Back in February I got my hands on my first Cruiser, this 1971 FJ40, with the intention of turning it into a daily driver. I'm at least the third owner, and I was lucky that the latest PO kept meticulous records. He bought the truck in 2012 and took it up to TLC in Van Nuys for inspection and repair. Based on service records, they did major work on the steering column, front differential, and the brake system, and they overhauled the suspension with new brackets, leaf springs, and OME shocks. Then it sat, largely unused for the better part of nine years, an occasional mall crawler and beach cruiser. I just got it back from the mechanic after ten weeks of work, and I'll be damned if isn't the most fun I've ever had driving.
All the mechanic had to take care of were the vacuum hoses, fluid flush, new OEM gas tank, and installing a new steering wheel (who knew those things were so hard to find for 68-71?) The matching numbers 1F got a clean bill of health and a tune-up. Cosmetically I'd say the body is fair, especially for 50 years old. No obvious cancer, but who knows what kind of bondo lurks beneath the rattle can paint job. Judging from the dash, which looks immaculate, I'd say it was once Rustic Green.
Priority for the vehicle is getting it prepped to take it out to Ocotillo Wells SVRA and to join the local TLCA guys for their monthly meetups. That means tools, a fire extinguisher, and a replacement for the stolen spare. Body work and paint are sure to be pricey, so that's gonna be further down the line, if ever. If I had my 'druthers, it'd be Deep Green.
Anyway, thanks for coming to my TED Talk. I have already learned a ton from these forums, and I can tell it's a welcoming community. My most pressing question: what kind of audio system would you recommend for a soft top? It didn't even come with a radio, and I have a powerful need to blast Fortunate Son. Cheers, and I'll leave you with this picture of the California Natural Terror, fresh from the mechanic with a new SOP Bikini top installed by yours truly.
All the mechanic had to take care of were the vacuum hoses, fluid flush, new OEM gas tank, and installing a new steering wheel (who knew those things were so hard to find for 68-71?) The matching numbers 1F got a clean bill of health and a tune-up. Cosmetically I'd say the body is fair, especially for 50 years old. No obvious cancer, but who knows what kind of bondo lurks beneath the rattle can paint job. Judging from the dash, which looks immaculate, I'd say it was once Rustic Green.
Priority for the vehicle is getting it prepped to take it out to Ocotillo Wells SVRA and to join the local TLCA guys for their monthly meetups. That means tools, a fire extinguisher, and a replacement for the stolen spare. Body work and paint are sure to be pricey, so that's gonna be further down the line, if ever. If I had my 'druthers, it'd be Deep Green.
Anyway, thanks for coming to my TED Talk. I have already learned a ton from these forums, and I can tell it's a welcoming community. My most pressing question: what kind of audio system would you recommend for a soft top? It didn't even come with a radio, and I have a powerful need to blast Fortunate Son. Cheers, and I'll leave you with this picture of the California Natural Terror, fresh from the mechanic with a new SOP Bikini top installed by yours truly.
and welcome. Sweet looking Cruiser. 
. That's good advice that I plan on taking. I bought the Haynes manual, and I'm shopping around for the FSM. I spent the time without my cruiser watching Project Wrong Way, and I sure learned a lot about what not to do! Wifey's not too happy about the cost of all of the tools I'll need, but I'm selling it as cheaper in the long run.
