Builds Project Beach Cruiser | The 1971 FJ40 Patina RestoMod (1 Viewer)

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

Big news: the truck drove 5 miles yesterday!! I pick it up tomorrow, but there are a few minor issues I need to tackle:
  • The timing chain cover is leaking
  • The engine cuts out when hitting the accelerator. It started out only cutting out over 3/4 throttle, now it's doing it over 1/4 throttle.
  • The gas tank still needs final plumbing once the tank sealer drys
Once these minor issues are fixed, the top comes off, bikini top goes on, new seats go in and it gets loaded up for my wedding!

I'm out at the beach without the cruiser this morning. I know that in a few more weeks, I will have my 40 ready for drives down to Santa Cruz.

IMG_1147.JPG
IMG_1148.jpg
 
Today I drove my 40 for the first time since I bought it 7 years ago. While it's current state is one only admired by Roadkill fans, I think it's absolutely perfect.

IMG_1159.JPG


 
I made a ton of progress in the last week. I fixed fuel leaks, coolant leaks and oil leaks.... plus took care of some cosmetic elements.

She gets loaded on the trailer today to head to my wedding. I've never driven it more than up and down my driveway. Let's hope for the best!!

IMG_1281.JPG
IMG_1277.jpg
IMG_1278.jpg
 
I took the truck for its first big road trip today. It went from Arnold up to Sourgras, to Boards Crossing, to the Lube Room, to Lake Alpine and back to Arnold. It was 60 miles with a climb up to 7500 feet. Not once did I need to downshift out of fourth. The fly fishing wasn't great but at least the beer was cold.

IMG_1402.JPG
IMG_1369.jpg
IMG_1386.jpg
IMG_1380.JPG
 
Is your gas cap missing? Glad you're finally getting to enjoy it!!

Good eye! Yeah... it's missing. But so is the rest of the gas tank.

IMG_1404.JPG
 
7 years ago I bought this 1971 Toyota Land Cruiser to take me to coffee in Newport Beach on Saturday mornings. After many years, it's now doing its job in Santa Cruz. Mission accomplished.

IMG_1425.JPG
IMG_1426.JPG
 
Currently, there is this huge fascination with 'barn finds'
Let me tell you, if someone came along and 'found' this old fj40, they would be in for a surprise of rust and melted wiring.

IMG_1443.JPG
 
Currently, there is this huge fascination with 'barn finds'
Let me tell you, if someone came along and 'found' this old fj40, they would be in for a surprise of rust and melted wiring.

View attachment 1490079
That is about the coolest garage photo ever. Computer background worthy! Great thread, Cruiser, wedding pic. Congrats!
 
Another Saturday, another day to the Beach.

Today was the first time I took the truck on the freeway. It did surprisingly well. Up past 65 it was smooth and stable. Murphy (my griff) loved the drive too!

IMG_1498.jpg
IMG_1500.jpg
IMG_1501.jpg
 
I have no updates on the fj40, because I've been driving across Iceland in a new turbo diesel Prado.

My honeymoon doesn't suck!

Wedding photos with the 40 are trickling in. Hope to get them posted in the next couple weeks.

IMG_1599.jpg
IMG_1596.jpg
IMG_1595.jpg
IMG_1593.jpg
IMG_1587.jpg
 
Iceland looks kinda like Mars.... Love your 40!
 
This last weekend i pulled the old 40 out for a 24-hour trip to Pismo beach for Turf N Surf.

I don’t think I’ve ever smiled so much as driving my 40 down the beach. Even basic activities are a blast in this truck.

B4AFFBA6-16F0-49FE-9008-1C26E4F2955F.jpeg
754B1CD8-E820-406C-B751-8D141B878868.jpeg
23030C80-9CC8-481D-828F-DF9D9224119B.jpeg
 
Awesome scenery made even better via 40... Even though you’re a Californian... you, dog and truck (just by looking at your pics) could easily fit right in the Deep South! :hillbilly:

Ehhh.... hope you take that as a compliment! :cheers:
 
Managed to change the oil for the first Time and cut some new floor mats out of truck mud flaps. Overall, I’d say it’s a win.

DAE5C431-25C7-4982-BE88-AF1D28BBDC3A.jpeg
8B21FA45-6BD4-4F45-83B9-12C0FF30EF5D.jpeg
1322331A-E9D3-4908-AD3B-E8EEC92435C2.jpeg
C284E93F-54DC-46C2-BAD9-59EFF9E20D89.jpeg


C983C67E-856F-4EB6-B4B9-0F217808AF74.jpeg
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom