This is a website about my dad's 1983 Toyota FJ40 Landcruiser. FJ40's were manufactrued from 1969 to 1984 making our one, one of the last ones produced. These later model ones are more desirable with more creature comforts. These are an iconic and proven 4wd around the globe. Over his life my dad has owned 4 of these vehicles. Dad bought this vehicle for $2100. It is an original from the factory, a Soft Top, making it extremely rare in New Zealand. Most FJ40's have usually been modified in some way. This one, however had no modifications at all and was still in its' original factory build. It had been sitting in a barn for the past 7 plus years so we classed it as a "total barn find", thus it gained the nickname "Barnie". The project of rebuilding Barnie began in earnest.

Every nut and bolt the vehicle had was removed. Dad and I stripped the vehicle down to completely bare chassis in just 4 days. Dad gave me the job of using the grinder and I started by stripping all of the old paint and surface rust off the chassis rails. To avoid surface rust reocurring, we painted the chassis with black bitumised paint. In the next step we took the leaf springs completly apart to sand them all down and give them a coat of paint. I sanded down both axles and painted them, along with the gearbox cross member and the other drive train components. We put new Commando shock abosorbers on front and rear,new bushes in the leafsprings, and new tie rod ends to replace the old factory ones. As well as these new parts, the brakes were fully replaced, along with the swivel hubs and wheel bearings. Dad sprayed the engine, gearbox and transfer case with rust killer, to remove the surface rust on the engine and geabox. Dad painted the engine, gearbox and transfer case in a high temperature gloss black.

The main body of the vehicle was our next target! After degreasing the underside and repairing/removing all of the rust, we were able to paint the entire body tub in a matte black primer undercoat. To protect the underbody from further rust, dents or damage, and to reduce cabin noise, we applied deadener to the whole underside of the body tub. It was then reassemble time to get it started off the key. This involved redoing the wiring loom, interior fit out and completing engine assembly. I had fun learning how to drive Barnie up and down our driveway, in reverse and first gear ( at this point! ) We then bolted down most of the exterior body panels, to save some room in the garage and so Mum could have her garage space back. After about a month or so, dad and I began the painting phase. We took the body tub off and painted it in the factory Toyota beige colour; then put it back on the chassis. The panels from the rest of the body exterior were then painted the same beige colour. The body of the vehicle was then able to be reassembled. It was vital to make sure they were all on straight and correct before bolting them in position, on both the body and chassis. The final coat of paint was soon to be applied....what an exciting moment that was for dad and I!! Being able to bolt parts in their permanent position was both extremely rewarding and satisfying at the same time. The final touch was the new plastic window which we had sown into the vinyl soft top cover to replace the old faded one.

Next was the process of getting it road legal, a slightly nerve racking time! We had to make sure every nut and bolt was tightened. The cars engine, gearbox and all the wiring in working order. We booked Barnie in for 8am on a Monday morning to get re-inspected to prove that it's road worthy. Sadly the first time, we failed the inspection, the brakes were slightly unbalanced, and the tread of the front tyres were sticking out past the gaurds. After bringing Barnie home from this first attempt we flushed the brakes of all air in the lines, and purchased some fender flares for the front gaurds. On Thursday of the same week we took Barnie in for another try. This time he passed with flying colours!!! Finally he was road legal. They gave us all new number plates because it hadn't been registered in over 7 years. We now have one of the newest number plates in New Zealand on a 1983 vehicle! Number plate KTE840. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!