1977 FJ40 Colorado Field Find!

[bru77fj40]

I've driven past this 40 for a few years and one day on a furniture delivery, My son and I decided to stop and ask about it. It was definitely off the beaten path but seen from the road. Turns out it lived most of it's life in Vail, Colorado from the late 70's through the 90's. Then it took a 20 year slumber where it was parked outside the town of Eagle. The original owner was living on the property but due to health reasons, he had to start letting things go. To make a long story short, I was able to work out a deal with the property owner and original owner.

Needless to say, excited to get wrenching on this and bring this guy back to life! It needs pretty much everything to make it road worthy again. The plan is to get it safely driving and work on it while enjoying it. Everything is original and is present except for the jumpseats. Here's a few pics as found...

 

[diesellibrarian]

Nice job saving that one from rusty oblivion! Wishing you luck and patience as you bring it back.

 

[cims1970fj40]

I've driven past this 40 for a few years and one day on a furniture delivery, My son and I decided to stop and ask about it. It was definitely off the beaten path but seen from the road. Turns out it lived most of it's life in Vail, Colorado from the late 70's through the 90's. Then it took a 20 year slumber where it was parked outside the town of Eagle. The original owner was living on the property but due to health reasons, he had to start letting things go. To make a long story short, I was able to work out a deal with the property owner and original owner.

Needless to say, excited to get wrenching on this and bring this guy back to life! It needs pretty much everything to make it road worthy again. The plan is to get it safely driving and work on it while enjoying it. Everything is original and is present except for the jumpseats. Here's a few pics as found...

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Is that a 4Runner back behind your son in the far back?

 

[cims1970fj40]

Nice find as well.

 

[procomsignathid]

Oh man, sweet find... Looking forward to seeing this old truck get a new life!

 

[cbmontgo]

Late ‘76 production model?

Curious because it has non wing vent window hard top glass (pre-1977) but a ‘77 instrument cluster and cowl.

Maybe a hard top swap at some point.

Nice save!

 

[Varty Yo]

Id be inquiring about that runner in the back also!!!

 

[bru77fj40]

Is that a 4Runner back behind your son in the far back?

Yes it is!

 

[mtn biker]

Is that a 4Runner back behind your son in the far back?

i noticed that too

 

[cims1970fj40]

Yes it is!

Any idea what year? 85 is the most sought out year.

 

[atazman]

Nice find! You mention "No jump seats". I have some nice ones for a '76. Also have (a) rear half doors and (b) nice metal front half doors that match your Cruiser. Best wishes on getting her going. Contact me if interested. I'm in California though. Used to live in Leadville.

 

[Sethro60]

Damn, I never noticed that one! I'm just up in Edwards if you need any help, I've made plenty of mistakes on old cruisers.

 

[bru77fj40]

Damn, I never noticed that one! I'm just up in Edwards if you need any help, I've made plenty of mistakes on old cruisers.

Good to know and me too! Should meet up sometime probably right around the corner. I'll send a pm.

 

[sogafarm]

I lived in Vail in the 90’s and 00’s. The only red fj40 that I noticed was owned by a guy named Mike who lived in East Vail. It was a rust bucket then too.

 

[bru77fj40]

Late ‘76 production model?

Curious because it has non wing vent window hard top glass (pre-1977) but a ‘77 instrument cluster and cowl.

Maybe a hard top swap at some point.

Nice save!

August 1977. I did read that there are things different around this time period. Still learning so not sure what.

 

[bru77fj40]

I lived in Vail in the 90’s and 00’s. The only red fj40 that I noticed was owned by a guy named Mike who lived in East Vail. It was a rust bucket then too.

Maybe the guy I bought it from bought it from Mike haha... cuz this is red and a rust bucket. Trying to turn that around! Lots of welding done over the last few summers since I found it!

 

[bru77fj40]

Nice job saving that one from rusty oblivion! Wishing you luck and patience as you bring it back.

Thanks! Yeh just trying to do a little at a time while enjoy driving it!

 

[Ackcruisers]

I can help with the electrical system and restore it when time comes. I also have a ton of electrical parts restored for the 1977.