This FJ40 received a full stage 3 restoration. After modification, the frame was powder coated and then painted the accent color. The body and accessories were repaired and refinished using PPG single stage satin enamel. The underside and inside floor of the tub and the underside of the fenders were sprayed with a color matched, commercial 2 part polyuria spray liner. With careful attention to detail, all of the hardware and related non painted steel was refinished in yellow zinc to component the body and accent colors.
Body modifications include a one piece fold down tailgate, specific to factory soft top Land Cruisers.
Under the hood of this Land Cruiser is a new Cummins B3.3l turbo diesel mated to a Toyota H55F 5 speed transmission and split transfer case. The engine compartment was laid out and customized to highlight the military theme of the rig, but with meticulous attention to detail. Argent colored intercooler and intake tubing ad a second accent color to the all business but classy looking engine bay.
The suspension of the 40 is a 2.5” Old Man Emu lift combined with a PRLC shackle reversal and Bilstein shocks. The wheelbase was extended 3.5”. The later 40 series axles are equipped with 5:29 gearing and ARB locking differentials. The gears and tire size optimize the power of the 90HP engine for on and off road use. The rig is sufficiently low geared on the trail, and quite peppy on the highway, capable of 65 MPH cruising. Saginaw power steering steers the 35X10.50 Kenda Klever tires on one-off custom 17” FJ40 hybrid faux beadlock wheels.
The interior sports a set of 73-78 FJ40 bucket seats and a pair of later FJ40 jump seats. Between the buckets is a customized Tuffy 8″ center console with a color matched CB radio on the back and two bendable interior lights on the front. The dash of the FJ40 is mostly stock, right down to the uber rare passenger side map light. One dash modification is our ash tray switch panel which houses the switches for the compressor, lockers, and glow plugs.
Finishing off the front and rear of the cruiser are a pair of PRLC custom bumpers. The rear dual swing out bumper features a full size spare tire, and a cooler basket with a Yeti 45 cooler. The front bumper is a one off, built by our own wizard, and designed to have a specifically military “osh-kosh” look.
Of course this FJ40 can be used and enjoyed as is, but we can also can finish it with a top and doors for the buyer. My vision for it is to complete it with a factory soft top replica and early period correct hard doors. It’s important to mention that while we are happy to finish and even tweak some of the details of this vehicle for the buyer, adding AC is NOT an option. There just isn’t any way to turn another accessory with the front drive system of the engine. Also, a 74 and later OEM roll bar has been painted and is ready to install in the vehicle. I’ve had it sitting in the 40 twice with the intention of installing it, but opted not to both times because I just love the look of it without it.
As always, I’m happy to answer any questions about this vehicle at any time!
