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A little over 3 years ago, I bought a 1966 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40. I was watching the show, Pimp My Ride on MTV, where
West Coast Customs was pimping a FJ40 for this female yoga instructor from LA. After watching them take it from trash to
treasure, I knew I wanted one. I had this idea that I’d like to restore it and have it as another vehicle to cruise around in
with the family. Who’s up for restoring a cool ride!
Considering a classic FJ40 isn’t commonly sold, I searched locally and found nothing. I proceeded to hit the internet and
found this 1966 FJ40 on ebay. There were quite a few online; some that had been fully restored, some that were heavily
accessorized and some that were in need of desperate repair. Wanna take a guess at what I chose? I must say, Ebay is a great
place to find a specialized vehicle, but not great for finding the daily driver. (If you are looking for a daily vehicle, checkout
Texas Auto Guide or www.texasautoguide.com.)
After watching it on ebay for a couple of days, I made my move with just a couple of minutes to go. I placed my bid at $1250
and proceeded to hit the refresh button. Suddenly, someone bumped my bid. I entered $1500. Still not the winning bid.
Finally, I entered $1750 and walked away the winner.
West Coast Customs was pimping a FJ40 for this female yoga instructor from LA. After watching them take it from trash to
treasure, I knew I wanted one. I had this idea that I’d like to restore it and have it as another vehicle to cruise around in
with the family. Who’s up for restoring a cool ride!
Considering a classic FJ40 isn’t commonly sold, I searched locally and found nothing. I proceeded to hit the internet and
found this 1966 FJ40 on ebay. There were quite a few online; some that had been fully restored, some that were heavily
accessorized and some that were in need of desperate repair. Wanna take a guess at what I chose? I must say, Ebay is a great
place to find a specialized vehicle, but not great for finding the daily driver. (If you are looking for a daily vehicle, checkout
Texas Auto Guide or www.texasautoguide.com.)
After watching it on ebay for a couple of days, I made my move with just a couple of minutes to go. I placed my bid at $1250
and proceeded to hit the refresh button. Suddenly, someone bumped my bid. I entered $1500. Still not the winning bid.
Finally, I entered $1750 and walked away the winner.
01-09-09 - In The Beginning________________________________________________________________________________________
After getting the winning bid, my wife at the time, who is now my ex, and I decided to make a trip out to California to pick up
my new purchase.
We headed out west and stopped at a friend’s house where we stayed the night in Las Cruces, NM. We got up at 6 a.m. and
took off driving again. At 6 p.m. we arrived in Santa Monica, CA, were we stayed with another friend for a couple of days. We
did some shopping, saw some celebs, felt the ocean and took pictures near the Hollywood sign.
A few days later, we drove up Pacific Coast Highway 1, the famous highway that runs along the coast from San Diego to
Northern California. We traveled through beautiful towns like Malibu and Ventura and just north of Santa Barbara, we arrived at
the home of Peter Mosey in Ojai. We visited for a while about the history of the Cruiser and loaded it up on the flatbed trailer
being pulled by our Chevy Tahoe.
After we get it strapped down, he hands me the keys and then asks if I want to smoke some grub. I tell him that I’d have to
pass and that driving HIGH to Vegas for the next 5 hours is probably not advisable. LOL.
my new purchase.
We headed out west and stopped at a friend’s house where we stayed the night in Las Cruces, NM. We got up at 6 a.m. and
took off driving again. At 6 p.m. we arrived in Santa Monica, CA, were we stayed with another friend for a couple of days. We
did some shopping, saw some celebs, felt the ocean and took pictures near the Hollywood sign.
A few days later, we drove up Pacific Coast Highway 1, the famous highway that runs along the coast from San Diego to
Northern California. We traveled through beautiful towns like Malibu and Ventura and just north of Santa Barbara, we arrived at
the home of Peter Mosey in Ojai. We visited for a while about the history of the Cruiser and loaded it up on the flatbed trailer
being pulled by our Chevy Tahoe.
After we get it strapped down, he hands me the keys and then asks if I want to smoke some grub. I tell him that I’d have to
pass and that driving HIGH to Vegas for the next 5 hours is probably not advisable. LOL.
01-23-09 - Head West Young Man____________________________________________________________________________________
The last couple of issues, I’ve talked about buying my 66 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser and the experience of getting it back to
Texas...
