My "new" FJ40!

[Megadiesel]

Hello everyone I am finally the owner my first FJ40. It's a 1980, after a few FJ's in the family I always loved them and always wanted one. Now I got to start working on it. Does changing the color from the original kill the value? This one has PS\AC from the factory. I like the blue however I really like the dune beige color. There is not must rust compared to what I've seen on others. The floor boards are rusted out and there is a few spots in the rear and by the doors. The frame has lots of surface rust on it, but nothing going though. I look forward to learning about these awesome machines. More pics will be posted at a later date. I am planning on buying a welder and doing most of the work myself.


update please go to page 2 for restore pictures.

update please go to page 2 for restore pictures.

update please go to page 2 for restore pictures.

 

[Copenhagen1]

.....Now I get to start working on it....

Fixed it for you. I really enjoy working on mine. It is like a therapy for me. So I look at it like I get to do it instead of I got(have) to do it.

Welcome to MUD. If you are starting with factory ps and a/c alot of us will be jealous. Looks like a great project. Enjoy.

Kerry

 

[youmustbecrazy]

sweet ride, have fun!

 

[Megadiesel]

Thanks guys I really can't wait to start working on it.

 

[GarageRat]

Best advice I can give you as far as if you're just starting on welding is find some scrap steel and spend a day getting acquainted with your new best friend seeing how different settings affect the weld, also read as much as you can. Almost anyone can be a great welder with practice. I believe it's miller that has a decent, basic tutorial that gets you going in the right direction on their site. Then, when it's time to do sheetmetal welding be patient with it. A brass backing plate helps reduce burn through and can take some of the difficulty away for novices. As far as painting it a different color than original, for some it hurts value sure but any modification does. Just have fun with it.

 

[crotalusatrox]

great rig,,,

some people start with the engine first,,, some not.

with welding, there are some guys on this site that can do wonders. If you start a weld thread, they'll come everywhere with tips(but id prolly check the search bar first). also check the fab and hardcore forums on this site. cheers

 

[cjgoode]

How much did you pay for it? I had asked the guy a few questions and he would not respond if it ran or not, just for me to make an offer. Then posted that it was sold, so you beat me to this one. Does it run, one of the pics you could see it has a license plate last registered in 1993, I assumed it drove to 13 years and likely been sitting for 16. No matter what nice rig with factory AC. Enjoy it and do what you want with it. Welding is easy and fun, like they say just practice a little.

 

[Eshu Elegua]

Congrats..love to see more fj40 here in florida,when you get ready for a day trip in the trail or just burn gas,let me know.....

 

[REZARF]

Its your truck now, don't build it for someone else, do what makes you happy... so I say paint it tan.

I would give you the following unsolicited advice as well :

1. Get the mechanicals up to speed first... have something reliable, it will keep you motivated on all your other projects knowing it runs, steers, starts, brakes, and rides well.

2. Make it comfortable. Sounds like you have AC, nice! Power steering should be there as well on an '80 so you are well on your way. For me new seats were a HUGE plus.

3. Plan out your body/modification list carefully and stay within your skills and budget... you will be happier than all the guys who think they are really up for a frame off resto that pull everything and never get it back together.

Basically have fun, and USE it!

 

[FJFOOL]

What Drew said !! They are fun to work on (most of the time !!), but the most fun is behind the wheel !! Keep us posted on your progress, looks like a great starting point ! I'd go with the dune beige as well.

 

[singletrackjunkie]

Who cares about resale value, thats just what we tell our wives to help justify the time and money we spend on these things (still cheaper than a therapist). I know I don't ever plan on selling mine so do what you want but take your time to enjoy it as well. I know that if I had gone and done everything I thought I wanted to when I first got my rig I would now plan on re-doing some of that. Enjoy, nice rig. Oh yeah, Welcome to 'mud

 

[lostmarbles]

But Megadiesel - Why isn't it a diesel???

 

[Hogan]

Nice ride and welcome enjoy it.

 

[Megadiesel]

But Megadiesel - Why isn't it a diesel???

I appreciate the responses and input from everyone I will be working on it this weekend and will get more pics if you guys like.


Lostmarbles the Diesel FJ's are pretty rare in North America. I come from the Mercedes Diesel world hence my SN.

 

[Megadiesel]

Here is how she currently stands. It took some work to get it running but it's finally running good. I had to put in a new gas tank, along with an ignition control module; ignition coil, spark plugs\wires, fuel pump, rebuild carb. dist. cap\rotor. adjust valves and battery. Next is the fun part for me body work! The PO did that grey painting not me. I took the driver side fender off along with the bib. The bib is in the process of getting painted. I plan to pull the top off along with the side of the hard top and get them painting off the truck. Same for the hood. The firewall looks great so it will just need some cleaning.

 

[Megadiesel]

Front pic.

 

[Megadiesel]

My tires are off-roaders I need to find the steelies or the 80's style spokes. Anyone got any for sale or possible trade?

 

[Alaskan_IB]

Is that a battery being used for a tire stop....lol

 

[acollins10]

Nice ride. Keep it up.

 

[DSRTRDR]

beauty