Strictly Stock or Modified engine, tranny and Paint?

[mcwinery]

I am restoring a 1969 fj40 and wanted to keep it 100% stock. Well that lasted about a week when I bought a 2F engine. Now, I am thinking a 4 speed on the floor sync tranny vs. 3 on the tree. Need to do more research on 4 speeds but everyone says that it is much better than 3 speed non sync tranny.

Also, I am goning to arma coat (like Hercline but much finer) the the under body and engine area. Should I also do the tub inside instead of painting? I am going to match up the original paint (Coranado Beige) to the arma coat. So from a distance it will not be noticable. Also, it is a lot cheaper than painting. Takes one coat and then you paint up against it. I will use this thread to post pictures the next couple of weeks.

 

[4x4 Station Wagon]

Well it is tough decision pending on what you are after...... If you are gonna keep it then undercoat away however if you are looking to sell it in the future and want the highest dollar a lot of people tend to frown when they see undercoating because they feel you are trying to hide something........ My thought take lots of pictures and undercoat away and then them if they dont like it.....

I am looking forward to seeing your pics

 

[Fast Eddy]

My '40 was undercoated by the dealer (pretty sure). I wouldn't do the engine bay, just the bottom and inside the fenders.

I like the idea of color-matched liner on the floor of the interior, but not on the fenders.

If you're doing a 2f, I wouldn't hesitate to do a 4 speed too.

I've always thought it would be cool to use the original column shifter to shift an automatic, but that's probably not applicable to your situation. Someone must've done this...

 

[Pin_Head]

If it is still stock, it might be worth more money like that because there aren't many like it. Otherwise, have at it with whatever your heart desires.

 

[bsmith123]

issues to deal with for a 2f swap

https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/260653-swapping-1f-2f-heres-some-issues.html#post4029348

I started here but decided it might make a useful post on its own and besides it got kinda long winded

but there are some issues to deal with swapping in a 2F and 4 speed

Difficult? No, but you can save time and money if you know in advance rather than dealing with each thing as it comes up

this is the stuff I ran into along the way

Hope that helps

 

[mcwinery]

BS, I read it a few times. It is now part of my inspiration.. Just a lot of stuff to digest. Lucky I have mudracks nearby to fill in the gaps. But it does cost $$$. I am looking at a rebuilt tranny from craigslist, but who knows what it really is. Maybe I should just decide you get what you pay for and buy local. Thanks bsmith123 for your post.

 

[F-junker]

bsmith123's advice is pretty good. I think it's all a matter of what you want to do with the truck, what you want it do and where you want drive it. Bug around town and 4 wheel a little or drive long distances, do some heavy wheeling etc. These trucks are setup well for moderate wheeling stock, highway speeds might be a limitation hence the 4speed and 2f many go for, some go the distance and run v8 with 4 and 5speeds.
It's all time and money, how much are you willing to spend. I like the sign in the road warrior at the boneyard, "Speed is just a question of money, how fast do you want to go".
I think as long as you keep within the factory drivelines and keep it someone close to original then you have done just that. It's not like a flame job, 44's and a big block chevy.

 

[cdv3286]

Go with the 4 speed...swapped out 2 3's for 4's and am very happy... word of caution on the undercoating... if you are putting it in the engine compartment watch the heat rating on the stuff. Seen where some have had there's bubble/melt due to high temps of the exgaust. Have fun making her your own... nothing like having a one of a kind built by you!

 

[mcwinery]

Starting to build up 69 with rebuilt 2F, 4 speed on floor with matching T-case, Front disk brakes with a 60 brake booster. Still need some misc parts but should have pics up on new thread in a week or 2.