Builds My FJ40 Journey...

[Trailortrash]

Time for update pics...not sure how I feel about the bezel being the same color. I feel it needs more definition from an alternative color. New windshield installed. I’m torn about my paint job on the seat brackets vs having them blasted and powder-coated. Rear doors need some adjustment too. Overall it runs and drives. All the electrical works except the horn and back up light. After this thing being down for a year and a half I still absolutely love getting in it and driving. Working out the little bugs still. And my credit card is happy Brown Santa isn’t coming everyday anymore...

 

[Drake2]

I really like the roll cage. Did you make it or buy it? If you bought it can you share details of who made it?
Thx

 

[Trailortrash]

I really like the roll cage. Did you make it or buy it? If you bought it can you share details of who made it?
Thx

Sorry for the delayed response, I clearly need to do some updating here. Perhaps I will tomorrow. The roll cage came with the rig from the previous owner. I don’t recall the brand but I thought it was discussed earlier in my thread.

 

[thebigredrocker]

Nice work

@Drake2 it's a metal tech cage with some extras.

 

[troy scott]

Read your thread tonight great job! im kinda in the same boat as you where with your first painter, only he wont let me take it. im thinking im going to have to go get it if im ever going to get it done. mine has been sitting since november

 

[toomanytoyzz]

Really nice build!! You're almost at the finish line!!

Didn't factory white FJ40's have black bezels? Looks good white as well.

 

[troy scott]

if i was doing a white fj40 i think i would like to paint the bezel the factory grey pewter i see wheels that color and the in cab accents or the black suggested above i personally don't like the white bezel on the white rig. But that's just me.

 

[Honger]

This is looking great.
I vote you keep the White Bezel... but you get some spacers behind it so it's not resting on the front bib. A tiny gap there is OEM and will help it stand out a bit.

 

[Trailortrash]

Ok, it’s been a while and here is the update pics..body work isn’t perfect but there are originality marks I didn’t want to disappear such as the weld divots on the top side pieces. The cost was not ever ding would be removed then. I also wasnt spending 20k on a frame off rotisserie job either. I think it met my requirements and then some. There are little things like a bit of rust and old white paint is on the seat brackets. It bothers me but is it enough to tear out the seats, then have the brackets blasted and powder coated? So far I think no. I originally only intended to stop the rust, well slow the rust, on my jalopy as I wanted this to be a hunting/fishing outdoor vehicle. Not one to beat on wheeling but gravel roads and things of that nature. Perhaps an overlanding type vehicle yet I wanted the jalopy to remain relatively stock. Unfortunately I feel I’ve gone too far for this to be that vehicle anymore.

 

[Trailortrash]

This is looking great.
I vote you keep the White Bezel... but you get some spacers behind it so it's not resting on the front bib. A tiny gap there is OEM and will help it stand out a bit.

Here is the bib.

 

[Trailortrash]

Here is the rest of the pics today. I’ve got a bit of tunes in there to feel like I’m 16 again. Many little things I need to finish up on. The top I have a new headliner for and that will be installed when we take it to the shop for a tube up. Mostly a good carb cleaning and adjustment. This pig is cold hearted and a pain to start.

 

[Honger]

Here is the bib.

View attachment 2019962

Looks fantastic... and gapped perfectly... and it actually looks like a slightly different white. I like it.

 

[Honger]

I originally only intended to stop the rust, well slow the rust, on my jalopy as I wanted this to be a hunting/fishing outdoor vehicle. Not one to beat on wheeling but gravel roads and things of that nature. Perhaps an overlanding type vehicle yet I wanted the jalopy to remain relatively stock. Unfortunately I feel I’ve gone too far for this to be that vehicle anymore.

Your truck looks fantastic bro. But don't let all the work you've put into it scare you off from using it. You've just prepped it for another 40 years of doing what it's meant for. There are plenty of guys here who've got rigs as nice as yours and the USE them. Look at @rkymtnflyfisher, beautiful work done and its the only way he fishes. I've taken mine out in the desert numerous times... and will soon be trekking some fine AZ back roads... and loved every minute of it. Just take care of it. But USE it.

 

[Trailortrash]

Read your thread tonight great job! im kinda in the same boat as you where with your first painter, only he wont let me take it. im thinking im going to have to go get it if im ever going to get it done. mine has been sitting since november

I understand that. after my first experience at Maaco it took about 8-12 months to find a paint guy that does side work. I’m happy with the work he performed on my rig but it also wasn’t as cheap as Maaco but the price wasn’t far off.

 

[Trailortrash]

Looks fantastic... and gapped perfectly... and it actually looks like a slightly different white. I like it.

I’d prefer it to be black, wheel color pewter, or even a light tan odd white I've seen. Any extra to get it to stand out and pop. That way people don’t ask me about my “Jeep.” I just haven’t gotten around to those details yet.

 

[Trailortrash]

Your truck looks fantastic bro. But don't let all the work you've put into it scare you off from using it. You've just prepped it for another 40 years of doing what it's meant for. There are plenty of guys here who've got rigs as nice as yours and the USE them. Look at @rkymtnflyfisher, beautiful work done and its the only way he fishes. I've taken mine out in the desert numerous times... and will soon be trekking some fine AZ back roads... and loved every minute of it. Just take care of it. But USE it.

Yeah I’ve watched the petrolicious FJ40 video on YouTube many many times and the guy says the same thing. He’s ok using his as it’s infinitely rebuildable but some parts are getting harder and harder to come by. Hell, I haven’t even washed or waxed it yet.

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

You plan on being buried in it?


If not, get it out and enjoy it!

 

[cruiserkev]

Rustoleum smoke grey is a good match to your pewter wheels. I'd paint your bezel with it and if you end up not liking it, then you've only spent a few dollars and an hour or two of effort. Definitely won't look like a jeep to those of us who know better.

 

[juanchogaviria]

Wow nice cruiser!
Congrats! Also good work too.
I would invest in an oem new gas tank.
It deserves it.

 

[Trailortrash]

You plan on being buried in it?


If not, get it out and enjoy it!

It has honestly crossed my mind sir.