Sprout - 1976 Toyota FJ40
Full restoration journey on a one-owner (now two) 1976 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40. I picked this vehicle up with the full intention of doing a complete restoration. It was amazingly in tact but worse for the wear. I’m learning skills from electroplating to painting. I’m using skills I perfected in my previous career as an automotive tech when rebuilding the mechanical parts, axles, engine, gear boxes. It has been a lot of fun and a lot of work. Covid has changed everything for me. I’m now working from home and can easily sneak out to the garage during lunch and get a little bit done pretty regularly. I’ve had to fabricate parts that are no longer available and build tools like the rotisserie I’m using to repair the body tub. Currently I am in the process of replacing rusted through panels and patching smaller areas on the tub. My goal is to have the tub back on the frame by the end of the summer. I’m doing this on a limited budget which is part of the challenge. We have two preschool aged boys so finding the budget and time has been as big of a challenge as anything. So many projects end up getting stuffed in the garage until they are sold off and I want to power through the challenges of life and complete this awesome Land Cruiser. The DIY spirit is strong. I’m stubborn enough to see it through.
