Oh SNAP! New Project Vehicle!
 

Well, I went and did something silly.

I bought a basket case 1973 FJ40.

It's actually pretty straight and relatively rust free with the original paint. I call it a basket case because it's had a 327 V8 conversion done, complete with lamp shade wiring. It's not running presently, but I think I can get it going with a little effort. It's a one owner. The PO died in a helicopter accident in '98 and it's been sitting near Fresno ever since.

I sold my Harley Street Glide the same day I bought the FJ for a hefty sum ($500 more than what I paid for it) after listing it on Craigslist for 2 hours. So, I've got a restoration budget of $13,000.

I don't know the condition of the engine, 3spd Toyota transmission or the transfer case.

Once I pulled out the aftermarket tape deck, I was glad to see that the majority of the wiring under the dash appears to be unmolested and factory in appearance.

The engine bay is where they've spliced the factory wiring harness to adapt the V8. The mounts look very well done, the only thing that looks real flaky is the manner in which they mounted the clutch slave cylinder. It is somewhat cobbled and mounted to the frame on a large irregular shaped piece of 1/2" plate steel.

The body is really why I bought the thing. It's got what I believe to be a limited amount of rust coming through on the rear sill. Every Landcruiser in existence seems to rot here. It should be a relatively easy replacement. The door sills, rockers, tub, floor pan, rear quarters, door frames, and windshield cowl are solid.

I'm going to leave the V8 for now but am really thinking about converting it to a 4BT Cummins if I happen to run across a good deal on one.

Pics coming in a moment!

Very cool! I put a diesel in my '97 4Runner and love it...try to go that route if you can

You must have found that somewhere near the equator...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1345300746.jpg

Pics!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1345301092.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1345301109.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1345301129.jpg

That does look pretty dry, looks good. That's a nice thing about living in the desert, you can actually find a dry TLC once in a while.

Nice find! Lots of parts available here in So Cal (Spector, Man A Fre) and lots of info on the net (IH8MUD). That's going to be a nice project.

That's next for me. Well done.

Like the turtle in "Finding Nemo" says... RIGHTEOUS!!!

Help me understand why you would wamt a 800# engine that makes 105hp and 265 foot pounds of torque over a 500 pound engine that makes 250 hp and 300 foot pounds of torque?

Engine Name:


Cummins B3.9L/4BT




Applications:


Chevrolet Step Vans, Commercial applications




Configuration:


Inline 4-cylinder diesel




Displacement:


3.9L, 239 cubic inches




Bore:


4.02 inches




Stroke:


4.72 inches




Compression Ratio:


17.5:1




Aspiration:


Turbocharged, non-intercooled




Engine Weight:


745 - 782 lbs




Oil Capacity:


10 quarts




Horsepower:


105 hp @ 2,300 RPM *




Torque:


265 lb-ft @ 1,600 RPM * You could use a 6.2 liter corvette motor with an alloy block and put a rev limiter at 3,200 rpm which is 1/2 of it's max and come up with pretty much the same torque curve and more hp.
with a 400# engine that won't help sink the truck in the mud or sand



I've been thinking about oil burners and was toying with the Mercedes Sprinter diesel engine in a 1961 Ford truck but I'm not seeing the bennifit

There's a reason that the GM small block V8 is a popular FJ conversion

They are small, relatively lightweight, simple, reliable, and make great power

Oh, and they're cheap, plentiful, and inexpensive



Why wouldn't you just run the 327 and focus on correcting the wiring and slave mount?

me too!! or an early bronco.

talked to the wife. may get rid of my 911 to do this..

Awesome, that's a nice find.

I just can't see anymore of these threads on LCs without kicking myself. I just gave my 80 series wagon (paper work only so far, truck is still on my driveway) to my workman because...I am dumb. It is in really good shape beside the little hole in the head gasket. We need another vehicle to haul the kids to and from school if our van needs service. All we own are a bunch of two seaters. A Subi wagon or 4 runner is what I am looking at. What the hell am I thinking?


That's a nice LC.

I guess you could call me committed at this point.


