- Thread starter
- #301
Good point. I currently have it taped to the box but now that you’ve mentioned it, I’ll hold on to it.Nice work! Hang on to that snorkel template, I've had several people ask me if I still had mine...…...and I don't.
Build Project 2027: 1977 FJ40 Rebuild
- Thread starter Jetlander
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The rear half doors is a cool idea. If it was me i probably would run out of steam at that point and just use a standard rear hatch. I lose ambition toward the end of big projects. But it will be unique and cool. I've only seen it done a few times on here. What are you doing for a fuel tank and rear seat? On my 80 which I want to take to south America I plan on installing a long range tank since access to fuel can be tougher for tourists in some countries, then using the gas can carrier for multiple 5 gallon fresh water cans. Although going to another country seems unlikely for a bit at this point. The metal tech cage will be a nice upgrade. I dont think their is a swing out anyone makes for a 40 that is tougher than 4plus. They use 2.5" square tube rather than 2". It really makes it Stout. Are you going to run a soft top too?
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- #303
My motivation is that I really am not a fan, at all, of the idea of running without a top. Initially I will, because I’m not willing to wait even that much longer to get my 40 on the road while I work on restoring the roof. I think FJ40s are hands down much better looking with the top on. So as soon as the paint is done, I will be running with my soft top and soft doors. It’ll be summer here in Houston, which is even more motivation to complete the top. Even with the new A/C it’s unbearable to me to drive with the top off. I hate the heat. Once the top is complete and installed there’s a good chance it’ll never come off again
For the rear seats I purchased the fold and tumble bestop bench.
Figured it was better for the kiddos to be sitting forward in the event of an accident. And it’s mom approved. When I’m on my Pan-American drive, the bench will be removed for additional storage. I will be building an aluminum expo trailer for the trip. I built a steel expo trailer when I had my Tacoma but sold it, figuring it would be too heavy (1000lbs empty weight) for the 40.
Fuel capacity... well, I haven’t figured out exactly what I want yet. I may go one of two routes. The first route would be an auxiliary tank under the rear body to supplement the stock tank. Still not a tremendous amount of fuel distance when you consider I will be pulling a trailer and the 40 is about as aerodynamic as a brick. The second route would be to have a larger tank made for under both the driver and pax seat, plus an aux in the rear giving much more capacity. Ultimately I’d like to have enough fuel to go 500 miles but that might be a pipe dream. At some point the weight of the fuel will offset the advantages of carrying it.
I do plan on trying a few trial runs with weight in the Cruiser representing what the fuel would weigh. Hopefully I’ll be able to figure out at what weight the mileage really goes to s*** and keep it under that.
For the rear seats I purchased the fold and tumble bestop bench.
Figured it was better for the kiddos to be sitting forward in the event of an accident. And it’s mom approved. When I’m on my Pan-American drive, the bench will be removed for additional storage. I will be building an aluminum expo trailer for the trip. I built a steel expo trailer when I had my Tacoma but sold it, figuring it would be too heavy (1000lbs empty weight) for the 40.
Fuel capacity... well, I haven’t figured out exactly what I want yet. I may go one of two routes. The first route would be an auxiliary tank under the rear body to supplement the stock tank. Still not a tremendous amount of fuel distance when you consider I will be pulling a trailer and the 40 is about as aerodynamic as a brick. The second route would be to have a larger tank made for under both the driver and pax seat, plus an aux in the rear giving much more capacity. Ultimately I’d like to have enough fuel to go 500 miles but that might be a pipe dream. At some point the weight of the fuel will offset the advantages of carrying it.
I do plan on trying a few trial runs with weight in the Cruiser representing what the fuel would weigh. Hopefully I’ll be able to figure out at what weight the mileage really goes to s*** and keep it under that.
When your hard top goes on would you let me buy your soft top and doors? I am the opposite and will have the hard top off of the truck most of the time. It's cooler in Tomball you know. 
- Thread starter
- #305
My top needs some serious work. The fiberglass is in perfect shape but the sides have plenty of rust, maybe too much to make them worth saving.When your hard top goes on would you let me buy your soft top and doors? I am the opposite and will have the hard top off of the truck most of the time. It's cooler in Tomball you know.
Not sure if it’s something you’d be willing to part with or not, but if your top is in good shape, I may be interested in going the simple route and just buying a new top, or at least the sides.
But yeah, I’d be more than willing to part with the soft top and doors.
Good thread. I appreciate the good information! I have a quick question that I can't seem to find in the FAQs and can't seem to figure out. I'd like to add the "build" modifier to my thread about my 69 40 series, but it is eluding me! Is this something that has to be done for the initial post? Thanks for any feedback! Josh
- Thread starter
- #308
The “build” modifier wasn’t an option when I started the thread but I do know it’s supposed to be now. Mine was added by someone other than me.
- Thread starter
- #309
Well let me know if selling it might be an option in the future. I’m sure we could work a deal. Btw. Along with the soft top and doors I have the bolt-on gate for the rear.
