Sharing the progress on my FJ40 (1 Viewer)

[macd1973]

Hey guys. I wanted to share the progress of my 08/1970 FJ40 rebuild. I found the rig on Craigslist in Arizona and always wanted to get a "rust free" truck. I shipped it home to CT in April 2019.
Before I go any further....I wanted to thank all of you for your help and insight. So much information on here. Thank you especially to Coolerman for putting up with all my questions on wiring........
I have a ways to go...but here are some pics.

 

[macd1973]

I thought I was going to just clean her up. But, I quickly realized there were some bigger issues.

 

[macd1973]

Clearly there was a head gasket issue...and lots of sludge.

 

[macd1973]

I decided to go all out. This was not my first FJ40. I had seen an FJ40 for the first time when I was 15. I thought it was the coolest thing on the planet. My brother and I purchased our first car when I was 16 and he was 19. A 1978 FJ40 from a farm in Wallingford, CT. From there the obsession started. An on and off relationship of buying them and selling. Always regretting every time I let one go...

 

[macd1973]

Continued to break her down until I hit ground zero...

 

[macd1973]

I had all the body panels media blasted in Naugatuck, CT. They were then sealed with an epoxy primer.

 

[macd1973]

Got my first lesson in real sandblasting...not the Harbor Freight pots...it's addictive.

 

[macd1973]

Continued with my parts...friend's parts.......etc.

 

[macd1973]

Frame and other parts were painted with Southern Polyurethane's (of Georgia) Epoxy Primer and then KBS Top Coat Satin Black...Cannot say enough about these products...

 

[macd1973]

Started the assembly and dove into rebuilding the knuckles. Messiest job ever...all new brakes as well.

 

[macd1973]

Engine was done at Carlquist Performance Engines of Oakville, CT. These guys are the best. Felt so good to get it back in the frame.

 

[macd1973]

I am doing a 4 speed upgrade. Tranny and transfer case are getting new seals and bearings at a shop in Wolcott, CT. I am also adding power steering. Here is where I am right now...

 

[macd1973]

and more...

 

[macd1973]

and more...

 

[macd1973]

Body work included a new right rear quarter panel and left rocker. No rust....but clearly in her 50 years of life....she must have been taken off road.........

 

[macd1973]

rocker...

 

[macd1973]

Waiting on that tranny and trying to figure out what color to go with!!!
I am no means an expert. I do have a ton of pictures if anyone needs to see how something goes. Hope you liked the pics. Feel free to comment and I will post more as I proceed.

 

[macd1973]

Main harness....

 

[macd1973]

Home paint booth.......

 

[Jdc1]

Looks great. Have you test fit the 4 speed yet? In my ‘72, The ebrake is pretty close to the torque tube. To service it, I’ll have to drop the rear of the engine.