New Zealand new '70 FJ40 restore

[MartynFJ4071]

Hi, my name is Martyn and this is my 1970 Fj40.

It has the 3.9L "F" engine and 3 speed manual. Rust wise it is amazing! There is surface rust where the paint has worn but no holes or anything bad which is rare for the NZ climate.
This is my first Land Cruiser and I intend on restoring it and driving it.
I also have this 1984 Toyota I built.

Anyway, thats my introduction. I look forward to meeting you all (so to speak).

 

[MartynFJ4071]

Apologies on the pic double up. Will edit when I am able.

 

[Ken White]

Martyn nice clean looking rig welcome to the madness. I also have a 71 FJ40 that I am doing up and would be interested in following your progress to see if you have the same issues that I had when pulling mine down. I notice that yours does not have the slotted vents above the kick vents on either side. Do you know the origin of this vehicle if it has always been in N.Z. Oh just one more thing

 

[MartynFJ4071]

Thanks Ken. I've seen those vents on other FJ's but mine does not appear to have ever had them. It is Japanese built but purchased from new in New Zealand. Whether or not specific details were left out for the NZ market I'm not sure. Another thing I've noticed is that it doesn't have an inspection light socket or wiring for it in the glovebox.

 

[Ken White]

Mine I have been told was originally South African. I also found out when I rebuilt the front end that mine has a ball and claw axle fitted to it which I was of the understanding they stopped using in about 68-69. It also has 55mm brake shoes and not the 75mm shoes. Here is a link to what I have done so far with mine.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/yard-find.811159/

 

[78fj40mg]

Welcome to MUD Martyn! Cheers mate!

Nice rig but we need more pics of it!

 

[MartynFJ4071]

Thanks for the link Ken. I shall read with interest. One thing that amazes me is how solid these things are. The steel is super thick compared to any other Toyota I've come across.

 

[Franz]

Mine I have been told was originally South African.

Pretty sure they were never sold in South Africa. Zimbabwe maybe, but there were so few of them that it would surprise me if it found its way to Oz - coal to Newcastle? Would be very interesting to find out for sure.

 

[lostmarbles]

Welcome Martyn.

As you say, this 1971 is exceptional for our climate.

Central Otago seems to be the only place where they stay that rust-free. Is that where this one comes from?

Hmm. Just did a little checking......... You bought it just 2 weeks ago and it was indeed a South Island vehicle although it had been sitting in dry-storage in Tauranga for a while..

And the price you got it for makes it a real steal!

Mike/78FJ40mg wants to see more pics so do you want me to throw in the other 13 or so from the Tauranga owner's selling blurb?

 

[MartynFJ4071]

Judging by the receipts I found in the glove box it was only in Tauranga for 1 year, maybe less. I believe it came up from Christchurch where it sat since the 90's.

 

[MartynFJ4071]

Some more pics.

 

[MartynFJ4071]

 

[MartynFJ4071]

 

[MartynFJ4071]

 

[MartynFJ4071]

 

[MartynFJ4071]

 

[MartynFJ4071]

 

[MartynFJ4071]

Notice how the lights on the front fenders are clear. Ive not seen that before. They look factory unless the lenses have been swapped at some stage. Also the tail lights are different to anything I've seen and can't find a matching replacement anywhere. They just have a brake light and turn signal but no reverse. Maybe change at some point, i don't know...

 

[Ken White]

Those tail lights I believe are original and have seen another one up here in Cooktown with the same ones. If you want strange look at the ones on the rear of mine in that link I sent you.

 

[Ken White]

Here is a pic of the one I found with the same lights as yours. The other pic is the one that I have and am restoring.