A 1968 Toyota Land Cruiser with a Chevrolet V8, a homemade roof, and decades of questionable modifications isn’t the safest bet for a restoration project. Yet when one appeared on Facebook Marketplace for $4,500, its unusual character was difficult to resist.
The FJ40 had apparently spent roughly 30 years largely unused, although its seller claimed it still ran and drove. Its bright blue bodywork and custom-built cabin suggested a previous owner had put some substantial effort into transforming the classic Toyota.
Padric McCelvey, the man behind the Elevated Fabworks YouTube channel, purchased it sight unseen, just an hour after the listing appeared, then traveled to Pagosa Springs, Colorado, to find out whether the aging four-wheel-drive was worth saving.
What followed was an increasingly complicated revival, involving everything from the Chevrolet engine to the Land Cruiser’s deteriorating floor. One discovery also made the decision to transport it on a trailer rather fortunate.
A Corvette V8 and a Homemade Roof
Under the hood sat a Chevrolet 350-cubic-inch small-block V8 sourced from a Corvette. Its installation had required a larger radiator and serious steering modifications to clear the exhaust headers.
The custom hardtop featured handmade doors, sliding windows, and even an electrically operated latch. Although the new owner initially considered removing it, the workmanship gradually earned his respect, prompting him to consider repurposing it as a removable pop-top.
The Steering Wheel Had Stopped Steering
Back at the workshop, the team discovered that turning the steering wheel no longer moved the front wheels. The improvised steering connection had separated, creating a potentially dangerous situation had they actually attempted to drive the vehicle home.
Further inspection revealed rusted floor sections, loose seats, questionable wiring, and nonfunctional clutch and brake hydraulics. The fuel tank needed cleaning, while the clutch slave cylinder had to be replaced.
A Small Repair Becomes a Major Job
Fresh fuel helped bring the V8 back to life, and replacement hydraulic components eventually restored braking and clutch operation. The steering connection was welded together as a temporary solution, with a more comprehensive redesign still in the works.
Installing proper seats also proved problematic, as the driver’s floor was too corroded to support their mounts. Fabricator Daniel helped cut away the damaged metal and weld in replacement panels before the team fabricated tubular seat brackets.
Back on the Road, With Work Remaining
The Land Cruiser eventually completed its first test drives, revealing a surprisingly smooth ride, tight turning circle, and functioning three-speed manual transmission. Despite the Chevrolet V8, its gearing made cruising around 45 mph feel like the practical limit.
A possible engine knock appeared near the end of testing, leaving another issue to investigate. Padric hopes to enjoy the revived Toyota before eventually converting it into an open-top weekend trail vehicle with larger tires and a roll cage.