FJ40 thread....
 

Thought I would share a project I'm working on for my wife, and ask anybody else with an FJ to join in and post up.

I have been offering to build my wife a hot rod of her own for years and she has always been partial to Broncos, Land Rovers, and FJs. I've always steered her away from them because they are so basic, zero insulation, minimal interiors, manual everything... "...but you can fix that can't you?"

Our '79 as we received it. Older cosmetic restoration, basically a nice driver...

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL26.../413306513.jpg


" I don't like the gray. What can we do about all the gray painted stuff...?"

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL26.../413306510.jpg


Making choices for what is to come...

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL26.../413306512.jpg


Ok honey, no more gray...

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL26.../413306514.jpg


Starting to test ideas on the interior...

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL26.../413306507.jpg


Getting the upholstery under way...

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL26.../413306509.jpg
http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL26.../413306515.jpg


Hoping to get the interior wrapped up this summer so I can be ready for the
winter swap...

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL26.../413306508.jpg

Cool ride. There's a company down this way called ACC that specializes in vintage Toyotas like this. They bring out some of their LS swapped rides to Caffeine and Octane. They do great work and really make me want to get one. Good luck with your truck. Glad to see you posting a thread on it.

Fj
 

Holy crap !! Jeff, are you kidding me ,.... more details !!
This thing is awesome

I have so many questions
Steve

Thanks! I didn't know about them. Another source if I get in trouble!

Well get to asking... :y0!:

Setup
 

Ok, first off what suspension and steering setup are you going with ?
I'm looking at a couple of different options as I want to drive mine a lot and don't want to break any teeth in the process

Steve

A little disclaimer first. This thing will probably never see so much as a dirt road, much less trails (just like 99% of the giant 4x4s on the road) which is a shame 'cause even bone stock they are very capable.

Our '79 came factory with power steering and it is all mechanically fresh so for steering, we are sticking with it. If it was manual, I would be looking into one of the FJ60 conversions. I've read over on the IH8Mud forum that some have even adapted S10 boxes.

Suspension wise, wanted to keep the semi-factory look so no 4 links or 3 links. I talked to the guys at FJ Company while I was at SEMA and they use OME (OldManEmu) on most all their builds. I bought the 2.5" kit with the Nitro shocks. I definitely did not want more lift, she has to get a running start to get in it as it is... The OME is supposed to have the best ride you can get from leafs and you get poly bushings in everything along with greasable joints. The install was pretty straightforward and the parts seem high quality.

I have not driven it yet with the new parts, waiting on the carb to come back from rebuild (due today I hope!!)

Cool project.

Subscribed. :thumbsup:

This thing is awesome Jeff. I love the old FJ's too. By the way, damn good choice on the bronze/brown wheels.

Thanks!!
I was getting envelopes from Prismatic Powders every few days until she finally agreed on a color. I think we went through 20 samples! It was either too dark for me or too light for her and I was determined it would have some real pop out in the sunlight. The color is a two-coat (of course) that starts with Ink Black and then gets a topcoat they call Frosted Tangerine...

Like most colors, pics really don't do it justice or show the real color.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL26.../413313265.jpg

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL26.../413313266.jpg

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL26.../413313267.jpg

My first attempt at building an off-road bumper...

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL26.../413313268.jpg

Cool FJ! I remember rebuilding those carbs when I worked at a Toyota dealer, and the rear main seals sucked!

that is clean!!! Awesome

Awesome
 

This is PERFECT Jeff, exactly what my plan was and wanted to see what you were doing for suspension. I've also decided to go Manual with an H55 and likely a 60 TC ... just need to find this stuff.

Are you going disc rear, and if so what kit did you use ?
Also, what are your plans for an EFI tank ?

Keep the pics coming !

Thanks
Steve

I do plan rear disc when I do the LS. I'm lucky once again that mine is a '79 because that got me factory power front disc brakes. I'm looking at something like the JT Outfiiters kit Rear Disc Kit Here. It does not have provisions for an emergency brake but mine has the separate mid-mounted drum for that. I understand that there is a Cadillac caliper you can substitute that does have the provision if yours doesn't have the mid-drum or if you are changing transfer cases.

