My Frankenstein FJ40 Restoration (2 Viewers)

[mlkco]

The original FJ purchased last year. It needed a lot of expensive parts. I bought it because the body and frame had no rust. It was a poor financial choice because I poured way too much money into it.

 

[mlkco]

After towing it home The rear drive shaft fell off and the 3rd member was trash

 

[mlkco]

Some photos prior to disassembly

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[mlkco]

Disassembly and the the rear side panels came with the FJ

 

[mlkco]

After removing the Body I found the Mickey Mouse Chevy V8 adapter to the FJ 3 speed

 

[mlkco]

I also had a decision to make about the spring over lift. I moved everything outside to sand blast all the body parts and frame

 

[mlkco]

The sand blasting was successful. The fold down tailgate was suspect. It

The fold down tailgate was suspect and was wrapped in sheet metal. I stripped the sheet metal off and I was pleased to find lower doors welded together.

 

[mlkco]

This is the garage I'm working in and its fairly large. So I bought a "Harbor Freight" tent garage, a standup exhaust fan and LED lights to make a makeshift

spray booth.

 

[mlkco]

Front grill and the new Advanced adapters non Micky Mouse Chevy 350 to the new 4 speed FJ transmission.

 

[mlkco]

I welded in the new motor mounts and after mounting the body I moved the motor mounts 3 times before getting a proper fit with the shifter.

 

[mlkco]

I wanted to have the 3 rear doors though I found ambulance doors online so I will use them.

 

[mlkco]

I'm not happy with the Ambulance door fit but am working with it. The new fiberglass top gutters and rubber came in

 

[mlkco]

Sexy new wheels, Block hugging headers and I installed power steering.

 

[mlkco]

The power steering needed a new steering column. I made a spare tire rack and later moved to the other side.

 

[mlkco]

Because I'm old and spoiled I added Vintage Air. The FJ just looks better with my beautiful Niece sitting in it.

 

[mlkco]

I covered the transmission cover with a foam that I use in my day job in prosthetics and orthotics. Though not traditional I like the comforts of GPS and hands free phone

 

[mlkco]

How it looks today 98% finished. It's wicked dusty but it's 32 degrees out and too cold to wash. The only thing left to do is to finish wiring the "Vintage air" , work out the issue with my electric fan on the new aluminum radiator, the mufflers I installed are too loud. and finish installing the fiberglass top.

 

[mlkco]

 

[UZJ40]

Very cool. Nice job sticking with it. Those are my favorite aftermarket wheels for a 40.

 

[Slapshot]

That a lot of great work in a short time!

But come on, you must be trolling us with the bezel in the last picture! You had it right earlier!