Fast forward a number of years and I picked up a monstrous 1976 FJ40 from a guy in Macon, GA. It had 35" swamper tires and Chevy 400 small block mated to its original drivetrain. It had some signs of wear but it was in pretty great shape for a 35 year old truck. I did a bunch of work to it including new 37" tires, new shocks, steering stabilizers, steering box, headers and exhaust. I entered it in a couple of car shows and had some good response.
A car should be driven, however, and as I was rounding a corner into my neighborhood, the steering went out on the truck, hit a curb at the runoff drain and rolled. I didn't have the top or doors on so I was pretty lucky I didn't get hurt worse than I did. I did hit my head though, and as I got my first ambulance ride to the ER, I made up my mind that I was going to rebuild my Land Cruiser regardless of what condition it was in. The decision was in all likelihood one heavily influenced by my concussed haze - but it is one that is now driven by my own pride and a unbelievable showing of support from a whole lot of people.This blog is a story of how my plans come together...
