Which Toyota FJ-45?
I'm very interested in your retro article about the FJ45V 40-series station wagon ("Old as Dirt," Nov. '09). Here in Australia, we only got a very few FJ45Vs, one of which I now own, but I thought the units sent to the U.S. were FJ45LVs, the left-hand-drive version?
Rudy Vandenbroek
Victor Harbor, S.A.
Australia
You would be correct. Left-hand-drive FJ-45 wagons were imported into the U.S from 1963 to 1967, and they are extremely rare, with fewer than 50 known to exist in North America at present.
In Search of '67-72 Blazer Top
I just bought a '72 Blazer as a father/son project and my kid's first vehicle. I read a bunch of forums and figured out that everybody is looking for replacement tops. Does anyone make these? Ours is swollen in a bunch of places and looks unfixable. Any info would be greatly appreciated and I hope you see us in your magazine one day.
Rick Shady
Clinton, IA
This is an elusive part, and one we're often asked about. The only company we know that made them went out of business several years ago, so we'd advise looking into a mail-order source such as LMC Truck Parts (800/562-8782, www.lmctruck.com) or Manes Truck Parts (816/633-4772, www.manestruckpart.com). They may have some of these replacement tops in stock, or they may know of another supplier.
Be Careful What You Wish For . . .
I am writing because I am unsure how to go about sending in a resume and/or application to work at Four Wheeler. I saw in a recent reply to one of your letters that you can forward such requests to your Human Resources department. My question would be, what exactly do I have to send you and where would I send it; or would you be able to give me the contact information of the H.R. department?
Eric Chapman
Pensacola, FL
It depends on what you want to do. If you want to work as an editor, some examples of your published work (or even some writing samples) would be nice to send along. Want to be a photographer? How about sending a CD full of your best JPEGS? Otherwise, a simple resume and cover letter will suffice. Like a lot of companies out there, we're not exactly in hiring mode right now, but we're always on the lookout for potential new talent. You can send your resume and cover letter to Four Wheeler, Attn: Human Resources, 831 S. Douglas St., El Segundo, CA 90245.
Ranking Suspension Lift Kits
I'm looking for your opinion on a lift kit for my 2001 Ford F-150 Lariat quad cab. Based on price, I have found a 4- to 5-inch Rough Country kit for my truck, and planning on 35-inch Mickey Thompson tires on 17x9 Mickey Thompson Classic II wheels. Given your experience, how would you rate this lift kit? Have I picked the right wheel size? Hopefully, my truck will make your magazine. I'm planning to start this project, soon so could you send info as soon as you can?
James M Penkala
Webster, MA
Our own experience with Rough Country kits has been positive overall, though we'd be hesitant to "rank" its kits against any other suspension kit(s) due to differences in design and engineering (spring/torsion-bar rates, shock tuning, fastener grades, etc.) that may occur from manufacturer to manufacturer. Regarding wheels, your Ford came with 16x7-inch rims, so since you're going wider, you'll need to make sure your new wheels have the proper offset to relieve any potential stress on the wheel lugs, bearings, spindles and the like. The tech-service department at the wheel manufacturer of your choice should be able to steer you in the right direction. And yes, a 9-inch rim width should work just fine with 35x12.50 tires.