Builds My Father-in-Law's 1980 FJ40

[iptman]

You need to establish a good working relationship with a quality Land Cruiser parts vendor like Cruiser Outfitters, @cruiseroutfit. They'll be able to save you tons of time getting you the right parts at a good price. They sell both OEM and high quality Japanese made aftermarket parts. Try to avoid Napa/Advance /AutoZone if you can help it. Start with the brake system then move on to the steering. Once those 2 systems are 100%, and I do mean 100%, then start on other tune up areas. This will allow you to safely drive the truck while you get to know it better and figure out what else needs attention. Replace vacuum lines with correct 3mm hose, OEM plugs, plug wires, distributor cap and button, change the oil and filter, replace transmission and transfer case oil and maybe do a front axle service, fresh set of shocks springs and pins. Check vacuum, if low, smoke it and find and fix the leaks. Do a valve adjustment.

If you get through all that you're heading in the right direction.

 

[BrownWolf]

You need to establish a good working relationship with a quality Land Cruiser parts vendor like Cruiser Outfitters, @cruiseroutfit. They'll be able to save you tons of time getting you the right parts at a good price. They sell both OEM and high quality Japanese made aftermarket parts. Try to avoid Napa/Advance /AutoZone if you can help it. Start with the brake system then move on to the steering. Once those 2 systems are 100%, and I do mean 100%, then start on other tune up areas. This will allow you to safely drive the truck while you get to know it better and figure out what else needs attention. Replace vacuum lines with correct 3mm hose, OEM plugs, plug wires, distributor cap and button, change the oil and filter, replace transmission and transfer case oil and maybe do a front axle service, fresh set of shocks springs and pins. Check vacuum, if low, smoke it and find and fix the leaks. Do a valve adjustment.

If you get through all that you're heading in the right direction.

Thanks for the good advice. There’s a local shop, John’s 4x4 (John's 4X4 - Automotive Repair And Custom Lift Kit Installation In Boulder, CO - https://johns4x4.com/), that has a good rep.

 

[rfitzpatrick]

Hey fellow Coloradoan! I’m up in Greeley and just bought my first 40 about a month ago. I’m in the process of rebuilding the knuckles on my 72 along with new tie rod ends and brakes. I have some wrenching experience on airplane propellers but auto mechanic is a whole new world to me. Once I get this thing back on 4 wheels it would be cool to explore some CO roads with you in our 40’s!

 

[Paul_A]

Looks even better after you cleaned it out. It is nice that you can drive it as you work on it.

 

[iptman]

Thanks for the good advice. There’s a local shop, John’s 4x4 (John's 4X4 - Automotive Repair And Custom Lift Kit Installation In Boulder, CO - https://johns4x4.com/), that has a good rep.

You should ask them how many 1987 or earlier Land Cruisers they've worked on. Doing lift kits on Jeeps and Tacomas is a lot different than keeping a carburated Land Cruiser on the road. They might work out but I wouldn't assume based on that website. They also might not be willing to work on older trucks. If they do you should insist on bringing your own parts. It looks like they're a Napa shop so those are the parts you'll get if they're buying.

Check out cruiserteq.com to get the juices flowing.

 

[rfitzpatrick]

By the way, I’ve been recommended L1 auto in Loveland by multiple people. One guy mentioned they had multiple 40’s in their lot while he had his at their shop.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

You need to establish a good working relationship with a quality Land Cruiser parts vendor like Cruiser Outfitters, @cruiseroutfit. They'll be able to save you tons of time getting you the right parts at a good price. They sell both OEM and high quality Japanese made aftermarket parts. Try to avoid Napa/Advance /AutoZone if you can help it. Start with the brake system then move on to the steering. Once those 2 systems are 100%, and I do mean 100%, then start on other tune up areas. This will allow you to safely drive the truck while you get to know it better and figure out what else needs attention. Replace vacuum lines with correct 3mm hose, OEM plugs, plug wires, distributor cap and button, change the oil and filter, replace transmission and transfer case oil and maybe do a front axle service, fresh set of shocks springs and pins. Check vacuum, if low, smoke it and find and fix the leaks. Do a valve adjustment.

If you get through all that you're heading in the right direction.

You should also try @cruisermatt for parts.

 

[desmocruiser]

So much great advice, great parts recommendations, strategy etc.
@cruiseroutfit has always been my go to for new parts for my Cruisers, the combination of parts availability, tech support, and customer service is top notch!

I would also look up Rising Sun your local TLCA chapter, the club is full of great members for local support plus an awesome group to wrench during and wheel with when you’re on the road!

