Where to begin - Inherited my Aunt's 77 FJ40

[DSRTRDR]

it all depends on whether you want a Barrett-Jackson car - then $15K strikes me as quite low

if you just want to use it with your family, address the safety issues, and patch up what needs to be to keep the vehicle together

drive it some before you tear it all apart and spend huge amounts of $$$ - as you get to know the truck better, it will tell you what it needs, and you will be able to better discern what you want from it

 

[NellieFJ40]

Nope. No barrett jackson car for sure! Its going to get its mechanicals taken care of first then like you said it'll likely be a bit before any body work takes place. I could deal with the paint as is but the rust needs to be addressed at some point.

Yesterday I got caught in a downpour and water was coking in all along the top of the windshield between the roof. Is there some type of weatherstripping up there?

 

[subzali]

There is supposed to be. Check the diagrams at SOR to see what you beed


...via IH8MUD app

 

[overton]

There's a rubber gasket that goes around the top and another over the windshield frame. If you drove that truck in the rain, I'm sure you it got wet. The top gasket is likely rotted and cracked. It's about $250 to replace it. There are after market alternatives for less but they leave much to be desired. Buy a new one when you pop the cap to replace the headliner.

There are also multiple gaskets between the top and the tub. I think this is a project you might want to take "one part at a time". Find some deals and look for good used parts. Start amassing a pile of good steel. You may even find a whole truck you can buy for parts at a reasonable price. Keep an eye on the Parts for Sale Forum and post what you need on the Parts Wanted Forum.

 

[White Stripe]

I would just get a whole tub or 3/4 minimum from aqualu if it was me. Honestly I would just shoot the moon and get a whole tub and your done. Its so hard to get rid of all the rust and have a life and get it done within 10 years otherwise and then by that time its starting to rust again. Yeah the ribbing is gone, but aluminum is so nice due to how long it lasts if taken care of. Once you put rubber matting or carpet in its hard to tell. I spent 9 months on my bodywork 14 years ago and its starting to rust again. If I had just worked hard at work rather than my cruiser I coulda easily saved the money for a tub and not have to do it again as I will soon.

 

[NellieFJ40]

Overton and white stripe I appreciate the thoughts. Ill look into all the gaskets/seals and as you mention will look to get them replaced when the top comes off.

Im really leaning towards a 3/4 tub. Sire wish someone made one in steel with the ribbing but just think that a new 3/4 tub is the best/most cost effective way to deal with my rust.

Ill take your advice overton with regard to looking for parts.

 

[subzali]

Doesn't real steel make 3/4 tubs?


...via IH8MUD app

 

[NellieFJ40]

Subzali I called them and they don't. Getting ready to pull the truck up to Poser's shop tomorrow. Cant wait to see what he thinks/finds.

Hoping its relatively minor given the needed body work!

 

[shipmag]

Poser will do right by you I have had good experieces with him.

 

[NellieFJ40]

Thanks shipmag. Got nellie delivered to poser yesterday without issue. So excited to have nellie gone through and fixed. Poser made me (and I'm sure my aunt) proud to own nellie. He commented on just how original everything. Loved the original paint as others have mentioned as well.

I thought it was great that he pointed out that "somebody had it in the rocks". I asked him how he could tell and he pointed out scratches on the driveshaft and the skid plate pushed up by the transfer case. Certainly verifies that my aunt had some fun with the truck!!

Anyway one thing poser did mention was taking the smog stuff off. I didnt get alot of time to chat with him but figured I will do as he suggests given his expertise. That said what are the benefits of removing the smog stuff versus just leaving it on?

Thinking of adding a 2.5 inch lift as well. Would likely do an ome.

 

[subzali]

Often the smog components may no longer be working properly so the engine may run better without them. BUT - keep it all in a box in case you ever need to sell or if the govt initiates testing in your area and you have to add it back on.

