Looking for a little help

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acme66

acme66

Joined
May 6, 2016
Threads
6
Messages
69
Location
Overland Park, KS
Hi all,

I'm with Tornado Alley Cruisers in Kansas City. I just recently got back into the Cruiser life after a 10 year absence by buying a 75 FJ40 that has been sitting in Tucson for 25 years, without moving. I plan on coming down in mid June to load it onto a trailer and haul it north.

I was wondering if any enthusiasts would be willing to help me load it onto the trailer? I don't know if it even rolls. After sitting all those years I fear the brakes are seized or some other issue will arise that my being on my own won't be able to take care of. I'll have a rented U-Haul trailer and basic hand tools, but may need more muscle...

I will of course compensate with refreshments, food, and hope to make some friends along the way.

Also, anyone have a set of stock steelies with tires that hold air I could buy?

Thanks in advance, I appreciate your time.

Evan
 
Well as a native KC guy, if I can I'll be happy to help
 
Me too, if it's on a weekend.
Is it the one in your avi? Should be easy enough to find a used set of tires to fit those 15" rims.
 
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My first thought was doubt it was have seized brake drums that wouldn't just break free and roll. Dorthy your not in Kansas. I have some of cruisers sitting for years and never dealt with frozen brake drums that wouldn't just break free. Too bad it's not in the Phoenix area. A lot of members spread around the valley here to lend a hand. Probably find someone to check it out ahead of time if were. Are you driving the tow vehicle here. If I did I would be prepared. Before installing a winch on my car hauler I loaded a few vehicles with old flat tires that would barely hold air. I have a old come-along and tow strap. Plus a 2" racket strap I used to hold the cruiser in place while I reset the come-along after it's max pull. Also carry some racket straps to hold things together on your trip. Shortly before joining mud a past CSC member posted a picture of one of my FJ25s I was towing on a car hauler. Couple post made fun of my racket straps holding the hard top on. The top was still there at the other end. Been a few threads on mud about tops flying off while towing. Without a top want to secure everything inside the open vehicle. You want to make sure everything you start your trip with is still there at the other end. Until you actually see the cruiser you won't know everything you'll need. I personally hate to buy something I already had but just didn't bring it along. Always end up not using 99% what I brought along but also been prepared for what ever popped up.
 
I also make alot of trips to tucson, so if you need someone to take a look I could do that probably
 
Thanks for all of your replies!

To complicate things, we are moving from MN back to KS on June 7. So I'm thinking the weekend around the 10th (don't have a calendar handy).
 
Sorry, our Internet is having issues...

So I'm thinking the weekend of June 11th.

I'm a former tow truck driver so I'm used to weird loading situations. A buddy of mine, who found this, lIves close by and said there is plenty of room for the recovery effort. He has since returned to KS for the summer so I can't get pics. It's backed into a driveway on acreage.

The 40 in question is my picture.

I'm so used to rust that I automatically assume everything is seized. Glad to hear that may not be the case.

I really appreciate your interest in helping.
 
Sorry, failed to answer a couple of questions.

I am driving the tow vehicle down, a 2012 tundra with the 5.7. With a loaded tool box.

I do have a set of wheels and tires that do hold air which I'm bringing down to aid in loading.

I'm looking for a set of factory rims because I want to restore this thing and I think they look sharp.

Once again, thanks for your time .
 
acme66 said:
I'm looking for a set of factory rims because I want to restore this thing and I think they look sharp.
Click to expand...

Not sure what your background is with the 40 series but a 75 will have drum brakes all around. Those can use the earlier riveted wheels or the later welded wheels. If your planning on switching to disc brakes in the front be sure you get the welded wheels. Those can still be bought new along with the correct hubs caps. The hub caps are cheap and in most cases not worth buying used unless their perfect or going to use hard enough to bang them up on the trail.
 
I go to Tucson frequently for work. Usually not a big deal to get some free time while I'm down there.
 
More than happy to meet and help a fellow cruiserhead on that weekend. And possibly finally shake a hand or two from my northern brethren.

Have compressor and air tools, jacks, etc. Just keep us up to date.
 
I should be free the weekend of the 11th and can come down and help.

I have a winch so worst case I can drag it up on the trailer for you.

The wheels should break free rather easily from the brake shoes unless they got soaked in oil and swelled up. The brake cylinders might be seized tho - when I brought my brother's 40 over from New Mexico 7 out of the 8 cylinders were frozen. It didn't keep it from rolling it just couldn't stop!

What part of Tucson? I have seen a blue 40 sitting at a farm (Splitshot drives by it as well).
 
Thanks for all of the offers to help everyone! I really appreciate it.

I plan on being down the weekend of June 11, and I will keep you all posted as the time draws nearer. We're moving from MN to KS that week so my plans are a little fluid at this point.

The 40 is located in Tucson, zip code 85743 if that helps. There is a lot of room in front and to the sides to work with the extraction. I'll see if I can post a Google map image of the property here later.

Thanks for easing my mind about the brakes being frozen. I come from the land of rust and just automatically assume the worst.

I plan on driving down, renting a trailer, swapping the existing rims for ones that hold air, drag it on the trailer and head north. I will have some hand tools (14mm wrench and socket), ratchet straps and a come along. Plus whatever else I think to throw in my truck's tool box.

Look forward to meeting you all.
 
Here's an overhead shot of the situation:

Google Maps

The white van directly in front of the 40 is operable, the antique Tercel to the side is not. But the seller may have it hauled off for scrap before I show up.

Shouldn't be too hard of an extraction. I plan on swapping wheels and tires Friday evening so all I'd need help with is loading it on a trailer on Saturday morning.

Thanks again everyone.
 
At first I thought it was at the big house on the left. Reminded me of the type of place I bought my 76. Then I realized it's at the house next door. Sure the people with that big house will be happy to have those old vehicles gone. Wonder if that Tercel is a 4X4. If it is probably worth something to somebody. Does look straight forward getting it out. I see spending more time securing everything then loading it on a trailer. It looks in better shape then some of the stuff I flat towed home. Worst one was from Seattle area back to Phoenix.
 
acme66 said:
Thanks for all of the offers to help everyone! I really appreciate it.

I plan on being down the weekend of June 11, and I will keep you all posted as the time draws nearer. We're moving from MN to KS that week so my plans are a little fluid at this point.
Click to expand...

How is your move going?

Are you still coming to Tucson on the 11th?

I'm free - just let me know a meeting time.
 
Thanks for the reminder Steve, the wife just asked if I had anything going this weekend.
 
Moving is going good. I managed to mess up a surgically repaired knee in the process, but we're in.

My buddy who found the 40 took my tundra and a newer set of rims and tires down and is already in town. He picks me up from the airport tomorrow night.

Friday we'll get the new rims on, clean it out - seriously, your pack rats are intense. Then get the trailer. Saturday morning I'd like to load it up and head out.

Anyone who is willing to help, pm me and I'll supply my phone number. Texting will be the best way to communicate I think. I'm on central time so I'll be an early riser.

We are in the process of unpacking so I may not respond right away, but I will.
 
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