Builds This years homework (3 Viewers)

[REZARF]

I teach a basics automotive class for one of our local high schools here in Montana. Just two 45 minute elective classes a week. This years project/homework...

A 1972 FJ55.

Found it locally. I pulled over the first day it was on the side of the road with a for sale sign in it. The gentleman who owned it wanted more than I was willing to pay. I passed. It sat for sale for a few months before the owner lowered the price a bit, so I swung back by for a closer look, about a week later and a few conversations with the owner and we struck a deal. My 12 year old son and I drove it home with big grins on our faces.

From what I can tell everything works except the gauge cluster. Nearly all the bits and pieces are there. I think it is original and un-restored with one small section of bubba body work on the tailgate. I don't think there is a truly straight panel on the entire truck but the rust is minimal. Only rust busting through is just in front of the drivers door on the fender. The frame and floor are CLEAN for the year. WAY cleaner than my 40.

My class consists of a dozen students and our plan is to go through the safety stuff and mechanicals first, teaching along the way, letting them get their hands greasy. If we end up with a solid running driver, we will likely move to the interior and freshen it up as well. I'd like to see the FJ55 be an "unrestored" driver. We need a new headliner and seat covers and perhaps a carpet kit. Should be fun.

As it sits 7/25/25

Pork butt...

 

[greenbeast]

Nice find!

Love what your going to do with it! If i was closer i would be in the class even at 56, I’m sure i could blend in!

 

[J Mack]

From what I can tell everything works except the gauge cluster.

I think I have one here, post a picture of what you have and if I have the correct one I'll send it to you..

 

[WarDamnEagle]

I just pulled all the gauges from one of my spare clusters to have the surround restored. I might have what you need if @J Mack doesn't.

 

[REZARF]

Thanks guys, the cluster is there and even lights up, but gauges seem to not be working... yet. I will dig into and see what's happening and let you know if we need another one. Thank you both for offering!

 

[bobm]

Always hared homework and never did it. This type of homework I would do everyday . Great opportunity for the kids. Will be watching

 

[ttFJC]

 

[PIZZZZA]

What a perfect rig to teach the next generation.
Simple mechanics that work for years, with no computer nonsense.
You can tune this bad boy with a damn screwdriver.
Can't wait to see it in a local parade or car show

 

[REZARF]

Okay, I have been slowly cleaning and inspecting the Cruiser in the evenings and I am encouraged overall. Very solid rig with minimal rust. I am just deep cleaning it for starters and observing what's there and what is missing.

As I plan the class I have a few dilemma's:

• Should I consider a front disk break conversion? I have heard properly built and adjusted drums work really well. Not sure if I am taking away any value by changing things up. This seems like a no brainier to me, simple enough to swap them over. Then the kids learn disks and drums. Thoughts? Does a 40 axle (mid 70's) make for a direct swap?
• 3 speed or 4 speed? I have a few spare 40 transmissions in the shed. I haven't done a conversion before, I assume I need a bell housing and a t-case adapter? Not sure if I want to go this far into this one. I do enjoy putting around in it, but he three speed is beggin' for mercy around 50-55mph.
• Is there a cheap route for rubber and door felts? Like buying bulb seals in bulk? I don't want to invest in the good stuff in case we decide to do the body down the road and strip it for paint but it needs something in the meantime.

I know you all like pics so here’s a few more.

Nothing special about a 1F but she’s there and runs great.

Always nice to find the original Jack and rods. Bottle Jack came with it too. Has the original hardware to mount it all.

Dash seems complete. Doesn’t appear to be hacked up.

Look at that radio! Pretty rad.

Respect your elders.

 

[bobm]

Discs, 4 speed, and Steele rubber has the gasket for pinchweld in doors. You got a PTO Winch there?? Toyota Matt would dat radio . He not here no more .

 

[YukonCruisers]

Front disc is a safety upgrade and few purists ever knock off points for those. Different locking hubs (Aisin vs Warn) and you may need to relocate the leaf perch. You will want a post october I think 1975 for the discs.

3 to 4 speed: Cruiser Outfitters - http://www.cruiseroutfitters.com/tech_4spdtrans_3spdtc.html

 

[Rix 45]

That looks like an old Warn winch. That in it's self is a worthy project to rework. This is a great forum with multiple members coming forward with offers of parts , not to mention the priceless advice. In my opinion for students reworking it stock, the brakes in particular is the way to go. They can be finished and adjusted so that old girl will stop on a dime.
Best,
E.

 

[greenbeast]

Agree on the old warn winch. I have controls for it from my 69 which are in decent condition. If I can find them i am happy to share them with you, if you want them?

 

[REZARF]

The winch is an early Belleveiw Warn Winch. Pretty rad. It is has a broken brake lever arm, otherwise it seems complete. I cleaned up the in cab controls. I will replace all the wiring and see if she fires up. If she pulls hard then I will spring for a synthetic rope and hopefully save the old school bumper if we can straighten out the bent section.

Belleview... predecessor to the 8274. Only powers in, doesn't power out. Cool history from Warn HERE.

You can see the lever in the front of the winch is broken off, otherwise it seems it’s all there.

Cool old winch… period correct. I’ll swap in a synthetic rope and new haws fairlead.

Yuck. Whole truck has a layer of gunk on it. Control panel for the winch under the dash.

A few minutes with the detail brush… if only dents and rust came off as easy! Haha