Who Prefers the Early 40's?

[kbahus]

I am going to go check out a 67 40 next week to possibly get back into Land Cruiser ownership after a lengthy hiatus. I am fairly apprehensive about it though as I have only had later models and I am not 100% sure what I am getting into. This particular one is far from original, has a 2f/4-speed swap, and needs some work. I just don't know if I am going to like the early models, there are a lot of differences cosmetically from the seats, doors, windshield wipers, etc. I am curious how everyone here feels about the earlier 40's? Anything I should know before hand? If there was say a 78 and a 67 sitting next to each other, which one would you get in?

 

[charliemeyer007]

Simpler the better. Not fond of vacuum shifting anything. I like the door handles on my 76 hard top (recessed) when going threw thick over grown mine roads.

 

[Pighead]

I like the earlier 'Cruisers, they look cooler, have thicker sheetmetal, are smog-exempt and have fewer extraneous doo-dads added on

 

[Jdc1]

I am going to go check out a 67 40 next week to possibly get back into Land Cruiser ownership after a lengthy hiatus. I am fairly apprehensive about it though as I have only had later models and I am not 100% sure what I am getting into. This particular one is far from original, has a 2f/4-speed swap, and needs some work. I just don't know if I am going to like the early models, there are a lot of differences cosmetically from the seats, doors, windshield wipers, etc. I am curious how everyone here feels about the earlier 40's? Anything I should know before hand? If there was say a 78 and a 67 sitting next to each other, which one would you get in?

The only thing that prefer on the later 40s are the bucket seats. Easy fix on a restomod.

 

[JohnnyC]

I prefer the older … but… I’m older so

Mod it over time… it’s fun to tinker

 

[fireflyr]

A vote for the older 40's also, although you have to get used to the phrase '1973 and later', '1968 and later' when ordering parts. Some hardware is harder to find and dealing with the 9mm brakeline fittings wasn't much fun.

Not having smog requirements made the decision to LS swap it easier too.

 

[Jdc1]

What fuel tank are you using?

 

[sofj45]

I’m partial to what I own but prefer pre 65. But if it was that it’d be 72 and earlier. Once it went to square gas door they are to new

 

[1911]

Love the looks of earlier 40's with their minimal turn signals and etc., but I sure like the disc brakes, 4-speed, and 3.70 diffs on my late 40.

 

[brian]

Recent convert.
Used to prefer the mid-70s.
But since I acquired a 61, I'm firmly in the earlier the better camp.

 

[kbahus]

Is the axle ratio different? Are you guys all rolling around with lap belts and bench seats? Keep the comments coming!

 

[1911]

Is the axle ratio different?

Yes.

 

[ace10]

Is the axle ratio different? Are you guys all rolling around with lap belts and bench seats? Keep the comments coming!

What's a seat belt?

 

[kbahus]

@fireflyr

I found this pic in your thread, no roll bar and bench seats looks really great in this shot.

 

[fireflyr]

When I first bought it, it had what I think Mark called a 'sand bar' in it. Two hoops about 10" apart with sheet steel on top, I guess to support you if you ended up up-side-down on the beach. Looked pretty 1970's.

I ended up cutting it apart and making a more conventional cage to fit inside the soft top bars.

I have yet to re-install it.

That picture you posted was a couple months ago when it first rolled out of the shop with the 5.3.

 

[sofj45]

Fj60 axles fixes your no disc and gearing. SOA with 283 and 4 spd. Let’s you cruise down the road very nicely

 

[ace10]

No mods means she gets driven at a serene pace.
She is what she is.

 

[fireflyr]

What fuel tank are you using?

Sorry, just saw this. It’s a Downey poly tank I got from Mark. Was also able to get a skid plate from Jim.

 

[Grayscale]

It depends on how hacked-up, and rough it is. In my book, the closer that it is to original factory, the better the starting point.

That said, the earlier the make, the more 'Cruiser' that it is to me. Imagine never having any of that smog stuff to compare the current rig with? Once the air pump appeared on USA trucks, the intake manifolds and exhaust manifolds seem to have warped, cracked, and otherwise deteriorated because the heat from the after-burn was somewhat rough on the components. The EGR-lamp on the dash is depressing, nerve-racking, and pure melancholy - it is a precursor to the 'check engine' light, and the decline of skilled mechanics. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to reinstall the original EGR lamp from '75.

The inside skins on the front doors, before '74 have the finest sheet metal, and door hardware, you can imagine on a 40.

 

[Jdc1]

Sorry, just saw this. It’s a Downey poly tank I got from Mark. Was also able to get a skid plate from Jim.

Thanks, no apologies needed.