Builds New here, no idea where to start.

[Nader]

Hi. I've always liked these old Land Cruisers. Almost got one in '98 when I lived in Phoenix. Probably should have, they were cheaper then and less rusty there. Anyway, life got in the way, interests changed, blah blah blah. Then I stumbled into that Youtube show Dirt Every Day which has a bunch of episodes on Netflix. It fired me up, and now I'm here.

First of all, this FJ40 has a VIN indicating 12/75, but the title says '76. It has front disks. So what is it?

It starts easily, drives, stops, but doesn't roll well. I need to check for brake stickiness and bearing condition. Surprising lack of leaks. Hmm, I need to check fluid levels.

Half the gauges don't work. Lights and general electrical need attention. Few of the knobs are missing, don't know what they do.

Jump seats are busted and need a little welding on the frame. Seats are trashed and need reupholstering or replacement. Upper dash pad has a large burn, needs replacement.

 

[Nader]

Has an auxiliary gas tank, but the filler needs to be relocated. It was behind the passenger rear wheel, and a shredded flat tire took it out. Happened while it was being towed to my house.

 

[brian]

76 model year, like most, started in oct of the previous calendar year.

 

[Nader]

Thanks, Brian. That's a good start, knowing what I actually own. So it's a '76. I was kind of hoping it was a '75 in case it ever relocates to California. Emissions and such.

I think my plan is to get the fundamentals sorted; rolling stock, brakes, electrical, windshield (a gunshot victim), taillight lens. Driver door latch needs to be replaced. Original fuel tank and sheet metal under it needs replacement (I have those).Then eventually take care of seats, front and rear. Probably save bodywork and rust repair for last.

 

[Nader]

Uhh, why does "sadam_husain" like my thread? I'm a little anxious. Still trying to learn this forum's layout.

I'm glad this came with the original winch. But I don't have the controller. I need to find the 4-pin model.

 

[76FJ40]

Early '76 from the spare tire carrier.

 

[brian]

ds hardtop panel is a replacement

 

[Nader]

Thanks, fellas. Brian, what do you mean by "ds hardtop panel" being a replacement? What is "ds?" Sorry, I'm obviously a total newb at this.

 

[Jdc1]

Thanks, fellas. Brian, what do you mean by "ds hardtop panel" being a replacement? What is "ds?" Sorry, I'm obviously a total newb at this.

Welcome. DS means driver side. You've got a vent window in your hardtop from a later model. Check out the FAQ at the top of the forum page, you'll learn more than you ever thought you could learn.

 

[Nader]

Oh, duh, driver side. Yeah, I need to study up. Are there any particular areas I should show that may help identify other possible common variances/deviances from stock?

 

[Nader]

It has clips to hold the top of your rifle's barrel in place. I'll need to put rubber sleeves over those so they won't mar my barrels.

And here are photos of the auxiliary tank's filler and the damage done when it was ripped out. Such a shame, but glad it declared itself while being towed instead of driven. And glad that corner of the fender was already rusted and in need of repair.

 

[cruiserkev]

Cool 40. Looks like it was a dedicated hunting rig from what I can see. Mine used to be one too. Good luck!

 

[thebigredrocker]

Sweet!
We want to see under the hood!
Carb, distributor, ect.

Perhaps a shot of where your brake master cylinder bolts to your brake booster. Hopefully the master cylinder hasn't leaked fluid into the booster.

I say post as many photo's as you can. There are guys on mud who will point out all sorts of interesting trivia. @Living in the Past will tell you all about your rig

 

[Shark56]

Welcome. In reference to the "like". At the bottom of a post you will see "like" "quote" "reply" buttons. Someone likes your post so they hit "like". "sadam_husain" is a screen name.

On the 40 - 55 tech main page, near the top is FAQ's link. Wealth of knowledge. Also on main page, near top right is the white Search block.
It will help you out a bunch with questions.

And we all like the pictures! A "silver star" membership will allow you unlimited picture post.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/account/upgrades

 

[workingdog]

I like the bullet hole in the windshield.

You can buy new quarter panels to deal with that rust.

 

[thebigredrocker]

I see the PO(previous owner) added some sorta air scoop near the passenger side fender. Also looks like they had mud flaps mounted at one time.

The mirrors aren't OEM if that's a route you choose to go in the future. I like the Aussie style mirrors personally.

 

[Nader]

Hey hey, look at me, I'm a SILVER Star member. Ha ha!

Man you guys are good at the forensics. Here are the engine pics.

 

[samatulich]

I think you have all the factory knobs, there may be an aftermarket knob/switch next to the cigarette lighter. There is also a pull lever down to the left hand side of the steering column that I am not familiar with. Cool rig though, looks like a good '40 to start with.

 

[Trapper35]

nice ride, take a pic a of a rifle in those clips, I like that idea.

 

[Rigger]

That thing is gorgeous!!

Welcome to the insanity. I hope you have a lotta money. Having an FJ40 is so much fun. I bought and sold a few before I realized these things have an iron grip on me.

Good luck!