Dealer 1978 40 - looking for feedback

At the risk of being a PITA, wondering if you guys would take a look at this 78' and provide some thoughts about what looks good and what doesn't. I know these trucks decently well, but not in the way that many of you know them. This group spins circles around me on what's original, what's not, what to look out for, what to ask about, etc.

Here's the link to the dealer's listing: Used 1978 Toyota FJ40 for Sale in Salem OH 44460 JK's Galleria Of Vintage, Classic And Pristine Cars

I do not intent to pay their asking price. Price is still TBD.

Here's what I'm told by the dealer:
-They took the 40 in trade from a local collector (likely story).
-It was restored ~10 years ago. It's a restoration company that all of us on here would recognize, but I'd like to talk with the resto company first and see if they will confirm that they did the work before I mention their name.
-Miles of 58k are original...speedo hasn't turned over and was not reset during the restoration.

Opinions on price are of course welcome...but that sometimes turns into a rabbit hole given its subjectivity. Let's not fully traverse the rabbit hole

For anyone that takes a couple minutes to look at the pictures and give some thoughts, many thanks and a hat tip to you!!

Here are a handful of the images from the dealer's page...many more are on their website posted above:

 

[DesertEmu]

Its going to be hard for any of use to tell you anything in regards to this truck.......You would have to see the pictures before the restoration.

 

[overton]

Well... Let say she was a little rusty back in 2016 when she left Michigan. - Toyota landcruiser 1978 for sale: photos, technical specifications, description - I'd guess "Plow Truck".

 

[LIGOTRELOS]

It appears to be a nice restoration.The black bumper stops I don’t believe we’re on the domestic bumpers. The A/C and PS have been added. Everything else looks good even if it isn’t original like the floor mats etc Make sure it’s emission compliant for your state. Anything that isn’t stock I believe was done in good taste- suspension, tires etc..Just saying from a quick look at the pictures on their website.

Wow. Thank you Mr Overton for your insight.
Hopefully it was done correctly at that price.

 

[ionyota]

Well... Let say it was a little rusty back in 2016 when she left Michigan. - Toyota landcruiser 1978 for sale: photos, technical specifications, description

Ah man, bummer. I liked the original version of the story I heard much better than what you just showed me. You have a gift @overton , thank you!

 

[overton]

Ah man, bummer. I liked the original version of the story I heard much better than what you just showed me. You have a gift @overton , thank you!

you're welcome.

 

[alabamatacomaguy]

It looks nice but some things seem off for as much money has been put into it. The new tub looks good. But a few rusty bolts like the hood hardware, repainted emblems instead of new and maybe a paint bubbling from rust on bibb make me question what corners were cut. Also some things like ubolts already rusting through paint cover up.
If spending so much money why not spend alittle more to do all the way, it’s crazy to see big budget rebuilds and they cheap out on the pennie stuff.

 

[ionyota]

It looks nice but some things seem off for as much money has been put into it. The new tub looks good. But a few rusty bolts like the hood hardware, repainted emblems instead of new and maybe a paint bubbling from rust on bibb make me question what corners were cut. Also some things like ubolts already rusting through paint cover up.
If spending so much money why not spend alittle more to do all the way, it’s crazy to see big budget rebuilds and they cheap out on the pennie stuff.

Agreed, and now knowing that this was restored in the last couple years (not 10 years ago as originally thought) further amplifies your point.

 

[Lucas in Alaska]

I'm still learning about these but from what I've gathered there are a few things off. It looks like a US model with the front and rear heater and side dash heater vents but it has bumper nipples which is a big red flag, at least to me. The body looks clean and I don't see any red flags there, like I said I'm still learning and will wait to see what others think .

There is a sticker behind the drivers side door that looks faded, I can't read it but it does look out of place.

 

[oakweb]

I agree, for the money I'd commission a build of my own. What I'd like to do soon is build one from the frame up rebuild, but keep the original paint job ... sunburned and all. I just like the patina on a untouched 78 FJ40. I do have one blue one that I might sell to someone that has the same goal.

 

[45Kevin]

They did a nice job painting the u-bolts.
And what the heck are the bolts/threaded rod coming out of the rear u-bolt plates. The plates are rusty by the way.

I don't usually comment on other people's rigs for sale, but there are plenty of red flags here.

Can anyone confirm that the skid plate is in stock condition? My '78 FJ45 does not have a section cut out for the cat???/resonator???. Mine is a CDN market cruiser though. Not so much emissions junk as the US market.

 

[oakweb]

I'm wondering if anyone has done a restoration but kept the original paint, does anyone else see the beauty in doing that?

 

[WarDamnEagle]

I'm wondering if anyone has done a restoration but kept the original paint, does anyone else see the beauty in doing that?

No. Not into “patina “ unless it’s a copper roof or 200 year old oak.

 

[overton]

If you want a nice truck you can drive everyday that's close to Salem, check out the Olive 78 on my site. It was never a rust bucket and you can save a considerable pile of cash. 1978 FJ40 - Olive | Land Cruiser Nation | FJ40 For Sale | United States

 

[ionyota]

If you want a nice truck you can drive everyday that's close to Salem, check out the Olive 78 on my site. It was never a rust bucket and you can save a considerable pile of cash. 1978 FJ40 - Olive | Land Cruiser Nation | FJ40 For Sale | United States

Salem is by no means a preferred location (I’m in TX), but you have my attention with the one on your site. Will take a closer look tonight. Thanks for the message!

 

[mudpaws]

Ricey windshield hold downs and non USA front bumper and bumperettes...

 

[thecrazygreek]

The long shackles and body lift makes me queasy...

 

[74bigred]

It appears to be a nice restoration.The black bumper stops I don’t believe we’re on the domestic bumpers. The A/C and PS have been added. Everything else looks good even if it isn’t original like the floor mats etc Make sure it’s emission compliant for your state. Anything that isn’t stock I believe was done in good taste- suspension, tires etc..Just saying from a quick look at the pictures on their website.

Wow. Thank you Mr Overton for your insight.
Hopefully it was done correctly at that price.

The black bumper cones are just an add on, they are a separate part. That’s what the holes are for on both front and rear OEM bumpers. Front bumper & rear bumperettes are OEM stock here.

 

[74bigred]

I’d say the 78 would pull in the $35-$40,000 Price range on no reserve. Overall it is a nice restoration. Problem is it’s in the hands of a dealer, and they’re always high. I wouldn’t pay more than 40k myself. But I would have to see it in person as well.
After I saw the five pictures you posted here, & before I clicked on the link to dealer page- I took a guess & said to myself ‘ I bet the dealer is asking $55k for it’, no joke.
Nailed that one! lol

 

[Bear]

@overton

Greg, That's a terrific job of discovery. Wouldn't it be great if every restored vehicle came with "before" pictures or photos of progress?

Bravo for showing the truth behind this one !