Looking to buy Fj40 w/v8 conversion

[wiserwife]

Seasons Greetings,

I am looking for a FJ40 for my husband for Christmas (hopefully). 10 years ago I stupidly made him sell his '74 Fj40 w/chevy 350 - I thought it was too expensive and annoying to keep in good working order. Anyway, I am wiser now (hence the username) and want to fix my mistake.

Here's my wishlist:
- Probably 90% street driving/10% off road
- V8 conversion
- hardtop
- jumpseats (we've got 2 rugrats now that will want to ride also)
-not lifted/diamond-plated/painted non-stock color - i.e. mostly stock except for the v8
-somewhere close to the $5,000 - 10,000 range

We are in Houston, so the closer the better. But I'd be willing to ship the truck, if I can find someone to inspect it for me.

He doesn't know about this quest, so I appreciate any leads or advice.

[valkyrie610]

Thread just below yours: http://forum.ih8mud.com/tx-lone-star-land-cruisers/193458-fj-40-sale-trade.html

[DocLX450]

check the Dallas Craigslist last night, there is one in Dallas!

[arcteryx]

wiserwife- I have been thinking about what you want. Finding a stock looking 40 with V8 is going to be very hard. Why? Because that is not the normal progression of a buildup. Swapping a Chevy engine is not the first modification that is made. Now, if you are willing to accept some mods, then it should be pretty simple.

As noted, here is one is Dallas. It looks very nice from the pics.

Alternatively, you could get a nice stock FJ40, and have a Vortec thrown in it. Randy in Dallas does a really good job and I hear his prices are very fair. Mark just got his 62 back last night. LINK I had a chance to look at it tonight and it's REALLY nice. Very clean. Not a Vortec in Mark's but a 3FE. It shows his craftsmanship and level of detail. I have seen a Vortec in another and it was sweet.

Anyway, best of luck in your search,

Cheers,
Jason

[wiserwife]

Thanks Doc for the craigslist tip.

arcteryx - I see what you're saying after a couple of days of watching the boards. I think I'd rather go stock with the F3 and convert it than start with an over-modified v8j40. I e-mailed "motoloco" about this truck:
78' FJ40 68k ORIGINAL MILES! COLORADO $4800 - IH8MUD.com Forum

but I think I'm too late.

Thanks for the good advice. I'll keep looking. I've got 9 more days right!?

[wiserwife]

Found this nearby.
1979 Toyota Landcruiser FJ 40

Before I run over there, what are some obvious danger signs I should look for? I know rust can be a problem, especially here on the gulf coast, but besides that?

Anybody know a good mechanic who knows land cruisers that I can pay to check it out for me?

Thanks in advance!

[nspctr1]

Reading through your post and thought I'd send you a heads up on a local rig here in San Antonio. It's listed in the Alamo City Land Cruisers tab on this forum. It's in nice shape and probably just what your looking for. It has lots of goody's too...