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Fold and tumble seat looks good in their. Tilting it like you did will make it much more comfortable. They do make a long range upgrade tank for under both front seats if u didn't know already fyi...
www.mosleymotors.com
40 Series Extended Range Fuel Tanks — MOSLEY MOTORS
40 Series long range tanks are available in two options: a 29 gallon underseat main tank replacement for 1979 and earlier trucks (bench seat models will require modifications to seat brackets and tool storage box), and an auxiliary tank that mounts behind the rear axle for 1979-1984 models (not pict
www.mosleymotors.com
- Thread starter
- #311
Just had FedEx drop the double swing out tire carrier I order from 4plus. @lcwizard I have one word for you...DAMN!
That’s the stoutest bumper I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot of fabricated bumpers.
May have to put bigger springs on the rear just to haul that beast around. I’ll follow up with pics at a later date, but if anyone is on the fence about 4plus’s products, don’t be. Order it!!!
That’s the stoutest bumper I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot of fabricated bumpers.
May have to put bigger springs on the rear just to haul that beast around. I’ll follow up with pics at a later date, but if anyone is on the fence about 4plus’s products, don’t be. Order it!!!
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Updates?
- Thread starter
- #313
I wish... Just like last year, the summer heat and humidity of Houston has removed any ability to progress with any momentum. From a mechanical standpoint, the 40 is complete. I do have some work in welding a new roll cage together. I'm basically down to paint, but with the temp and humidity being what they are, it's not within painting parameters. Another 2-3 months and I should be able to get things done. On another note, I dropped the seats off at the upholster a while ago for new leather. They should be done any day now.
I received the last of the parts I needed for 100% completion yesterday. I ordered all new emblems for the entire rig. Not cheap at all, but the bling factor is HIGH!
- Thread starter
- #314
Finally some progress to report. My upholster called yesterday and said the seats were finished. Needless to say, I rushed right over to pick them up. He did an amazing job and the leather is really going to set the ol’ girl apart.
If you noticed, he matched the stitching pattern on the Bestop bench to match the stock stitching found on the original seats. Made for a big difference in appearance and really tied the front and back bench together.
If you noticed, he matched the stitching pattern on the Bestop bench to match the stock stitching found on the original seats. Made for a big difference in appearance and really tied the front and back bench together.
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- Thread starter
- #315
These are the before pictures...
I
I forgot to mention. He also added a 1.5” of foam in a lot of places to rebuild the seats. Especially on the edges to give them more of a “bucket” feel. It really made a big difference on the seat backs.
I forgot to mention. He also added a 1.5” of foam in a lot of places to rebuild the seats. Especially on the edges to give them more of a “bucket” feel. It really made a big difference on the seat backs.
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Bummer about the heat slowing you down.
- Thread starter
- #317
Doing some smaller projects while I wait for the cooler weather to show up, then it’ll be gang busters across the finish line with paint. But for now I’m relegated to the smaller details. I had ordered a roll cage from a vendor (who shall remain nameless) that showed up and was all kinds of messed up. No notches cut for the tubes, and every single tube was a different length, basically not at all as advertised. I’m not naming them because after a number of calls they made me whole and refunded the entire amount. The owner told me to keep what I had and try to make it work or he could send me another cage. I opted to make do with what I had. I found some templates online to make notches and managed to cut all the DOM tubes to the correct lengths. Anyways, I got it all mocked up and welded together.
I do still have to make base plates for the cage but I’m a genius and threw out the old OEM cage because of extensive rust. Would have much smarter to keep one of the floor plates as a template.
Next thing was to drill all the mounting holes for the new emblems I purchased. I’m pretty sure the emblems are made on a mountaintop in Peru by Pygmies and hand delivered to Toyota via dugout canoe. That’s the only explanation for the $$$ they charge for them. Anyways, got the holes drilled.
Not sure why I spent the money on new emblems because they’ll be mostly hidden by the rear 4+ bumper, but I figured I needed to pay homage to Toyota and hopefully keep the J#%p guys from waving so much...
I do still have to make base plates for the cage but I’m a genius and threw out the old OEM cage because of extensive rust. Would have much smarter to keep one of the floor plates as a template.
Next thing was to drill all the mounting holes for the new emblems I purchased. I’m pretty sure the emblems are made on a mountaintop in Peru by Pygmies and hand delivered to Toyota via dugout canoe. That’s the only explanation for the $$$ they charge for them. Anyways, got the holes drilled.
Not sure why I spent the money on new emblems because they’ll be mostly hidden by the rear 4+ bumper, but I figured I needed to pay homage to Toyota and hopefully keep the J#%p guys from waving so much...
Nice looking work. I noticed you saltwater jugs, I have a reefer250. It fun keeping up with 2 expensive hobbies...lol
It fun keeping up with 2 expensive hobbies...lol- Thread starter
- #319
Good eye! Yes, those were for a 30 gallon ‘attempt’ at saltwater. But between it being such a small tank, my busy work schedule and my wife’s attempt to keep it running, it turned into an expensive disaster. I absolutely love marine aquariums but have decided it’ll have to wait until I’m home a lot more. Then I’ll go with a 200+. Beautiful picture!
Yes they require a bit of attention. Automation is KEY.