Restomod or restore

[SoCal 40]

I'm at the crossroad - do I restore the 40 to original or go restomod?
The 40 has a good amount of rust throughout the rear panels. I'm missing some pieces (i.e. lid, correct seats, and other small pieces).
Besides money... what is the tipping point for those out there that made this decision?

I do really appreciate the restoration to original.

 

[71FFJ40]

Other than money it would boil down to how much time you want to invest

 

[UZJ40]

It really comes down to what you want to use it for...

 

[OverLand Cruisers]

I do really appreciate the restoration to original.

There you have it

 

[middlecalf]

And of course is original even available, depending on what you have.

 

[darwink1]

If you're worried about resale restore it. If you're planning to keep it and drive it restomod all the way.

D

 

[tstepp920]

I'm old, this is my last one. It will be like I want it. Have you got 2 or 3 in you?
Restore one. Parts are available.
Are you gonna sling it through mudpits and slam it against rocks. WGAS what it looks like.

 

[Downey]

I talk to guys with restored rigs, and they still know where all the rust/body putty/welds/ and non original parts are on their rigs- - -quite a few unhappy with their restoration results, especially when it sits beside another rig that is more perfectly restored..

 

[SoCal 40]

Appreciate the comments.
Yup, that's my dilemma... I'd like it as a daily driver, but stock wouldn't be realistic for the Southern California area. Whereas restomod goes against having it all original. The engine runs like a champ, just not on a freeway at 65+ mph. I may be getting the "thumbs-up" from passer-byers, but it could also be the other finger. I smile all the same. I'm the one that is driving the FJ40; they're not.

 

[SoCal 40]

I talk to guys with restored rigs, and they still know where all the rust/body putty/welds/ and non original parts are on their rigs- - -quite a few unhappy with their restoration results, especially when it sits beside another rig that is more perfectly restored..

So true

 

[SoCal 40]

If you're worried about resale restore it. If you're planning to keep it and drive it restomod all the way.

D

Yeah, I'm planning on keeping it.

 

[scoutingranch]

It's a challenge to keep them as stock as possible. It takes time and thought and the ability to do the right thing. Since I only do stock you can guess where my head is.
So it has rust in the back, mine to. It'll get fixed. Take your time. I try and do one thing a day. At the end of the week I've done seven things.
"I like my women straight and FJ40's stock"

 

[SHREDwagon]

I'm at the crossroad - do I restore the 40 to original or go restomod?
Decided to keep powerplant, steering, suspension/tires and interior all original. If one wanted the other comforts - IMHO it would be better to get a stock 70 series and save $30k.
I'm missing some pieces (i.e. lid, correct seats, and other small pieces).
Tracking down parts has been the most awesome part of ownership - spanning 4 continents. The period correct jack handle and toolkit holders for example, took 2 months to find. 42 parts are harder to come by, but thats what makes it a challenge. It is expensive.
Besides money... what is the tipping point for those out there that made this decision?
Embrace the simplicity of Toyota engineering and enjoy a time machine to a bygone era. I think you either you get that, or maybe just need a trail rig.

 

[billmc]

You can always restomod it in a way that it could be easily converted back to stock. That's what I'm doing with my rebuild: stock '82 with H55 and cable lockers, along with a few other Toyota bits that never were available here in the States. It's a VT truck, so it'll have a aftermarket 3/4 tub.

 

[emac]

My advice.....if you restore it, do it the best you possibly can. Dont cut corners that you arent comfortable with or you will always see that cut corner. No amount of restomod will counter the short wheelbase. It isnt a highway cruiser. I went all stock and I did it to the best of my ability. No regrets. The pain of spending the extra money will be short lived.......the look of crappy work will last forever!