So i consider myself more than knologeable about 88-95 trucks and 4runners, but i know jack and squat (and jack just left lown) about FJ's epecially the early 40 series.

Ive wanted one for a while now, and had my eye out for the "right" one. Something that isnt a total basket case neededing a major restoration job to get running, or something thats been butchered over the years with odd lifts and swaped out drive train.... But i dont want one that someone else has done all the work to either.


Well i think ive finnaly found one!

a 72 FJ40 with orginal drive train, no lift, some rust but nothing that looks major, He said he has the hard top and doors and runs (although not perfect, something about a carb...) shifts fine etc

so what do you think? If i make time to go look at it what do i look for? and how much for it?

does the blue-green hood/firewall mean its been repainted? or was it common to do that?!?!

 

I have a '71 and love it. You have experience with older trucks, so the fact that a '40 rides harsh and is not big on creature comforts will probably not be an issue for you (in fact, that is part of what I love about mine).

Other mechanicals are good - Runs? Leaks? Gauges work? Birfield service required? Frame rust? Electricals work (lights, blinkers, 4-ways, heat, etc)? If the guy has the doors and top, and they are in good condition, I would expect the guy to want to get around $5 to $7K for it (this is the range I would see in AZ). Check local selling prices for something like that. The green engine bay suggests it may have been repainted, but I am not sure. The rear bumper is NOT stock. It looks like this also will have th 3-sp on the column. Do you like that or not? It can be changed. Oh - also ensure that the vacuum 4wd actuation works, too.

Overall, this looks like it could be a good truck. I say go for it and haggle with him.

 

thanks for the response... i see this section of YT is a bit sparse.... so i poped in over at ih8mud and posted the same thing over there...

most of those guys were less than enthusiastic about it (RUST) but im convinced that is from there CA/AZ background... not the midwest...

im still planning on going to look at it this weekend, but the odds i buy it arnt very good unless he virtually gives it to me.

Im looking for one i can "restore" (although icant take on a frame off kinda deal at this point) and use for a daily driver on nice spring/summer days.... so it sounds like the later model (late 70's early 80's) is going to work better for that.

but at least this will get me started perhaps....

 

I hear ya. I still say check it out if its not too far. See what he wants for it.

 

If I wanted a FJ40 for keeps or to restore, I would find one without rust, from the PNW or southwest, etc. If just a DD, or for using and abusing it might be OK. I think restoring bodywork will probably be more $$$ than restoring the drive train.