HZJ40 RestoMod v3.0 (New, improved, and now with fewer sparkplugs)

[Tancruiser]

Out standing work you should be proud of that ride.

 

[RAYJON]

I love this pix, daddy's helper..

 

[lelandEOD]

Stay tuned for more FJ40 Madness!



I've got the following projects on my radar:

ARB compressor and rear locker install
Remote dash mounted winch controls
Cruise control install
Auto dimming mirror project
Pollak fuel switching valve and aux fuel tank install
Hidden integrated amp/subwoofer
QD Con-Fer Safari rack install
Pure sine wave inverter
Vintage Aire AC install

 

[SSCR]

Looking awesome!

 

[MyTwoToys]

I think others have said the same thing but I am jealous. What a great looking rig. Nicely done. Enjoy!!

 

[RAYJON]

Got to see it finished the other day, the pix don't do it justice, if toyota built a new fj40 with a 3fe in it this is what it would look like, Lee's attention to detail is amazing, very clean everything looks factory and clean, just looks right..

 

[lelandEOD]

Thanks gents. I took it for the inaugural test run into the desert too:






I frikkin' love this thing.

 

[mdsims]

Thanks for the detail you included in this build. I enjoyed watching this progress. 2 months done, how is everything holding up?

 

[RAYJON]

He got it dirty the other day, mud in the fenders... its being used for what it was intended... all his hard work is going to good use....

 

[lelandEOD]

It was pretty horrific:

 

[lelandEOD]

Things are going okay but I've got small projects left to iron out. The fuel pump is too loud, the brake booster still pulses on me, the highbeams aren't working, and I've got a rich running issue to correct. But overall I'm very happy.

 

[lelandEOD]

Still plugging away at small projects here and there. I am working on the swingout tire carrier:





I sleeved the joints to reinforce the tire carrier:



It looks ugly right now but it'll clean up nicely and once it's powdercoated, I think it'll look bitchin'.





I'm also working on mounting up my ARB compressor. I decided I wanted to have access to the air hose without opening the hood and opted to put the QD attachment on the front bib:





I mounted the compressor on the passenger side fender where it is not too noticeable. The air hose will run inside the frame rail to the QD coupling.



You can also see the dual 40A/70A relay panel I'm using to provide switched power to the accessories I'm adding to the truck.





I also got the Pollak switching valve mounted near the frame rail where it will be protected from debris:

 

[lelandEOD]

Also, I went back and looked at the way I had attached the cooler basket. I decided I really wanted to have a modular carrier that can be modified at a later date as I think of other really cool attachments I can fab up. So, I cut it all apart and started over.

I made myself a male-female socket arrangement that will allow me to yank the basket off with a couple QD levers and I can make other types of attachments to fit the socket setup. Here's the basket:




And here is the arm with the basket removed:




And I found a powered amp/sub that fits like a glove under the driver's seat. I also added a rechargeable Streamlight and mounted it to the tub:

 

[SSCR]

Great mods! Love that bumper design

 

[78fj40mg]

Excellent work!

 

[MyTwoToys]

Very nice set up. What size tires are you running? Also,did you put in Power Steering?

 

[Orcinus_orca]

Funny, I read that story while I was on a dive trip around Vancouver Island, and each time I think about diving or Vancouver Island, I think about the Rust Bucket story...
I'm at the point where I'm kind of imagining what could happen next, and I know I'm nowhere near the true story. I have to wait.
The pictures are nice too.
Thanks for everything so far!

 

[Flipper1938]

Thanks for the great build thread.

 

[huminajumina]

Very Nice, keep up the good work, this thing looks like a ton of fun!!!!! I bet you are excited to be driving!

 

[lelandEOD]

Just testing things out before I commit to powdercoat!





I also added a 5lb. fire extinguisher fer safety!

And cargo nets from Erin's old Mini to the driver's seat and center console for some extra storage and organization:

And last but not least... what would a door panel be without a magazine holder!?