Looking forward to following along, cool tribute to an amazing generation, my family is full of war veterans, always great to see the impact that generation left on our generation, that generation not only defended our freedom, but lived and enjoyed it!!!

 

[Wasatch Jay]

I don't have a clue what your objectives are in terms of how far you want to take the restoration, or your budget...

One of the premier LandCruiser shops in the country, Proffitt's Resurrection LandCruisers, isn't that far away. I would humbly suggest you consider taking a drive out there and talk with them. If nothing else you will get a bunch of knowledge as far as what a top quality restoration entails, and you can pick their brain a bit as far as options for you to consider.

There are lots of companies that profess knowledge, experience and skill. Unfortunately, many misrepresent their capabilities....

You have a great starting point in that it looks "unmolested" and pretty much all there.

 

[BrownWolf]

You need to establish a good working relationship with a quality Land Cruiser parts vendor like Cruiser Outfitters, @cruiseroutfit. They'll be able to save you tons of time getting you the right parts at a good price. They sell both OEM and high quality Japanese made aftermarket parts. Try to avoid Napa/Advance /AutoZone if you can help it. Start with the brake system then move on to the steering. Once those 2 systems are 100%, and I do mean 100%, then start on other tune up areas. This will allow you to safely drive the truck while you get to know it better and figure out what else needs attention. Replace vacuum lines with correct 3mm hose, OEM plugs, plug wires, distributor cap and button, change the oil and filter, replace transmission and transfer case oil and maybe do a front axle service, fresh set of shocks springs and pins. Check vacuum, if low, smoke it and find and fix the leaks. Do a valve adjustment.

If you get through all that you're heading in the right direction.

Thanks! Great advice!

 

[BrownWolf]

Hey fellow Coloradoan! I’m up in Greeley and just bought my first 40 about a month ago. I’m in the process of rebuilding the knuckles on my 72 along with new tie rod ends and brakes. I have some wrenching experience on airplane propellers but auto mechanic is a whole new world to me. Once I get this thing back on 4 wheels it would be cool to explore some CO roads with you in our 40’s!

Howdy! Good luck with your adventure!

 

[BrownWolf]

Looks even better after you cleaned it out. It is nice that you can drive it as you work on it.

It does at that. Once I get the rust on the frame dealt with, I may go back and polish the body to bring back some of the shine.

 

[BrownWolf]

By the way, I’ve been recommended L1 auto in Loveland by multiple people. One guy mentioned they had multiple 40’s in their lot while he had his at their shop.

Thanks! I'll check them out.

 

[BrownWolf]

So much great advice, great parts recommendations, strategy etc.
@cruiseroutfit has always been my go to for new parts for my Cruisers, the combination of parts availability, tech support, and customer service is top notch!

I would also look up Rising Sun your local TLCA chapter, the club is full of great members for local support plus an awesome group to wrench during and wheel with when you’re on the road!

Looking forward to following along, cool tribute to an amazing generation, my family is full of war veterans, always great to see the impact that generation left on our generation, that generation not only defended our freedom, but lived and enjoyed it!!!

Yeah, I have been amazed at the level of support. Thanks for the recommendations. I will definitely check out Rising Sun.

 

[onemanarmy]

If it were me.....I'd spray everything down with fluid film, install new shocks, and slap on some 30x9.5 BFG ATs and rock on

Its perfect.

 

[FJBen]

Great cruiser to start with @BrownWolf! Like @rfitzpatrick I’m in northern colorado as well.

I’m between Ft Collins and Ault. Work from home but go to Greeley almost daily.

Also @PabloCruise and @Laughingjackal are in the Windsor area so lots of cruiser heads around.

 

[BrownWolf]

If it were me.....I'd spray everything down with fluid film, install new shocks, and slap on some 30x9.5 BFG ATs and rock on

Its perfect.

Thanks! The plan for this weekend is to spray everything down with fluid film.

 

[FJ404345]

As we always speak up here very clearly, I have to tell you if you wait a couple of years more you will have the same age as your father in law.
So yes get of your bud and start enjoying this beautifull truck !!!

 

[BrownWolf]

Great cruiser to start with @BrownWolf! Like @rfitzpatrick I’m in northern colorado as well.

I’m between Ft Collins and Ault. Work from home but go to Greeley almost daily.

Also @PabloCruise and @Laughingjackal are in the Windsor area so lots of cruiser heads around.

Good to meet you and good to know!

 

[BrownWolf]

As we always speak up here very clearly, I have to tell you if you wait a couple of years more you will have the same age as your father and law.
So yes get of your bud and start enjoying this beautifull truck !!!

You don’t know how right you are! And yes I am!