For Sale 1978 FJ40 in Washington

*SOLD*
Beautiful 1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 for sale $27,500.
Located in Bainbridge Is, WA.

Background
motor-
Original 2f motor. Odometer reads 20k; actual mileage unknown. The previous owner claimed it had been rebuilt but unfortunately had no documentation. I replaced the oil pan gasket and the rear main seal when I had the transmission out to replace the clutch. I’ve also replaced the valve cover gasket. It runs great so I’ve never had a reason to do anything else to it.
carburetor- Original carb I had rebuilt by Mark Algazy (marksoffroad.net) shortly after I purchased it.
-desmogged shortly after I purchased it. I kept all the smog equipment though, including the original exhaust manifold and smog pump. It now has a tri-y header from marks off-road along with new exhaust. Definitely feel like this freed up a couple ponies.
-new toyota oem water pump
-new heavy duty marine grade 1awg battery cables and grounds
-stock distributor, new plugs and wires. I have the parts to do the popular dented side cover and fj60 distributor upgrade but never got around to installing as the stock setup works great.
-new aisin brake master cylinder
-stock air cleaner media blasted, primed, painted
-new oem air filter
-new radiator and radiator hose kit from CCOT
-new thermostat
-new belt
Transmission/axles-
-the entire clutch system is new, less than 500 miles on it. New master cylinder and slave cylinder. New clutch, pressure plate, throw-out bearing, and pilot bearing. All Japanese parts. Also had the flywheel resurfaced and replaced the flywheel bolts with oem hardened flywheel bolts.
-original 4 speed transmission, shifts great.
-stock transfer case, shifts great.
-front hubs/knuckles rebuilt(less than 500 miles) with kit from Marlin Crawler
-stock axles and gearing
-rear brake drums completely rebuilt with new drums, pads, and wheel cylinders.
-front stock disc brakes, work great!
Fuel
-new kyosan fuel pump
-new fuel filter
- new CCOT steel gas tank and fuel lines
Steering
-just finished rebuilding the steering gear box. It worked fine before but was leaking from the sector shaft seal. It now has all new seals and I removed one shim (of the three) to tighten up the steering. Also replaced the rag joint. These parts came from CruiserParts and are all either oem or Japanese parts
-all new tie rods (kit from Cruiser Outfitters)
-tracks down the road great, also had a front end alignment less than 500 miles ago
Suspension, wheels, tires
-stock leaf springs, still holding up great
-new stabilizer and shocks, stock height, from Napa
-stock wheels- media blasted, etch primed, and painted stock gray color / spare wheel is new oem
-tires- 4 31x10.5 bfg all terrains, less than 500 miles. The spare is also 31x10.5 but a different brand, still plenty of tread
Interior
-stock dash is in great condition but does have two small cracks
-new (oem replica) upholstery and door panels from Cruiser Corps
-seat frames media blasted, etch primed and painted black
-roll bar media blasted, etch primed, painted black
-original seat belts, work great
-new CCOT floor liner
- heater box refurbished (from aatlas1x metricTLC)
-new headliner from Cruiser Corps
-gauge cluster, ashtray, and glove box door painted acrylic enamel to match factory color
Body and misc
-this is not a ‘frame off’ restoration. I did not feel that it needed it. Technically I did lift the body off the frame to replace all the body mounts but I did not roll the frame out. The frame is solid. It did have some surface rust that I sanded/grinded off and then treated with POR15. I’ve also used SEM Rust Seal and Fluid Film for hard to reach areas like inside the frame, doors, and channels of the tub.
-many parts media blasted including the rear doors, hardtop sides, windshield frame, all hinges, and front bib. When I first purchased it I sanded down the entire vehicle and painted with a dupont epoxy.
-driver side quarter panel and rear sill have been replaced with a CCOT panels. I also cut out some rust in the rocker panels and replaced with new sheet metal.
-any bare metal was primed with either epoxy or self-etching primer and then followed up with a 2k urethane and/or sealer.
-new mustard yellow paint (original color). This is Ful-thane, a single stage urethane from dupont. My original plan was to paint it with the original style enamel used from the factory but after research decided on the more durable and longer lasting urethane based paint.
-all the glass is original, except the front windshield which is new
-stainless steel hardware for fenders, hood, front and rear doors. Just about every bolt I’ve touched has been either replaced with a new zinc coated one, stainless, or oem bolt. I also use antiseize religiously.
-seals- new front door seals(from CC) rear door seals(oem) hardtop seals (oem and SOR)
-new oem hardware for rear spare tire carrier
-new oem sidesteps. I know the original fj’s had these painted to match the vehicle but I like them in black and never got around to color matching them.
-new oem rear bumpers
-front bezel media blasted and painted
-new oem Toyota emblems- grill, fender, and quarter panel
-new oem side marker lights
-new hood latches (CCOT)
-all fluids have been replaced!
-new gas cap
-windshield rest blasted and painted to match body
-new windshield rest rubber pads
-new side vent gaskets
-new hood-to-fender rubber pads
-new wiper cover gasket
-all gauges and lights work

