[Bang Bang]

Hello all. I am new to this forum and just getting back into 4 wheeling. I had a 4WD in my earlier years and it just didn't hold my interest. Well, fast forward to 3 years ago and my wife and I both really like the new FJ Cruiser. So, we got her one for a daily driver as I have a company vehicle. Well, after driving it and having some fun I stumbled across a deal on a '77 FJ40 about 2 months ago. It needs some work but I am having a great time so far. I met up with the guys and gals from Northshore 4X4 and joined their group. I can't wait to go wheeling with them, especially since my 8 year old son is stoked about going wheeling.
Anyway, just wanted to say hi and hopefully I get the chance to wheel with a bunch of you.

[SKIPP3R]

Welcome.

You will quickly find your hope for this sport to be a family bonding activity will be as much or more than you even hope.

There are a ton of great people here willing to help with advice and so forth.

Look at the events calendar early and often as there are a ton of weekend events from same day rides to weekend camping events. Tons of little ones get mile long grins on the trails this site has access to. Very rarely does anything happen even questionable for even the most religious as far as the rides go.

Most kids just can't get enough on the outings posted here. The activities here are very family friendly (the goof-offs know where to draw the line.)

Lots of wives/girlfriends. No alcohol allowed on the trails and lunch time between trails can be a great way for the little ones to mingle and possibly meet new friends.

As far as your '77, don't sweat the little things and get it out on the trails with the different clubs here asap. Almost every place has every range of difficulties, so you could even have fun in a civic (well a civic would be fun for different reasons off-road,) but you get the idea.

Even bone stock, that FJ will give your family tons of smile on the trails.

[Proud Rebel]

Welcome to the forum, get ready to get wheelin!

[country boy]

Welcome, I think I can say that. I Joined in Jan and now if i have any questions on my junk this is one of the first places i look or search. And went on a few rides and smile all the way home.
Enjoy!

[beyondlogic]

welcome, and check out www.ih8mud.com, also www.bslca.com(toyota club)

look foward to seeing you on the trails.

[Bang Bang]

Thanks for the welcomes. My son and I will be at the Northshore ride this weekend and neither one of us can wait. I joined Northshore 4X4 and they seem like a very family oriented bunch so that is a plus!!
Oh and I am already on MUD, FJCCentral and FJCruiserforums so there are plenty of resources for answers to questions.

[Volunteer]

Welcome and nice rigs, I'd like to see more pics. There are plenty of good clubs and people here that make the sport that much more enjoyable. If you ever need support or parts for either of your FJ's we have many in the club that are familar with them and a couple in your area.

[moomtazz]

Welcome Mike! I have seen you post on FJCruiserforums before. You will have a great time on the trails with your family and everyone here.

Welcome and nice rigs, I'd like to see more pics. There are plenty of good clubs and people here that make the sport that much more enjoyable. If you ever need support or parts for either of your FJ's we have many in the club that are familar with them and a couple in your area.

[Bang Bang]

Thanks guys. Looking forward to wheeling with all of you.

[SKIPP3R]

. . . Well, after driving it and having some fun I stumbled across a deal on a '77 FJ40 about 2 months ago . . .

You wouldn't have by chance gotten it from Denham Springs did you?

[Bang Bang]

Yes I did. Why? Do you know something I don't?

[SKIPP3R]

I looked at that thing everyday going back and forth to work on 16. Even stopped and drooled on it (sry.) That is one of the most beautiful ones I have ever seen. I never talked to the owners cus I was afraid of what it would cost, so I know its that nice.

I dislike blue, but that one actually had me thinking about painting mine.

I wondered what happened to it.

It is a gorgeous vehicle for sure.

[Bang Bang]

That's the one. Jeff, the guy I bought it from, lived just off Hwy 16 and said he had it parked on Hwy 16 for the longest time and no one called. As soon as he took it off the street is when he said he started to get interested buyers. And I agree about the blue. I'm not a big fan either, especially since the paint job was a crappy one. It has runs all over the place. The last person to paint it must have painted it in his garage....with the lights off! I plan, at some point to re-paint it Jeep's Sunburst Orange. I have always liked those burnt orange colors.
Oh, and thanks for clearing that up for me. I was wondering what the puddle marks were on the hood and fender.....drool.....I should have figured.....

[Volunteer]

I like any shade of Orange my 70 model I restored in 96. It not an original color but was always my favorite 69 GTO Orange.

[Bang Bang]

That is awesome!! I have also liked the orange / burnt orange colors.

Is that the 40 that you have the 4" Hell Creek lift on? That is one sweet looking rig!

[Volunteer]

That is awesome!! I have also liked the orange / burnt orange colors.

Is that the 40 that you have the 4" Hell Creek lift on? That is one sweet looking rig!

Actually long story short that was my first 70 model FJ40 I finished restoring in 1996 before the wife and youungen's, I sold it to buy my house in 2000. I now have a 67 I've been bringing back to life in phases that has the Hell Creek lift, a 78 that was prestine but not so much after a few years on the trails and a 74 back in Tennessee waiting to be built as strictly a trail rig so I can restore the 78.

78


67

[SKIPP3R]

. . . And I agree about the blue . . .

I actually though the color/shade is a really nice, 3/4 deep blue.

I like it.

I now think its a really nice color for these 2door jeep/fj/bronco style vehicles.

/handsyouatowelandappologyforthedrool

[Bang Bang]

Larry, that sure is a sweet laundry list of rigs you have/had. If you ever feel the need to adopt a house broken son, you know where to find me....

And Skipper,don't get me wrong. The blue would be a nice color if the entire vehicle was one color but it's not and if it didn't have the paint runs in several places. It's growing on me but that Sunburst Orange is just calling my name....

[SKIPP3R]

yea, its a looker at 20, but i guess at dusk, i didnt see the runs.

[Volunteer]

Larry, that sure is a sweet laundry list of rigs you have/had. If you ever feel the need to adopt a house broken son, you know where to find me....

And Skipper,don't get me wrong. The blue would be a nice color if the entire vehicle was one color but it's not and if it didn't have the paint runs in several places. It's growing on me but that Sunburst Orange is just calling my name....

LOL thanks I'm always glad to help a fellow cruiser head where needed its what brought us all together a few years ago and its been alot of fun. I look forward to catching up with you on the trail.

[girlscout]

like the gm hugger oranger myself. think i may throw some at the bronco. too late for the scout nothing there to paint

[raevenzero]

Mike...did you ever figure out your charging and transfer case issues from last weekend?

[Bang Bang]

Well, the clutch is gone and I mean gone. I barely made it home. As for the electrical issue, I haven't had time to really fool with it but I believe, after talking to a few cruiserheads, that it is going to be the alternator or the voltage regulator. I am hoping it is the latter of the two. And hopefully I can get it back up and running in the next month or two.
BTW, it was nice meeting you out at Cole's and thanks for your help out on the trail.

[raevenzero]

No problem. It was nice meeting you too! I hope everything comes together nicely for you. That will be a nice ride you have once you get the bugs worked out! Don't give up on it and you will appreciate it later.

[Bang Bang]

Oh no....nobody's giving up. I'm in it for the long haul. I bought this thing only 3 months ago for a trail rig. I have been out in the mud with it twice and had a great time both times. I knew it was going to need some work to get it where I want it and I am taking my time. I just can't wait to get it on the road again so I can get it dirty again!! And both my kids want to know when it will be fixed because they both have the bug for wheeling!! :)