FJ40 Project

[Sgt Grunt]

Finally got started again on my FJ40 after not touching it for 4 or 5 years. Not so much a expedition rig, but I've had it since High School, almost 20 years...

Not sure what to do with it once it's done. I am wanting to give it a little bit of a more modern stance / look with wheels and tires...

Ideas welcome!!!

[Desertdude]

what a thing of beauty!

I'd say yer dun :shakin:

2M radio maybe?

[Ryanmb21]

Don't do anything! that thing is AWESOME!!

[DaktariEd]

Gorgeous FJ40! :wings:
Is it male or female? My FJ40 wants to know! :yikes:
:sombrero:

[Bighead]

That's a great looking -40...I would love to take it off your hands. Leave it like it is; there is always something distinctive about a lightly modified/unmodified FJ40.

[Boston Mangler]

Wow!

[gillti]

beautiful 40! don't mess with what aint broke if you ask me!

[Sgt Grunt]

Gorgeous FJ40! :wings:
Is it male or female? My FJ40 wants to know! :yikes:
:sombrero:


Not really sure??? Never really been good at naming vehicles...:sombrero: Any good name ideas?????

Thanks for all the comments... A few minor items to complete and it's ready to roll. I really like the Walker Evans wheels, so that may be the last modification with 315/75 17's.

Bighead, I'm going back and forth on if I should sell it. I've always wanted a D-90, and this would have to go if I got one.

[DBS311]

Nice 40. Only change I would make would be to flip the tires around.

[Rezarf <><]

Great loking rig Sgt!

I would paint the bezel white and call it done if...

you have Power steering.
A Ipod or cd player.
Comfy seats.

Otherwise I would just drive it everyday. I DO!

Rezarf <><

[DaveInDenver]

Looks fantastic!

FWIW, there was a story I heard about a fella who spent years restoring his FJ40. It was immaculate, OEM everything, model correct bits. It was like it rolled off the assembly line. He'd poured years of his life and tons of his money into it. The definition of a pet project if you'd ever see it. He finished, drove for a few weeks and sold it. Said it killed him to drive it through puddles, each bug spatter he winced and the thought if the first scratch kept him awake at night. If he hadn't have sold it, it would have probably driven him insane worrying about it. I dunno if it's truly relevant here, but your post reminded me of that story.

[OverlandZJ]

Thats just so damn sexy.....

Threads like this kill me, i had a few 40's in my earlier years. My last project being a 75 w/ 350, Power steering, 4" lift etc. I got hurt at work shortly after buying a home and starting a family....she had to go. Just this past week my bud stops in and tells me his brother just about has it finished...12 years after i sold it. He stopped in because i had forgotten to sign the title back then.....

My point being unless you actually go for that D90...you may regret selling this. And if you do....I WANT IT!

[rusty_tlc]

Nice rig, I wouldn't touch it.
Buy a beater if you want a trail rig, plenty of rusty TLC's around to trash.

[Sgt Grunt]

Thanks for the comments again...

John B, good point on the "if I go for the D 90"...

Rusty, I would not make this my trail rig... I am not a rock basher, I just want to do a few minor things to it and enjoy it... if it stays in my garage...

Dave, I worry a lot, but not like that guy. No intentions of beating it up, but it will pull my 416 and see a few camping trips....

[rusty_tlc]

Thanks for the comments again...

John B, good point on the "if I go for the D 90"...

Rusty, I would not make this my trail rig... I am not a rock basher, I just want to do a few minor things to it and enjoy it... if it stays in my garage...

Dave, I worry a lot, but not like that guy. No intentions of beating it up, but it will pull my 416 and see a few camping trips....
The only thing's I'd consider for general off road use would be rear disk and maybe ARB lockers. I think air lockers were one of the best mods I ever did to mine, not counting front disk and Power steering which you already have. I haven't done the rear disk but it's on my list.

FWIW anyone I've ever talked to who sold an FJ40 regretted it.

[Sgt Grunt]

Finally had it out and running!!! The fuel system was plugged from sitting for years. All that is left is to powder coat the battery tray, finish cleaning up the wiring, wire in the stereo, install the rollbar.

Once all that is done, this is my list of "want to" items...

New wheels and tires, 315 somethings??? w/ Walker Evans wheels.
Alcan Springs.
Kaymar rear bumper.
Custom bikini top.

[theexile]

Beautiful 40! :clapsmile

[roberto]

Who is the maker of the front bumper? Beautiful rig!

Rob

[SAR_Squid79]

Not sure what to do with it...

Ideas welcome!!!
I have an idea! Sell it to me!

[Sgt Grunt]

Rob, my Dad built that bumper several years back... This has been both of our project. I think it was therapy for him while I was in the Marines. :)

SAR, All it takes is an offer, and a certified check!!! :wings:

[nickw]

Beautiful rig!

Can I ask why a D-90 over the cruiser? If your not planning on playing in the rocks and/or doing wheeling that requires some serious articulation I dont see where a 40 falls short of a D-90. Possibly a bit in the storage compartment, but with a bit of creativity that could be resolved.

Even though your rig is super nice, I dont see any shame in using 'wisely' and putting some scratches on it. Afterall, it isn't a show car. Down the road 15 years you can restore it all over again.

You can tell alot about a guys rig by looking at his shop, perfectly organized and clean, well done!

[Sgt Grunt]

Beautiful rig!

Can I ask why a D-90 over the cruiser? If your not planning on playing in the rocks and/or doing wheeling that requires some serious articulation I dont see where a 40 falls short of a D-90. Possibly a bit in the storage compartment, but with a bit of creativity that could be resolved.

Even though your rig is super nice, I dont see any shame in using 'wisely' and putting some scratches on it. Afterall, it isn't a show car. Down the road 15 years you can restore it all over again.

You can tell alot about a guys rig by looking at his shop, perfectly organized and clean, well done!

Nick, Thank you.

I have always had a thing for the D 90... and have never owned one. I have always had a Cruiser of some sort... so, I guess I want what I don't have... Other than that, no real reason. I probably have some screws loose... :rolleyes:

[nickw]

Nick, Thank you.

I have always had a thing for the D 90... and have never owned one. I have always had a Cruiser of some sort... so, I guess I want what I don't have... Other than that, no real reason. I probably have some screws loose... :rolleyes:

Compeletely understandable, I think it is human nature to strive for the next best thing. From a cost standpoint, I would think you could probably sell the 40 (judging from the pics) what a nice D-90 would run you.

I have to admit, those D-90's are awesome looking though-

[metalonmetal]

beautiful cruiser, like the detail that's been put into it. any plans on getting it dirty? hope you post some pictures when you do man. :beer:

[Equipt]

That is a great looking truck. Congratulations. I did a tub up resto on my 40 about 5 years ago, so I can appreciate the time and detail. They really are a lot of fun. Mine is up to the crawling task, but I have just as much fun running around town in the summer with the top of.

For storage, we designed a mounting off the 6 point family cage in the back to hold a small conferr rack midway between the floor and the top of the cage. It's 3" higher than my black lab. When we go out on a trail, she has the lower bunk and the gear rides a bit higher.

Only thing I would change from the photo I saw is perhaps the scenery.

Cheers,

[Sgt Grunt]

Thanks guys for the comments and what not... I really have no plans for the truck, I have had it since High School and have been SLOWLY working on it for the better part of... GULP!!! 15 years... It has sat the last several collecting dust. So the plan is to have it all done by summer. On the to do list are new springs, roll bar / cage???, wheels & tires.