Perry Mack
Words and Photos by Perry Mack
Our intrepid technical editor, Bryan Irons, recently purchased a Ford-built Willys that, in all honesty, belongs on a post-apocalyptic movie set where the next sand storm will scatter the remains of its rusted corpse to the ends of the earth. This made it the fifth project 4x4 in his smallish backyard and as a result, something had to go. Either a 4x4 or himself.
Like a neglected puppy that probably can’t be rehabilitated, ‘Tim,’ the 1976 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser stared at me through its glassy, glazed headlights. This was the only 4x4 that wasn’t part of editor Iron’s family history. The trouble started with my words of ‘how much?’ and ended with his words ‘why don’t you take it for the weekend.’ This is how puppies are sold. You get them just long enough that you don’t get tired of the poop on your floor and say the equivalent of ‘I do.’
Perry Mack
Tim now resides on the family farm and has become our (my) new project. The question is what to do with it. So, I’m asking you dear wheeler, ‘what would you do?’.
Most projects can be divided into three classes representing three radically different trends to include A) return-to-factory restoration, B) restore and modify it, or C) leave it in maintenance mode and drive it until do not resuscitate (DNR).
Editor Irons brought Tim up to trail-worthy status but it’s plagued by a previous owner’s Frankenmunster mods. The original tub and fenders have been replaced with weld-it-yourself, steel diamond plate flooring. The original 2F Toyota engine was replaced by a Chevy small block 307 V8 and the rig was lifted by welding blocks between the body and frame. The bumpers were replaced with steel tubes and many other parts were either repaired or replaced using bits that fell from vehicles on the way to the metal recycling facility.
Perry Mack
If rust were a virus, Tim is AIBAR (Almost Infected Beyond All Recognition). Fortunately, most of it is just surface rust but the door bottoms need serious attention.
On the plus side for ‘trail worthiness,’ the lift provided enough room for 38” tires, the stock seats have been replaced with Bestop buckets, and there’s a compressor powering front and rear ARB lockers. It also has an utterly retro, but still functioning, sidewinder winch. Thanks to the skills of editor Irons, it has a new Performer EPS intake manifold, new Edelbrock AVS electric choke carburetor, and a rebuilt H42 transmission mated to a new Centerforce Performance Clutch and bell housing. It also has a new Advance Adapter Orion T-case and exhaust system.
What would be your goal for this project if it was in your backyard or shop? How would you decide what to do, and what would you do? Send your comments to editor@suncruisermedia.com