Overall impressions-
Rig looks and drives great. Lights, signals, horn, & gauges all work. Current NC registration and had no problem passing NC inspection (currently in WA). Paint is not perfect but looks amazing 20 ft away or 2 ft away. No rust bubbles in the paint. Paint did suffer a few rock chips/scratches when I shipped it cross country last summer but these are hardly noticeable.
The suspension, drivetrain, and underside is not as pretty and detailed as the body and interior, but is clean and rock solid. There are some places with light surface rust such as the original leaf springs and the axles. These have been treated with SEM Rust Seal which does not hide the rust but gives it kind of a glossy appearance. There is no rust in the body.
Few things that it still needs-
-hood to windshield latches for where the windshield folds down
-rear license plate lights
-interior light

Email or pm for more info
78mustard40@gmail.com

Also see https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/another-what’s-it-worth-’-thread-my-1978-mustard-yellow-fj40.796656/ for more info and pics.

 

[longtrail]

pics

 

[longtrail]

pics

 

[longtrail]

pics

 

[longtrail]

pics

 

[longtrail]

pics

 

[sammybones]

Nice avatar! Hopslam is my 2nd favorite beer.

Oh yeah, nice rig. GLWS.

 

[stayalert]

The seller of this vehicle accepted an offer from me and then sold it to someone else - Lame. Do not trust this persons word.

 

[greenbeast]

That sucks, I've had that happen myself and its one of the few things that really pisses me off!

 

[longtrail]

The seller of this vehicle accepted an offer from me and then sold it to someone else - Lame. Do not trust this persons word.

Wow.
It is unfortunate that this deal did not work out for this member and that he chose to use this forum as a tool to vent his frustrations. He was given AMPLE opportunity to purchase my rig. I entertained his questions, low ball offers, and inspections (at my expense) for over 2 months while he provided nothing, not even a timeline of when he intended to actually buy. Had he provided any kind of deposit, copy of a plane ticket, ANY gesture of good faith I would have held/sold it to him. Given his recent hate email to me I’m glad that I chose to not do business with him.

 

[stayalert]

Repaint it however you want Mike.

You accepted my offer and then sold the truck without giving me a chance. If the new owner is intetested in flipping it for a small profit let me know.

I shared my intent and plans from day one and kept you up to date.

You represented your truck honestly but pulled the rug out from under me After you made a commitment to sell the truck to me but didn't honor your word. Even after you commited to a price i agreed to match the higher price that someone else subsequently offered. The first time you mentipned a deposit i offered to provide one.

I'm using this forum to alert others so they can avoid a bad experience like this. Hate mail? Grow a pair.

 

[longtrail]

Repaint it however you want Mike.

You accepted my offer and then sold the truck without giving me a chance. If the new owner is intetested in flipping it for a small profit let me know.

I shared my intent and plans from day one and kept you up to date.

You represented your truck honestly but pulled the rug out from under me After you made a commitment to sell the truck to me but didn't honor your word. Even after you commited to a price i agreed to match the higher price that someone else subsequently offered. The first time you mentipned a deposit i offered to provide one.

I'm using this forum to alert others so they can avoid a bad experience like this. Hate mail? Grow a pair.

Your offer was conditional and I was not willing/able to meet your conditions. I had a buyer for the vehicle 'as is' (which it was being sold as) and not after I invested an additional $1200 in work (that you wanted but were not willing to pay for). I gave you every chance, including calling you multiple times and leaving you voicemail when you wouldn't answer. I wouldn't sell you a potato right now, much less refer the new owner to you.
I have/will always honor my word. I informed you that if I was unable to reach you that I was moving on to the next buyer. You had two months to 'stew' over my 40, more than enough time to follow through with your offer. Exactly how long was I suppose to sit around and wait while I had legitimate offers? I don't blame you for trying to negotiate, I would do the same. Low balling, placing stipulations, and stalling come at a price though and you risk losing the sale all together.

 

[stayalert]

I've responded immediately to each email you have sent and also told you in advance that i was away from home and would have sporadic access to email. I can't wait to get home snd listen to all of the mesages you've left. I also called you (from Italy) immediately after you sent me a messsge saying you had a now or never offer (which i agreed to match "as is") as for thr inspectipn? You agreed to do the inspection- there were never stipulations on work to be done beyond the inspection. When you make things up and type them on a post it does't make them true. I'm not responding more on this until i get home and listen to you're many messages snd where i don 't have to tupe on my phone.

