Finally! My introduction, Thanks, and Pics!

MStars · 06-30-08, 11:00 AM

Well, 2 year search finally pays off. I've been around just reading on this site for a couple years now. Now it's nice to meet all of you and introduce myself. I don't think I've ever read so much about something that I didn't even own. My name is Matt, I live in Michigan and I'm a proud new cruiser owner.

I have to say Thanks to TJ aka PabloCruise, Ben aka FJBen for helping me in the search.

Biggest thanks to Noah, 1973Guppie, for all the phone calls and emails, looking at endless pictures and helping me search.

Now for my rig:

Was a single owner, never been off road. Lived it's life in Vermont.

1976, December 75 production
58,600 original miles
Truck is all original
Original AM Radio
Original Tool Kit
Owners Manual

So excited I can't contain myself. Theres so many things I wanna ask, say but for now I'll leave a few pictures cuz I don't know where to begin.

Matt

camcruiser13 · 06-30-08, 11:02 AM

wow

very clean looking. im jealous

78-FJ40 · 06-30-08, 11:06 AM

Great looking rig. Congratulations, looks like you found a really nice 40. What plans do you have for it?

splitshot · 06-30-08, 11:10 AM

Whoever turned you on to that rig, you owe them a dinner

Welcome

island45 · 06-30-08, 11:29 AM

Was that Vermont, Texas? Holy **** that is so rust free. Awesome find!

mike@dw · 06-30-08, 11:32 AM

Very Nce! I am jealous, sometimes I wish I had a stock type rig.

Congrats

If you don't mind, what did you pay for it?

GreenBomber · 06-30-08, 11:50 AM

Wow! NICE!

VTGreg · 06-30-08, 12:01 PM

VERY nice. That doesn't look like any VT Cruiser I've seen. You could throw a cat right through most of them, mine included. Where'd you find it?

Ziffdaddy · 06-30-08, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VTGreg

VERY nice. That doesn't look like any VT Cruiser I've seen. You could throw a cat right through most of them, mine included. Where'd you find it?

Hahaha....I had to read that twice to be sure....that's funny.

Really nice truck..musta cost ya...worth it, of course.

bigndn · 06-30-08, 12:31 PM

Damn, that's a sweet 40. Don't do anything to it. Keep it totally stock.

MStars · 06-30-08, 12:43 PM

Thanks for all the kind words guys. Makes me feel good to know all you Cruiser masters approve of my find. Took me 2 years to find it and I thought it was perfect for me.

I plan to keep it stock. I might put some new tires on it soon while keeping the original wheels and hubs. I 4 original hubs, 2 of which are mint and shiny new, the other 2 must have been on the rig and I need to clean them up and get them redone. All advice welcomed on how to restore the hubs.

For those that asked, I paid $8k for it + the cost to drive to Vermont to pick it up obviously. A very nice guy in Norwich, VT sold it to me.

Now I gotta buy a star so I can post a bunch more pics for all you porn addicts.

Thanks again for all the good words, I'm stoked

Matt S

bigndn · 06-30-08, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MStars

Thanks for all the kind words guys. Makes me feel good to know all you Cruiser masters approve of my find. Took me 2 years to find it and I thought it was perfect for me.

I plan to keep it stock. I might put some new tires on it soon while keeping the original wheels and hubs. I 4 original hubs, 2 of which are mint and shiny new, the other 2 must have been on the rig and I need to clean them up and get them redone. All advice welcomed on how to restore the hubs.

For those that asked, I paid $8k for it + the cost to drive to Vermont to pick it up obviously. A very nice guy in Norwich, VT sold it to me.

Now I gotta buy a star so I can post a bunch more pics for all you porn addicts.

Thanks again for all the good words, I'm stoked

Matt S

WOW!!!!!!!! Good deal for you!!! I would have expected to see it well into the teens. Awesome! More pics are always appreciated!!! Congrats on a great find!!!

:edit: scratch that. You got taken for a ride. I'll buy it off ya. That color is known to hide a buttload of rust anyway. I'm surprised you made it home without falling thru. I'm doing you a favor........REALLY!!! I'll be there tomorrow.

DanS HJ-45 · 06-30-08, 01:30 PM

Oh that's beautiful! Most jealous, that's what I am. For 8K, I think you pretty much stole it. Nicely done.

Quote:

I 4 original hubs, 2 of which are mint and shiny new, the other 2 must have been on the rig and I need to clean them up and get them redone. All advice welcomed on how to restore the hubs.

