So thanks to @Dedtruk I now have two 40s! This was a local deal that popped up on CL last Friday and I couldn’t pass up.
![IMG_1145[1].webp](https://forum.ih8mud.com/attachments/img_1145-1-webp.1046884/ "IMG_1145[1].webp")
A lot of words to follow, but you will be rewarded with many pics…of rust! And yes, the bezel is upside down.
I’d like to get everyone’s opinions on the truck and what they think I should do with it, but first a little background. I bought my first 40 about a year ago – a ’76 rock crawler that was drivable and I’ve been slowing updating as I drive it. Even though there are lots of things I don’t like about it (mostly because I thought it was in better shape than it was when I bought it), I’ve definitely bonded with it. That being said I have learned that I’m much more of a purist than I thought. My ’76 is too far gone from OEM specs and I like it for what it is and not having to obsess over keeping it perfectly stock.
All that said, I have continued to look for one that does make a good base for a stock restoration. Enter @Dedtruk with a viable candidate and less than 24 hours later I own 2 40s!
The good – mostly everything on the truck is original. Engine is the strongest 2F I’ve ever personally driven, but I’ve only driven 3 so that’s not saying too much. Regardless – it’s STRONG and it still has all of the SMOG equipment on it. All mechanicals work as they should – drivetrain works great. Knobs feel new when you pull them out. Color Code is 416 (Dune Beige I believe) and is one of my favorites.
The bad – the majority of the body needs major work. Fenders have rusted at the braces and near the turn signals. Hole in the passenger floor. Both rockers are shot and the lowest point on the cowl next to the rocker is shot. Mid-bed is rusted though at points of the vertical section under the seats. Rear tub is a train wreck. Only one small dollar bill sized section of the hood needs attention. Fender aprons look solid. Most of the cowl is fine. Hasn’t been through inspection since 1996! I think it spent some time off-road / farm after that and then sat for 10+ years until the PO rescued it last fall.
The frame is covered in surface rust, but it’s not too bad. It’s not delaminating. The rear is the worst and left untreated for much longer and it will be a goner.
The exhaust is nonexistent after about half way back. (no muffler – it’s LOUD!)
The carb needs to be sorted out. PO attempted a rebuild, but it wants half choke or it sputters and dies. There is also a vacuum leak somewhere because I’m getting the tell-tale whistle. Both issues feel minor compared to the body work to be done.
So the question is if this one is too far gone to make sense to try and restore to very close to OEM specs. I’m a bit bummed because I wanted to try and keep as much original paint as I could, but so much of it is gone that not sure it makes sense not to have everything repainted. My plans would be to restore as much as I could myself except for welding or body work. I’d try and tackle all mechanicals myself with the help of my local PA crew (great bunch of guys) and the forum. I don’t intend to rebuild the motor since it runs so well. My only non-OEM plans would be a OME lift, 33” tires, and a 4+ tire carrier.
Appreciate everyone’s input.
![IMG_1146[1].webp](https://forum.ih8mud.com/attachments/img_1146-1-webp.1046886/ "IMG_1146[1].webp")
![IMG_1147[1].webp](https://forum.ih8mud.com/attachments/img_1147-1-webp.1046887/ "IMG_1147[1].webp")
![IMG_1148[1].webp](https://forum.ih8mud.com/attachments/img_1148-1-webp.1046888/ "IMG_1148[1].webp")
![IMG_1149[1].webp](https://forum.ih8mud.com/attachments/img_1149-1-webp.1046889/ "IMG_1149[1].webp")
A lot of words to follow, but you will be rewarded with many pics…of rust! And yes, the bezel is upside down.
I’d like to get everyone’s opinions on the truck and what they think I should do with it, but first a little background. I bought my first 40 about a year ago – a ’76 rock crawler that was drivable and I’ve been slowing updating as I drive it. Even though there are lots of things I don’t like about it (mostly because I thought it was in better shape than it was when I bought it), I’ve definitely bonded with it. That being said I have learned that I’m much more of a purist than I thought. My ’76 is too far gone from OEM specs and I like it for what it is and not having to obsess over keeping it perfectly stock.
All that said, I have continued to look for one that does make a good base for a stock restoration. Enter @Dedtruk with a viable candidate and less than 24 hours later I own 2 40s!
The good – mostly everything on the truck is original. Engine is the strongest 2F I’ve ever personally driven, but I’ve only driven 3 so that’s not saying too much. Regardless – it’s STRONG and it still has all of the SMOG equipment on it. All mechanicals work as they should – drivetrain works great. Knobs feel new when you pull them out. Color Code is 416 (Dune Beige I believe) and is one of my favorites.
The bad – the majority of the body needs major work. Fenders have rusted at the braces and near the turn signals. Hole in the passenger floor. Both rockers are shot and the lowest point on the cowl next to the rocker is shot. Mid-bed is rusted though at points of the vertical section under the seats. Rear tub is a train wreck. Only one small dollar bill sized section of the hood needs attention. Fender aprons look solid. Most of the cowl is fine. Hasn’t been through inspection since 1996! I think it spent some time off-road / farm after that and then sat for 10+ years until the PO rescued it last fall.
The frame is covered in surface rust, but it’s not too bad. It’s not delaminating. The rear is the worst and left untreated for much longer and it will be a goner.
The exhaust is nonexistent after about half way back. (no muffler – it’s LOUD!)
The carb needs to be sorted out. PO attempted a rebuild, but it wants half choke or it sputters and dies. There is also a vacuum leak somewhere because I’m getting the tell-tale whistle. Both issues feel minor compared to the body work to be done.
So the question is if this one is too far gone to make sense to try and restore to very close to OEM specs. I’m a bit bummed because I wanted to try and keep as much original paint as I could, but so much of it is gone that not sure it makes sense not to have everything repainted. My plans would be to restore as much as I could myself except for welding or body work. I’d try and tackle all mechanicals myself with the help of my local PA crew (great bunch of guys) and the forum. I don’t intend to rebuild the motor since it runs so well. My only non-OEM plans would be a OME lift, 33” tires, and a 4+ tire carrier.
Appreciate everyone’s input.
What to do depends on your skills/time/$$$ and what you want to end up with (trail truck or trailer queen). 
Enjoy!
