Build Meet Ivy, 1976 FJ40 w/VW TDI, 2.8 CRD, OM606

[fjdiesel]

Congrats on the new addition! I was in your shoes a few months ago (6 months, today, in fact) trying to finish up the V8 swap and get it all back together before my daughter arrived. I've accomplished precious little on the 40 ever since, but kids are awesome! You're in for a hell of a ride.

Thanks! That is what I was afraid of, hence the mad dash to get a ton done. He is one week today and this morning my wife says "he filled his diaper, will you change him" I did, and then she says "what the heck, why doesn't he scream when you change him" I told her she has to talk Toyotas with him!

 

[SMG]

Wow! That’s a good deal! I need to find a different powder coater.

Thanks

 

[fjdiesel]

Got the windshield frame painted and got the glass installed, in one piece!!

Next step get it mounted and get the soft top framework on to send it to get the top made. The upholstery guy who is going to make the top said he is a little slow this time of year, so I want to get it to him before he gets busy with boating stuff..

 

[fjdiesel]

And off to get the top made she goes. I wanted to get the top made before powder coating the body just in case I need to weld up a hole or two from miscalculating a Tenax fastener..

It sure looks like it is road ready from the photo! It only yard drives. Still no rear driveshaft, sitting on a 5 gallon bucket, no shifters yet, etc, etc... The list is still long..

Fuel lines running through the drivers side vent..

But, it sure was a GREAT time driving it in the yard and on the trailer!!

 

[White Stripe]

And off to get the top made she goes. I wanted to get the top made before powder coating the body just in case I need to weld up a hole or two from miscalculating a Tenax fastener..

It sure looks like it is road ready from the photo! It only yard drives. Still no rear driveshaft, sitting on a 5 gallon bucket, no shifters yet, etc, etc... The list is still long..

Fuel lines running through the drivers side vent..

But, it sure was a GREAT time driving it in the yard and on the trailer!!

Once the tub is bolted down it's a huge sense of accomplishment. Keep up the high quality work to the end. It will be worth it.

 

[fjdiesel]

Once the tub is bolted down it's a huge sense of accomplishment. Keep up the high quality work to the end. It will be worth it.

Your not kidding! It sure felt good to be able to drive it out of the garage!

 

[fjdiesel]

Got a couple teaser pics from the upholstery shop last night. I think it is looking pretty sharp!!

He said he has to do the door uppers yet. I can't wait to see it. He talked me into doing an 800 denier with a layer of insulation, then a black interior liner. He said that way it won't condensate inside. Seemed like he knew what he was talking about. Showed me the difference in material between the 600 and 800. Quite a difference in strength. Can't wait to see it!!

 

[White Stripe]

The top is looking good. What are you doing for a rear bumper setup? I didn't know you got the rear floor compartment, that's going to be handy to have. Personally I think it would look good if you installed original fj40 rear side marker lights.

 

[bcsteel]

Awesome work, if you live in a rust belt aqualu is the only way to go...

 

[fjdiesel]

The top is looking good. What are you doing for a rear bumper setup? I didn't know you got the rear floor compartment, that's going to be handy to have. Personally I think it would look good if you installed original fj40 rear side marker lights.

Thanks! I am not 100% sure on the rear bumper yet.. Right now I am leaning towards 4x4labs

40 Series Land Cruiser (1960-1984) Rear Bumper

40 SERIES LAND CRUISER REAR BUMPER 4X4LABS expedition bumpers offer the best protection, highest clearance and have more available options than anything else on the market by far. We have been building this bumper for over 15 years. Our design has evolved into a simple, modular and customizable...

4x4labs.myshopify.com

I think the rear box will be nice also, I see it is going to present some issues when we do the exhaust.

 

[White Stripe]

Thanks! I am not 100% sure on the rear bumper yet.. Right now I am leaning towards 4x4labs

40 Series Land Cruiser (1960-1984) Rear Bumper

40 SERIES LAND CRUISER REAR BUMPER 4X4LABS expedition bumpers offer the best protection, highest clearance and have more available options than anything else on the market by far. We have been building this bumper for over 15 years. Our design has evolved into a simple, modular and customizable...

4x4labs.myshopify.com

I think the rear box will be nice also, I see it is going to present some issues when we do the exhaust.

4x4 labs rear bumper is a awesome looking bumper. I especially like it with the slim narva lights in their picture gallery on the aluminum 40.

 

[fjdiesel]

Yes, they are awesome looking bumpers. Sounds like high quality as well, everyone I have heard who bought one has been very pleased with it. I will be to the bumper soon hopefully so I will need to pull the trigger sooner than later.

I also ordered a DD dash and am having them change the tach to 5500 to match the factory on the TDI. They said that will be ready in 8 weeks. Plenty to do before then anyway...

 

[pjohnson]

I hope he made templates. I would bet there will be a few others interested in one of these awesome looking tops.

 

[fjdiesel]

@White Stripe Yes, those lights aren't really doing anything for me. I figured start small on the hole, can always go bigger.

 

[fjdiesel]

I hope he made templates. I would bet there will be a few others interested in one of these awesome looking tops.

I will have to ask him when I pick it up. It does look good from the pics!

 

[ukaviator]

Great thread! Man you are an artist, top notch work!

I DD an 03 TDI and have often wondered how it would work in a 40

Got any videos of her running and driving?

 

[fjdiesel]

Thanks! No videos yet. I have only had it driveable enough to drive it on the trailer.. When I get it back I hope it won't be long until it is road worthy.

I daily drove this 02 TDI for a few years. I had it a little hopped up in the car. But it was fun to drive!!

 

[fjdiesel]

Here was a teaser pic I got last week on the door tops. I should be able to pick Ivy up this week.

 

[fjdiesel]

Very busy weekend trying to get a serious dent in getting this thing on the road.. Went and picked it up on Friday from getting the top done, very pleased with it!! Forgot to take a pic of it before I took it off.. I got the flares fitted and did remember to take a pic of that, you can see most of the top.

Here is another pic of fitting the flares. I really didn't want to put flares on it, but the tires stuck out about 1 1/2 inches and I figured that would throw real estate all over the top. It sticks out past the body about a 1/2 inch.

 

[fjdiesel]

After I got the flares fitted I took the top off and finished a couple projects on the tub that I wanted done.

Made some speaker mounts in the rear. Left enough room next to them to put a socket in to plug in the cooler, cell phone, etc..