Some Land Cruisers are simply projects. Others carry a lifetime of memories.

This 1966 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser belonged to Monica’s father. After he passed away, the truck came to our shop with one goal: restore it the right way while preserving the memories attached to it. We approached this restoration with the understanding that we were not simply rebuilding an old vehicle. We were honoring a family legacy.

The finished result is a classic FJ40 that keeps its original character while gaining the reliability, comfort, safety, and performance needed to be enjoyed for decades to come.

1966 Toyota FJ40 Build Overview

• Year: 1966
• Model: Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser
• Build Type: Complete custom restoration
• Engine: Fuel-injected Chevrolet 5.3L V8
• Transmission: 4L60E automatic
• Exterior: Custom dark green two-stage finish
• Top: Open-air bikini top
• Completed By: Land Cruiser Restorations
• Location: Belle Plaine, Kansas

Watch Monica’s 1966 FJ40 Restoration

Watch Monica’s 1966 Toyota FJ40 transformation from the early stages of the project through the completed restoration.

Custom Paint and Body Restoration

Monica personally selected the truck’s rich dark green finish, giving the FJ40 a timeless and understated appearance that complements its iconic body lines. The body was carefully repaired and prepared before receiving a premium two-stage base coat and clear coat finish.

To preserve the Land Cruiser’s family history, the original doors were retained exactly as Monica requested. The factory hardtop was removed and replaced with a new bikini top, creating the classic open-air experience early FJ40 Land Cruisers are known for.

Body and Exterior Features

• Custom dark green two-stage base coat and clear coat finish
• Body repair and preparation completed in-house
• Original doors retained
• Factory hardtop removed
• New bikini top installed
• Custom front bumper with integrated LED lights
• New rear bumper
• Wipers and wiper motor repaired
• Inner fender splash guards installed

Chevrolet 5.3L V8 Conversion

Under the hood, the tired original drivetrain was replaced with a fuel-injected Chevrolet 5.3L V8 paired with a 4L60E automatic transmission. This combination gives the FJ40 dependable power, smoother operation, modern drivability, and easier access to replacement parts without taking away from the character of the original Land Cruiser.

Why We Chose the 5.3L V8

The Chevrolet 5.3L V8 is a strong fit for a classic FJ40 because it offers dependable fuel injection, readily available parts, excellent low-end power, and comfortable highway performance. It gives the owner a drivetrain that can be serviced almost anywhere in the country while making the truck far easier to enjoy in everyday driving.

Drivetrain and Performance Upgrades

• Fuel-injected Chevrolet 5.3L V8
• 4L60E automatic transmission
• Custom-cut and balanced front and rear driveshafts
• New shifter
• Completely new exhaust system
• New heater box and heater lines
• Firewall openings filled and sealed
• Electrical issues diagnosed and repaired throughout

Built to Be Driven

A restored Land Cruiser should be more than something to admire. It should be driven. To prepare this FJ40 for years of real use, we rebuilt and upgraded the chassis, braking system, safety equipment, and supporting mechanical components.

Chassis, Brakes and Safety

• Custom 6-point roll cage
• Both front Birfield knuckles rebuilt
• Complete brake system inspected, restored, and upgraded as needed
• Inner fender splash guards installed
• New wheels and tires
• 8,000 lb Warn winch

Interior Restoration and Modern Electronics

Inside, the cabin was refreshed for durability and everyday enjoyment while keeping the simple, purposeful feel of a classic FJ40. The seats were reupholstered in durable automotive-grade vinyl, and the original rear jump seats were retained and recovered to match.

The entire floor was Rhino-lined so the interior can handle mud, water, trail use, and years of adventure. A modern stereo system, subwoofer, and Bluetooth flip-out head unit add convenience without overwhelming the vintage cab.

Interior Features

• Seats reupholstered in automotive-grade vinyl
• Original rear jump seats retained
• Rear jump seats covered in matching automotive-grade vinyl
• Entire interior floor Rhino-lined
• New stereo system with subwoofer
• 7-inch Bluetooth flip-out head unit

Completed and Road Tested In-House

Every aspect of this restoration was handled in our shop in Belle Plaine, Kansas. From fabrication and bodywork to paint, wiring, drivetrain installation, final assembly, and road testing, the entire build remained under one roof.

Before Monica’s FJ40 returned home, our team performed final inspections, electrical testing, drivetrain verification, brake checks, and road testing to make sure the truck was ready to be enjoyed.

Today, this Land Cruiser carries its family’s story forward. It remains her father’s truck, now restored for his daughter and prepared for the next generation.