Howdy, first post! I’m mostly looking for advice. I’m interested in buying my first FJ40. It’ll be in the mid $20K range. As far as I can tell, it’s a 1976 model (late 75 production) US spec model given that the VIN on the frame, door, and engine match the vin decoder I’ve seen here.
I would’ve preferred an FJ40 that had never been repainted and had not been sprayed with bed liner underneath, but after almost 50 years it’s hard to find something like that without breaking the bank. Nothing seemed concerning on the frame as far as I could tell.
The odometer has rolled over and at one point wasn’t working, but the current owner replaced it and is now functional. The engine sounded fine and the gears shifted without concern. My only concern was an oil leak but the owner messaged me after my test drive to say he took it into the shop. Apparently, there was a plug in a venting tube that caused pressure in the valve cover and thus, oil to leak. They now rectified it and now there is no leak. The owner said I’m welcome to take it to a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection.
The current owner doesn’t have much history on the vehicle, other that he bought it in Minneapolis from a gentleman that was restoring several FJ40s.
I’m looking for an FJ40 that I can enjoy driving often. I’m not looking for a totally original museum piece, just an opportunity to enjoy the fun spirit of the early Land Cruiser. The first FJ40 I buy will probably be the only one I buy.
What do y’all think? Is there something I’m missing or not considering? Thanks for your advice!
I would’ve preferred an FJ40 that had never been repainted and had not been sprayed with bed liner underneath, but after almost 50 years it’s hard to find something like that without breaking the bank. Nothing seemed concerning on the frame as far as I could tell.
The odometer has rolled over and at one point wasn’t working, but the current owner replaced it and is now functional. The engine sounded fine and the gears shifted without concern. My only concern was an oil leak but the owner messaged me after my test drive to say he took it into the shop. Apparently, there was a plug in a venting tube that caused pressure in the valve cover and thus, oil to leak. They now rectified it and now there is no leak. The owner said I’m welcome to take it to a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection.
The current owner doesn’t have much history on the vehicle, other that he bought it in Minneapolis from a gentleman that was restoring several FJ40s.
I’m looking for an FJ40 that I can enjoy driving often. I’m not looking for a totally original museum piece, just an opportunity to enjoy the fun spirit of the early Land Cruiser. The first FJ40 I buy will probably be the only one I buy.
What do y’all think? Is there something I’m missing or not considering? Thanks for your advice!