Can get an old 40. What to do with it?

e9999 · 10-20-09, 10:16 AM

OK, this question is going to be very vague, but I may have to move quick, so bear with me, please. Any feedback might help.

I can probably get a 40 as part of a trade. Complete, non-running, but zero info so far. I may have to get dibs on it without even seeing it first, it could be that fast if I don't want to miss out on it.

I had always vaguely thought that it would be nice to have a project 40 but I have little time so never did anything about it. And I don't know anything about them.

So, I'm asking: if it turns out it's too much work to get it going, what's it like to sell / junk / part out a 40? Complete nightmare, trivial to get somebody to come get it on a flatbed? Basically, is there an easy way out of having a non-running vehicle in my driveway if I don't have any $$ invested in it?

I'm asking you guys cuz surely it's a different issue if it's a mighty 40 vs a generic daily driver PoS.

I'm only an hour or 2 from the LA area if crowds are a plus.

thanks for your thoughts

JohnnyC · 10-20-09, 10:33 AM

depends on what your loosing as your part of the trade.

what is the value of the trade to you?

cjgoode · 10-20-09, 10:58 AM

It would be no problem getting rid of it for the right price. I got mine for 1,000 it is rusted out and already taken apart. So if priced right you will have no problem selling it on craigslist or ebay.

rusty_tlc · 10-20-09, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyC

depends on what your loosing as your part of the trade.

what is the value of the trade to you?

Exactly.

And don't forget you are exposing yourself to the disease. 40's get in your blood and it's a hard addiction to break. If you think a 100 is a money pit you haven't seen anything yet. That said I'd sell any of my Cruisers with little regret, except the 40. I'd be buried in it but that would be a waste of a good truck.

'74 UA FJ · 10-20-09, 11:07 AM

I don't know if I would buy a 40 if I were you. The windshield wipers are mighty tricky on them.

subzali · 10-20-09, 11:19 AM

If you don't have the time to fully think out this deal I wouldn't buy it/trade for it or even receive it for free. A 40 project can take a lot of time, which it sounds like you don't have. Pass it on...

Living in the Past · 10-20-09, 11:35 AM

A lot depends on what you mean by old. The FJ40 was imported into the US for twenty-three years. Starting in 1961 and ended in 1983. The closer you get to 83 the more one is going to be worth in parts if nothing else. The exception might be the body parts of the earlier ones which had better steel. The later years had better running gears. So if it's rusted out newer is going to be worth more.

Trollhole · 10-20-09, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by '74 UA FJ

I don't know if I would buy a 40 if I were you. The windshield wipers are mighty tricky on them.

lol. Good one.

e9999 · 10-20-09, 12:39 PM

still waiting to hear about details like year.

Value of the trade very fuzzy, let's just pretend it's essentially a freebie for simplicity.

I'm not up for a resto project, realistically. I could contemplate futzing around with the engine or electricals for a bit to see if it can be made to run, though. Maybe I'd get lucky and it'd be driveable with little work.

Parting out, while potentially profitable, is probably a major time drain, I imagine, plus you're then left with all the unsellable stuff in a hulk that's harder to dispose of. That a realistic assessment?

(Wipers, I'm not touching those, too complicated without detailed instructions...

)

So, I take it it would not be too hard to sell a complete non-running 40, if it comes to that, for at least a few hundreds or more depending on condition?

I kind of feel I have to at least try to save the poor thing from the crusher...

rusty_tlc · 10-20-09, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e9999

still waiting to hear about details like year.

Value of the trade very fuzzy, let's just pretend it's essentially a freebie for simplicity.

I'm not up for a resto project, realistically. I could contemplate futzing around with the engine or electricals for a bit to see if it can be made to run, though. Maybe I'd get lucky and it'd be driveable with little work.

Parting out, while potentially profitable, is probably a major time drain, I imagine, plus you're then left with all the unsellable stuff in a hulk that's harder to dispose of. That a realistic assessment?

(Wipers, I'm not touching those, too complicated without detailed instructions...

)

So, I take it it would not be too hard to sell a complete non-running 40, if it comes to that, for at least a few hundreds or more depending on condition?

I kind of feel I have to at least try to save the poor thing from the crusher...

If you are content with a beater trail rig it usually doesn't take a huge investment of time or money to get an FJ40 drivable*. Parting out a rig would probably suck up more time. *This is assuming you do all the work yourself.

If it's free and you just want to save it from the crusher take it and run it in the classifieds here and on Pirate. Somebody will take it off your hands for a couple of hundred bucks.

