I bought a 45!!,

[Dustin68]

I saw a link to this one posted in the FJ45 classified section after I picked it up off CL. The frame damage is a bummer but I already picked up a donor front frame section and have the ability to get it repaired right. It is very complete and original. After inspecting it, we agreed to a price and I drug it home. My plan is to get it running (already done) and driving and clean it up the best I can without getting rid of too many bumps and bruises. So far, I’m very pleased with the condition. I gave it a good wash and will start polishing once I get it on the road.

I’m sure I’ll have lots of questions as I go. I have been around FJ40’s since I rode home in my dad’s 67 when I was born but the 45 is a new world in some ways.

 

[Dustin68]

BTW, the title says it’s a 67 but vin says it was built 5/66. It was listed as a 65 but I was expecting the update that it was really a later one.

 

[whitey45]

Congrats on a cool 45 project! Very normal for year/ title to be off, lots of support here, glad it stayed here , are you local norcal? Was it in dunsmir?

 

[xtremeVA]

Congrats on the purchase! Looks pretty solid…with the typical bumps and bruises that these work trucks acquire through the years.

 

[Michael B]

Congratulations and welcome to the club. That’s a nice looking truck.

 

[76FJ40]

She's a creampuff!

 

[avicenna110]

Congrats!

 

[jfz80]

Very cool score and sounds like quick progress already. Looking forward to following along!

 

[KT40]

Congratulations on the new purchase!! Great that you got it running already! Look forward to seeing more!

 

[landcrusher909]

Right on ! Looks like a Great project. Where are you located ?

 

[FJ40 MATT]

Congrats on the new 45. Looking forward to see what the paint looks like after you buff it

 

[Unimogguy]

Nice! I’m stoked someone here got it! As @whitey45 mentioned it was very common for the 45’s to sit on a dealers lot for a period of time before being sold. This is where the brass tag comes into play.

If you find the frame is damaged elsewhere there is a ‘65 or ‘66 45 frame for sale in CA as well.

Be sure to check out the thread on preserving the patina:

Preserving Patina - How To Tips and Tricks

I keep retyping my “formula” for old Patina preservation so I decided to make a thread so I can just link my response to how I preserve my old Land Cruisers the way I do. For the last 3 years I have been learning how to preserve Land Cruisers in their original state. Protecting their original...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[captcruiser]

Congrats , a great patina rig

 

[Lifelong40Fan]

Congrats! I was wondering who would end up with that 45. Looks like a great rig!

 

[Dustin68]

Thank you all for the welcomes and congratulations!

Congrats on a cool 45 project! Very normal for year/ title to be off, lots of support here, glad it stayed here , are you local norcal? Was it in dunsmir?

Thank you! I am in NorCal, up in the foothills outside Lincoln. It was the one in Dunsmuir.

Congrats on the purchase! Looks pretty solid…with the typical bumps and bruises that these work trucks acquire through the years.

I’ve been watching for one that was complete and solid. This one has plenty of experience but is solid and complete. The necessary repairs are well suited to my abilities and I really like the originality.

Right on ! Looks like a Great project. Where are you located ?

I’m northeast of Lincoln Ca.

Congrats on the new 45. Looking forward to see what the paint looks like after you buff it

I’m really excited to see how it polishes up too!

Nice! I’m stoked someone here got it! As @whitey45 mentioned it was very common for the 45’s to sit on a dealers lot for a period of time before being sold. This is where the brass tag comes into play.

If you find the frame is damaged elsewhere there is a ‘65 or ‘66 45 frame for sale in CA as well.

Be sure to check out the thread on preserving the patina:

Preserving Patina - How To Tips and Tricks

I keep retyping my “formula” for old Patina preservation so I decided to make a thread so I can just link my response to how I preserve my old Land Cruisers the way I do. For the last 3 years I have been learning how to preserve Land Cruisers in their original state. Protecting their original...

forum.ih8mud.com

Thank you! I didn’t notice a brass tag when I was looking at the vin plate but I’m going to have to double check.

So far, the frame looks straight from the crossmember back. My plan is to cut the outer “C” of the frame under the shock mounts and rivet the donor portion to the inner “C” to get it lined up. I’ll tighten weld the frame up the rivet the shock mount back on as a gusset. I’ll probably also add a fishplate on the inside with some rosettes. I hope that makes sense, haha.

Thank you for the link. I am working on reading through it now. Part of it is inline with my initial plan but there are some great ideas that I’ll add in.

 

[Dustin68]

I already mentioned that I got it started. It took the normal fuel system flush, starter solenoid cleaning, and points sanding. I soaked the cylinders in oil and turned it over by hand a few times then did a second soak with atf/acetone to free any stuck rings. Finally, I primed the oil system through the distributor hole and then cranked it over again with the starter a few times. I set the timing as close as I could and she fired right up! I was expecting to fight it more on a vehicle that has been sitting since the early 80’s. It may have been started since but it’s been a long time based on the varnish that came from the tank! I was going to post a video but it looks like I would probably have to put it up somewhere else and add a link.

The fuel tank looks to be in really good shape. I’m not sure if it’s original or not. It has the snorkel filler like a later 40 but only has the one fuel outlet without all the smog fittings. Does the tank and fill next look like FJ45? They sort of line up but not great.

I’m working on ordering some parts. I have been having trouble with the following. If anyone has any leads, they would definitely be appreciated!
Carb rebuild kit
Fuel filler hose
Clutch master rebuild kit
Someone to cut oem keys based on the code
I’m guessing the vacuum module for the 4wd might need a rebuild but haven’t played with them?

 

[Dustin68]

One more question, I’m working on ordering parts for the brake/tail lights. I need to source the buckets. Do anyone have any idea where to start? Also, it looks like the red/orange combo are original and not the red/red? I would like a crusty pair but that seems like a long shot.

 

[xtremeVA]

If you have a SD40 carb (aka Big Window), Cruiser Cult has rebuild kits in stock. They also have rebuild kits for the mechanical fuel pump. It's worth the effort to make sure your fuel pump is operating properly. Link below.

Cruiser Cult 40 Series Parts Section

 

[Dustin68]

If you have a SD40 carb (aka Big Window), Cruiser Cult has rebuild kits in stock. They also have rebuild kits for the mechanical fuel pump. It's worth the effort to make sure your fuel pump is operating properly. Link below.

Cruiser Cult 40 Series Parts Section

It is the big window, thank you!

I cranked the engine over with the starter when I was circulating oil and flushing the fuel system. It was working well but I’ll order a fuel pump kit while I’m at it for piece of mind. I appreciate your help!

 

[majdomo]

A proper welcome and glad someone on Mud picked this one up! Love the patina rigs. As someone mentioned before, I've heard there's a 45 frame in southern CA somewhere if you need it.