OT: Arne’s post-teener projects, Retirement project #8, 1969 Ford Bronco Options

[arne]

I tried, folks, really I did. Since I sold the yellow 2.0 I’ve looked into 3 different 914s. None were good enough that I felt I could refresh them and still break even later. So I had to look at other options.

“And now for something completely different.”

In fact, it doesn’t get much different, really. Japanese. 50+ years old. Not what anyone would consider as “sporty” in any normal sense of the word. But I think it’ll be a pretty cool project, all the same.

1964 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser. All original, with a rare factory PTO winch. I’ve got a lot of new stuff to learn, and I don’t think I can learn it here. It’s been a fun time, 914world is great!

Wish me luck!

[arne]

Three months later, where am I?

Mechanically, mostly done. Engine and MFI are dialed in and running great. Suspension refresh completed with new Sachs dampers, sway bar bushings and a fresh corner balance/alignment. Brakes finally stop like I want after installing some REAL brake pads - Pagid Orange.

I've put almost 1500 miles on it this summer, engine break-in is complete. Picking away at a few oil leaks, but that's about the extent of the functional part. Overall, the car runs and drives exactly as I expect. (Other than the fuel economy. I figured it would be bad, but who knew a little 2.4L could burn THAT much fuel?)

Now gathering parts in preparation for a full glass-out repaint in the original silver, planned for over the winter. This project will take considerably longer than most of mine, as I'm doing some parts (paint especially) to a higher standard than some of my previous vehicles, and I need to stretch the timeline a bit to ease the financial hit. Recently ditched the really poor fiberglass S bumper and replaced it with a steel factory standard unit, which is what it came with when new. Also have a freshly restored set of Fuchs waiting until after paint.

In any case, I plan to drive it possibly another 1000 miles over the next couple months, and then into paint in October. By spring it should be silver once more.