GarageRat · 10-20-09, 01:38 PM

At least around here a complete, non-running FJ40 is worth say 5-600 dollars if it's in very poor condition. Obviously if it's in better condition it's worth more. If you were in Colorado I'd probably be interested (can't have enough 40s, right?).

Felix · 10-20-09, 02:19 PM

Get it running and wheel the piss out of it.

What am I missing here?

ducktapeguy · 10-20-09, 04:13 PM

If you got the room and money to play with it, grab it and have some fun. Then let me come over and strip some parts off it.

Complete (meaning everything there in pieces?) and non-running are kinda vague. If it was that easy to sell it for a few hundred bucks, why wouldn't the current owner do so? Seems like the ones on craigslist around here are asking at least $1500+ for anything resembling a complete FJ.

No matter what, buying it will be the least expensive part of the process, so even if you get it for free, it's still going to end up costing you more than you want to spend.

subzali · 10-20-09, 05:36 PM

we "saved" a non-running FJ40 a year or so back. The PO had "touched" every panel on it - including the roof - and had done an engine swap, "wiring", and "suspension mods." Long story. Basically after we went to all this work to get it down out of the hills the guy who was leading the charge for it couldn't give the thing away. It had no title, it had been hacked up to the point where it would have been very difficult to take it back to a semblance of being original (unless you had mad skills).

I don't know if he ended up getting rid of it somehow or it he parted it out. I know he threatened to part it out. Don't always assume there will be a buyer for something you pull out of a bad situation.

EDIT: looks like he parted it out...and even then there wasn't much that people wanted...

http://forum.ih8mud.com/vehicles-tra...-colorado.html
http://forum.ih8mud.com/parting-out/...8-fj-40-a.html
http://forum.ih8mud.com/parting-out/...40-denver.html

Volcanic Iceberg · 10-21-09, 12:55 AM

I have parted a few cruisers. I enjoy it. Truth is I have gained a lot of mechanical knowledge just by disassembling, cleaning, and identifying each part. It IS a lot of work but im always amazed at what certain parts bring - so there is a reward. Im always on the search so If its more than you can handle Id like to have first dibs.

Rmyshrall835 · 10-21-09, 01:19 AM

I will have to agree that these rigs are ridiculously addicting! i am already broke and have lost my girl haha. But it sounds to me like you may want to do some research for yourself (this forum being hands down the place to do that). these vehicles seem to be in HIGH demand for their greatness so selling (for the right price) wont be an issue, or at least as a parts vehicle. Remember too, different years have more or less desireable upgrades, ie front disc brakes, transfer case/transmission support, parking brake linkage, vented hardtop window, factory ac, power steering, etc... typically you start seeing these (in some peoples minds) desireable upgrades in "76" and on up. BUT just buy it!.........and your addicted

e9999 · 10-22-09, 10:18 AM

thanks all for the feedback.
Waiting...
guy seems to be a major flake so I'm probably gonna pull the plug.
But this is very helpful anyway cuz I've had the 40 in the back of my mind for a while...
thanks

H2o · 10-22-09, 12:32 PM

Figure out your time restraint first. Parting out and restoring both take a lot of time (and room). IMO you would be better off taking the time to research exactly what you want. Save up, then get it. If you are patient, you can get exactly what you want, or at least get a steal of a deal, including free. I have seen cruisers go for free when people start taking them apart for restoration then giving up.

My wife said no FJ! · 10-22-09, 12:51 PM

If you've had a 40 in the back of your mind, I'd just take it!

Once you have it, then you can decide what to do. Will you restore...is it good enough to restore, or is it just a refurbish type build, with a few good options for a fun rig...

Worst case, you can give it to another addict for what it cost you ...and I'm sure they would be pretty happy.

PS. I'd give it to a shop to part out before I do so.

Justaguy · 10-24-09, 05:11 PM

Look, if you dont want it post up his number and let me have it. I always have room for anotherin the barn.

e9999 · 10-29-09, 11:37 PM

well, didn't happen, guy is a complete flake. Walked out.

Unfortunately, now, I'm starting to look at that 71 in a used car lot nearby every time I drive by...

mmm.... maybe this is contagious?

Cruiserdrew · 10-30-09, 12:05 AM

Eric-I am going to assume you are somewhat serious here. Don't do it. I've owned a 40 for 10 years or so, and while I love going wheeling in it, it doesn't do anything else well. It makes a terrible daily driver, the brakes on a 71 will be marginal at best, the steering will be all over the road, and it just doesn't fit a guy with no common sense.

If you are buying a 40, you buy it to go wheeling. It's great at that. To get it to the point that you want to go wheeling takes hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars.