Hubs you ask.... I'm assuming you're talking about the Aisin hubs....

Very easy to clean and rebuild. I hear that there are people who restore the faces.

Dan

MStars · 06-30-08, 02:06 PM

bigndn: Thanks for bringing that to my attn about that being a known color to hide rust etc. I appreciate you offering to take it off my hands. I just don't wanna rip you off though forcing you to deal with it so I'll hang on to it

Dan: Sorry I meant the actual Hub caps. I have 2 in brand new condition and 2 others with surface rust etc that I'd like to clean up new if possible. I love the look of the original wheels and the hub caps.

Well, I'm an aspiring new mechanic so I think I'm off to try and find a real nice mechanic set of tools to get me started. =)

Look forward to any more responses when I get home. Still can't believe the Cruiser is sittin in my garage

Hogan · 06-30-08, 02:52 PM

Super nice ride, great score.

mustardfj40 · 06-30-08, 02:57 PM

Wow!!! I thought cleaned stock cruiser like that could no longer be found. Lucky dude!

FJ40 MNTCRZR · 06-30-08, 03:06 PM

Way too Clean, take it out and throw or drive threw some MUD already.

Very nice new ride, congrats, and Welcome to the sickness, now that your wallet will be empty for years. Enjoy the MUDNESS ..

And by the way,

(I can't believe you all let him get away so long without the greeting)

Alz Toy · 06-30-08, 04:18 PM

Nice one, I like

. Welcome. Al

bigndn · 06-30-08, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MStars

bigndn: Thanks for bringing that to my attn about that being a known color to hide rust etc. I appreciate you offering to take it off my hands. I just don't wanna rip you off though forcing you to deal with it so I'll hang on to it

No hard feelings.......just trying to help a brutha out. If you change your mind...

1973Guppie · 06-30-08, 04:33 PM

patience is a virtue for sure, it has paid off nicely for you. 8k is a very fair price for that truck IMO. Call anytime if I can help at all, I am completely addicted to this stuff so even talking about it is alot of fun for me.

Noah

SHREG · 06-30-08, 04:44 PM

Very nice 40....one of my favorite colors. Well done

mikealeus · 06-30-08, 04:47 PM

I like. From Vt I would think =RUST. Very nice. Congrats and keep it stock!

HamanaRob · 06-30-08, 05:54 PM

I spent 25 years in Vermont and dont look that good.
Great find!

fuelgeddes · 06-30-08, 09:16 PM

Really nice looking 40 ! I think that is the way to do it, spend a little $$ but drive it a lot.

ontherox · 06-30-08, 09:20 PM

That thing is mint!! however it REALLY!! needs to not be quite so stock

TOBASH · 06-30-08, 09:39 PM

I think toyota hubcaps front and rear with 33" tires would look cool.

oldfj40 · 06-30-08, 11:14 PM

Two year search?

Time well spent.Very nice rig.
So that's what a '76 looks like with the original tub still on it,no rust,shiny paint....

Enjoy it and

rsbcruiser · 07-01-08, 01:03 AM

You already recieved one of these

, the bezel is in the correct position, rig is near perfect, not a single thing to rib you about, hell you even got a good price. Dude, no fairs, dang, you even posted pics right out of the box!

Party wrecker! Welcome

Richard

06-30-08, 11:00 AM	#1
MStars IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 40	Finally! My introduction, Thanks, and Pics! Well, 2 year search finally pays off. I've been around just reading on this site for a couple years now. Now it's nice to meet all of you and introduce myself. I don't think I've ever read so much about something that I didn't even own. My name is Matt, I live in Michigan and I'm a proud new cruiser owner. I have to say Thanks to TJ aka PabloCruise, Ben aka FJBen for helping me in the search. Biggest thanks to Noah, 1973Guppie, for all the phone calls and emails, looking at endless pictures and helping me search. Now for my rig: Was a single owner, never been off road. Lived it's life in Vermont. 1976, December 75 production 58,600 original miles Truck is all original Original AM Radio Original Tool Kit Owners Manual So excited I can't contain myself. Theres so many things I wanna ask, say but for now I'll leave a few pictures cuz I don't know where to begin. Matt Attached Images

06-30-08, 11:02 AM	#2
camcruiser13 Me and my Big Wheel Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: in the garage after dark in UT Posts: 5,042	wow very clean looking. im jealous __________________ cc ------------- 76' fj40 camcrusier13 build threads the following are links, just click, go on try it Traction Bar Sliders Ram Assist Bumper Poison Spider Style Shackle Reversal Half Doors if your doing it im sure ive done it, need help just ask.......