 

[stayalert]

By the way the "I have/will always honor my word" brought a tear to my eye. A tear of laughter.

 

[stayalert]

LONG
7-30-2014

Got home late last night listened to messages. I had hoped for something new and prev. unknown so I could apologize for questioning Mike's integrity & selling the cruiser to someone else after agreeing to sell it to me. No dice.

7-26-2014 - phone message "Rob, I need to get ahold of you asap. have a cash offer $27.5 "as is" can you match i? I spent $600 at Tor's - truck still needs another $600 that I'm not willing to spend…You need to get ahold of me within 1 hour or I will have to sell it "

1 hour? Seriously?

Mike emailed similar content on 7-26-2014 which I received and responded (email & phone call from Italy) to immediately offering to match "as is" offer. as well as offering a deposit (this was the fist time he mentioned in any way shape or form a deposit)

oh well….live and learn…

some popcorn and details…….(this was after I offered $23,500 and he said maybe he could go as low as $26,000…Being the low baller, I then offered $26,500 to help offset pain and suffering of going to Tor's for eval…..)


On Thu, Jul 3, 2014 at 5:28 PM, Rob M> wrote:
7-3-2014

Hi Mike,

I think we're close and can reach an agreement (me coming up in $, you continue to fix & add things that add value). I think my $23.5K offer WAS a good one for the value of the truck.

With the info. you just provided (in your last email), the value NOW goes up some (to me anyway)

Here are a few thoughts from my perspective:

- The things about your rig that keep me from jumping on it at your asking price:

1) Engine & engine history - Not as solid and straightforward as the detail & info available and provided for the body work (which I think is awesome!), Really unfortunate there isn't more info. on the possible rebuild….

Can you provide the engine number? (stamped on the block on a flat area near the starter) - Have you researched that at all? - maybe that (me having the # and looking into it a bit) will help….

I think If the truck gets a clean bill of health from a mechanical inspection at Torfab and the engine number checks out - that would be huge!

2) corrosion visible on the instrument gauges - I understand the truck is a '78 - A lot of other trucks of this age in this price range do not have similar visible corrosion. Just makes me wonder if the top was off for awhile (PO) and about other lurking corrosion on the back of the gauge cluster, in the harness etc…

3) Suspension - I'm thinking the suspension will need replacement within a couple of years if not sooner...

Not trying to be a dick, Just sharing a few thoughts from my perspective….

Things that keep me coming back to your truck are numerous and I really appreciate that you keep answering all my questions in an honest and straight forward fashion. THAT is worth $ also.

Bottom Line? I want this to be a win win. I want no regrets on either side.

If you can have the Torfab inspection done on your dime (and she passes) and include parts & spares that make sense/sweeten the deal…..(FSM, dizzy upgrade stuff, bikini, soft top pieces, etc, ???, ???)

Then I'm in for $26,500 Think about it. Lets make it happen.

Would LOVE to fly out, drive around a bit, exchange some paper goods, have a beer(s) eat some grub., etc.

Kind regards,

Rob "stayalert" MacCormick

PS Have a GREAT 4th….there are some "fireworks" (Thunder and lightening) right now here in VT….AWESOME! (I am always in awe of heavy weather) …..I'll be traveling for a good portion of July (leaving in a couple of days) but anticipate that I will have occasional access to email.

Hope to hear from you.

>Rob

On Sat, Jul 5, 2014 at 2:33 PM, mike <> wrote:
Rob,
Sounds good! I have to say I have mixed feelings about letting her go but I know its for the best. I hope you had a great 4th of July.
Regarding your questions-
1) I agree and it has always been lurking in the back of my mind. I'm not a big fan of the previous owner considering some of the things he did that I had to go behind and fix. On the other hand, if I did have a documented engine rebuild then I'd probably be asking more $$. I did look up the numbers when I first bought it, that's how I discovered it was a '78. He had it listed as a '76. I'll shoot those numbers over to you.
2) I think I know what you are talking about, just a bit of corrosion on the edge of the inside of the gauges? I can take some close up photos if you like and under the dash but it is pretty solid in there. PO did have a soft top on it when I purchased it but it has been nice and dry in my garage for the past 5 yrs. I have spent quite a bit of time hunting for any kind of rust/corrosion and either treating it or cutting out and replacing it. One thing I am quite proud of is all of the 'lips' along the bottom edges of the fenders, rockers, and quarter panels. After looking at many fj40s and you have probably noticed as well, if you run your fingers along that bottom edge it is almost always rough, rusted, or bubbling with rust at some point. That bottom edge/lip on mine is smooth, rust free, and solid, all around the entire body. The quarter panel that I replaced is actually a heavier gauge steel than the stock steel.
3) Suspension- I'm a fan of the OME suspensions as I have one on my truck. They are kind of pricey though and I couldn't bring myself to buy one since the stock springs are holding up pretty well. The body to frame bushings have been replaced but the leaf spring bushing look original and show it. It drives great though and even (local cruiser guru that visited with Mike at my request) commented on well it handles going down the road compared to his fj's.

