New 40 in Malvern (1 Viewer)

[Yellow Jacket]

Hi All,

Wanted to just quickly introduce myself to the group. I just bought my first 40 about a month ago! PO built it up to be a rock crawler and it wasn't what I really looking for, but I let emotion get the best of me when I went to check it out. You'll notice a strong tie to my handle and the rigs color scheme. My wife named it Ramblin' Wrek for obvious reasons.

Anyway, still happy with the purchase and now I get to make it mine. I wanted something I could wrench on and drive at the same time. This is a good base for just that. I'm planning on making it less extreme as I don't plan on rock crawling, just trails. She runs well, but definitely needs work to make it family friendly and daily driveable.

Look forward to meeting local Cruiser-heads. My the way, I'm a total newb at car mechanics (one of the reasons I got a 40 - to learn on) and will be asking lots of stupid questions. Oh, also going to be selling a lot of stuff that came with, so stay tuned.

Yellow Jacket

Pics for fun:

 

[land cruiser kid]

Welcome!

 

[shmukster]

New 40 owner

Welcome to the ranks! Feel free to ask any questions, no matter what. Shmukster (Gary S)

 

[Yellow Jacket]

Thanks guys. Are there any shops relatively local you would recommend for working on the 40? I need to remove the existing spring hangers and weld on new ones from an fj60. I don't know how to weld and don't want to learn on such a critical safety component. I reached out to Satanic Mechanic but his new shop is not up and running yet.

 

[jtaco1]

Congrats, nice looking cruiser.

 

[Satanic mechanic]

That is a sweet looking cruiser. Congrats.

 

[RWBeringer4x4]

Hi All,

Wanted to just quickly introduce myself to the group. I just bought my first 40 about a month ago! PO built it up to be a rock crawler and it wasn't what I really looking for, but I let emotion get the best of me when I went to check it out. You'll notice a strong tie to my handle and the rigs color scheme. My wife named it Ramblin' Wrek for obvious reasons.

Pics for fun:

Welcome aboard! If it makes you feel any better, my parents dubbed my 40 "The Clustertruck" the first day I drove it over to their house to show it off - and it has been called that ever since (for good reason).

Thanks guys. Are there any shops relatively local you would recommend for working on the 40? I need to remove the existing spring hangers and weld on new ones from an fj60. I don't know how to weld and don't want to learn on such a critical safety component. I reached out to Satanic Mechanic but his new shop is not up and running yet.

I have used a mechanic in Kennett Square, PA for a few bigger jobs on my 40 - He is actually a Land Rover restoration/repair shop, but he will take cruisers! His name is John Palita (Palita's Automotive). I had him put in a transfercase, and un-hack-job my power steering setup the PO had installed. His metal work was phenomenal, and he is fully equipped with C&C in the shop to fab up brackets, etc. and do custom work.

My one complaint is that he is a little slow. He's only running a 3 man shop, and his "bread and butter" is repairing modern rovers - so if he knows you truck isn't your daily driver, it can take him a while to get to it.

Good luck! I'm about an hour south of you (formerly in DE, now in northern MD) if you ever need a hand. My truck is dead at the moment (no brakes) otherwise I'd say we should meet up for a beer somewhere!

 

[Yellow Jacket]

Ah, yes. Clustertruck. I recall reading your resto thread. Name kinda sticks in your head.

Thanks for the lead on Palita. I'll return the offer to help to you as well or anybody else - I'm looking to learn. Let me know if you ever need another set of hands. I can't weld or fab, but can turn a wrench (or hold a flashlight LOL).

 

[Blue77FJ40]

Another great choice of master welders/fabricators is John Merkey. Gary will have his address and contact info. He is a fellow cruiserhead.

 

[RWBeringer4x4]

Ah, yes. Clustertruck. I recall reading your resto thread. Name kinda sticks in your head.

Thanks for the lead on Palita. I'll return the offer to help to you as well or anybody else - I'm looking to learn. Let me know if you ever need another set of hands. I can't weld or fab, but can turn a wrench (or hold a flashlight LOL).

Don't worry - before buying the 40 all I had done with cars was change oil and rotate tires. These trucks (aside from the 40 year old bolt being seized) are really easy to work on - good learning experience!

Also - Be careful what you wish for - I'm about to plumb all new brake lines, convert to 4 wheel disc brakes, and rebuild my axles. My truck is at a friend's place in Chesapeake city but if you feel like making the drive you are more than welcome to come have some beers and wrench/learn something. You and I will be on the same page - since I really have no clue what I'm getting into!

 

[V8FJ4078]

Welcome! Looks great!

 

[Yellow Jacket]

Thanks for the compliments guys, but it looks much better in pictures compared to close up. Of course for what the PO built it for, it's about perfect.

Craig, does your Dad still work on 40s? If so, how can I get in touch with him?

 

[V8FJ4078]

PM sent

 

[Yellow Jacket]

Guys - any local welders with experience on full cages want to take on the Metal Tech family cage? I understand it's an 8 hour job for an experienced welder. I've reached out to John and Eric (Satanic Mechanic) for quotes. anyone else I should ask? Try to avoid paying a shop $90/hr and instead find an experienced Mudder or similar. Thanks

 

[Crusha]

Hey Yellow Jacket,
I'm in Chester Springs, have a lift, tools, etc, and one of my employees is a competent welder if you still need to do your hangers. PM me
Greg

 

[Yellow Jacket]

Thanks, Greg. I had John Murkey do it for me back in early summer but will keep you in mind. I'm sure I'll need a welder again.

 

[njzuk]

I live in plymouth meeting and have a welder.

 

[Yellow Jacket]

Good to know for future projects. Thanks!

 

[Yellow Jacket]

It's a sad day in Malvern. There's one less 40 in PA. It's Headed to LA.