From where you live, it's a very long way to anywhere interesting. You going to drive it? If not, figure the expenses of a trailer and possibly a tow rig.

Any FJ40 you pay less than $10000 for will need:

power steering
new suspension
knuckle rebuild
e-brake rebuild
new tires
disc brake conversion
lockers
electrical faults repaired
rust cut out and replaced
the list gets pretty long, pretty quick

And that's if the motor and drivetrain are good. Then if you want to seriously wheel it, you need even more stuff that's even more expensive. Are you really up for all that?

If you are, it's a great adventure, but bring your check book and tell your wife you'll see her and the kids in a couple of years. The best advice I can give you is to buy a 75. Once you understand why, you're ready to take the plunge.

'74 UA FJ · 10-30-09, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruiserdrew

Eric-I am going to assume you are somewhat serious here. Don't do it. I've owned a 40 for 10 years or so, and while I love going wheeling in it, it doesn't do anything else well. It makes a terrible daily driver, the brakes on a 71 will be marginal at best, the steering will be all over the road, and it just doesn't fit a guy with no common sense.

If you are buying a 40, you buy it to go wheeling. It's great at that. To get it to the point that you want to go wheeling takes hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars.

From where you live, it's a very long way to anywhere interesting. You going to drive it? If not, figure the expenses of a trailer and possibly a tow rig.

Any FJ40 you pay less than $10000 for will need:

power steering
new suspension
knuckle rebuild
e-brake rebuild
new tires
disc brake conversion
lockers
electrical faults repaired
rust cut out and replaced
the list gets pretty long, pretty quick

And that's if the motor and drivetrain are good. Then if you want to seriously wheel it, you need even more stuff that's even more expensive. Are you really up for all that?

If you are, it's a great adventure, but bring your check book and tell your wife you'll see her and the kids in a couple of years. The best advice I can give you is to buy a 75. Once you understand why, you're ready to take the plunge.

Couldn't have said it any better.

ducktapeguy · 10-30-09, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruiserdrew

Eric-I am going to assume you are somewhat serious here. Don't do it. I've owned a 40 for 10 years or so, and while I love going wheeling in it, it doesn't do anything else well. It makes a terrible daily driver, the brakes on a 71 will be marginal at best, the steering will be all over the road, and it just doesn't fit a guy with no common sense.

If you are buying a 40, you buy it to go wheeling. It's great at that. To get it to the point that you want to go wheeling takes hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars.

From where you live, it's a very long way to anywhere interesting. You going to drive it? If not, figure the expenses of a trailer and possibly a tow rig.

Any FJ40 you pay less than $10000 for will need:

power steering
new suspension
knuckle rebuild
e-brake rebuild
new tires
disc brake conversion
lockers
electrical faults repaired
rust cut out and replaced
the list gets pretty long, pretty quick

And that's if the motor and drivetrain are good. Then if you want to seriously wheel it, you need even more stuff that's even more expensive. Are you really up for all that?

If you are, it's a great adventure, but bring your check book and tell your wife you'll see her and the kids in a couple of years. The best advice I can give you is to buy a 75. Once you understand why, you're ready to take the plunge.

Don't listen to him! You only need to do all that stuff if you want it to be comfortable, reliable, and safe. If any of those were high on your priority list, you wouldn't be looking for a 40 in the first place.

But actually, he's pretty much right about everything. Be prepared to work on it every weekend, or pay someone else to do it. There's always something that needs attention.

e9999 · 11-01-09, 10:34 AM

good points

question is : listen to brain or guts...?

mmm.... life is short...

3jvj · 11-01-09, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e9999

good points

question is : listen to brain or guts...?

mmm.... life is short...

My 55 has all that stuff added to it.

I'd rather drive topless 40 with drums, maunual steering, exhaust leaks, no radio, no seat belts, etc., etc.

Safety is cool and Ralph Nader prolly won't buy a 40. You wanna be a Ralph?

Lynchmobracing · 11-01-09, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e9999

question is : listen to brain or guts...?

Let's not get crazy, if we listened to our brains all of the time most of us wouldn't have gotten married

JERZY7640 · 11-06-09, 06:46 PM

Just buy it and wheel it, if not just let it sit and look all rusty and pretty, Then turn around and sell it!!!

DSRTRDR · 11-07-09, 08:06 AM

get it for your wife

that's what happened to me

ruger280 · 11-07-09, 08:46 PM

RUN! RUN while you still have $ and your sanity! If you get one, you'll never be satisfied. Look at the toy lists of us insane cruiser owners. RUN RUN!!

ps, where is it?