt due to all the 90Wt leaving the t-case via the p-brake.




After much reconnection of heater hoses, AC hoses, fuel hoses, wiring, new oil & filter, priming of oil pump, etc, it is ready for first start:



Vroom!



That concludes restoring the engine to normal operating condition.

Next up: Bo(n)dy work.

 

[Solace in Solitude]

Great thread!! Great work Jim!!

 

[crushers]

i had been wondering what was up. thanks for the update.
exceptional work.
i am redoing a "frame off 5 year loving restoration". restoration is a VERY over used term. frame rotted, wiring from hell, engine needed rebuilding, paint is poor. i feel your customers pain.
what is sad, is these people trust the sellers at their word. instead of hiring someone experienced to go with them BEFORE they drop the coin they end up spending too much for the truck and then the bleeding starts when the experienced is hired to bring the truck up to snuff.

people reading this thread. take off the rose colored glasses, pull out your wallet and have someone go with you to look over the truck. someone that has no interest in owning the vehicle. someone that can see the truck for what it really is.

carry on.

 

[78fj40mg]

Nice looking engine Jim! Great job!

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

if you want something done right...money can't buy everything.

 

[FishTacos]

This thread had been put on hold due to threats of extortion from Brett Young, but since extortion has gone from threat to actuality, there is no reason to accede to his demands.

I'm curious what you mean by this.

If the above statement is not an exaggeration legal action should be pursued. He deserves to be prosecuted. Again. Maybe this time it will stick.

 

[FouadHafeez]

 

[fjrocks]

Subscribed

 

[Arabian Cruiser]

Wow. Great thread.

It was suggested to me to read this thread before I start my own 2f rebuild.

Glad you could help him out.

Will read the ethical thread now.

All the best

Mo

 

[El Teledero]

I cannot believe someone else had an AC installed as poorly as the one in my 1982 FJ40!
Unfortunately my FJ40 has way too much in common with this one, I'll write it up to expose another criminal Land Cruiser hack!