After we left Peter Mosey’s house in Ojai, California, we made our way through the hills to Victorville, California. It’s kind of like
being in Presidio. There isn’t much out there but greasewood, sand and a scorching sun.
After Victorville, we headed off to Vegas where we spent the night at TI. Before we made it to the Nevada state line, we hit this
huge hill where we start out at 115 ft above sea level and at the top of the hill, it’s 4000 ft above sea level. We wasted more gas
climbing that hill and when we got to the top, they were selling gas for $5 bucks a gallon! Highway robbery!
We parked the Tahoe pulling the LC in the garage at Treasure Island and headed out at 6 am the next morning. It was surprising
to see the sun shining at 5 am but nonetheless, we headed out.
Somewhere between Hoover Dam and Kingman, Arizona I noticed something going very wrong. The fiberglass top on the LC was
starting to come loose. All of the sudden, it comes off, lands on the highway and busts into a hundred pieces. I couldn’t believe
it. We turned around and got out to find it in such disrepair that we left it on the side of the road.
After that, it was a long, long ride back to Lubbock.
Texas...
After we left Peter Mosey’s house in Ojai, California, we made our way through the hills to Victorville, California. It’s kind of like
being in Presidio. There isn’t much out there but greasewood, sand and a scorching sun.
After Victorville, we headed off to Vegas where we spent the night at TI. Before we made it to the Nevada state line, we hit this
huge hill where we start out at 115 ft above sea level and at the top of the hill, it’s 4000 ft above sea level. We wasted more gas
climbing that hill and when we got to the top, they were selling gas for $5 bucks a gallon! Highway robbery!
We parked the Tahoe pulling the LC in the garage at Treasure Island and headed out at 6 am the next morning. It was surprising
to see the sun shining at 5 am but nonetheless, we headed out.
Somewhere between Hoover Dam and Kingman, Arizona I noticed something going very wrong. The fiberglass top on the LC was
starting to come loose. All of the sudden, it comes off, lands on the highway and busts into a hundred pieces. I couldn’t believe
it. We turned around and got out to find it in such disrepair that we left it on the side of the road.
After that, it was a long, long ride back to Lubbock.
02-13-09 - It's A Long Drive Home From California_______________________________________________________________________
Last time, I mentioned at the end of my article that I thought somehow my Land Cruiser was used as a Park Ranger vehicle in or
around the Santa Fe, NM area. The mint green paint on the underside of the hood is one of those distinguishing features that
lead me to believe that it could have been a Park Ranger vehicle.
There is no doubt that every vehicle has a history that comes with it. Some may be good and some may be bad. I’m thinking that
the history of my Land Cruiser is good. It’s seen many miles of terrain, both paved and unpaved. Wouldn’t it be cool to go back
in time, when this vehicle rolled off the assembly line, was put on a ship, trucked to it’s final destination where it was sold to
the government and put into use. There were so many different hands, working as one to get the vehicle from factory, to ship,
to port, to train, to truck, to dealership for delivery. We forget all too often the amount of time and money it takes to get from
factory to final destination.
Going back to the pre- Rowdy history of my Land Cruiser, is it possible that it was used in a search and rescue mission to save
someone’s life? What if it had to drive over rocky terrain to help put out a forest fire? I don’t know, there are so many things it
could have done, but I guess we’ll never find out.
around the Santa Fe, NM area. The mint green paint on the underside of the hood is one of those distinguishing features that
lead me to believe that it could have been a Park Ranger vehicle.
There is no doubt that every vehicle has a history that comes with it. Some may be good and some may be bad. I’m thinking that
the history of my Land Cruiser is good. It’s seen many miles of terrain, both paved and unpaved. Wouldn’t it be cool to go back
in time, when this vehicle rolled off the assembly line, was put on a ship, trucked to it’s final destination where it was sold to
the government and put into use. There were so many different hands, working as one to get the vehicle from factory, to ship,
to port, to train, to truck, to dealership for delivery. We forget all too often the amount of time and money it takes to get from
factory to final destination.
Going back to the pre- Rowdy history of my Land Cruiser, is it possible that it was used in a search and rescue mission to save
someone’s life? What if it had to drive over rocky terrain to help put out a forest fire? I don’t know, there are so many things it
could have done, but I guess we’ll never find out.
03-13-09 - History is a mystery to me_________________________________________________________________________________
The last couple of issues, I’ve talked about buying and getting my 66 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser back to Texas...
