New to 40's. Couple questions about options

[brian]

not a chance the earlier windshield frame was on it when it left japan.

 

[65swb45]

this part confuses me

It's kind of humorous. I'd expect it more if were an eBay seller than a buyer. But maybe that's what he's trying to convince his wife of so she doesn't flog him for buying it!!!

I just scratch my head at some of the hulks people are taking on for projects these days. I'm fairly certain NONE of the trucks I parted out over the last 30 years were that far gone..except the wrecks.

Best

Mark

 

[thebigredrocker]

If you go 76+ hardtop you can switch out the rear ambulance door header with an older rear hatch header. It will have pockets for the hinges. That would allow you to install a rear hatch and keep your barn doors. Good to see another 12/75.

 

[brian]

If you go 76+

The '75 model year was the first one with amby rear doors.

 

[Living in the Past]

If it were an FST, your Vin would be FJ40L, it'd have a drop down tailgate and a hole on the A piller (or the eyebolts) for eyebolts. A map light to the right of the glove box door is another giveaway.

After 74 soft top models were rare in the US market. But believe with the later VIN plaque with more information the soft top model would have a letter for soft top. They was more then one type soft top and always had their own letter. We only got the one style in the US (tailgate and soft side doors) and usually never had a letter after the L. But there are also many early hard top FJ40s that the V was also not there. I have a couple, earliest being 1961 production.

 

[3_puppies]

I just scratch my head at some of the hulks people are taking on for projects these days. I'm fairly certain NONE of the trucks I parted out over the last 30 years were that far gone..except the wrecks.

X2....except mine has only been close to 20 years

 

[CenTXFJ60]

It's kind of humorous. I'd expect it more if were an eBay seller than a buyer. But maybe that's what he's trying to convince his wife of so she doesn't flog him for buying it!!!

I just scratch my head at some of the hulks people are taking on for projects these days. I'm fairly certain NONE of the trucks I parted out over the last 30 years were that far gone..except the wrecks.

Best

Mark

Mark, before you start piling on, need to understand I paid $500 for a rust free tub (less the flash rust on the cut quarters). Although not an exact matching cruiser (windshield frame), everything is there except the top, doors, axels, driveshaft's and springs). I'm new to 40's but not new to cruisers and I have little fear with replacing metal, building motors, sourcing parts, painting etc. Seeing all these panels are re-popped (CCOT) vs. the 60 world, I'm optimistic this can be a fun build some day. And in the 12 years I've been working on cruisers (30+ including Chevy muscle cars) my wife has never said one positive thing until she saw this 40. Her exact words were "I want you to build this for me ". To add, I picked up a complete 74 model (top, doors and everything less the air cleaner) for an additional $700 from the same guy. This one does have rust, and will make the decision to either build it or part it once I clean all the varmint's trash out of it. Both rigs have been sitting on a ranch in west TX for many moons. I'm not into this for the $ but purely for the challenge and satisfaction of potentially bringing something back the way it was born. But I do always appreciate constructive criticism . The other sweet thing about what I buy is it creates inventory options for my two boys as they will most likely not be able to find "hulks" like this when their old enough and have a little change in their pockets. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[DSRTRDR]

why not involve your wife in the build, or better yet, buy her a truck of her own

 

[CenTXFJ60]

not a chance the earlier windshield frame was on it when it left japan.

Got it. I'm fairly certain this was rolled at some point in its life as the top/doors are gone, windshield frame is changed and the front of the hood and front fenders have bondo. It's obvious they sourced the short rear doors from the same wagon they got the windshield frame from and then put a soft top on it due to all the snaps etc. Just trying to figure out this animal and all the variances between years etc. Appreciate everyone's feedback.

 

[CenTXFJ60]

why not involve your wife in the build, or better yet, buy her a true of her own

LOL...you don't know my wife. She has zero interest in what I do in the shop. However, she did give me two boys and as of today, one (@mcguirejohnson ) is more into Cruisers than I am.

 

[DSRTRDR]

I didn't know I had it in me, either, until I got the 40

BTW, I typed truck, not true - damn autocorrect

 

[CenTXFJ60]

I realize the original pics look like the floors are full of cancer. That's actually years of west TX dirt. Here's a shot of the floors after sucking up the mess. Quite a bit of surface rust but fortunately the metal is solid

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Looks good to me Jimmy!! I would have bought it for that price, especially if it has a title.

 

[CenTXFJ60]

Looks good to me Jimmy!! I would have bought it for that price, especially if it has a title.

Johnny, it's a clear title but lost. Working through the state as we speak to obtain it. Actually took it to the County Sherrif dept today for VIN verification and all is good.

 

[CenTXFJ60]

Johnny, it's a clear title but lost. Working through the state as we speak to obtain it. Actually took it to the County Sherrif dept today for VIN verification and all is good.

Lastly, I never like to discuss prices publicly but felt a bit of pressure on this one

 

[NeverGiveUpYota]

Looks decent to me. And a great price for a project. Congrats! I know you will throw yourself 110% into it especially after all our back and forth on that 60. I applaud your wife for seeing a gem in this... it will be soon enough.

 

[65swb45]

I look forward to being proven wrong about this. You are welcome to call (as in telephone) me if you need assistance with parts like a rebuilt stock carb for your project.

Best

Mark

 

[CenTXFJ60]

I look forward to being proven wrong about this. You are welcome to call (as in telephone) me if you need assistance with parts like a rebuilt stock carb for your project.

Best

Mark

Mark, you are the man! I already had you earmarked as a source for parts. I've know about you for many years but just never had the need until now. I do have a HJ45 that I'll get to eventually. Hopefully you can help me out there as well. Thanks, Jim

 

[sggoat]

It's kind of humorous. I'd expect it more if were an eBay seller than a buyer. But maybe that's what he's trying to convince his wife of so she doesn't flog him for buying it!!!

I just scratch my head at some of the hulks people are taking on for projects these days. I'm fairly certain NONE of the trucks I parted out over the last 30 years were that far gone..except the wrecks.

Best

Mark

Never underestimate a man and his dreams----

 

[CenTXFJ60]

So I picked up the "Parts 40" on Friday. Did almost a 900 mile loop from Cen TX through Midland and then hit Ft. Davis to grab a top for the 76. It was 2:00AM by the time I circled back to my shop. I love road trips (when chasing cruisers/parts) as much as working on them. So yesterday was spent determine what I actually picked up. I have picked up a few rides in my years doing this, but have to say this is the biggest mess I've ever come across. First time I've worn a respirator while cleaning out a car (rat crap, skeletons etc.). Bottom line is the floor is rusted along with the rear balance and quarters. But the dam thing is near complete (less air cleaner and jump seats). I'm gonna sit on the idea of parting it as I have this stubborn inner dream that anything can be resurrected. Here are some picks of the way it's looked for however many years it's been off the road. Also curious if anyone's ever seen molded carpet (several rotten areas) that's in here. I always thought 40's did not come with this.