The installation has begun

Ethan's first oil change.

And back on...

Minor motor mount modification due to the original owner welding something to it...

Ohh Ahhh! We are painting this a racing red brake drum. Primer must go.

Fluted, larger brake drum for the front brakes. They are actually 3" wide up front. Compared to the rear of 2.25".

Old and new to be modified to match.

Now this is more like it.

Greasing the zerk fittings

MMMmmmm good. Old mixes with new grease.

It looks like Christmas in September.

Heather and Allie greasing the joints. LOOK! They painted the garage as well.

Opps! Nut dropped a nut! Admire the speed.

Fuel pump preparation by Ethan

Drive line assembly

Who's going to test drive Ethan's work?

Before the steering damper shock installation

And After installation of damper shock


And now Erin's turn to turn the wrench...

We have begun to install the components, level the fluids, and make sure we use all the nuts, bolts, and screws.

Body Work

Lower Dutch doors ready for balsting and primer.



Minor rust eliminated.

Jason from CRM Fabrications.

One of two minor cut-out spots on the whole body.

The other spot.

Major work to ensure the tub and top didn't rust again.

Not only are we on an exercise program getting a buddy ready for the Army, we are working on the FJ40 body. All rust has been eliminated. What minor cancer we found was cut out and new metal welded in its place. Jason at CRM Fabrications matched the turns in the top and bent metal back to the original. See the work.

Also, the '77 FJ40 has ambulence doors. This is inconvenient when you remove the top. We added the standard tailgate doors with new reinforced bolt holes. Looks original.