Hey there,
I'm new to these boards, have an 87 4runner but looking into a 65 Fj40... I've talked with the guy and replied to his ad, btw here is the ad
Original owner family; bought new in Palo Alto by Dr. Russel Lee. California ranch vehicle needs some TLC but not a lot of money.
- Orig. 6 cyl. engine rebuilt by Toyota dealer; runs well.
- 3 sp. on column.
- Body dinged and scratched, orig. tan paint; surface rust only.
- Drive train fine.
- Interior needs upholstery.
- Was soft top; hard top included.
- Needs doors; some glass, lights, brake & minor elect. parts.

this is his reply email
someone
stole the following: soft top+bows, some brake lines,
wiper motors, spare tire carrier, brake and clutch
master cylinders. (I've replaced the clutch cylinder,
but adaption is needed to install the brake one (old
lines were larger).

The steering swivel joint is worn; a new replacement
is included. This Cruiser is pretty rough looking, but
it runs and is basically sound. A considerable amount
of time will be needed, however, to make it look like
new. I have other spare parts as well.

If you want more detail, I know the complete history
first hand since new - part by part and year by year.

I'm very flexible on the price - and will even go
below $2,000. - Geoff.

I would just like you all's opinion about how large of a project this would be to get into decent shape and if there is even availabilty of parts for it... PLease contact me by email tingersoll@hotmail.com or aim csmfc24365...
Thanks ALOT!!!
Todd

 

Are you looking for a project vehicle? restoration? offroad? what's your purpose for the 40? Just trying to get more info to help ya out.

 

somewhat project, off road (nothing toooooo Xtreme, no rocking climbing) and to get me my 2 miles to work and back

 

should be fine... it runs and drives....
you wont need smog stuff so thats a major headache averted.... just going to be little maintenance things here and there as the truck is 40 years old

 

Amen to that. If you've got some extra cash to throw into it to make it street/trail worthy, then I'd say go for it.

 

It,s going to have the old "ball and claw" front wheel joints (before the Birfield). 4 wheel drim brakes with a SINGLE brake cylinder. If you want power brakes, you'll need a custom spacer for the booster.

I would definitely replace all the brake lines, and at the same time make it a dual circuit (if brakes fail you only loose half of them)

I don't think it is worth 2K unless the body is spotless/rust free

(my neighbor had a 79, very rusty, he wanted 2K for. Has new wheels/tires)

 

souds like a lot of work. i wouldnt pay more than a grand for it. even then i'd work with the guy to drop it more. sounds like a good project, are you up to it?

 

here is the link to the add now with pictures... Looks worse than I thought
http://www.craigslist.org/sby/car/51584391.html

 

thats near me..i wouldnt pay over 1k....the body is shot, and it has rust all over it...."original paint" that is all scrached/rusted off...

 

just get it, before someone else scams it first. even if you have any issues later, what's the worst thing, you bike to work?

in the end, you'll fall in love with it.

 

WOW...that scared me...i'm not used to seeing trucks in that condition. I don't know anything about getting one in that bad of condition but i personally wouldn't pay over 1k for it either... you'll be putting a lot into it to make it look good and run nice...but i'm not sure.. I think you might be able to do better, or at least find one closer to being complete, and not rusted with missing parts...

Why exactly are you getting another truck? doesn't the 87 runner do you good or do you not like it? For my first truck i'm looking for an '88 4runner...

I considered the FJ40's but they don't have any modern things in the cab like heating or air conditioning, and i need both... and without heat, i'd rather ride the bus...i live where it gets to cold to drive w/out heat.

Maybe you can figure out the costs of rebuilding the parts you are choosing to replace/redo and show him an estimate of how much it's truly worth to you and he might bring it under 1k....that is if the costs are substansial enough to make the truck worth less. Don't rely on my opinion becuase i'm not even in the market of vehicles quite yet, but thats my vision on it. Does the frame have any rust?

 

2K- He's out of his mind. I would not pay over a grand.