The ORIGINAL FJ . . . . . LandCruiserSteve's FJ-25

[stringmachine]

Prof T previously said:

Steve, +++++++ great thread. The FJ looks even better with age. I guess we need to mod our own bodies . Did you think about a matching black cherry FJC? Thanks again for the thread

wow! me likey...

[LandCruiserSteve]

Brian - VABeach previously said:

Wow, not sure how I missed this when it was posted, but this is definitely one of the best Forum Threads ever!

Your words are too flattering. Thank you!!!!

[stringmachine]

LandCruiserSteve previously said:

The following is the build I did in order to bring this truck from the past . . . . back to the future.


Performed engine work as necessary to bring everything up to date (i.e., plugs, wires, fuel pump, hoses, belts, electrical, hydraulic lines, battery, air filter, etc.).




The seats were in terrible shape, but for a 49 year-old truck, that was to be expected. I rebuilt the seats, completely replacing the insides with new automotive seat foam, and then reupholstered them.




Painted seat frames and fabricated driver seat extension brackets to move seat back three inches.






Refurbished entire dash panel, including repainting lettering on control knobs and stick shift.






Replaced front bumper.




Fabricated rear tub mat and installed ConFerr locking storage box (painted to match seat frames).




Installed spare tire carrier and tire.




Replaced missing taillights with OEM FJ25 taillights.




Brand new tires all around (BFG Commercial T/A LT215/85R/16).




Painted and installed bumperettes and pintle hook.




Replaced the missing upside-down “T-bird” hood emblem.






Bought, painted and installed tailgate doors.






Added Kayline FJ25/40 soft-top and doors.




Some other tasks not otherwise photo-documented above:

- Installed new brake wheel cylinders and master cylinder.
- Rebuilt hydraulic clutch master and slave cylinders.
- Replaced steering wheel (previous one was cracked to the max).
- New fuel pump and filter.
- Fabricated driver and passenger front floor mats.
- Replaced high-beam foot switch.
- Replaced electrical wiring as needed.
- New windshield wiper motors and wiper arms/blades.
- New temperature gauge sensor.
- Added auxillary temperature gauge.
- New Toyota OEM seatbetls.
- Installed traditional footman loops on tailgate doors.
- Installed license plate bracket and light.
- Replaced bolts and screws with Toyota OEM.
- Rewired turn signal assembly.


And, like any other FJ (regardless of its vintage), the work and mods are never done.









The end . . . .

are you going to take it back to the trails?

[LandCruiserSteve]

stringmachine previously said:

are you going to take it back to the trails?

Probably not. Yeah, I know that it's almost sacreligious . . . . but since there's only a few of these originals left out there (and the parts being as scarce / nonexistent as they are), I probably wouldn't want to risk it. She'll likely remain an "on-road princess" for the next 50 years of her life.

[TIMECRUISER]

LandCruiserSteve previously said:

Probably not. Yeah, I know that it's almost sacreligious . . . . but since there's only a few of these originals left out there (and the parts being as scarce / nonexistent as they are), I probably wouldn't want to risk it. She'll likely remain an "on-road princess" for the next 50 years of her life.

.........and what a princess she is. She a show piece for all to see. Way to go.

[BellyDoc]

I noticed that your pictures of the rear axle had a centered differential.

When did they go to the right side offset pumpkins front and back?

... and the seat-slide is non stock. Is that because your legs are incompatible with stock? Is this your only variation?

[LandCruiserSteve]

BellyDoc previously said:

I noticed that your pictures of the rear axle had a centered differential.
When did they go to the right side offset pumpkins front and back?

With the introduction of the FJ-40 with its completely different dual range transfer case, the axles went offset to the right. (Stock FJ-25 transfer cases have no high/low range capability.)

BellyDoc previously said:

... and the seat-slide is non stock. Is that because your legs are incompatible with stock?

Actually, my entire body is incompatible with the interior of an FJ-25.

However, the driver's seat is stock and actually does slide/adjust in its normal configuration. (But, that requires a wrench and a few minutes of time.)

As mentioned in post #2, I simply moved the driver's seat an additional 3" back on the lower frame and added an extension bracket. Though not adjustable at this time, the seat does now accomodate my long legs.

[GW193]

What a great FJ, truly classy renovation. Thanks for sharing with us less fortunate. Props to you for doing a renovation instead of a build-up.
Now if I can wipe the drool off my keyboard before it fries. Thanks Steve!

[FJ-Bomb]

Wow...very impressive. I don't know if I can speak for all of us new the the FJ heritage, but I really appreciate these threads about past FJ's! That is one sweet ride Steve.

[LandCruiserSteve]

GW193 previously said:

What a great FJ, truly classy renovation. Thanks for sharing with us less fortunate. Props to you for doing a renovation instead of a build-up.

FJ-Bomb previously said:

Wow...very impressive. I don't know if I can speak for all of us new the the FJ heritage, but I really appreciate these threads about past FJ's! That is one sweet ride Steve.

Thanks, guys!!