AOA,
I recently bought a 1979 Toyota Landcruiser BJ 40. The previous owner had bought it from a Cabinet Division Auction and supposedly the vehicle was parked for more than the last 10 years. It is rusty, especially at the floor due to water accumulation during the parked tenure. The rubber weatherstrips had worn off over time so there were lots of points where water could get in. Over all the frame and the body were holding strong and were in original paint. The previous owner just got the bonnet and the front mud guards sprayed to improve the appearance. He also changed the battery, generator and obviously a couple of rims and all tyres except the spare. He got it in Jan/Feb 2016 and I took it from him on 01-Oct-2016.
The Engine, gear, frame and suspension are in perfect running condition. I had it all greased up, minor issues fixed, starter serviced and enjoyed driving it for a week during my recent visit. It leaned towards left while braking and was advised by my uncle to get discs installed instead of front drums, which was intended as a modification during restore anyway.
The vehicle is now with the mechanic, who has his own team of denter and painter to work on it. The vehicle is being dismantled as of now. Following is a brief list of works that are to be done:
Modifications:
1- Front Disc Brakes
2- Power Steering
Additions:
1- AC
Restoration:
1- Full stock restore with original color
2- Complete frame off type restoration
3- Complete denting and painting keeping the original hard top
4- Replacing the rear and front flooring panels with original 18 guage type steel.
5- Frame painting
6- Engine bay restoration
7- Engine cleaning with minimum involvement of paint - Original B Engine shall be kept
8- General overhauling
9- Full suspension overhauling
10- All cosmetic stuff restored to stock appearance including door inner panels, to seats, to you name it
In short, a Stock Frame Off restore, something that Jonathan Ward (TLC 4x4), The FJ Company, Cruiser Solutions would do.
The inspiration for the stock restore is quite old and has been reignited by the restore done by my cousin @adilfj40 and his father. Both of them have been very helpful in guiding me and providing hints and tips. I even visited the City Sadar Market in Rawalpindi with my uncle recently and it was quite a learning experience.
I was able to do some homework along with my mechanic, with the help of the kind people and I was able to visit and do some research on required modifications from Lahore Bilal Ganj and the Rawalpindi City Sadar.
Here are a few photos of the vehicle before and during restoration process. Since I am not there myself and have to depend on the Mechanic and our driver to take photos and send to me, I may not be able to post updates regularly. And considering a busy schedule, the updates can be followed on instagram at umartlcbj40
