New user intro (1 Viewer)

[overseasTK]

Hello Everyone,

I just purchased my first FJ 40. It’s a 1978 that I picked up here in El Salvador and I plan on bringing it back with me to the states in a couple years. I am looking forward to working on it and I am glad this site exist as I am sure there is lots to learn. I will appreciate any advice.

This vehicle is mostly a survivor. Mostly original minus a few small things, and it does not have power brakes, no power steering, no AC etc.. From a value perspective will updating any of these items affect the market value and at what cost. I am sure it’s a often posed question with varying opinions.

Thanks in advance and I look forward to seeing everyone’s rides.

TK

 

[Slapshot]

Welcome to Mud! Looks like a good solid truck.

 

[overseasTK]

Welcome to Mud! Looks like a good solid truck.

Thanks!

 

[1969FJ]

Nice FJ40. Why is the snorkel on passenger side ?

 

[DEADSALT]

that’s where the air box is on a diesel

 

[DEADSALT]

either way, remove that snorkel, they are ridiculous.

the real ‘snorkel’ in central or South America is the guy who strips down to his gauch and crosses the river/creek/etc with a long stick to see how deep it is.
Then the waiting game starts....

While waiting; Hoods gets secured up to windscreen, air intake upper housing wired (coat hanger or twine) high up on hood, air filter tossed into pass seat lap...

eventually the smaller trucks giver and the collectivos/buses follow...

 

[FJ404345]

Welcome and Congrats !!

Just buy a heater when you bring it to the US, it will be fine

 

[JAG666]

either way, remove that snorkel, they are ridiculous.

the real ‘snorkel’ in central or South America is the guy who strips down to his gauch and crosses the river/creek/etc with a long stick to see how deep it is.
Then the waiting game starts....

While waiting; Hoods gets secured up to windscreen, air intake upper housing wired (coat hanger or twine) high up on hood, air filter tossed into pass seat lap...

eventually the smaller trucks giver and the collectivos/buses follow...

DeadSalt wrote: "...either way, remove that snorkel, they are ridiculous..."
Dead; I'd like to ask your reasoning's (not personal preferences) for your comment..
I assume if one is going to be making "deep water crossings" (water over the hood!) that one WOULD have
properly waterproofed the engine, added the "one-way valves" (on long hoses, of course) to BOTH Diffs, G-Box,
etc. AND fit a proper, watertight snorkel to the intake system, (not a "mall crawler decoration"!) etc.
I've had ONE ENGINE "Hydraulic Lock" in my sixty-odd years of wrenching (on motorcycles and cars) and THAT
was due to buying a rebuilt 4bbl carb from an idiot who left the Power Valve OUT of the carb entirely!!
Fortunately, I did NOT bend any rods or valves.. Never bought another part from that ya-who, either!!! AND I
never bought another "used/rebuilt" part that I PERSONALLY did not totally disassemble and check-out before
installing!!
Charles 1974 FJ40.

 

[Pura Vida]

Hello Everyone,

I just purchased my first FJ 40. It’s a 1978 that I picked up here in El Salvador and I plan on bringing it back with me to the states in a couple years. I am looking forward to working on it and I am glad this site exist as I am sure there is lots to learn. I will appreciate any advice.

This vehicle is mostly a survivor. Mostly original minus a few small things, and it does not have power brakes, no power steering, no AC etc.. From a value perspective will updating any of these items affect the market value and at what cost. I am sure it’s a often posed question with varying opinions.

Thanks in advance and I look forward to seeing everyone’s rides.

TK

View attachment 2602456

View attachment 2602457

As a person with a Central American truck myself, don’t expect this to be as valuable as an American truck. A lot of these have shotty build quality, and shotty options, and shotty modifications. Keep in mind the price of keeping these running with only original parts for 40+ years. Most of these have jerry rigged parts on them. Most of them are also rust buckets or bondo queens. Even fully restored, they don’t fetch as much as a US cruiser. If I were you, I would own this as your cruiser, and not really worry about the value. Don’t own a cruiser for the next guy. The real value in cruisers is the sentimental and fun value. It’s hard for a Central American cruiser to get much higher than 30k-35k without a frame off resto

Ps: Contarary to everyone else, I kind of like the snorkel. Adds character, and makes it that little bit more capable than it already was.

 

[Pura Vida]

Also has the truck been in a front end collision? The front body panels look a little misaligned. It’s nothing that can’t be fixed, just an observation. Also look for bubbles on the body. I think I see one on the drivers rocker. (Might be mistaken though). Also if it has been painted, it is probably hiding bondo or rust, but can’t be certain. no biggies. Pretty typical for a 70s car. Even the US models have similar issues. Yours is better than mine, and I thought I got a good package. Good opportunities to learn to fix some stuff.

 

[TEakins]

It looks like that snorkel could use some Viagra. It will look better with some other modifications like a lift and bigger tires. A roll cage would be a good investment for safety reasons.

 

[pb4ugo]

1st keep in mind, it's your 40, do what YOU want. Being an import, I would make it a nice driver. I'd adapt power 4 wheel disc brakes, power steering and heat. Where applicable try to use Toyota parts. I believe well thought out and properly done mods would help in its value. Your diesel is a plus.

 

[DEADSALT]

@JAG666 - start a thread on snorkels and quote my post there...