After about 3 years of him-hawing around, my friend from work finally picked up a 1977 FJ40. Over the years, he was undecided and swayed from Land Rover (previous coworker was a big LR buff), to FJ40 (once I was hired at work), and then to an Early Bronco (another coworker is a big EB fan). Well, I found one on mud and forwarded it to him and he fell in love. Surprisingly, prices on these things have fallen dramatically lately and the previous owner was willing to negotiate.
So we finally picked it up today at lunch.
Here it is at the mechanics, where he made the transfer:
[img width=800 height=533]http://www.robinhood4x4.com/UY/FJ40/FJgarage.JPG[/img]
It ain't foggy in AZ. We'll need to work on the engine a little.
[img width=800 height=533]http://www.robinhood4x4.com/UY/FJ40/FJsmoke.JPG[/img]
[img width=800 height=533]http://www.robinhood4x4.com/UY/FJ40/FJroad.JPG[/img]
[img width=800 height=605]http://www.robinhood4x4.com/UY/FJ40/FJmirror.jpg[/img]
We'll need to come up with a proper battery hold down.
[img width=800 height=533]http://www.robinhood4x4.com/UY/FJ40/FJengine.JPG[/img]
The steering rod is supposed to be straight, but it sure makes turning way more interesting.
[img width=800 height=533]http://www.robinhood4x4.com/UY/FJ40/FJsteeringrod.jpg[/img]
Who needs the leaf springs to be straight anyway?
[img width=800 height=533]http://www.robinhood4x4.com/UY/FJ40/FJ40spring.JPG[/img]
Anyway, over the next few months I'll be chronicling the restoration and build up. Right now the plans are to do a frame off restoration with mostly original or replica parts. A mild 2.5"-3"lift from OME, fix the rust, repaint, build some armor, possibly rebuild the engine, possibly lockers, and I'm pushing for 33x12.5 mud tires.