New project for me, '77 FJ45...

[Mtbcoach]

Here is my "new" '77 FJ45 with a 2F, 4 speed tranny and split t-case out of an 85 FJ60, Detroit locker up front (not sure if its the "lunchbox" detroit or not) and an Aussie for the rear (to be installed), rear full-floater axle (PO said he put 60 birfs front and rear also), 40 steelies with BFG AT's, 33 X 9.50, fresh fiberglass top and some rust here and there. Found the side steps and bikini top in the bed tool box.

Well, more here than there. All lights work, heater works, shifts fine, runs fine, steers fine, brakes need fluid/bleeding but stop fine, some rust here and there. Still got to do a real hard inspection, do some PM and check out all the basics but so far so good. Pretty relieved buying it sight unseen other than the 15 or so pictures the PO shared.

I know, shut up and just post the pics. All the pics I took this morning documenting its present state can be found on my photobucket site at:

Day 1 pictures by mtbcoach - Photobucket

But, here are the highlights since I don't want to show all the work I have ahead of myself. There will be plenty of rust clean up, the bed is in need of a complete rebuild but the tub is in fair shape and a very good base to work from...

Please be gentle with me as I learn the ropes of the FJ45. I'm trying to get up to speed as fast as possible but still don't have a complete understanding of all the differences between the various years/specs/models.

Now the fun begins...

 

[Awl_TEQ]

Okay, its in your driveway...

So how deep are you planning to dig into it? And how fast? Little bit here and there for cosmetics or is there a frame off strip down sand blast in the near future?

Welcome to the sickness

 

[Mtbcoach]

Okay, its in your driveway...

So how deep are you planning to dig into it? And how fast? Little bit here and there for cosmetics or is there a frame off strip down sand blast in the near future?

Welcome to the sickness

The depth all depends on the assessment. At this point, I'm not planning a full frame off restoration.

I'm planning on getting the rust under control and getting it prepped for paint. If, during that process, it becomes clear that I've got issues that need to be address, I've got access to a frame from a 40 just in case I need some frame sections/components. At that point, it may become a frame-off project.

My initial assessment doesn't see major issues other than the bed needing some serious attention. The hood will be easier to replace than fix and I'm on the hunt for one now. I've got a line on a window frame also, just in case.

So, at this point, I'd rather get it as solid as reasonable, looking better and drive it and wheel it when I can. The full frame-off may be something down the road but for now, I want to drive it...

 

[legion]

Nice truck and LHD, too. Canadian, eh?

 

[Mtbcoach]

Nice truck and LHD, too. Canadian, eh?

Thanks, yes, the PO got it from the Great White North...

 

[destin]

The depth all depends on the assessment. At this point, I'm not planning a full frame off restoration.

I'm planning on getting the rust under control and getting it prepped for paint. If, during that process, it becomes clear that I've got issues that need to be address, I've got access to a frame from a 40 just in case I need some frame sections/components. At that point, it may become a frame-off project.

My initial assessment doesn't see major issues other than the bed needing some serious attention. The hood will be easier to replace than fix and I'm on the hunt for one now. I've got a line on a window frame also, just in case.

So, at this point, I'd rather get it as solid as reasonable, looking better and drive it and wheel it when I can. The full frame-off may be something down the road but for now, I want to drive it...

nice rig man!

It is easy to have it in a million pieces once you start taking it apart.
Take photos as you disassemble to reference later

Cab and bed are likely easy to remove, and might be easier to address the rusty bits on the cab etc. And it also exposes you frame for cleaning etc.
I was not gonna originally paint my frame, but i am definitely glad i did

Congrats and keep posting photos
\

 

[Mtbcoach]

nice rig man!

It is easy to have it in a million pieces once you start taking it apart.
Take photos as you disassemble to reference later

Cab and bed are likely easy to remove, and might be easier to address the rusty bits on the cab etc. And it also exposes you frame for cleaning etc.
I was not gonna originally paint my frame, but i am definitely glad i did

Congrats and keep posting photos
\

Thanks, I hope to get it worthy of its heritage.

Such is true, I'm planning on having some plastic bins that I can try to categorize since I can have a tendency to forget such things. Taking pictures is something I'll do for sure.

I've got a couple quarts of POR15 at the ready for the frame and a gallon of bedliner for top coat. I guess my inexperience doing such things hoped to just detach and jack up/support the cab to get to that part of the frame.

First thing first, make a decent plan of attach before I start tearing it apart...

 

[destin]

Thanks, I hope to get it worthy of its heritage.

Such is true, I'm planning on having some plastic bins that I can try to categorize since I can have a tendency to forget such things. Taking pictures is something I'll do for sure.

I've got a couple quarts of POR15 at the ready for the frame and a gallon of bedliner for top coat. I guess my inexperience doing such things hoped to just detach and jack up/support the cab to get to that part of the frame.

First thing first, make a decent plan of attach before I start tearing it apart...

nice man

A plan is definitely good hehe
you should check out Dallas' restore thread.
He did an amazing job. ( dif year, but alot of the body rust fixing and frame painting stuff should be helpful )
The thread is also a great read, i read it back in forth before i started taking mine apart

https://forum.ih8mud.com/fj45-owners-club/246134-1963-fj45l-found-restoration-info-thread.html

 

[Mtbcoach]

nice man

A plan is definitely good hehe
you should check out Dallas' restore thread.
He did an amazing job. ( dif year, but alot of the body rust fixing and frame painting stuff should be helpful )
The thread is also a great read, i read it back in forth before i started taking mine apart

https://forum.ih8mud.com/fj45-owners-club/246134-1963-fj45l-found-restoration-info-thread.html

Thanks, I'll give it a read. I've been wading through so many build ups my mind is spinning with ideas and info. I've got to take a step back and make sure I can make a fair effort on this...

 

[destin]

Thanks, I'll give it a read. I've been wading through so many build ups my mind is spinning with ideas and info. I've got to take a step back and make sure I can make a fair effort on this...

good call

Best to drive it and have fun, and just read threads until you get a feel for what ya really want to tackle and do etc.

Great rig man congrats!