Wanted: Chicago-area restorer

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Kevin F.

Kevin F.

Joined
Aug 5, 2008
Threads
1
Messages
2
Location
Chicago
Hi all,

I'm a newbie to the forums, and I've been out of the TLC loop for a while, so please excuse a possibly redundant question.

My 1978 FJ40 is in dire need of a frame-up restoration. The original body tub dissolved in Michigan road salt and I bought a rust-free '76 tub to replace it. I pulled it apart and was down to the frame when I got sidetracked and got married, and it's been sitting ever since. My fantastic wife is supportive of a rebuild, and I'd do the work myself -- except my back surgeon says no more heavy lifting for me.

The frame is a tad rusty and needs a sandblast and repaint. The engine and trans are solid, but some other mechanicals could use a little work -- new brake lines, maybe a new steering box, etc.

I'm not looking for a show piece, nor a serious off-roader, just something driveable (and no longer a pile of parts in the garage and basement).

So the big question is, does anyone know a Chicago-area shop that would be capable -- and willing -- to tackle this job?

Thanks for any insight,

Kevin
 
You can check with these guys if and see if they'll do it. Chicago Jeep, 4x4 Truck + SUV Repair: Thom's Four Wheel Drive + Auto Service They're on the NW side of the city near Irving Park Rd and Pulaski. They're mostly a domestic 4x4 repair shop but you can check with them. If it's body work you need I can highly recommend Erich's Lehigh Auto Body in Niles IL.. They did a fantastic job straightening out my FJC and do amazing work. Give Carol a call and see what she can do for you! Tell her Phil with the silver FJ Cruiser said hello! Erich's Lehigh Auto Body - Niles, IL

Oh and welcome to Mud!:flipoff2: It's our way of saying hello.
 
Its going to be tough to find one of these toothless, domestic loving, hotrod shops, that will peel themselves away from welding chrome tips on IROC's, and intalling 10" lift blocks on f150's, long enough to tell you that they dont want to work on your crappy jap jeep. Welcome to the midwest. IT SUCKS! I suggest you buy a welder, a back brace, and find a local kid to help you do some lifting.

:grinpimp:
 
4rnr said:
Its going to be tough to find one of these toothless, domestic loving, hotrod shops, that will peel themselves away from welding chrome tips on IROC's, and intalling 10" lift blocks on f150's, long enough to tell you that they dont want to work on your crappy jap jeep. Welcome to the midwest. IT SUCKS! I suggest you buy a welder, a back brace, and find a local kid to help you do some lifting.

:grinpimp:
Click to expand...

or sell it to another toyo loving maniac.;)
i'm shopping.
 
PhilC64 said:
Tom are you looking for a 62 to do an SOA job or are you going to the old and cantakerous side and buying a 40?
Click to expand...

I was thinking of going farther with my 62 but now I'm pretty sure that I'm going old and cantakerous like me...........a 40 for the trails.
 
Phil, thanks for the leads -- I'll check into them. Meanwhile, I'm starting to think that Gappy has the right idea.

It's kind of like owning a boat -- regardless of whether there's a "for sale" sign in the window, it's always available for a decent offer.
 
Kevin,
I had a on the frame resto done by a local shop above Chicago. Swarthout's Autobody did the work. Brad is the owner and has done three others that I know of thus far fj wise. He is a great guy. You can see mine anytime if you wish to see his work. Call info in Lake Bluff Il. and ask for the number. Tell him Eric said to call. He can give you an idea of how much.

Feel free to come up to see his work on mine. It's in the driveway all day.

Goebs
 
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