If it didn't already have front disc, I would have just done all Wilwood. Not for the flash, you cant even see any of it, but because I've used their stuff on several projects and like it. Bang for buck.


Fuel system has not been decided. I don't want to run an external pump but sometimes you work with what is there. Here is where '79 was not so bueno, it has a specific tank design. There are no replacements available. It also has a really funky shape that looks like a jelly bean someone stepped on in army boots. I am not sure yet if there is a place to retro one of the drop ins (Holley/Aeromotive) and get it to seal. Some of the new scavenger socks I've seen give me hope though on getting it to pick up fuel if I can find flat real estate to mount the top ring. The though of having to "make" a flat spot on top of the tank is not appealing, but is doable. If I have to go that far, I might as well weld in a factory GM ring and go OE. I have the tank and pump from the Camaro donor.
All else fails, we know we can use an external pump. Tried and true.

Please feel free to discuss your plans and thoughts!! I wanted this to be an open thread to all FJ builds. (all two of them...:headspin: )

Jeff-

Ok .. so how about tranny and transfer case, this is what I've been agonizing over lately. Go 5 spd or auto ??? and then which transfer case ... 1980 to 1990 FJ60 TC are the ones to go with but soooo hard to find.

Oh and btw ... have you seen the new HDX gauges from DD !!??

http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.c...od/prd1062.htm

Matt at Classic Bow Ties is a huge TLC fan and is doing some VERY good deals, ordering my gauges from him shortly

Cheers
Steve

We're doing the 6L80 that came with our L99 pullout (wife definitely wanted auto, no discussion). Sticking with the stock Toyota transfer case for now, if it starts acting up I will probably do the Orion upgrade from Advance.

We are definitely doing the HDX. And Vintage Air. Waiting on the LS swap this coming winter to change all that stuff. That is good to know about Matt and FJs, I've bought from them on other projects and always top notch. Of course he is having a big sale right now, we just dropped money on our LS!... but I'm sure he'll have another big sale between now and the end of the year.

I'm looking at Advance Adapters for most of my conversion stuff, they are just about a one-stop shop. Have you looked at any conversion stuff?

Jeff-

exact
 

Jeff ... our builds are almost exactly the same, I'm doing a 4L80e, TC still to be decided, my gas tank is going in the rear and considering a Tank's Inc with custom straps /install of course needed, all my swap stuff will also come from AA including the motor mounts, going Vintage Air AC as well ...

Matt is calling me today to discuss all the options/accessories that Dakota Digital has to offer with the new VHX dash and LS swap ... so much to decide but wow is their stuff ever slick.

Steve

I'll be interested to hear your thoughts after your confab with Matt on that HDX. Especially how the speedo works and the gear selector display for our autos, how it gets it's signal.

I'm planning on using the new Lokar shifter they debuted at SEMA. Has a side gate for the manual shift option and we can get a 16" stick so with a black knob, it will resemble a stock FJ setup.

Hey guys, I am here to answer any questions.

On the shift indicator.. It is a "BIM" module they sell. The sender bolts up to the tranny linkage and sends the signal to the BIM module, which then just plugs into the main HDX or VHX computer. Most all BIM modules are about the footprint of a credit card and about 1" thick.

There are many data items that can be displayed with the HDX all at once vs scrolling as you would with the VHX. You can also choose your screen layout and customize to suit your needs. There are 3 screens you can setup and even choose the colors of the text, grid lines, etc!

Thanks
Matt

Thanks for the info Matt! Do you know if the shift module will work with the 6L80E and the manual shift option they have?

Jeff-

They do not currently support 6 speeds. I will say I believe you can mount it up ok and use it for P-D, after that it wouldn't be accurate.

The tap to shift will have to be setup through the Canbus system, it is not a function of anything the dash does. I would for sure set it up though, it's a great feature, especially with the 6L!

Thanks
Matt

Thanks Matt. Speartech has a system/display specific to the 6L that pairs with their harnesses, I'll look into that.

