New to the Cruiser world 1965 FJ40

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

eyebmx

eyebmx

10 Year
Joined
Sep 22, 2011
Threads
13
Messages
133
Hey, it was recommended I post my early 40 here. I just picked it up about a month ago. Towed it home from its 15 year resting spot in someones back yard. Appears that it was well taken care of, and someone of a daily driver till that point. I have it running now with a Weber carb, however holding on to the original to likely have rebuilt and put back in later on. Waiting on a gas tank and brake and clutch master cylinders to arrive and I get to take her out for a maiden voyage hopefully this week :bounce:. Then its down to my parents house to install a 4" spring lift and 33s (not possible in my garage as it wouldnt fit out the door). I plan on driving it the way it is till next fall or winter when I will pull the body off to patch, clean and paint sky/smurf blue. Heres all the pictures I currently have, first few are at the POs house where it sat for 15 years

2011-09-04144251.jpg


2011-09-04144631.jpg


2011-09-04144307.jpg


2011-09-04144233.jpg


2011-09-14131431.jpg


2011-09-30170939.jpg


2011-09-30170756.jpg
 
Nice looking rig, but if I may...why the 4" lift and 33s??

This looks like a very stock rig, (a very clean looking original '65...and a prime candidate for a true restoration) and I get the feeling that by the time you are happy with what you want, you'll have changed the axles to mid '70s, with discs all around, 4 speed, 2F or 350, buckets seats, roll cage...etc, and so on...wouldn't it be easier to buy a rig with all of those already on it, and save this one for a restoration??

Not looking for an argument, just wondering why you chose a '65 :beer:
 
like Dean stated, you have a fairly unmolested early rig that especially in this section is going to be viewed as an exceptional candidate for a more pure restoration rather than a modification/alteration.

I'm sure you could sell this vehicle and pick up a more appropriate rig (even already modified to your liking) with perhaps money to spare.

at the end of the day it is YOUR rig to do with as you please, you just won't get much support from this section as it is mainly devoted original equipment vehicles.

very nice FJ by the way:beer:
 
Like Dean said it looks like a 64. Does the VIN start with 4? It's your cruiser to do with as you choose but throw away anything you take off. Others looking to bring their cruiser back to stock are always looking for stuff. One man's trash is another man's treasure. Haven't seen anything that isn't stock. Once you put the 4" spring lift and 33" you might not be happy with the power. While Toyota made the claim these could run down the highway 85 MPH all day these old engines really shine creeping off road at low range.

Curious what hubs you have on your cruiser? They look familiar.
 
Very nice. I vote for STOCK. Check out Destins rebuild thread (a very long read) it has a ton of information. If you decide to modify and sell your stock carb keep me in mind I need one for my 65 rebuild.
 
Stock Stock Stock - and then when you decide to tear it apart - post all parts in the FJ25 Classified. I am making my list.... But just hang out here and get the OEM bug. Great Rig.

Cheers Dobster
 
Actually no, I dont plan to swap the axles, swap the engine, or swap the seats. Im not looking for a rock crawler or a hill climber, or a modernized classic boulevard cruiser. I want it cause it's neat, I like the little differences this older cruiser has, like the rounded turn signals and tail lights, the bare metal interior, I like this hard top, and I like the column shift. I wasn't really looking for a cruiser, just happened to catch it on craigslist and had always liked the FJ40, So I decided to go check it out and the rest is history. Im sure many of you will sigh in mild relief that I do plan on keeping this pretty much original. Just with a lift and bigger wheels, and likely a new paint color, but atleast I will be properly restoring/rebuilding a classic to last many more years. I guess I feel a little attacked here. Believe me, I like its originality, but I am not stuck on it being 100% original. However I will be carefull that any modifications I make are easily reversed (for example I will not cut the fenders to fit larger tires). As far as interior modifications, I am looking for a magnetic cup holder to stick ontop of the tranny hump, and that is about the extent of non stock modifications inside ;). For now I want a cool rig to drive around and enjoy, and hopefully often take out to explore the unpaved wilderness.

Heres a pic of a 63 that has been my inspiration, and its even more modded than I plan:

4647.jpg

\

more pics found here 1963 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 4x4 for Sale - Gateway Classic Cars


I checked the vin, it does start with a 4, thanks for clarifying that for me. How could you tell it was a 64? Is it the windshield vent? I noticed pics of other 65s Ive seen didnt have that.

Previous owner did work at Sandia Labs. I am in the Albuquerque area myself.

Hubs are Selectro hubs.

I would love to help others out, but I would like to hold onto all the original parts. I have a feeling I will end up rebuilding the single barrel carb and swapping the weber back out some day.
 
whew...when I read "lift and tires" then your other thread had "power steering...and stuff" I thought you you might going for a different kind of rig...didn't meant to offend , or make you feel attacked, and sorry if that is how you felt :beer:

That is a very rare rig in that pristine condition. I wouldn't even paint it, as it look like the original paint that is still on it...a true find as stock as she still is...hence all the comments to keep her stock...very rare find indeed. I would just clean it up really well, make her safe, and enjoy her. I read in your other post that you got a polly tank...I have read a lot of negative comments here on mud about those tanks...take care when installing it.

Oh, the vent in the windshield was on until mid 1965, that is when the the new generation 40's started (around summer '65). The telltale signs for me that this was a '64 were the short running boards, no heater air intake vent on the passenger side of the cowl, and lack of decals on the rear driver's quarter.

Very nice looking rig...congrats on the very cool find :cheers:
 
you mhave to look out for us around here...we like stock trucks :) ... however....we all know it is your truck to do with as you wish....but...if you were going to bring it to the crushers...we'd have to track you down :lol:

poly tank is garbage

whats wrong with the stock tank? pin holes? small teak or seam?

BTW I am cumfortable with the plans that you have for the truck...all sound like an easy switch back...i'm not as purist as i seam at times :) ...heck...look at my truck....it's FAR from stock...but...does retain the stock look that so many people fall in love with...with these trucks...i like the retro/safari/stock/mod enhancements :hhmm:
 
Nice rig...
...by the way we don`t attack in the 25 section ;)
But if I would think about larger wheels/ tyres I would prefer this combination:
16 split rims with 235 ( 255)/85/ 16 ..., just my two pence.
Cheers
Peter
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom