Builds Project Pikachu: 1977 FJ40

[cbmontgo]

Pikachu has been sitting the last couple of weeks, as I've been busy with work and driving my '76 a lot.

But, I did buy my wife an LX 570 today. She wanted something with bells and whistles, I wanted a Land Cruiser. Kinda met in the middle.

She's been driving the 100 since 2009, so I figure it's time to upgrade.

 

[wngrog]

Tish deserves the best for sure

 

[cbmontgo]

Had a chance to get a few highway miles in today. Man, this thing runs great. Hit some BBQ and back roads before getting back to work.

 

[cbmontgo]

Decided to replace my old and original fan clutch since it’s one of those little things I forgot was there. I guess ‘77 is the first year of this since my ‘76 doesn’t have one.

City Racer still carries the Aisin, so I’m pretty pumped since the full assembly is NLA from Toyota. Great to have vendors like @Racer65 who keep our rigs on the road with quality Japanese parts.

Pretty straightforward install.

 

[cbmontgo]

Went for a drive in the woods today after lunch. Fall is definitely in the air.

 

[shellb]

Went for a drive in the woods today after lunch. Fall is definitely in the air.
View attachment 3428557

Define happiness…

 

[sterling]

Please report back if you notice any change with the new fan clutch in terms of cooling.
Its on the list.
Thanks!

 

[cbmontgo]

Please report back if you notice any change with the new fan clutch in terms of cooling.
Its on the list.
Thanks!

Sure thing.

On the way back from Moab in May, the temp climbed higher than usual going over Vail Pass and Hoosier Pass, but hasn't done it since. I was totally loaded down with gear and another passenger at that time, but it was still unusual to see it get hot like that. I thought the fan clutch might be the culprit just since it's the last original part of that cooling system. Guess we will see. So far, everything is still running normally.

$ 100 for an Aisin clutch seemed like good insurance.

 

[cbmontgo]

Some close friends of ours just bought a parcel of land about a mile from us, so we spent Saturday evening scoping the place for a site for them to build their home.

The place came with an old cabin and a couple of barns, which we explored and found an old motorcycle and a bunch of radio-controlled warbirds.

Later on I came around the corner and the girls were hanging out in the 40. Stayed late. Fun night.

 

[Andrew S]

I need to move to Colorado...

Let's see the old motorcycle!

Andrew

 

[cbmontgo]

I need to move to Colorado...

Let's see the old motorcycle!

Andrew

Wish I had a pic. It's an older street v-twin. Yamaha maybe?

 

[Andrew S]

Maybe a Virago, or a Vision.

 

[cbmontgo]

What began as a quick trip to grab some tacos with my son turned into a day of cruising back roads in an old burn scar from the 2002 Hayman Fire and my boy learning how to drive a manual.

"Why don't we drive somewhere cool in the FJ40 after lunch" he said. So we topped off gas and headed north on 67.

Picked up some pumpkins for the wife on the way home, so a win win day.

 

[wngrog]

Dad win

 

[FJBen]

I couldn’t resist editing some photos.

 

[cbmontgo]

Love it, @FJBen

 

[cbmontgo]

Had an event at the middle school tonight and parked by some like-minded company. We’ve chatted on quite a few occasions about his ‘75. He’s the school superintendent and has lived all over the world. Interesting guy.

 

[cbmontgo]

Cat on a hot tin hood.

Wife just sent me this pic. One of our cats has been crawling in and around Pikachu all weekend for reasons unknown.

 

[RevISK]

Hopefully she’s keeping the critters away.
We have mice and tiny chipmunks up at our property in NM and boy do they love wires.

In fact, they are probably gnawing on my tractor nerves right now… bastards.

 

[OFF MAP]

Well Bro I am from Dallas TX and my 14-year-old daughter and I come to CO twice a year on our UTV's,. My FJ 40 (1975) is going to be done in a month (HOPEFULLY, being in the shop for about 3 years) when I get done with her Im trailering her to CO and would love to meet up with you and your "gang" on your next adventure. PM me if you have something planned. It does not have to be CO either anywhere there is beer and trails. Enjoyed your journey I hope I love my FJ 40 as much as you.