Sometimes starters will develop (or have when built/rebuilt) a "flat spot" - tapping on the starter with a hammer often shifts things enough to allow the truck to start... your "repositioning" tactic may accomplish the same thing? Check battery cables/grounds while you're at it - loose/poor...
I think he was trying to pay you a (albeit backhanded) complement on your gauges.
Like, "Hey! - those gauges are sweet! Get the rest of the dash looking that good!"
There's a book written by Moses Ludel called the "Toyota Truck and Land Cruiser Owner's Bible" - If you're looking for a tangible "book" to hold in your hands, but you're not yet mechanically savvy enough to really dive into a FSM, this is a decent alternative. They are available on Amazon for...
Go to your local DMV with the VIN and asked them what you need to get a title. If it was legally imported, and especially if it was legally imported into Texas, the local DMV should have some kind of records. Did the current owner indicate that he ever had a title? If so, can you get him to...
50-60....
Incidentally, I saw another red 62 on that same trip... can't remember the last time I saw an FJ62 in my home state... I come to Oregon and see 2 in 20 minutes...
I was trying to protect the owner's anonymity by withholding the specific town...
Here's the other one!
Saw this red '62 in Oregon. Stopped the owner to say, "Nice Truck!" I asked him how long he had owned it. He replied "Bought it new in '89." I asked if he planned to hold onto it for a while. His reply: "Forever!"
Just had to share
Those look like the OEM drive flanges. With your current configuration, as your wheels/tires turn, the inner axles shafts are also turning, as is your front differential.
Free-wheel hubs (the kind you're expecting to see) effectively disconnect the movement of the wheels from the axle shafts...
Jim Chenoweth in Lancaster OH - not sure anyone is more knowledgeable on carburetors and distrubutors, and I think he can do about anything on your cruiser you may need. I remember he was around when I got into Cruisers on the mid-90's... he's pretty active on this forum, too.