Daily FJ40
 

Hey guys, well I'm back with something completely different. This time its not about speed, power or even show car quality ... its all about COOL. This one I'm building for me, a daily driver if I wanted that will handle decently, accelerate and brake very well, and of course something that nobody in this area will have ... :idea:

So here is what we are doing, 1973 FJ40 Toyota Landcruiser with
Pretty much ALL new parts
Completely done up LQ9 with full Holley setup / 88' split case / NV4500 5spd transmission / LOTS of AA parts / 4" upgraded suspension with Fox shocks / 4 wheel disc / 60' Series power steering conversion / PSI wiring with DBW and AAW 28 circuit GM harness / Tanks-Inc / Metal-Tech goodies / Stealth Custom Series wheels and lots more cool stuff

So here is where we are at ...

Grabbed this partially started project from a guys over in Oregon, like new 73' front end with a new Aqualu aluminum tub. Unlike the Camaro, there are NO surprises here, like starting from brand new

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...pslqtu3nmd.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...pspgt9zomt.jpg


LQ9 with Holley hi-ram

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...psb6iliki1.jpg

Rebuilt 88' Toyota split case

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...psav13nyc1.jpg

Rebuilt NV4500 5 speed (this thing almost weighs 250lbs !!)

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...psukbiuuoi.jpg


17x9 Wheels we're going with

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...pszrfbhvps.jpg

Defender 90 custom front seats with heaters ordered from LRI (coming from England) Rear seat still TBD

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...ps1lirkk6i.jpg

and finally colour scheme I'm likely going with, Audi Nardo grey and all black accents

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...pswx1hgq3r.jpg

I know this isn't as extreme as the Camaro, but I hope this is of interest to many of you .. this should be FUN

Good to be back again :thankyou:

Cheers
Steve

Been waiting for this !

Bout time!
Moar pics! I like everything about this build plan, hoping you will stay ahead of me and share all the hiccups so I can learn.

Ours is in upholstery jail right now...

Jeff-

Fantastic! Love it.

I love FJ40's I had a 72 and miss it everyday!
Subscribed.

Thanks
 

Thanks guys, I'm glad we have some fans here
Wayne, think I can get this one done too before you ??!! LOL :thumbsup:

Steve

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
You are a good person!



:D

The way things are going that a given:drowninga:

Lol ... sorry Wayne, I just had to, of all the builds here I have a ton of respect for the continuous time and effort that you yourself have put into that car and I am silently cheering you on to get her done !!

:thumbsup:

Steve

Oh god here we go , when is version 2.0...3.0 of the FJ going to come out lol . Like the Camaro ?

Busting your balls Steve looks great so far should be a cool truck when you're done . If you need someone to drink beer and watch you spin wrenches let me know I'll slide up the hwy
Cheers Ryan

This looks awesome. Will keep my eyes on this.

V2
 

Ryan ... NOT !! doing this one right the 1st time so I do not foresee any V2 or 3
Too bad your so far away, keep an eye on the thread and see when you want to come over for a visit :thumbsup:

Will, hope your enjoying that orange beast !!

Steve

I do when it runs!

:wow: So nice!!!! Wish I had that. Can't wait to see it come together.

:ohsnap:

LOL .. too funny Will, I thought you would have gotten the bugs out by now ??
Todd .. thank you

Steve

Nah just started making some events and really shook some out at LS Fest. Didn't stop me from having a blast though!

cool project!!! I've always had a soft spot for FJ's and Defenders. What are your plans for the suspension?

Suspension
 

Decided to keep the suspension fairly simple.
4" lift on BTB Safari Springs (was going to go OME but they don't have a 4" so this was the best option) reverse shackle kit and Fox shocks

Pretty much copying one of Mr. Ward's TLC/ICON builds, I figured he has these dialled in pretty well so I'd do the same

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...psadlivead.png

Its only a couple hrs away,Ill come anytime ...just need an invite lol, btw did you see who not in business anymore....now Dave bought it no idea as to a new name thou

I love this...and there's that gray color that everyone swears doesn't look good on older vehicles. This is so sick to me.

yessir I heard ! And I also heard the rumour Dave bought it but wasn't sure.
Hmmmmm very interesting, do you think he is still going to be involved ... he's made a LOT of enemies

Grey
 

I totally agree that on the right vehicle the colour totally works, and for me it so works for this style of build. If I was going towards more of a Resto style then maybe a Venetian blue Porsche colour

:thankyou:

dave told me to my face he bought it so that's church right there ...as for the other fella .... I'm going to say he HAS to be involved it the background somehow , still like to know the reason . Dave is down sizing it to him and one other guy for now as for everything else ????? I do know he might sell a couple hoists which I have first dibs on lol. now get back to work on the fj ..and pick a weekend you want me to come there

looks good Steve love the colour. i may have to go up there for a visit one day.

Visit
 

Tony, get your a$$ up here with that Camaro so I can see it and we can catch up, your more than welcome any time !

Ryan, I agree ... he'll be lurking in the background I'm sure. Oh ya, you gotta get a hoist if you can buddy, it's an absolute MUST

Cheers
Steve

New seats
 

X-Mas came early !!

Have to admit these are nicer than I thought they'd be ... way nicer in person.
Quality of the leather and the stitching is superb

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...psba7iqxhn.jpg

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...pseymzotvw.jpg

Beautiful seats.....whats your wife's thoughts on car parts in the kitchen thou lol

Wow....those are so serious!!

Man those seats are nice. The stitching and design looks amazing.

Wow, the seats came out Nice!

thanks
 

Thanks guys .. ya I think these are a good pick for this style of build.
The good folks over at PRP were good enough to work with me on a design for the rear bench seat too ...

Big thanks to JR over at PRP

And oh ... Ryan, she gave up on me a LONG time ago LOL

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...ps8ooovqyu.jpg

Those front seats look really nice!

But are they Corinthian Leather. :)

LOL ... nice !! :lmao:

What a cool build and I want a set of these seats for my 70 or the Cayman !!







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bike rack
 

Thanks Marty ... also trying to sort out a custom bike rack buddy !!
Google LRI seats if your interested

Cheers
Steve

Steering wheel
 

360mm Nardi Classic

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...psshhdhwsx.jpg

Any ideas on an instrument gauge panel setup? Will you be staying more original or aftermarket setup

Your welcome.

So where are you thinking about putting the bike. On the roof or the back ?

Oh I really want those seats


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gauges
 

Have Dakota Digital setup in my file of stuff

Marty, if I put it on the roof I'd be hitting trees, I'm likely going out the back for the rack

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...psuiiuxsyo.png

could help it
 

Well I couldn't help myself, here is my (below) 1st FJ40 that I still have. Restored 6 years ago with still the tired old inline 2F motor ...

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...ps2ekezwxg.jpg

Until I just found out that these were available !!!

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...ps3m58vfj6.png

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...ps8qfntlzd.png