Ok... didn't realize this post would attract such criticism. ... Just curious... which part of the post is "craigslist bs"?
I had basically the same reaction as the other guys. I think we're all tired of reading ads that (to us) go beyond mere sales "puffery" to outright ... barnyard. But I hear ya, so I intend this to be constructive:
Beauty may be in the eyes of the beholder but the contrast between the bed and the respray makes it a stretch, I think. There is rust hiding in the rear sill, bed, and in the wheelwells ... honest. BT, DT, and the guys on this forum have too ... I like ratty rigs, to me it gives them character, but probably best to be more modest. Pics showing the frame, particularly around the rear spring hangers and rear bumper (shot from behind the rear axle looking toward the back of the frame, including each angled side support) will call off the dogs a bit. Show the underside of the rockers and the floorboards on both passenger's and driver's sides. As for the engine, sigh, if you know how to do a leak-down test, or pay someone to do it, the results are facts. No interpretation necessary. Or at least a compression test. And if you suspect the bearings are toasted, toss a cheapo mechanical gauge in and give oil pressure cold and after warmup. Again, facts is facts (stubborn things). Chances are, the venerable F motor needs more than a bottom end, it needs a complete rebuild. Or find a rusted out FJ60 and swap in the whole engine/trans/TC (you'll have to swap the top cover on the trans and some other odd/ends, but it's "affordable"). Shoot a video of the motor running and post here and to YT. It might be just a bottom end if the compression is OK and the rods aren't trying to make a break for it out the side of the block, but give us something to go on. 73K original miles and its toast? Not a 1F motor, not unless its been severely neglected, abused. I had one that sat for goodness knows how long, had unknown mileage, and it still ran pretty good on 4.5 cylinders and occasionally 6 when the ignition wires warmed up enough to connect. Yeah, had to clean the plugs a lot cuz the oil rings were on vacation most of the time, but the blue smoke kept the skeeters at bay.
Last, it really is very far from "all original." Drives me nuts when folks say that. Wheels, both bumpers, paint (bad), winch, floor mats, headliner, wiring under the dash has been monkeyed, A/C incomplete, fuel pressure regulator, brake master cylinder, there's more ... not even close to original. Yeah, I know the prices on feeBay and elsewhere are sky high, but if the body was solid and the motor was sound, it still wouldn't be a $15.5K rig. It's just my opinion (and yeah, we all have one and they all stink) but that rig won't command half of what you're asking, even on feeBay. I'm sorry man, I'm not being a tool. I think it is big of you to ask for feedback cuz this is a tough crowd when it comes to FJ40s. I wanted to give you what I hope is honest, but still helpful, feedback. There may be a Mudder down your way who might give a little guidance too. Can't hurt to ask around. Good luck man!
Oh, and check out your competition. Look at this rig. It's truly droolworthy, IMO. Your rig has potential, but it cannot compete with the '68 in this thread.
For Sale - 1968 FJ40 for sale, Portland, OR near stock
