Dean's 1968 FJ40 Cruiser

[tacomaJoe73]

Joseph:

Without talking to @SaintAgatha yet, if nobody in the club who was tighter with Dean steps up, I will say that I’d do a lot to ensure Dean’s 40 stays in the club family. No idea what its current state or approximate value is, but I’d figure something out.

Maybe sell a 1HZ or two, H55f, a coveted split case PTO gearbox—something. Dean’s truck needs to stay here, and not end up with a flipper. Dean and I weren’t BFFs or anything, but he and I probably spent a total of 30 hours over the years just cleaning up shot up TVs at the bottom of Argentine Pass back when shooting was still allowed there.

There were folks closer to Dean who may be interested, and I’d definitely defer to them. But I’m just saying, before the truck moves toward auction, I’ll bet something can be worked out. And if anyone closer to Dean is interested, but worried about storage for a bit—we can keep it at our place in Dumont.

Dean was a great guy, and “disposing” of his cruiser is a pretty solemn responsibility. I can’t imagine the mess I’m going to leave when I pass.

Dan

Dan, thank you.. that's why we didnt want to let this gem out to the open range yet.. All of us (especially Natalie, Steve, Suzie, Dave, Kirsten & others ) are all adamant this stays in the family. Don't be afraid to reach out w/ any questions or hit my cell.

 

[tacomaJoe73]

I would interested. My son wants a 40 as his first vehicle. At 15 he's practically a luddite. Deans 66 goes well with my 64. He and I always talked 1 barrel carbs and Moon T hubcaps. I miss him already chatting about this. Not going to lie, Brings a tear to my eye.

I'll relay this to Steve, Dave and hopefully they'll followup on this post soon . Thanks

 

[Crash]

We are going to the storage locker this morning to gather parts to see what all goes with the 40. Thank you Dan and Wes for your interest and patience.

 

[LARGEONE]

Dean has all kinds of “collectibles” even ones that aren’t necessarily for the ‘68. I was amazed at how many hard-to-find tidbits he had even stuffed in some of his tool boxes.

 

[Crash]

Dean has all kinds of “collectibles” even ones that aren’t necessarily for the ‘68. I was amazed at how many hard-to-find tidbits he had even stuffed in some of his tool boxes.

Yeah, makes the process more painstaking.

 

[Rzeppa]

I never saw this rig in daylight, always at night in the Stevinson parking lot before meetings, but I knew it was stock, unmolested and ran great. I can't see what it's rolling on, but that spare looks identical to the bias-ply tube-type tires that came with my '71 when I first got it.

 

[Crash]

Spent yesterday afternoon at Natalie’s enjoying dinner and looking at photo albums.

 

[Cruisertrash]

The look in his eyes is a look of love, like a kid getting the Christmas gift they’ve always dreamed about. Fantastic.

 

[Crash]

The look in his eyes is a look of love, like a kid getting the Christmas gift they’ve always dreamed about. Fantastic.

Best. Present. Ever. You betcha.

 

[Rzeppa]

Hard to believe it has been that long. I remember when he first brought it to a Rising Sun meeting and I was astounded, I thought he'd be a min-truck guy forever.

 

[MDH33]

I sold Dean the Pakistan top and bows for his 40. I had waited like a year and a half for it to arrive from Pakistan after handing over a wad of cash to Ehsan on MUD. It was originally intended for my '73 40. While I waited, I ended up finding the used FST and bows I ended up using. I remember meeting up with Dean at the toys for tots run and presenting him with the long awaited Pakistan canvas top. He was so stoked! Told me the story of how he acquired his 40. True cruiser Karma. We hung out that day and I think we both won some swag at the raffle. Good times!

 

[HDavis]

I really enjoy reading these fond memories everyone has of Dean. I never met the man, but I appreciate how his 40 has brought those of you who were his friends together to reminisce about him and this 40.

 

[gr8fulabe]

Joseph:

Without talking to @SaintAgatha yet, if nobody in the club who was tighter with Dean steps up, I will say that I’d do a lot to ensure Dean’s 40 stays in the club family. No idea what its current state or approximate value is, but I’d figure something out.

Maybe sell a 1HZ or two, H55f, a coveted split case PTO gearbox—something. Dean’s truck needs to stay here, and not end up with a flipper. Dean and I weren’t BFFs or anything, but he and I probably spent a total of 30 hours over the years just cleaning up shot up TVs at the bottom of Argentine Pass back when shooting was still allowed there.

There were folks closer to Dean who may be interested, and I’d definitely defer to them. But I’m just saying, before the truck moves toward auction, I’ll bet something can be worked out. And if anyone closer to Dean is interested, but worried about storage for a bit—we can keep it at our place in Dumont.

Dean was a great guy, and “disposing” of his cruiser is a pretty solemn responsibility. I can’t imagine the mess I’m going to leave when I pass.

Dan

If you did happen to have an extra split case PTO gearbox, I’d be interested in buying it. Sold mine that I was hoarding, to help someone else out, now I find myself needing one for a 40 series h55f combo.