New FJ40 owner from Minnesota.

[Big A]

I just picked up my first FJ40. It is a 1966 and it is a pretty solid rig from Montana. I trailered it back from Billings a couple of weeks ago. It has minor rust spots on both rockers and under both rear gates. I bought it without a motor and transmission but I was able to pick up a 4spd and transfer case from a mid 70s fj40. Since this is originally a 3spd I will have to cut a hole in the floor to fit the 4spd trans and newer transfer case. I have not decided if I will put a 2f motor in it or go with a small block Chevy. I want it to be a pretty stock looking rig with maybe just a small suspension lift. I think I will first paint the frame and work my way up. I will post a picture soon and I am sure I will have questions as I am working on it.

Thanks

A

 

[Julian T]

Welcome to the club, you will find there are more than a few fellows here who share your love of land cruisers and when you get your post count up enough some pictures would be much appreciated.

 

[Big A]

Right on. Thanks Julian.

A

 

[120mm]

Good to see another USian on here. You'll find that this forum is more Euro- and Australian centric, but they have some good info here.

Where in Minnesota are you from?

I wouldn't give a second thought to converting it to a SBC. Long term, your bank account will thank you.

Drew

 

[tonytoyota]

Hi and welcome love the old 40's I have fj40 and a. Fj45 pick up with hj60 running gear in them Tave fun with it from tonytoyota .

 

[Julian T]

Thinking of engine choices what would probably work well would be a old 60's or 70's chev 4.1 straight 6.

I believe that in that age cruiser you cant beat the sound of a straight 6 petrol and it should fit with minimal fabrication requirements, and it will look and sound right.

Chev 4.1

Landcruiser 4.2

 

[Big A]

Thanks 120 MM. I live in a small town just inside MN about 30 miles east of Fargo, ND. Thanks for the advise on the SBC I am still undecided which way I am leaning towards.

Julian,

I agree I dig that inline 6 sound also that is a great idea of a Chevy straight 6. That is a great idea I have not thought of. I just found a complete 2F motor for $250. The story is it ran when taken out but we all know how that goes. I think it is probably a good price and would bolt right up to my 4spd trans I would just need to track down a 2f bell housing.

A

 

[120mm]

That puts you near Detroit Lakes or so.

My family lived in Minnesota before moving south to the Storm Lake area in Iowa.

Good luck in a really cool project!

 

[Julian T]

Big A it might be worth asking Chris at FNB, on this forum he goes by Blown80, for parts you are having a hard time locating, he is in Aus and I have a suspicion there will be loads of early cruiser parts out there.

The only problem may be shipping costs but it's worth a try

 

[Blown80]

Congrats Big A.
I'm as jealous as.
I have the good fortune of looking after a lovely ol' HJ47 for my good mate TonyS on here. Every morning I get to enjoy the view of her classic lines. They simply are a beautiful thing.
Thank you too Julian. Appreciated.

 

[Big A]

That puts you near Detroit Lakes or so.

My family lived in Minnesota before moving south to the Storm Lake area in Iowa.

Good luck in a really cool project!

Yes I live near Detroit Lakes. Wow its a small world.

 

[Big A]

Big A it might be worth asking Chris at FNB, on this forum he goes by Blown80, for parts you are having a hard time locating, he is in Aus and I have a suspicion there will be loads of early cruiser parts out there.

The only problem may be shipping costs but it's worth a try

Right on. If I am unable to locate something I will check with Blown80. I have owned several different vehicles but this old FJ40 just puts a smile on my face. This is a cool website for info and I am glad I found it.

A

 

[Big A]

Here is a pic.

 

[Big A]

 

[120mm]

That's a really nice 40.

 

[Big A]

That's a really nice 40.

Thanks man! I am super excited to start on it.

A

 

[Julian T]

That's a really nice 40.

That it is, looks like it is a good starting point for a restoration project

Thank you too Julian. Appreciated.

Sorry, I know how hard it can be sourcing good quality used spares that the customer will be as happy with as you were to find it.

 

[Big A]

Looks like it is going to be Chevy V8 powered. I just picked up a 305 with only 30k miles.

I will post a build thread when I get started.

A

 

[120mm]

Nothing beats cheap power. Good engine choice.

 

[Big A]

Nothing beats cheap power. Good engine choice.

Thanks man. I am super excited to start on this thing.

A