Once I got my Cruiser back to Lubbock, I unloaded it off the trailer and took it for a spin. The engine started up immediately
and it took very little time getting used to the three speed transmission.
After driving it around for about 10 minutes, I put it in 4 Wheel Drive and locked the hubs. It all worked perfectly.
The body on the other hand was completely rusted out. The wheel wells had holes big enough for my hands to fit through. The
bed was rusted through on the back part, enough for me to bend it upwards to expose the rear axle. WOW, I had no idea it was
in this bad of condition.
I began to clean it out from top to bottom. The previous owner, who worked at a Lemon Orchard, had left tons of lemon tree
leaves under the seats and under a rubber floor mat. That floor mat was also used to keep his feet from falling though the floor
in the bed. LOL.
As I was cleaning the inside, I found some cool things about it. On the dash, it says “For Official Use Only, US Government.” The
previous owner had said the guy he bought the Cruiser from had bought it at a Government Auction and was used as a Park
Ranger vehicle up near Santa Fe. Hmm, I wonder how I could find out if that’s true?
Once I got my Cruiser back to Lubbock, I unloaded it off the trailer and took it for a spin. The engine started up immediately
and it took very little time getting used to the three speed transmission.
After driving it around for about 10 minutes, I put it in 4 Wheel Drive and locked the hubs. It all worked perfectly.
The body on the other hand was completely rusted out. The wheel wells had holes big enough for my hands to fit through. The
bed was rusted through on the back part, enough for me to bend it upwards to expose the rear axle. WOW, I had no idea it was
in this bad of condition.
I began to clean it out from top to bottom. The previous owner, who worked at a Lemon Orchard, had left tons of lemon tree
leaves under the seats and under a rubber floor mat. That floor mat was also used to keep his feet from falling though the floor
in the bed. LOL.
As I was cleaning the inside, I found some cool things about it. On the dash, it says “For Official Use Only, US Government.” The
previous owner had said the guy he bought the Cruiser from had bought it at a Government Auction and was used as a Park
Ranger vehicle up near Santa Fe. Hmm, I wonder how I could find out if that’s true?
02-27-09 - Now the work begins...____________________________________________________________________________________
Enough of reminiscing about where my Cruiser has been, now it’s back to work.
After cutting the bed out and welding a new one in, I decided to cut out the front part of the rear wheel wells in the bed. They
were completely rusted out and it didn’t take long to get rid of them. To match the look and style of the wheel well, I cut
individual panels of sheet metal and welded them in. This took quite a bit of time. It was really tough welding the new sheet metal
on to the old. The old sheet metal was really thin and the wire welder can blow holes easily if you aren’t paying attention.
After working on it for a long time, the finished product looks as good as the original and keeps the water from coming in. I had to
take the tire off and climb under the Crusier to grind off the little bits of wire that came through the backside. It wasn’t easy but
it was
necessary.
After welding in new sheet metal on the front part of the wheel wells, I took to filling holes on the tops of the wheel wells, where
light was showing through. This took some time and finess and I was really beginning to wonder why I didn’t take off the original
wheel wells and buy some new ones at Cool Cruisers. Oh well, all fun and plenty of learning.
After cutting the bed out and welding a new one in, I decided to cut out the front part of the rear wheel wells in the bed. They
were completely rusted out and it didn’t take long to get rid of them. To match the look and style of the wheel well, I cut
individual panels of sheet metal and welded them in. This took quite a bit of time. It was really tough welding the new sheet metal
on to the old. The old sheet metal was really thin and the wire welder can blow holes easily if you aren’t paying attention.
After working on it for a long time, the finished product looks as good as the original and keeps the water from coming in. I had to
take the tire off and climb under the Crusier to grind off the little bits of wire that came through the backside. It wasn’t easy but
it was
necessary.
After welding in new sheet metal on the front part of the wheel wells, I took to filling holes on the tops of the wheel wells, where
light was showing through. This took some time and finess and I was really beginning to wonder why I didn’t take off the original
wheel wells and buy some new ones at Cool Cruisers. Oh well, all fun and plenty of learning.
03-27-09 - Sticking Metal To Metal___________________________________________________________________________________
Next, I took off all the emblems and badges. The previous owner took the liberty of painting
my Cruiser primer gray and didn’t bother to take off the original badges and emblems. I kept
the original ones, just in case I want to black out the entire Cruiser, which might be kinda
cool.