06-30-08, 11:06 AM	#3
78-FJ40 ILVRKS Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Northern, CA TLCA# 16204 Posts: 296	Great looking rig. Congratulations, looks like you found a really nice 40. What plans do you have for it? __________________ 78 FJ40 - 2f/SM420/4.0 Orion/4.88's/ARB's/30-longs/Poly Performance/OME/37 IROKS/Stauns/FC Fab'd/Metal Tech'd/OBA/Welder/... 08 Silverado 2500 HD LTZ 08 Shelby GT-500 08 Sequoia Platinum Land of the Free Because of the Brave NObama '08

06-30-08, 11:10 AM	#4
splitshot What's next? Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Podunk, Arizona Posts: 1,552	Whoever turned you on to that rig, you owe them a dinner Welcome __________________ '69 fj40 CSC#103 A dry heat still cooks a turkey

06-30-08, 11:29 AM	#5
island45 'Pops' Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Orcas Island in NW Washington State Posts: 438	Was that Vermont, Texas? Holy **** that is so rust free. Awesome find! __________________ Some old Ford one ton pickups,'66 fj 45 lpb, '79 fj 55, '66 BSA 441 victor special,BMW r75/5 toaster tank, Ancient one lung engines (1912 Stover...6" bore, 12"stroke, 8 hp at max 300 rpms, 2125 lbs) Never without an old 'cruiser for 23 years. Everything runs, and is mostly original, That's how we roll on Mt. Pickett.... 'Rusty ol' floorboards, hot on their feet...' Alan Jackson

06-30-08, 11:32 AM	#6
mike@dw IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 79	Very Nce! I am jealous, sometimes I wish I had a stock type rig. Congrats If you don't mind, what did you pay for it?

06-30-08, 11:50 AM	#7
GreenBomber IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SAN DIEGO Posts: 319	Wow! NICE! __________________ 1966 GREEN FJ-40 SOA, Stock F Motor. - Runs, stops and leaks. 1996 Toyota 4Runner - 35's, locked, armored 2003 Toyota Tundra - Stock 1996 Toyota Camry - Stock

06-30-08, 12:01 PM	#8
VTGreg IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: New Haven, VT Posts: 8	VERY nice. That doesn't look like any VT Cruiser I've seen. You could throw a cat right through most of them, mine included. Where'd you find it?

06-30-08, 12:43 PM	#11
MStars IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 40	thanks Thanks for all the kind words guys. Makes me feel good to know all you Cruiser masters approve of my find. Took me 2 years to find it and I thought it was perfect for me. I plan to keep it stock. I might put some new tires on it soon while keeping the original wheels and hubs. I 4 original hubs, 2 of which are mint and shiny new, the other 2 must have been on the rig and I need to clean them up and get them redone. All advice welcomed on how to restore the hubs. For those that asked, I paid $8k for it + the cost to drive to Vermont to pick it up obviously. A very nice guy in Norwich, VT sold it to me. Now I gotta buy a star so I can post a bunch more pics for all you porn addicts. Thanks again for all the good words, I'm stoked Matt S

06-30-08, 02:06 PM	#14
MStars IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 40	bigndn: Thanks for bringing that to my attn about that being a known color to hide rust etc. I appreciate you offering to take it off my hands. I just don't wanna rip you off though forcing you to deal with it so I'll hang on to it Dan: Sorry I meant the actual Hub caps. I have 2 in brand new condition and 2 others with surface rust etc that I'd like to clean up new if possible. I love the look of the original wheels and the hub caps. Well, I'm an aspiring new mechanic so I think I'm off to try and find a real nice mechanic set of tools to get me started. =) Look forward to any more responses when I get home. Still can't believe the Cruiser is sittin in my garage

06-30-08, 02:52 PM	#15
Hogan IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Minnesota TLCA# 4573 Posts: 290	Super nice ride, great score. __________________ Life is short, don't work it away. Because there's not always a tomorrow. 87 SA 4 Runner 71 FJ40 62 FJ40 Chevy 350 Project truck

06-30-08, 02:57 PM	#16
mustardfj40 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Silicon Valley TLCA# 6453 Posts: 593	Wow!!! I thought cleaned stock cruiser like that could no longer be found. Lucky dude! __________________ '75 FJ40 mostly stock....yeah right! www.employees.org/~dirttrak

