I searched and searched and read just about every thread I could find. I'm sure there's probably some excellent websites out there documenting steps on restoring FJ40's, but I haven't been able to find them.
I don't have a cruiser yet but I've decided that when I do get one, I want to restore it, as I plan on keeping it for a very long time.
I'm not sure exactly what upgrades I want to include while I'm doing the resto but I know I want to paint it bright yellow, install power steering, front disc brakes, and possibly an engine swap (I was thinking of an LT1). I plan on lifting it on 35's and daily driving it, with maybe the occasional light offroad excursion. I'm not worried about keeping it all original, that doesn't matter to me.
My reason for wanting to restore it is because in order to build the cruiser I want it's going to take money, and I don't want to throw money at something that's going to have problems with rust and/or other problems. If I go through it and tackle them head-on then I'll feel much more comfortable upgrading it.
At my disposal I have a full shop with lots of neat toys. The plasma cutter and sand blasting cabinet are my favorites, and I'm sure they'll both come in handy for this project. We have just about every tool you could think of unless it's specific for this type of job, or body work.
What I don't have is experience. I do have an excellent father who knows more than anyone I've ever met when it comes to auto's. He's currently doing a frame off resto on his '77 CJ7 and he's done many many Chevelle's and Nova's. He isn't familiar with FJ40's but I'm positive he's going to be an invaluable resource for this. Between us two we'll have no problem following directions and getting the job done, all we need is the information.
Lets talk about time and money. I want to plan this well so I don't get too in over my head and I might need some help being realistic since I've never done this before. It'd be real nice to have it done by next summer. As for money, I have no clue what this is going to cost. I'm hoping by doing most of the work ourselves we can keep the final cost around $10k-$12k including the price of the vehicle. Maybe I'm naive, but that's why I'm posting this. Maybe someone could create a small rough itemized list of the costs so I can get a better idea? If I bought the cruiser for $4k is it unrealistic to imagine I could restore it for $6k-$8k? It doesn't seem like it to me. I'm hoping to find one without much body rust.
I can't afford to go all out, but I definately don't want to cut corners. I plan on using good paint, grade 8 bolts, ect.
I apologize for writing this book, I just wanted you guys to have an good idea of my situation so I can get a good feel of what I'm getting into.
Thanks in advance!
I don't have a cruiser yet but I've decided that when I do get one, I want to restore it, as I plan on keeping it for a very long time.
I'm not sure exactly what upgrades I want to include while I'm doing the resto but I know I want to paint it bright yellow, install power steering, front disc brakes, and possibly an engine swap (I was thinking of an LT1). I plan on lifting it on 35's and daily driving it, with maybe the occasional light offroad excursion. I'm not worried about keeping it all original, that doesn't matter to me.
My reason for wanting to restore it is because in order to build the cruiser I want it's going to take money, and I don't want to throw money at something that's going to have problems with rust and/or other problems. If I go through it and tackle them head-on then I'll feel much more comfortable upgrading it.
At my disposal I have a full shop with lots of neat toys. The plasma cutter and sand blasting cabinet are my favorites, and I'm sure they'll both come in handy for this project. We have just about every tool you could think of unless it's specific for this type of job, or body work.
What I don't have is experience. I do have an excellent father who knows more than anyone I've ever met when it comes to auto's. He's currently doing a frame off resto on his '77 CJ7 and he's done many many Chevelle's and Nova's. He isn't familiar with FJ40's but I'm positive he's going to be an invaluable resource for this. Between us two we'll have no problem following directions and getting the job done, all we need is the information.
Lets talk about time and money. I want to plan this well so I don't get too in over my head and I might need some help being realistic since I've never done this before. It'd be real nice to have it done by next summer. As for money, I have no clue what this is going to cost. I'm hoping by doing most of the work ourselves we can keep the final cost around $10k-$12k including the price of the vehicle. Maybe I'm naive, but that's why I'm posting this. Maybe someone could create a small rough itemized list of the costs so I can get a better idea? If I bought the cruiser for $4k is it unrealistic to imagine I could restore it for $6k-$8k? It doesn't seem like it to me. I'm hoping to find one without much body rust.
I can't afford to go all out, but I definately don't want to cut corners. I plan on using good paint, grade 8 bolts, ect.
I apologize for writing this book, I just wanted you guys to have an good idea of my situation so I can get a good feel of what I'm getting into.
Thanks in advance!