A 2.5 inch ome lift would add a nice touch


...via IH8MUD app

 

[bj40green]

Welcome to the madness and start with downloading the most important book: The FSM (Factory Service Manual) from this link: -► https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwG...ZjFkLTg4YmYtMjRmMGIxZTQ0MmQ2/edit?usp=sharing
It's a BIG (100Mb) pdf file so have a and wait.

Rudi

 

[OverLand Cruisers]

Welcome!!
I'm looking forward to watching Nellie's progress.
OME with tall skinnies!!

 

[DSRTRDR]

Got nellie delivered to poser yesterday without issue. So excited to have nellie gone through and fixed. Poser made me (and I'm sure my aunt) proud to own nellie. He commented on just how original everything. Loved the original paint as others have mentioned as well.

I thought it was great that he pointed out that "somebody had it in the rocks". I asked him how he could tell and he pointed out scratches on the driveshaft and the skid plate pushed up by the transfer case. Certainly verifies that my aunt had some fun with the truck!!

Anyway one thing poser did mention was taking the smog stuff off. I didnt get alot of time to chat with him but figured I will do as he suggests given his expertise. That said what are the benefits of removing the smog stuff versus just leaving it on?

Thinking of adding a 2.5 inch lift as well. Would likely do an ome.

considering your location, taking the emissions stuff off will make things easier

considering that lifts on leaf springs tend to sag relatively quickly, I'd look into 4" lifts as well - depends on what tire size you want to run

great to hear your aunt did fun stuff - we need to get more stories of her

 

[White Stripe]

You could take the emission stuff off, but the only thing that would hurt performance is if you have egr on yours if its not working right. But you never mentioned it not running well. I wouldn't worry about it and leave em on. I would just fix all the leaks-even minor ones, have the carb rebuilt and dialed in, service the birfields and do inner axle seals, freshen up the brakes and brake hoses, flush coolant, and maybe put a header on if you got money left over. Then drive it and enjoy it for a bit. As far as a lift kit, Im sure the old suspension is fairly worn and doesn't ride like a Caddy being its so old, but I doubt its anything that you need to rush into unless its a so bad its a safety concern(Like a broken spring or shocks bounce like crazy). Its very easy to drop cash on "cool" mods like fancy suspension while neglecting more important stuff. Shoot I've done it myself. I see it done all the time, and then you end up with a cruiser with a couple cool things on it, but its not reliable or safe, and you end up broke down on the side of the road which sucks.

 

[NellieFJ40]

Pbr I would have loved to do 33x9.5 but since they arent available guess ill do 10.5s.

Dsrtrdr I didn't know that spring lifts sagged. Hmmm. I didn't really want a 4 inch lift but maybe thats something to consider.

White stripe I appreciate your thoughs and I agree completely. Fixes will definately be the priority over upgrades. Poser is going to do a thorough inspection and will likely have the green light to do all repair work necessary! Hoping he doesnt find too much though for $ sake!

 

[Gottagoslo]

Pbr I would have loved to do 33x9.5 but since they arent available guess ill do 10.5s.

Dsrtrdr I didn't know that spring lifts sagged. Hmmm. I didn't really want a 4 inch lift but maybe thats something to consider.

White stripe I appreciate your thoughs and I agree completely. Fixes will definately be the priority over upgrades. Poser is going to do a thorough inspection and will likely have the green light to do all repair work necessary! Hoping he doesnt find too much though for $ sake!

As you will discover, the FJ40 life is a lifestyle that likes to eat bank accounts.
My suggestion is that you find a look/style that you like and that will fit your needs with everything you want it to do---save your $$$ and try to get exactly what you want. 'Do it once and do it right'. If you haven't looked through the FAQ, I would. Welcome to the sickness!

 

[cbmontgo]

Nice rig with lots of potential. Subscribed.

 

[NellieFJ40]

Thanks all. My plans with the truck are just some casual street driving and the type of off roading that can be accomplished with a relatively stock truck.

 

[Vae Victus]

Watching with interest. Welcome.