Engine -

Jared and I installed a new battery, starter, plugs, wires, condenser. It starts...it blows smoke. Since it hasn't run in over 2 years there was a lot of white smoke. Since the inital start up, the smoke is more bluish. There seems to be a small knock but hey...it's running. I've discovered the left front shock mount was been torn off. I need to fine a castle nut for the studs that hold on the shock.

How It All Began

In a few weeks I will receive Josh's , my oldest son, FJ-40. Josh was killed in IRAQ on September 22, 2007, by a multiarray IED. (To learn a little about how people felt about Josh go to <http://www.legacy.com/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=95048104>.) Josh's son, Jackson was born, the day before Josh was killed, on September 21, 2007.

Before Josh was deployed to IRAQ, he and Leslie discussed their plans for the FJ. Josh really wanted to keep it and build it when he returned to the states. Josh reenlisted in the Army a few weeks before his death and he and Leslie chose Colorado as their next duty assignment. They were both very excited about their future. Josh called Leslie right after she gave birth and Josh was able to see pictures of Jackson via the internet.

In the memorial service held in Baghdad, one of Josh's buddies stated that Josh loved his wife, loved his son and loved his truck. Therefore, I'm going to build Josh's truck for Jackson, Josh's only child. When Leslie determines the right time, we will present Josh's FJ-40 to Jackson.

I hope to drive it some during the build. A fine group, the Patriot Guard Riders, escorted the entire funeral procession as we traveled from the funeral home, to our church, and then from the church to Josh's final resting place. I want to join that organization and drive Josh and Jackson's FJ-40 in future processions in Josh's honor.

(Go here <http://www.patriotguard.org/> to learn more about the Patriot Guard Riders.)

I've joined a forum for FJ's. It's called "MUD" for short and here's their web address. <http://www.ih8mud.com/>. I introduced myself, much like I did here on this blog, and I was so impressed with the responses I've recieved. Many members have offered to help me with this project. It was suggested I set up a Paypal account to accept donations to assist with this project. I am working on doing that.

I will use this blog as a diary of building Josh and Jackson's FJ-40. Please feel free to comment. I hope this project will bring honor to Josh Reeves. He was a father, a husband, a son, a fine man, and a Hero.

I have been encouraged to set up a Paypal account for donations to assist with this project. All I can say is...thank you.

Here is the link (I sure hope I have done this correctly)

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Leslie tells me that Josh and Jackson's FJ should arrive in about 3 to 4 weeks (military time table). This actually may mean it'll be here sometimes before Christmas. Josh and Jackson's FJ isn't running for some reason. Also, I don't know if all of the spare parts will arrive at the same time or if they'll be shipped separately.Only time will tell.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Josh and Jackson's FJ -40 arrived this past Friday. It has a flat tire, the starter has been removed and is laying in the drivers side, the carb has been removed set in place without tightening the bolts or replacing the gasket. The air cleaner assembly has also been removed and there is no battery. Leslie and I have spoken a lot about this and we've decided to keep the inline 6 and start with that. There's a list of mods I'm going to install. Once Phase I has been planned I'll share it.

Saturday, Nov 24, 2007

Here are some photos. Phase I will begin shortly.