A friend is bringing up an FJ body/drive train/4BT Cummins engine/parts etc... from Little Rock to my builder buddy for me. I estimate it will take about 9 months but will be a ground-up restoration. Safari tan, of course. 5 speed overdrive tranny and 9.50 33 inchers. Looking forward to the build and will follow up with pics as the build progresses.

Sounds like a fun project. I'm looking forward to following your progress.

I have a 1978 FJ40 that has been fully restored. It has been a fun project. It is a daily driver. Can't decide if I want to sell it and start a new project, or just drive it. Looking forward to seeing your project.

Sounds like a great build.
What transmission did you get?
What about engine mounts?

I've kicked around the idea of powering with a 4bt but my time for projects seems to have evaporated the last few years.

Please post pics as you progress with it
Or
If you don't mind a visitor I'd like to get a look in person.

Found a fiberglass tub and front-end with a powder-coated frame. Trading my original to avoid all the body work and sealing the frame and body. With the 4bt it is not going to be original so probably better in the long run. No worry about salt now. Thinking 34 inch Toyo AT2's with black wheels and two inch lift.

Tree-Em, it is an NV 4500 with that pesky over-drive kick-out bug eliminated. Having the fabricator do a modified V-Mount for the Cummins.

The build is at the I70 Motor Sports in Warrenton, Mo. Nathan Zeiser owns the place and Dave Hill is doing the work and fabrication. Dave is a master at working with the FJ's. Builds rock-crawlers mostly. This will be my everyday driver. Looking to get a Confer gas tank in the rear.

Will post pics as it gets underway. Have to get the body off and on a trailer to cart it up to Michigan to trade bodies and frame.

Damn, I miss my FJ-40.

I can't wait to see the build.

Sub'd

I need a new fabricator to work with since my Go-To guy is on the road in the monster truck circuit full time now.I'll have to check out their shop. It's only 6 miles from my farm so it sure is convenient.
Have you had them do work for you before?

I represent the family business and have known the owners for 15 years. You should stop by and introduce yourself to Dave, the fabricator/mechanic. He worked with my partner Steve, on projects. Take a look at his rock crawler on the parking lot. Very impressive.

Any updates?

Picking the fiberglass body and coated frame up June 3rd. sold the old top and parting out someo of the other pieces. Body man to quote on paint and body work second week of June.

Any updates?

Picked out another frame and mocked up the engine mounts. First frame, though sealed, had some detectable pitting under the seal and didn't want to take chances. Inter-cooler came in the other day as well as the windshield and glass assembly.

Ordered another oil pan to fit the 4bt so it clears the frame. Newer frame is off to get sand blasted as well as the body for paint prep.

Everything was on hold for while running for judge. Now back to work on getting it completed.

Can't wait to see pics

Icon has a crew cab 45 or whatever they are called. He imports the cab chassis from Brazil. They are $100,000 from him.

Going to paint in two weeks. Replaced about all parts from wheel bearings to shock towers to power steering pump. I'm thinking July or August. Will post pics then.

This is a dream rig for me.

Any photos?

I saw one in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, that was done up by a wealthy businessman we were dealing with. Truly awesome!

Rockdoc:
All I have are photos of the chassis rebuilt and they are on my phone. His shop is a little dark for good photos. I'll see what I can get together. Picking up the power steering pump and a few other essentials. Will shoot a photo of the paint job when completed.