Builds Skreddy’s 70 Non-Resto (1 Viewer)

[Skreddy]

I bought this 1970 FJ40 out of Colorado last week and it finally showed up today! I was unable to see it in person, first time I’ve ever bought something unseen and luckily, it arrived exactly as I was expecting. I probably overpaid, especially after shipping, but I’m ok with it on this one.
It’s supposed to be all original, with the exception of the wheels, some added wiring and the rear bumper, which is the exact same bumper my 71 I just sold had when I bought it. I got it running but needs some attention: carb rebuild and valve adjust for sure. Has disc brakes on front and a box of parts to do a rear disc setup, but not sure if I’ll swap rears or not. Little rust in rear sill but not bad, driver floor has surface rust but no holes or flakes, front was smashed on something so there’s quite a bit of bondo in the hood corner and obviously at least a partial repaint.
The plan for this one is to clean it up and drive the wheels off it! Keep the paint as is but buff it up, stop any existing rust, get stock wheels and a 2.5” lift with some 33’s. Eventually I want to add AC and a Sniper, but not quite yet. Just a good, original looking “survivor” that’s suited to take the dog on hikes, take up in the mountains, drive the kids to school, whatever. Not be worried about little dings and scratches, just enjoy it.

 

[Skreddy]

In the glove box was the inspection light and owners manual. PO also included a case of Coors Original, since it was in CO all it’s life until now. Not my flavor but I appreciate it.
I’m said to be the third owner. I bought it from Ben, who bought it from his dad’s neighbor, Ben. I’m also Ben.

 

[DangerNoodle]

So you are the one that snagged it. I was looking at it.

Looks like a great patina build!

 

[Skreddy]

I watched it for weeks. He said only 1 other person actually came to look at it and was turned off by the bondo in front, which I can understand. I got it at a very significant discount to his asking price.

 

[DangerNoodle]

I watched it for weeks. He said only 1 other person actually came to look at it and was turned off by the bondo in front, which I can understand. I got it at a very significant discount to his asking price.

I never got around to looking at it, but it looked ok. Glad someone good got ahold of it.

 

[CBFJ]

Was this the one in Woody Creek?

 

[Skreddy]

It was in Parker, CO.

 

[EWheeler]

I would love to find one of those rear bumpers. Eversince I saw this build, I have wanted one. There was a nice patina'd red 40 for sale here locally with one on it to recently.

Excellent pick up on this '70. Looking forward to following your build, your last one came out mint!

 

[Skreddy]

I would love to find one of those rear bumpers. Eversince I saw this build, I have wanted one. There was a nice patina'd red 40 for sale here locally with one on it to recently.

Excellent pick up on this '70. Looking forward to following your build, your last one came out mint!

View attachment 2827866

You can have this one if you want it. It will be coming off in the next couple days and replaced with bumperettes or a tire carrier/rack.

 

[EWheeler]

You can have this one if you want it. It will be coming off in the next couple days and replaced with bumperettes or a tire carrier/rack.

Thanks, a bit too far of a drive. I'll stub my toe on one some day.

 

[Skreddy]

No problem, I kind of assumed as much. I tried giving the last one away and ended up scrapping it.

 

[Skreddy]

I was able to carve out a little time today to go over it. Removed the steering wheel wrap to uncover a wheel with no cracks! Then removed an under dash speaker and a couple misc wires that went nowhere but were connected to the fuse panel: at least no tapped wires. Moving to the engine bay, I removed an aftermarket coolant heater that every one of these seems to have when I get it. Also started removing some uhhh… hokey vacuum lines. The clear waterline hose in the pic was being used to tee the brake booster, 4wd and intake manifold.

 

[Skreddy]

After that, I turned to the brakes and clutch that are non-op. It’s a 10/69 so non-boosted, single circuit with 9mm fittings. It was converted to front discs using what looks to be gm calipers: bummed it’s not Toyota parts but I’ll address that later. Still stock rear drums, which I intend to keep. There’s also a late 80’s FJ62 booster and master cylinder scabbed in. There’s an adapter for the booster to space it away from the rib, but the booster hits the clutch slave. No problem there, a PO wouldn’t be a PO without a drill and some ingenuity. So the clutch master was moved over a little.
To remedy some of these issues, I ordered a later model FJ40 clutch master and slave cylinders (matched parts), which the master is supposed to be shorter. If I still have clearance issues, I’ll start shopping for a smaller booster. I want to keep the booster because my wife says she wants to drive this one as well. Also ordered 77 rear wheel cylinders so I can replumb the whole brake system with 10mm fittings.

 

[pjohnson]

I bought it from Ben, who bought it from his dad’s neighbor, Ben. I’m also Ben.

So, are you gong to name it Ben?

(or Jerry?)

 

[D21FJ60]

Ben there, done that..
Heh

I bought it from Ben, who bought it from his dad’s neighbor, Ben. I’m also Ben. "

 

[Skreddy]

My daughter keeps calling it Bluey, like the kids cartoon. Funny, there’s another thread going right now where his kids named his Bluey.

 

[Skreddy]

Stripped all the brakes and brake lines off today. The front disc conversion looks like a JT Outfitters kit? It will stay for now. Found some good engineering making the dual circuit master work with minimal effort (though it didn’t work).
Brake line with 9mm fittings too short? Run it over the engine!

No plug for a 3 way fitting? Weld it up!

Also, I’m no professional, but I think something may have been leaking?

 

[rainingagain]

Stripped all the brakes and brake lines off today. The front disc conversion looks like a JT Outfitters kit? It will stay for now. Found some good engineering making the dual circuit master work with minimal effort (though it didn’t work).
Brake line with 9mm fittings too short? Run it over the engine!
View attachment 2828440

No plug for a 3 way fitting? Weld it up!
View attachment 2828441

Also, I’m no professional, but I think something may have been leaking?
View attachment 2828456View attachment 2828457

How else do you expect to keep your brake fluid warm???

 

[pjohnson]

Nice! Bubble gum and bailing wire, lol

 

[Honger]

Sub'd... very nice starting point!