Next I cut out the rear quarter panels, which were in awful shape. They were completely
rusted out and just trashed. I cut out new sheet metal, rounded them out and welded
them into place. They look good and provide a new life to the old Land Cruiser.
After welding new quarter panels in place, I had to reinforce the passenger side quarter
panel with some angle iron for the spare tire holder. I also had to drill new holes so the
bolts would line up properly for the spare tire carrier.
After reinstalling the spare tire carrier, I took off the bumperettes (no relation to the
Rockettes). A bumperette is a small bolt on bumper and is fitted on both sides. I think they
were used as steps and as protection if you backed in to something. These were definitely
backed in to a few times are were beat up. I trashed ‘em!
my Cruiser primer gray and didn’t bother to take off the original badges and emblems. I kept
the original ones, just in case I want to black out the entire Cruiser, which might be kinda
cool.
Next I cut out the rear quarter panels, which were in awful shape. They were completely
rusted out and just trashed. I cut out new sheet metal, rounded them out and welded
them into place. They look good and provide a new life to the old Land Cruiser.
After welding new quarter panels in place, I had to reinforce the passenger side quarter
panel with some angle iron for the spare tire holder. I also had to drill new holes so the
bolts would line up properly for the spare tire carrier.
After reinstalling the spare tire carrier, I took off the bumperettes (no relation to the
Rockettes). A bumperette is a small bolt on bumper and is fitted on both sides. I think they
were used as steps and as protection if you backed in to something. These were definitely
backed in to a few times are were beat up. I trashed ‘em!
04-10-09 - Sticking Metal To Metal___________________________________________________________________________________
Next, I took the doors off the back of the cruiser and did a little work to the sheet metal on
them. Of course, they were rusted out and needed repair. The top part of these half-doors
was still in good shape and didn’t need any work. The bottom part did. I took a grinder and
cut out the bottom part of each door, leaving the basic frame of the door intact. I then cut
out sheet metal to match the part I cut out and welded it in place. A little grinding and
looked good as new.
After fixing the back doors, I turned my attention to the front doors. The front doors are
full size and have a window crank and glass in them. I decided to change that. I took the
window crank assembly and the glass out of the door frame. I then unscrewed the glass
frame off the door, with basically a half door remaining. This looked wierd so I cut 6 inches
off the top of the door and welded on a new strip of sheet metal across the top to make a
better looking half door. I then grinded the welds down smooth and touched up a couple
places. I know I probably could have bought a vinyl half door but it just wouldn’t look the
same, plus I like it better this way.
them. Of course, they were rusted out and needed repair. The top part of these half-doors
was still in good shape and didn’t need any work. The bottom part did. I took a grinder and
cut out the bottom part of each door, leaving the basic frame of the door intact. I then cut
out sheet metal to match the part I cut out and welded it in place. A little grinding and
looked good as new.
After fixing the back doors, I turned my attention to the front doors. The front doors are
full size and have a window crank and glass in them. I decided to change that. I took the
window crank assembly and the glass out of the door frame. I then unscrewed the glass
frame off the door, with basically a half door remaining. This looked wierd so I cut 6 inches
off the top of the door and welded on a new strip of sheet metal across the top to make a
better looking half door. I then grinded the welds down smooth and touched up a couple
places. I know I probably could have bought a vinyl half door but it just wouldn’t look the
same, plus I like it better this way.
04-28-09 - Four Doors & New Metal__________________________________________________________________________________
After taking the original doors off and cut them down to half doors, I turned my attention to the engine.
I’d noticed that when I got in and drove it around, the speedometer wasn’t working. I climbed under the cruiser and found the
speedo cable was busted into a couple of pieces. I got online and went to www.sor.com, the Spector Off Road website and
ordered a new speedo cable. A couple of days later, I crawled back under the cruiser, unscrewed, the old speedo cable off and
put the new one back on. I then threaded it back through the original clips and through the firewall. I then took the instrument
panel off the back and unscrewed the other half of the cable off and attached the new one. That was one of the easiest fixes of
this entire process. :-)
Next, I took to the wiring. Most of the wires are original and show their age. Some are still in good shape, but most are cracking
and break easy. Up by the headlights is a strip where many wires come in and go out.
It took me forever to find this little part, which is bolted on both fender wells. I bought a new one, installed it and had lights and
turn signals working properly.
