FJ40 Landcruiser Advice

Hi Guys,

I have an FJ 40 - that I impulse bought 2 years back and everyone tells me are indestructable (usually before giving me a hefty bill for something)

I have driven up to fraser twice and spend a lot of time in the watagans i am sydney based at the mo. Next trip will be to tassie on the spirit - I will be taking the fly-fishing gear and the probably camping gear too.

I want to get the beast up to speed before I get going and want to know any advice re the following modifications and any recco's for mechanics body shops that could assist - closest to central sydney preffered but will travel for excellent deal or quality

1. roof is starting to rot around the seal - would a softtop conversion be easy and do I need a roll bar or what about the cost of a replacement hard top? and availability

2 Engine is fairly gutless - stock petrol 4.2 boat anchor - wanna replace with a v8 chevy or any other option??? any ideas cost and mechanic to recco?

3 Body has rust that has been repaired fairly poorly and so I really need it stripped and fixed and resprayed - any recco ideas on cost???

check http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=1402766&uid=717177

for pics

Any way I really want this thread to be a good source for info On FJ 40 Landcruisers mine is an 81 4 speed.

Thanks