Initiation ritual? Secret handshake? NOOBS

[TYPE 40 FJ TARDIS]

We’ve taken the plunge, joined the cult club, crashed the party (choose your favorite cliche). We’ve been talking about it for years and watched prices soar ever higher, so when we saw a rebuildable that wasn’t entirely rotted to the dirt we bought it. A few bucks and a couple of spare weekends and it should be showroom ready, right? It’s a New Jersey ‘79 with endless “opportunities” as you can see from the eBay photos. From what we can tell so far is the hardtop and seating are earlier? On the plus side the frame number matches those on the firewall and door jamb. Now to fix all the holes…starting with the big one between the fenders.

 

[TYPE 40 FJ TARDIS]

More photos obviously

 

[TYPE 40 FJ TARDIS]

…

 

[JohnnyC]

That is some upper north east rust lol

Not much left of that con-ferr rear bumper and looks like somebody mounted a late 80s minivan backseat into it

Overall just a bit rusty

Somebody most likely had plans to v8 it

 

[1911]

Welcome to the madness.

The hard top and ambulance doors are earlier for sure, and either the tub or at least the rear sill is earlier also. The front turn signals are much earlier.

The front seats look to be stock, but the rear seat is aftermarket; not a Toyota item.

You've got some electrical/switch shenanigans going on in the dash.

There's some work to do for sure, but these things are addictive and fun to drive.

 

[Chungas Revenge]

“Endless” possibilities..

 

[brian]

you have your hands full for sure....that windshield frame is gone.

 

[Chamba]

Good to see another one being saved. What are your plans for the engine?

 

[wchevron]

Power adjusted seat. If you get that installed and working, I think that might be a first.

 

[jim land]

Welcome in the 40 series
Look like most of the body is probably shot or in need of some major structural work.
How is the rear part of the frame , from the t-case to the tail lights ?

 

[igotta40]

I want to extend lots of encouragement and positive vibes….

 

[cbmontgo]

Always good to see them saved, regardless of condition.

 

[TYPE 40 FJ TARDIS]

Good to see another one being saved. What are your plans for the engine?

We were toying with the TDI swap but then decided to NOT make this a years long project and find a running 2F.

 

[TYPE 40 FJ TARDIS]

Welcome in the 40 series
Look like most of the body is probably shot or in need of some major structural work.
How is the rear part of the frame , from the t-case to the tail lights ?

With the exception of the conspicuous areas it’s not too bad. The frame actually looks quite good. We jumped on it mainly because all the areas that seem to always be rotted out weren’t. We did NOT notice initially that the windshield frame (?) was really bad on one corner. I put my finger through it. The front floor pans are gone and covered with some sort of expedient patch. The hood can be replacec

you have your hands full for sure....that windshield frame is gone.

That’s the one bad area that we totally missed, but compared to all the others we’ve looked at this thing is basically mint.

 

[TYPE 40 FJ TARDIS]

Power adjusted seat. If you get that installed and working, I think that might be a first.

Oh that and most of the accumulated piles of random non-Toyota stuff are already in the dumpster. The only thing inside we kept were parts taken off the original engine: intake/exhaust manifold, valve cover, fan/shroud, and whatever you call the air filter dohicky.

 

[TYPE 40 FJ TARDIS]

Welcome in the 40 series
Look like most of the body is probably shot or in need of some major structural work.
How is the rear part of the frame , from the t-case to the tail lights ?

Got cut off…other than finding an engine and figuring out the windshield frame issue, we’ve got a bad rust hole in the top just behind the passenger door. Either have to replace the whole item or repair that corner.

 

[TYPE 40 FJ TARDIS]

you have your hands full for sure....that windshield frame is gone.

Are all years interchangeable?

 

[pb4ugo]

Are all years interchangeable?

Sort of. 74 and earlier have the wipers above the glass. They can use different hinges. Later models the wipers are below the glass.

 

[brian]

Sort of. 74 and earlier have the wipers above the glass. They can use different hinges. Later models the wipers are below the glass.

There are other minor differences as well.

 

[pb4ugo]

There are other minor differences as well.

I'm pretty sure they'll all bolt on. I used 2 later ones to make one a couple of years ago. I think there are aftermarket fiberglass ones too or find a good used one. The glass is different between early and later models along with other minor things.