Perfect, I would go that route for sure. No Canbus YET for dakota but I see them there very soon!

Matt

Thanks
 

Big thanks to Matt for spending the time with me going over all the dash options, cant say enough about this guy ... Thanks Matt and dash ordered !!

Jeff I also have the Lokar shifter with the long shifter and knob ..great quality stuff

Cheers
Steve

It's no problem at all Steve, enjoy the dash and I am sure we will see install pics soon! We appreciate your business.

Matt

Got the FJeezy out into the sunlight this weekend. Hopefully we are close to dropping it off at interior jail to get some hides put in...
Ready to do some summertime cruising in this thing!!

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL26.../413331936.jpg

Nice
 

What a beauty !
Tell me Jeff when is the engine swap going to happen ?

Steve

The plan right now is to start on it Nov/Dec. The LS is here but I'm gonna need the summer to spread out collecting all the rest of the swap stuff without superheating my hotrod budget... I have a project of my own that I am quietly trying to get parts for too, but the wife's FJ comes first... Luckily my project is at the point where it needs my labor more than parts and hers is the opposite.

Jeff-

New project
 

Ok buddy ... do tell
:popcorn2:

Not exactly Pro-Touring. More Pro-Toaster/Mystery Machine...

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL26.../413336025.jpg

64 A100 with a 2014 Gen3 Hemi and Nag1 auto. Scotts did me a weld in IFS front with power rack and I did a triangulated 4 link out back with a Ford 9. Wilwoods all around with the MC/Booster in the dash. Ididt tilt with a Budnik wheel.

Current status, finishing up exhaust, next brake and fuel lines, then engine doghouse, then rear tubs, then wiring, then....then.... then blow it all apart and start bodywork...

Jeff-

cars
 

wow ... Jeff where do you find the time !!
And I thought I was a little nuts LOL

Steve

That's easy, no kids! At least no two legged ones...:RunninDog:

Starting to get some of the interior pieces done...

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL26.../413411295.jpg

Seats from an early Audi TT recovered in her choices...

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL26.../413411298.jpg


Working on a raised platform for the drivers side floor.... once we raised the seats so she could easily see out, she was tippy-toe on the floor...

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL26.../413411296.jpg

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL26.../413411297.jpg

Love this build! FJs are SO cool!!!

Great build! Keep it coming! Not often we get Cruiser porn on Lat G!
:gitrdun:

Fj
 

Beautiful Jeff !!
Please post pics on how your mounting those seats ... they are outstanding

Steve

I picked these seats in particular because of several features (I used to have a 02 TT) they are very supportive, they are all manual-no electric motors, fairly light, and have seat height adjustment using a gas strut. Of course the tracks don't line up with the FJ bolt holes, I made some simple brackets from angle iron...

Hopefully these images aren't too dark and you can tell whats what...

This is the outer front bracket on drivers seat,
http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL26.../413413495.jpg

Outer front bracket on the passenger seat.. (the inner front brackets are basically identical to the outers...)

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL26.../413413498.jpg

The rear bracket is a little different, instead of a simple L tab like the front, it runs all the way across the back of the seat...

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL26.../413413496.jpg

Just a piece of angle iron with a tab welded on the top at each end for the seat track to bolt to... the notch you see cut out of the center of the bracket is where the height adjust shock under the seat was hitting the bracket when you slide the seat back...

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL26.../413413497.jpg

seats
 

Just fantastic Jeff
I'm so burnt out building/finishing my 69' I can't even think abut getting started on the FJ right now but I your build is starting to get my motivation back

Thanks
Steve

It's actually helped me stay motivated working on two projects at the same time... I get delayed on a part I need, or frustrated with how something is coming together, I just go over to the other and see what I can do there.

The only problem comes when they both need cash instead of labor... hers usually gets the budget first :G-Dub:

The FJ headed to the upholstery shop to get some hides and some tunes...

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL26.../413527311.jpg

pics
 

Keep the info and pics going Jeff ... I'm right behind you, picking up a TON of stuff in Buffalo next week to get my project started.

Looking forward to seeing it back from the interior shop !

Cheers
Steve