I’d noticed that when I got in and drove it around, the speedometer wasn’t working. I climbed under the cruiser and found the
speedo cable was busted into a couple of pieces. I got online and went to www.sor.com, the Spector Off Road website and
ordered a new speedo cable. A couple of days later, I crawled back under the cruiser, unscrewed, the old speedo cable off and
put the new one back on. I then threaded it back through the original clips and through the firewall. I then took the instrument
panel off the back and unscrewed the other half of the cable off and attached the new one. That was one of the easiest fixes of
this entire process. :-)
Next, I took to the wiring. Most of the wires are original and show their age. Some are still in good shape, but most are cracking
and break easy. Up by the headlights is a strip where many wires come in and go out.
It took me forever to find this little part, which is bolted on both fender wells. I bought a new one, installed it and had lights and
turn signals working properly.
05-22-09 - Electrical Work. Hmm...__________________________________________________________________________________
After taking the original doors off and cut them down to half doors, I turned my attention to the engine.
After getting the headlights working and the speedo cable attached properly, it was time to take on the grease and grime.
On the bottom side of the engine, is a skid plate, bolted on to the engine and frame. I noticed that fluid was leaking out and so I
pulled the skid plate off to take a look. When I unbolted the skid plate, there was probably 10 lbs of oil and dirt and grease stuck
to the bottom of the engine and the top side of the skid plate. It took forever to get it really cleaned!
After pulling the skid plate off, I noticed that the leak was coming from the oil pan. Seems that the original oil pan gasket was still
attached and was not doing it’s job properly. I bought a new one online and after draining all the stinky oil, proceeded to unbolt
the pan from the lower part of the engine. It wasn’t too bad taking it off, but putting it on took two days and a miracle.
It was by far one of the most challenging things to try to get back on. Trying to fit all 20 bolts through the holes while keeping
the gasket in place was not easy. It’s done and hasn’t leaked. Although the oil pan plug still does...
After getting the headlights working and the speedo cable attached properly, it was time to take on the grease and grime.
On the bottom side of the engine, is a skid plate, bolted on to the engine and frame. I noticed that fluid was leaking out and so I
pulled the skid plate off to take a look. When I unbolted the skid plate, there was probably 10 lbs of oil and dirt and grease stuck
to the bottom of the engine and the top side of the skid plate. It took forever to get it really cleaned!
After pulling the skid plate off, I noticed that the leak was coming from the oil pan. Seems that the original oil pan gasket was still
attached and was not doing it’s job properly. I bought a new one online and after draining all the stinky oil, proceeded to unbolt
the pan from the lower part of the engine. It wasn’t too bad taking it off, but putting it on took two days and a miracle.
It was by far one of the most challenging things to try to get back on. Trying to fit all 20 bolts through the holes while keeping
the gasket in place was not easy. It’s done and hasn’t leaked. Although the oil pan plug still does...
06-12-09 - Oil + Dirt = Nasty Grease__________________________________________________________________________________
After getting a new oil pan gasket on, I realized that I needed to get those dang seats
fixed. They were in terrible shape with some kind of homemade seat cover sewn over
them. I took them over to Fisher Auto Trim and after visiting with Marc Fisher, he got
them fixed up
and looking real good.
With new seats in place, I started working on the inside part of the Cruiser. I bought some
spray-on bedliner stuff and with a little help from Meisha, we got it put on. It’s nice having
it all
over the inside of the Cruiser.
Recently, I’ve been working on the grille guard, tail lights, roll bar and working some dents
out of the body. I’ll get into those more next issue.
fixed. They were in terrible shape with some kind of homemade seat cover sewn over
them. I took them over to Fisher Auto Trim and after visiting with Marc Fisher, he got
them fixed up
and looking real good.
With new seats in place, I started working on the inside part of the Cruiser. I bought some
spray-on bedliner stuff and with a little help from Meisha, we got it put on. It’s nice having
it all
over the inside of the Cruiser.
Recently, I’ve been working on the grille guard, tail lights, roll bar and working some dents
out of the body. I’ll get into those more next issue.
06-26-09 - Seats Redone__________________________________________________________________________________________
Well, it’s official. The readers of Texas Auto Guide have chosen Freeborn Red as the color of my “66 Toyota Land Cruiser. Thanks to
all for voting.