:D


http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/IMG_2235.jpg

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/IMG_2230.jpg

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/o...n/IMG_2238.jpg

Cool pics!!!

Sub'd.

Keep the updates coming.

Very cool!! I have been keeping an eye out in my neck of the woods for a Land Rover or Land Cruiser to bring back to the US with me, such neat vehicles! Very interested in watching your progress with this one!

Same for me. Old Bronco. Definately my next project also. Been looking at a few of them. But I'm in the same boat, something has to go first.:(

It either the 944 or my Meteor. Since the Meteor is pretty rare, and the 944 is a dime a dozen, the decision should be too hard.

You don't waste any time....

Cool!

Nice find!!! Can't wait to see how it turns out!

Thanks guys... I'll keep updating this thread with my progress.

Yup. It's serious now.
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/o...597D5C8CF7.jpg

*sigh*, I hate you.








Ok, not really. But, dammit, you need a punch in the arm.








Ok, not really. Maybe a stern name-calling session will suffice.




DORK!

Because of this thread, I have been driving my FJ 80 for the past two weeks. I will miss my LC. its just has pin hole in the head gasket. I have to fill with a little water every month or two. Other then that, its rock solid. Oh yeah, I like the 200+ HP on the motor also, not powerful by any means, but its a lot faster my old Dodge Diesel. How sad it is to replace my LC with a use Subi Forrester or 4 runner once I have over my keys.

hice, my brother had one with a 350 chevy, very fun good luck with the project:D

You'll be back. I find myself FJ80 shopping at times, I'm certain I'll have another one day.

Wipped,

That's my second one. There is something about them that I can't really put my finger on. Much like our old 911s. I know what you mean about going back. You have had lots of cars over the years, what are the keepers for you?

Honestly it's a pretty short list.

2000 Jaguar XJR - a recliner attached to a rocket. Giggle inducing power.
Any of my 911s, even the evil waterpumpers.;)
1999 Boxster - I would have one now if I didn't need backseats.
My FJ80

I think because it's one of the few cars built to a standard, not to a price. There are many legends about how Toyota engineers spent way too much money on FJ80 development because they wanted to build the perfect SUV. You can see that everywhere on them, particularly if you wrench on it. Everything is twice as stout and designed to be bulletproof. They have a dual alternator belt for redundancy.......who does that?

Here's what the seats looked like when I got it:

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/o...psfe509e30.jpg

Here's how they looked after a visit to the local upholstery shop:


http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/o...7E7C781C25.jpg

The seats are looking nice! And what a movie collection, WOW.
Enjoying your project, keep us posted as you go.

Cheers Richard

Nice.

I did a frame off on an my old CJ.

Used drilled hockey pucks as replacement body mounts.

Good get, always loved those old FJ's

You don't mess around Leland. The frame looks solid, any serious rust?

No serious rust on the frame. The rear tub sill and bottom rear corners on the tub are rusted and will be replaced.

It's been over 10 days since your last update.

At your pace, I'd wager it's almost finished. :D

Yeah, I'm been meaning to post an update. Right now I'm working on getting the frame put back together before moving to the body work. I had the frame powder coated and installed a 4" SOR lift kit. I've got the brakes plumbed and the axles repacked. I'm finding little surprises along with way... stuck wheel cylinders... loose axle nuts... joy.

I'm ready to put the power train back in but found a torn seal on the input shaft and had to order a replacement which will hold me up a week.

Here are a few more cell phone pics:


http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/o...pse2283d5d.jpg


http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps53551ace.jpg


http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/o...037A9A89C8.jpg

Got the frame back from powder coating:

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps57a20401.jpg

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps8257135f.jpg

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/o...ps8bdeb141.jpg


http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/o...6E62C56196.jpg

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/o...15BCBB1259.jpg

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/o...15C519EA59.jpg

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/o...15CBD30079.jpg

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/o...15D11FF19A.jpg

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/o...15DFE1343C.jpg

Getting there!

Quickest. Resto. Ever.

Nice! Any motor work, or just a clean and paint?

Yeah, at a snail's pace. Step it up, mister!