For 26,500 I will include whatever parts you want. The soft top I have is really old though and completely missing the frame/bows so not really worth anything. The bikini top isn't much better and is missing a buckle. Have to say I never saw myself taking the hardtop off. The dizzy is a used but tested one from Marks Offroad and I can include it in the deal.

Regarding the mechanical inspection- I can have Torfab do the inspection and I definitely understand why you would prefer him but after researching what it's going to take to get my fj there I'd like to offer an alternative. I have not been to any of the shops here on Bainbridge but have heard there is a great shop here with experience with fj40's. There is a car show here on Bainbridge once a month(lots of old car enthusiast here!) and I believe the host has the shop. Since its local I can take the fj there anytime(this week if you like) and it is no problem leaving it there overnight or however long they need it. Torfab, in Mulkiteo, is a ferry ride and 1.5hr away. Leaving it with him is going to involve my wife following me in her car which means we'll have to pay for ferry rides for both vehicles both ways(twice for her) which adds up quick, about 100$ just in ferry cost.
I know Torfab is a fj specialist and I definitely appreciate that (I did mail my carb to Mark's offroad in CA) but when it comes to the mechanicals on these they are pretty basic. Some folks on the forum liken them to old tractors. Let me know what you think, I know this additional effort/cost is small compared to what you are willing to do between flying out here and driving back.
Let me know if you think of anything else, and there is a great brewery right down the road from my place!

Mike

On Sun, Jul 13, 2014 at 9:17 AM, Rob > wrote:
Hi Mike,

Sorry so slow in getting back to you. Do you have the name/contact info. For the eval. Shop you have in mind?

Rob M


Rob,
no problem, we have been extremely busy here lately. The two shops that have been recommended here are -
Modern Collision Rebuild & Service 206-842-8053. Aaron Strom is the manager and has several old classics that I've seen at local car shows.
and
Hockett and Olsen Automotive 206 842-2484.
I haven't reached out to either shop for an inspection but would be more than happy to. I do have an appointment with Torfab for next Monday(7-21), so if you decide a local shop is ok please let me know so I can cancel.
thanks!
Mike

 

[longtrail]

Sorry Rob but you are going to have to let this go. Your offer was dated July 3. I then waited 3 WEEKS. In what world do you offer to buy something and then don't pay for it? Or even better, offer to buy something, don't pay or offer a deposit, and then leave the country? Oh wait, your offer was based on a passing inspection. It didn't pass inspection. It required over $1200 worth of work including removal of the transmission. I received a full price offer for the fj 'as is' and AFTER I could not get a hold of you I decided to accept. Had you responded immediately like you keep stating we would not be having this wonderful discussion on the forum.
I'm done with this. Good luck with your search.

 

[stayalert]

I too am done with this but you have have asked 2 more questions to which I feel obligated to respond.

Question 1) "In what world do you offer to buy something and then don't pay for it?"

Answer 1) In a world where people honor their word. you accepted my offer on July 5. Along with my offer I described the transaction in this manner:"Would LOVE to fly out, drive around a bit, exchange some paper goods, have a beer(s) eat some grub., etc."

Maybe then, or SHORTLY after, you could have added your requirements for a deposit, detailed itinerary for date of transaction, copy of airline ticket, expiration of acceptance of offer, mother's maiden name, etc. Giving me 1 hour to match a SUBSEQUENT offer from someone else when you knew I was away traveling and backpacking with limited access, was lame.

Question 2) "Or even better, offer to buy something, don't pay or offer a deposit, and then leave the country?"

Answer 2) In that same world, one in which I left the country to help my wife and her extended family pay tribute to my wife's recently deceased father and tend to his remains. It was exceptionally jolly for me to return to my hotel (where I had email access) and find your email saying you were going to sell your truck to someone else.

 

[longtrail]

I am sorry for your loss. Had I been aware of these circumstances I would have handled this differently but you told me you were going hiking.
My condolences to you and your family.

 

[JCKruiser]

Ladies, please. I’m here to get away from drama.

 

[upperblack]

This is a 7 year old thread