I’ve spent a little time in the garage working on the Cruiser. A few months back I found a big piece of pipe, 3 inches in diameter and
about 6 feet long at my Mimi and Papa’s house in McCamey. It’s not just a normal piece of pipe, it had a cool curve to it and
instantly, I knew I’d like to use it as a grille guard for my Cruiser.
So, I brought it back to Smyer and started working on it. First I took off the old bumper, which looked like it had been used as a
battering ram. Then, I cut some very thick diamond plate sheet metal and built some mounting plates for the bumper. I then put some
floor jacks under the pipe and lifted it up to match the height of the frame of the Cruiser. Welded the monuting plate and the pipe
together and had the basic frame of the grille guard in place.
I then bought some 1 3/4 inch pipe and started making cuts to match the front of the body of the Cruiser. It took a little time to get
them all perfect, but the end result is very cool. I pity the fool that decides to step out in front of it.
all for voting.
I’ve spent a little time in the garage working on the Cruiser. A few months back I found a big piece of pipe, 3 inches in diameter and
about 6 feet long at my Mimi and Papa’s house in McCamey. It’s not just a normal piece of pipe, it had a cool curve to it and
instantly, I knew I’d like to use it as a grille guard for my Cruiser.
So, I brought it back to Smyer and started working on it. First I took off the old bumper, which looked like it had been used as a
battering ram. Then, I cut some very thick diamond plate sheet metal and built some mounting plates for the bumper. I then put some
floor jacks under the pipe and lifted it up to match the height of the frame of the Cruiser. Welded the monuting plate and the pipe
together and had the basic frame of the grille guard in place.
I then bought some 1 3/4 inch pipe and started making cuts to match the front of the body of the Cruiser. It took a little time to get
them all perfect, but the end result is very cool. I pity the fool that decides to step out in front of it.
08-14-09 - I Pity The Fool__________________________________________________________________________________________
These last couple of weeks, I’ve spent more time working on my wife’s store (Kids and Maternity Consignments) and haven’t spent much
time in the garage, which results in less work on my 66 Cruiser.
But, I have done a few things these last couple of months. I built an awesome grille guard, which I talked about last issue. Still needs to
be painted, but it’s functional and ready to go.
In July I built a custom roll bar, similar in style to the original roll bars built for the FJ40 Land Cruisers. Mine wasn’t outfitted for a roll
bar and I had to build and weld some supports to the frame, underneath the tub in case of a rollover.
In July, some friends and I decided to drive a 4 wheeler through a deep mud hole out back of a friend’s house in Smyer.
A few weeks later, I brought my Cruiser out and I took a couple of runs at it. That mud was so sticky and deep that it immediately
grabbed my tires and I was stuck. I’ll admit, I had to be pulled out twice by a tractor. It was fun though and I look forward to more days
in the mud!
time in the garage, which results in less work on my 66 Cruiser.
But, I have done a few things these last couple of months. I built an awesome grille guard, which I talked about last issue. Still needs to
be painted, but it’s functional and ready to go.
In July I built a custom roll bar, similar in style to the original roll bars built for the FJ40 Land Cruisers. Mine wasn’t outfitted for a roll
bar and I had to build and weld some supports to the frame, underneath the tub in case of a rollover.
In July, some friends and I decided to drive a 4 wheeler through a deep mud hole out back of a friend’s house in Smyer.
A few weeks later, I brought my Cruiser out and I took a couple of runs at it. That mud was so sticky and deep that it immediately
grabbed my tires and I was stuck. I’ll admit, I had to be pulled out twice by a tractor. It was fun though and I look forward to more days
in the mud!
08-14-09 - A Roll Bar & Sandy Mud _________________________________________________________________________________
In this space, I mostly write about my 66 Toyota Land Cruiser and all the work I’ve done to it. Honestly, I’ve been really busy with TAG,
TAG Design and helping my wife with her store, Kids and Maternity Consignments.
I did find a little time to escape this weekend and went to the cool mountains of Ruidoso. My dad and brother were on a mule deer
hunt on state land just north of Ruidoso and I went to help them.
When I was driving there, I noticed a ton of motorcycles on the road and realized that the Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally was being
held in Ruidoso. I love motorcycles. I see the ad for Damron every issue and there’s always one or two styles that catch my eye. I think
once I get my Cruiser done I might invest in one. That’s down the line.
