Nobody would ever mistake me for being a car guy. I'd rather be working outdoors, hunting, hiking or mountain climbing than working on a car. However, the old FJ40's have caught my eye in recent years and I'm thinking about buying one and having it restored. One problem is that if I start down this path, I know I'll encounter a fair amount of "scope creep", which is going to drive up the cost. I know I may never recoup those expenses, but perhaps with time I would. Regardless, here's what I've found and the one estimate I've received for having it restored. I need advice on whether it's "reasonable", even if that's a pretty subjective term.
It's a 1969 FJ40 that's had two owners. The 2nd owner lived near San Diego and has owned it since 1974. I had a great visit with the restoration place that has it on hand and would restore it. They're primarily a Land Rover restorer, but have experience with FJ40's, too. I have nothing to compare their work to, but they seem extremely good and serve clientele in an area with people who likely expect high end results and will pay for it. The other, in-process restoration projects they showed me varied in their levels/extent of restoration, but were very impressive, at least to me. That all said, here are their restoration estimates and some photos. I'd like your feedback on all of it. Thanks.
Sorry this took so long to get to you. There are three parts to this 1) The purchase of the FJ40 @ $ 17,595.00, 2) the Standard Truck Restoration of $47,988.00, and 3) Options to the build, if you choose any. Below is an breakdown of the work and options are:
FJ40 Build Estimate
Standard truck
Available options
Let me know if you have any questions. Please keep in mind while labor times have been stated, coordinating parts and outside services will take on a longer time frame (you will not be billed for more, I am not looking to set an earlier expectation of delivery times). Billing will be based on purchase of parts and service work that has been performed. We will exchange emails with pictures to update you on the progress on the project.
It's a 1969 FJ40 that's had two owners. The 2nd owner lived near San Diego and has owned it since 1974. I had a great visit with the restoration place that has it on hand and would restore it. They're primarily a Land Rover restorer, but have experience with FJ40's, too. I have nothing to compare their work to, but they seem extremely good and serve clientele in an area with people who likely expect high end results and will pay for it. The other, in-process restoration projects they showed me varied in their levels/extent of restoration, but were very impressive, at least to me. That all said, here are their restoration estimates and some photos. I'd like your feedback on all of it. Thanks.
Sorry this took so long to get to you. There are three parts to this 1) The purchase of the FJ40 @ $ 17,595.00, 2) the Standard Truck Restoration of $47,988.00, and 3) Options to the build, if you choose any. Below is an breakdown of the work and options are:
FJ40 Build Estimate
Standard truck
- Media Blast and Powder Coat Frame
- Extensive tune up and reseal of engine, cooling system, driveline, and axles
- (3 speed trans includes new clutch/master & slave cylinder)
- Drum brake overhaul service: front and rear
- Replace suspension and steering components
- New OEM style steel wheels, hub caps, and tires (5)
- New Bestop soft top system
- Upholster all interior seats
- Remove and replace roll cage
- New front and rear OEM style bumpers
- Replace all lights and badges
- Repair body (Rust repair & floor repair @ roll cage) and repaint
- New stereo
- 120 hours of labor @$155 = $18,600
Available options
- 5 speed Transmission swap with: new transfer case $7,500 parts + 30 hours labor = $12,150
- Upgraded custom interior $2,000 additional (choose color of fabrics, stitching and custom stitched dash
- Digital Gauge Cluster $1,000 for parts + 10 hours labor= $2,550
- Front disc brake conversion $715+ 14 hours labor = $2,885
- Upgrade OEM style soft top and frame $2,840 additional
- ARB front bumper $1450
- Upgraded stereo with premium audio $250 additional
- DOT approved LED headlights $475
Let me know if you have any questions. Please keep in mind while labor times have been stated, coordinating parts and outside services will take on a longer time frame (you will not be billed for more, I am not looking to set an earlier expectation of delivery times). Billing will be based on purchase of parts and service work that has been performed. We will exchange emails with pictures to update you on the progress on the project.