hello local four wheelers.
I became I believer of Toyota's as kid riding in my Grandad's FJ-wagon back in the seventies. I finally got my hands on a project and need advice.
It's a 78' FJ-40 with a newer lift kit (springs and shackles) the body tub has had some prior work done to it as the rear floor is smooth with no corrigation and a 1x1" frame underneath. frame looks good with some minor flaking on one side.
1/4 panels are bubbling and floor at far left side has some signs of rust through.
number one problem the Tub it was shot with Line X from the front doors back. Talk about a lot of stripping! front and rear bumpers are custom made and quite nice but again shot. with line X. cost of repair panels is almost to price of a new body. With out all of the welding and work. I am restoring a VW beetle currently it is taking up all of my panel repair patience.
I've looked at the Alumin. tubs and they seem really nice although a little bit of cash. Shipping seems to come from the manufacturer in B.C. "aqualu" .
I'm quessing that they are the only company making them as all of the vendors online show the same bodies and options. I quessing that the shipping to MD would be quite a bit??? should one order from the manufacturer or from a vender? What about the prep work for paint. I understand it is very extensive and difficult.
The biggest problem I have is getting this thing on the Road. I can stave off the body until later. My engine is in peices. the head was redone by a prior owner and was done supposively with chevy valve train valves and such. there are dual valves springs on the head and it does appear to have been reworked.
I also have a HEI distributor set up.
What I don't have is a camshaft and all the gaskets freeze plugs and bearings.
The crank should probably be turned or polished and the block was cooked but has a bit of surface rust on it now. I have several boxes of parts but don't know if I have all of the nickel and dime you to death parts. Not to mention the carb is gone.
Should I rebuild this engine? or part the sucker out? I would love to go SB chevy or ford but the kits kind of put me off. the money envolved to change this and that driveshafts etc. etc. cut the floor. doesn't appeal to me.
The nicest way (and what seems the easiest and most $$$) I found is to do a Ranger 2 speed unit with a small block mounting. that way I can keep my 4sp and not have to change drshfts and tranny placement.
Better Still does anyone have a drop in engine? running good compression???
I would get me on the road. and save me time and money. I would love a V8. but want some good advice from some FJ people.
My buddy has been into CJ's for years and has spent countless thousands on his inline six only to get fed up with it and swap in a AMC v8, He has bought and paid for a seriously built chevy and all the goodies several times over. I don't want to make the same mistake!!!! Thanks for all of your help. I would like to make your swap meet on NOV. 5th Kenn
I became I believer of Toyota's as kid riding in my Grandad's FJ-wagon back in the seventies. I finally got my hands on a project and need advice.
It's a 78' FJ-40 with a newer lift kit (springs and shackles) the body tub has had some prior work done to it as the rear floor is smooth with no corrigation and a 1x1" frame underneath. frame looks good with some minor flaking on one side.
1/4 panels are bubbling and floor at far left side has some signs of rust through.
number one problem the Tub it was shot with Line X from the front doors back. Talk about a lot of stripping! front and rear bumpers are custom made and quite nice but again shot. with line X. cost of repair panels is almost to price of a new body. With out all of the welding and work. I am restoring a VW beetle currently it is taking up all of my panel repair patience.
I've looked at the Alumin. tubs and they seem really nice although a little bit of cash. Shipping seems to come from the manufacturer in B.C. "aqualu" .
I'm quessing that they are the only company making them as all of the vendors online show the same bodies and options. I quessing that the shipping to MD would be quite a bit??? should one order from the manufacturer or from a vender? What about the prep work for paint. I understand it is very extensive and difficult.
The biggest problem I have is getting this thing on the Road. I can stave off the body until later. My engine is in peices. the head was redone by a prior owner and was done supposively with chevy valve train valves and such. there are dual valves springs on the head and it does appear to have been reworked.
I also have a HEI distributor set up.
What I don't have is a camshaft and all the gaskets freeze plugs and bearings.
The crank should probably be turned or polished and the block was cooked but has a bit of surface rust on it now. I have several boxes of parts but don't know if I have all of the nickel and dime you to death parts. Not to mention the carb is gone.
Should I rebuild this engine? or part the sucker out? I would love to go SB chevy or ford but the kits kind of put me off. the money envolved to change this and that driveshafts etc. etc. cut the floor. doesn't appeal to me.
The nicest way (and what seems the easiest and most $$$) I found is to do a Ranger 2 speed unit with a small block mounting. that way I can keep my 4sp and not have to change drshfts and tranny placement.
Better Still does anyone have a drop in engine? running good compression???
I would get me on the road. and save me time and money. I would love a V8. but want some good advice from some FJ people.
My buddy has been into CJ's for years and has spent countless thousands on his inline six only to get fed up with it and swap in a AMC v8, He has bought and paid for a seriously built chevy and all the goodies several times over. I don't want to make the same mistake!!!! Thanks for all of your help. I would like to make your swap meet on NOV. 5th Kenn