Our house is north of Ruidoso on the road to the Spencer Theater, which is a great place to get out and ride. We saw (and heard)
quite a few groups riding that beautiful and seldomly traveled back road. What a great way to enjoy the fresh air and feel that power at
your fingertips.
On my way home from Ruidoso on Sunday, I encountered many individual riders and some in groups. One thing I’d like to point out to all
drivers, both cars and motorcycles, is to share the road. Motorists in cars need to be aware of what’s going on around them, especially
in blind spots, making lane changes and pulling on to the road. Motorcyclists should always be aware of their surroundings, cruise in the
cruising lane and please do not pass cars on the shoulder. Both motorists and bikers on my way
back were guilty of these acts.
My plea to all, including myself, is to the share the road. Take a chance and get on a motorcycle. You’ll see the road through different
eyes. And bikers, treat motorists the way you’d want to be treated.
TAG Design and helping my wife with her store, Kids and Maternity Consignments.
I did find a little time to escape this weekend and went to the cool mountains of Ruidoso. My dad and brother were on a mule deer
hunt on state land just north of Ruidoso and I went to help them.
When I was driving there, I noticed a ton of motorcycles on the road and realized that the Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally was being
held in Ruidoso. I love motorcycles. I see the ad for Damron every issue and there’s always one or two styles that catch my eye. I think
once I get my Cruiser done I might invest in one. That’s down the line.
Our house is north of Ruidoso on the road to the Spencer Theater, which is a great place to get out and ride. We saw (and heard)
quite a few groups riding that beautiful and seldomly traveled back road. What a great way to enjoy the fresh air and feel that power at
your fingertips.
On my way home from Ruidoso on Sunday, I encountered many individual riders and some in groups. One thing I’d like to point out to all
drivers, both cars and motorcycles, is to share the road. Motorists in cars need to be aware of what’s going on around them, especially
in blind spots, making lane changes and pulling on to the road. Motorcyclists should always be aware of their surroundings, cruise in the
cruising lane and please do not pass cars on the shoulder. Both motorists and bikers on my way
back were guilty of these acts.
My plea to all, including myself, is to the share the road. Take a chance and get on a motorcycle. You’ll see the road through different
eyes. And bikers, treat motorists the way you’d want to be treated.
09-25-09 - Get Your Motor Running _________________________________________________________________________________
This last week, I decided to get to work on my Cruiser. Originally, my 66 Toyota Land Cruiser had a pair of fold-down
jump seats that were mounted to the rear wheel wells. I went back and forth, between original and what I wanted.
Original? What I wanted? Finally, I decided that I wanted a single seat in the back and that’s what I did.
I took one of the original jump seats and prepped it to make it into one back seat. The original seat had two little arms
that shot out and down for stability. I decided to cut them off because I didn’t need them. Simple enough. Grinded it down,
smoothed it out and it’s good.
I then had to create a platform to attach the seat to. Since I hang on to every little part and piece, I reused the front
bumper to make a platform for the seat. I cut parts of the front bumper into two 12 inch pieces, with a little left over. I then
welded two pieces of angle iron to the two used bumper pieces and made a simple but very effective platform.
I then spent some time, locating the angle iron supports that were under the floor. It took a little time to find the right place
then drilled the holes and bolted it down.
Once the platform was in place, I bolted the back seat to the platform and checked to make sure it had plenty of leg room
for the back seat passengers.
jump seats that were mounted to the rear wheel wells. I went back and forth, between original and what I wanted.
Original? What I wanted? Finally, I decided that I wanted a single seat in the back and that’s what I did.
I took one of the original jump seats and prepped it to make it into one back seat. The original seat had two little arms
that shot out and down for stability. I decided to cut them off because I didn’t need them. Simple enough. Grinded it down,
smoothed it out and it’s good.
I then had to create a platform to attach the seat to. Since I hang on to every little part and piece, I reused the front
bumper to make a platform for the seat. I cut parts of the front bumper into two 12 inch pieces, with a little left over. I then
welded two pieces of angle iron to the two used bumper pieces and made a simple but very effective platform.
I then spent some time, locating the angle iron supports that were under the floor. It took a little time to find the right place
then drilled the holes and bolted it down.
Once the platform was in place, I bolted the back seat to the platform and checked to make sure it had plenty of leg room
for the back seat passengers.
10-23-09 - Who wants to take a ride in my backseat? ____________________________________________________________________
