- Thread starter
- #21
Yes, I would like to enjoy driving it a little before I tear it all apart. But I will get started with checking out the brakes conversions here on this site and see if I can find a donor car to rob parts off of.
What upgrades to do for $1500
- Thread starter poopboy
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Well I posted before the pics and now I would definatly agree on brakes first.....oh and a good sander lots of sand paper...that stuff gets expensive for the good kind. If you dont have a air compressor id look into that too, having the right tools make all the diffrence in a build.
Coolerman
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My long lost Cruiser twin! 
Here is a pic of mine before starting my teardown.
After the basic safety stuff I would look at tools next. When you have the proper tools you can tackle any job on a Cruiser. Welder would top my list followed by a good compressor...
Here is a pic of mine before starting my teardown.
After the basic safety stuff I would look at tools next. When you have the proper tools you can tackle any job on a Cruiser. Welder would top my list followed by a good compressor...
- Thread starter
- #24
I do have most of the tools needed. I restored a 62 impala before this so I still have plenty of sand paper, fiberglass, and sheet metal around. What other vehicle would be the best parts truck to steal parts off of? I see that many have mentioned old toyota pickups but if I could find any other brands would this be helpful? Such as is there something I could rob the power steering off of?
Power steering's a luxury (and a good upgrade) and should be done after the safety issues like brakes and steering in general.
Brake stuff* will be easiest to find from an FJ60 or FJ62 Landcruiser from the 80s. Should be waiting in junkyards near you. Only problem will be that the tie rod ends from your FJ40 will be too small for the steering arms from the newer cruiser, but some cheap shims solve this problem.
* You need both steering knuckles and everything attached to them.
After making sure the brakes are functioning properly and safely, I'd probably do the steering (more specifically, the center arm rebuild and tie rod ends). Leave the power steering stuff for later....that, in my opinon, is a luxury (I've driven plenty of 40's without it). Alot of stuff (especially rubber parts) can and will go bad in 9 years of sitting under of pine tree.....use the remaining $$ on replacing parts as needed. How well does she run?
- Thread starter
- #27
She does not run at this moment. One blown up piston. I have found a few Fj60's but they want over $2000 for parts cars. I have called all the junk yards around here and no one has any landcruiser parts or vehicles.
Well, in that case, put the money into it to get it running......
I had plenty of cruisers in about that shape. They are expensive to build up. What I'd do is see if you can get $1500-$2000 for it and then use your other to buy a semi built truck. It won't be rust free but you'll be miles ahead... I hope it helps...
contact a local cruiser club, go to some meetings and make some connections. Look at other cruisers and see what direction you want to go... By meeting other locals to you should be able to tap into a pretty good parts network.
Breaks up front for sure, SM420 or SM465 tranny upgrade can be done pretty cheap and you can't really go to wrong in the long run with those upgrades.
Breaks up front for sure, SM420 or SM465 tranny upgrade can be done pretty cheap and you can't really go to wrong in the long run with those upgrades.
You can find plenty of running 2F engines uber cheap or free......killer shipping to you though. My dream list would be: a new metal fuel tank(CCOT), electric fuel pump(Mr.Gasket 12s), brake booster(CCOT), replacing your hardlines, EZ wiring ez18 wire harness, GM alternator, seats from a junk car, and disk brake frontend. Call Newcomers 717-762-1532 and see if they have a FJ60 or mini truck front end. At least you can get disk brakes faster.
BTW, I am starting a new V8 swap and drivetrain on my FJ40 in the next month. Your welcome to a full running daily driven 2F/3speed/tcase and disk brake frontend, $300. I could be talked into helping you put it in. 6pks go pretty far, esp if all the tools are already out.
BTW, I am starting a new V8 swap and drivetrain on my FJ40 in the next month. Your welcome to a full running daily driven 2F/3speed/tcase and disk brake frontend, $300. I could be talked into helping you put it in. 6pks go pretty far, esp if all the tools are already out.
Yeah Buddy ! Looks like you've found yourself a good example of a prime Virginia truck. Looks about the same as mine started.
1st thing crawl under it and check the frame real good make sure it's solid before you start sinking money into it.
2nd brakes - You want to be able to stop. I eventually converted mine to 4 wheel disc
3rd steering - Even if you don't go with power steering right off make everything is tight. I don't a saginaw conversion will work with the pto winch
Find yourself a decent set of used tires to start with save some more money and then look into a lift, etc. I'm sure you'll be spending money on the wiring, tune up, and all the other normal things that will drive you nuts.
Good Luck
1st thing crawl under it and check the frame real good make sure it's solid before you start sinking money into it.
2nd brakes - You want to be able to stop. I eventually converted mine to 4 wheel disc
3rd steering - Even if you don't go with power steering right off make everything is tight. I don't a saginaw conversion will work with the pto winch
Find yourself a decent set of used tires to start with save some more money and then look into a lift, etc. I'm sure you'll be spending money on the wiring, tune up, and all the other normal things that will drive you nuts.
Good Luck
soa with power steering
If you are going thru the brakes, put stainless lines on. Classic Tube - PreBent and Custom Stainless and OE Brake Lines and more...
Another good upgrade is a gear reduction starter.(cdan here on mud)
Both should be able to do under $500.
Another good upgrade is a gear reduction starter.(cdan here on mud)
Both should be able to do under $500.
