Intro to my 1969 Project and Alek The Mechanic

[Polishmike]

Hello everyone -

I figured its about time I join up, I'm sure I will need help sooner rather than later.

My wife's grandparents purchased this FJ40 in 1972/73 from the original owner. They would tow it behind their motorhome for years to their place in Mexico but for the last 30 or so years its mostly sat around outside next to a lake.

It appears at some point they changed the carb and installed an electric fuel pump. The engine actually started up when I went to pick it up.

I am going to be taking it down to the frame. The body has rust in the typical places, above the rear bumper, floors, etc. Luckily my day job is owning a large fabrication/machining company so I can do all the work myself.

Not sure how extensive this is going to get but knowing me, it is going to be overkill to say the least.

In addition to all that, I got my son involved. He wants to be a youtube star like everyone else his age so I figured that would be the perfect way to get his hands dirty. We made a little channel here - Michael Baryla - https://www.youtube.com/@AlekTheMechanic

 

[charliemeyer007]

Looks like a nice family project. I learned fractions from handing my dad wrenches/sockets before kindergarten.

Down load some free manuals - Land Cruiser Factory Service Manuals (FSMs) - https://www.cruisercult.com/factory-service-manuals

Lots of things can be rebuilt if you are careful like switches.

 

[Polishmike]

Got a lot more done over the last few weeks. Body and engine are off now. Is there a market for the used engine? It did run when we pulled it, 65k on it. Had an external fuel pump and aftermarket carb.

New video here -

 

[charliemeyer007]

Yes there is a market for used engines, be fair and it could be gone in a day - want top $ be prepared to sit on it for a while. 65K yea sure. Provide dry/wet compression #'s and a direct read oil pressure # when cranking. What does an oil analyses cost these days? That info might convince me of 65K

 

[Polishmike]

Yes there is a market for used engines, be fair and it could be gone in a day - want top $ be prepared to sit on it for a while. 65K yea sure. Provide dry/wet compression #'s and a direct read oil pressure # when cranking. What does an oil analyses cost these days? That info might convince me of 65K

Will get numbers.

My wife’s grandparents had it since 1972 and it hasn’t moved in 20 years + so I have no reason to doubt the odometer but totally get the speculation.


I didn’t drain the oil before pulling it so I can send it off.

 

[charliemeyer007]

So I got my 72 in 82 with like 62,000 on the clock. I'm on my 3rd engine now. #2 was like $250, #3 was like $450 but came with complete exhaust system, starter, carb. I watched it run sitting on the ground. I was told #5 cylinder was sleeved to fix leaking brake booster issue. I had to buy a rocker arm assembly off ebay $50 to fix a wobble in #1 intake valve rocker - bottom of shaft worn badly.
Oil pressure isn't all that great when warm.

Anyway good data will sell that engine quickly and for more money.

 

[onemanarmy]

Drivetrain plans?

 

[Polishmike]

Drivetrain plans?

Haven’t fully decided yet. Going LS but not sure what variant yet. Probably will end up 5.3