06-30-08, 03:06 PM	#17
FJ40 MNTCRZR IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Cali TLCA# 16256 Posts: 531	Way too Clean, take it out and throw or drive threw some MUD already. Very nice new ride, congrats, and Welcome to the sickness, now that your wallet will be empty for years. Enjoy the MUDNESS .. And by the way, (I can't believe you all let him get away so long without the greeting) __________________ " IF I HAD TO EXPLAIN,YOU WOULDN'T UNDERSTAND " 2008 Sandstorm FJC FJ40 LEXUS HARLEY THE GOOD LIFE !

06-30-08, 04:18 PM	#18
Alz Toy IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Mar 2004 TLCA# 16471 Posts: 292	Nice one, I like . Welcome. Al __________________ '77 FJ40, 350/ SM 420 / 3spd t/case, TPI Smoky Mtn lift, 35's , Scout p/s, Tornado Alley Cruisers member

06-30-08, 04:33 PM	#20
1973Guppie IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 2,174	patience is a virtue for sure, it has paid off nicely for you. 8k is a very fair price for that truck IMO. Call anytime if I can help at all, I am completely addicted to this stuff so even talking about it is alot of fun for me. Noah __________________ Front disc brakes: http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.p...+brake+dummies 1973 FJ40 - Finished! Vortec/NV4500/ARB's/SOA FJ40 ROTW: http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.p...uppie%27s+fj40 1970 FJ55 - Restoration Project in the works /2F/AC/PS FJ55 Restoration Thread: http://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/102079-guppies-fj55-build-thread.html

06-30-08, 04:44 PM	#21
SHREG IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 739	Very nice 40....one of my favorite colors. Well done __________________ Stuff ALL HALE THE F/2F 1994 FZJ80 Every Day GG 1965 FJ40 Stock, DQ Sunday fun truck 1984 FJ60 Cabin Cruzer LOTS OF FJ40 PARTS FOR SALE http://forum.ih8mud.com/sale-parts/2...ml#post3472352

06-30-08, 04:47 PM	#22
mikealeus IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Redding, CA TLCA# 15677 Posts: 401	Wow I like. From Vt I would think =RUST. Very nice. Congrats and keep it stock! __________________ 1971 Freeborn Red FJ40 (sold) 1978 Mustard FJ40 2001 Silver Tundra 4WD 2000 BMW Z3 1998 Honda Accord XT225 Yamaha

06-30-08, 05:54 PM	#23
HamanaRob IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Santa Cruz Mtns CA Posts: 11	Amazing! I spent 25 years in Vermont and dont look that good. Great find!

06-30-08, 09:16 PM	#24
fuelgeddes IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: ATL, GA TLCA# 15860 Posts: 206	Really nice looking 40 ! I think that is the way to do it, spend a little $$ but drive it a lot. __________________ 1979 BJ40- HD winch bumper, 32x11.5, POR'd, OEM roll bar, besttop rear seat. 2006 Tacoma double cab 4WD / TRD / SR5 - wTSB 1996 LX450 128k - ARB- SOLD 1976 FJ40 - SOLD http://www.mybj40.blogspot.com/

06-30-08, 09:20 PM	#25
ontherox Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: In bed humping Posts: 175	That thing is mint!! however it REALLY!! needs to not be quite so stock

06-30-08, 09:39 PM	#26
TOBASH IH8MUD Irregular Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 304	Your rims will accept hubcaps... I think toyota hubcaps front and rear with 33" tires would look cool. __________________ TOBASH _ When all hope of logic and reasoning fail, just Take Out Back And Shoot in Head. It'll do wonders for your emotional well-being.

06-30-08, 11:14 PM	#27
oldfj40 IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Lillooet,B.C. TLCA# 17100 Posts: 185	Two year search? Time well spent.Very nice rig. So that's what a '76 looks like with the original tub still on it,no rust,shiny paint.... Enjoy it and __________________ Steve '74 FJ55-Waiting for some attention. '76 FJ40-In a constant state of change. '83 BJ60-DD. It's better to be over the hill than to be buried under it.

07-01-08, 01:03 AM	#28
rsbcruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,087	You already recieved one of these , the bezel is in the correct position, rig is near perfect, not a single thing to rib you about, hell you even got a good price. Dude, no fairs, dang, you even posted pics right out of the box! Party wrecker! Welcome Richard