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MATT FARR matt@rustybrain.com Occupation: Advertising & Web site design My introduction to the Land Cruiser lifestyle was made by discovering a restored FJ40 in a parking garage in Chicago. I’d never seen such a vehicle – I figured it was something made for African safaris. Over the next few years, I kept seeing Cruisers here and there and decided that I needed one, simply because I thought they were "cool looking." In 1996, I bought a mustard yellow 1975 FJ40 with a recently blown engine. The body was rusty, but otherwise the truck was complete. I immediately joined Windy City Land Cruisers and enlisted Steve Hanson, the legendary mechanic and Land Cruiser guru, to help me get my new Cruiser running. Steve sourced a new 2F block, and we spent the next month completely rebuilding the engine. By March I had a running Cruiser, albeit a Cruiser that belched raw gasoline out the tailpipe and scored a dismal 7 mpg. A new Weber carb fixed most of my problems a few months later. Over the next year, my wife and I drove the Cruiser all over Chicago and Wisconsin, culminating in our first off-road trip in the Nicolet National Forest. We had some great times with "Ol’ Yellow" but eventually a move and job change made it necessary to sell it. In 1997, we bought a gray 1992 FJ80. While it was a fine truck, it was underpowered and lacked the brute utilitarian ugliness that I loved in the 40 series. So after two years of creeping up Floyd Hill at 40 mph, I traded the 80 back to Stevinson Toyota West for a green 1981 FJ40 that was sitting on their lot. Yeah, I bought my FJ40 from the Toyota dealer! This FJ40 is my current Cruiser and most likely will be for many years to come. It has the original 2F motor with a myriad of hoses and wires that were required for emissions in 1981. When I purchased the 40, it was nearly stock. Since then, I’ve added a 4" BDS suspension, new Rancho 9000 shocks, 33x12.50 Goodyear MT/R tires, extended stainless steel brake lines, a yellow-top Optima battery, a HiLift jack, and a LockRite in the rear pumpkin. I also purchased a black Kayline soft top so I can enjoy the fresh air. In 2002, I added a full roll cage and Saginaw power steering. In 2000, I joined the Rising Sun, which has provided great experience and education in the true off-road tradition. So far, my ultimate Cruiser encounter was Cruise Moab 2001, at which the top picture shown at right was taken. I'm now on the Cruise Moab committee and secretary of the club. The Rising Sun is a great way to learn about responsible four wheeling, as well as being a fun group of people. Matt Farr Jan. 2003 www.rustybrain.com/cruisers

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