For Sale 1978 FJ40 How Much is it Worth?

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Hello Everyone, I found this 1978 FJ40 near Winchester, Virginia. It is a 1978 with a 350 engine and Chevy transmission. The transfer case and both differentials are stock. I have no idea why the owner put the pistons on, but they look kind of cool. It has the original seats in the front and the jump seats in the back.

I saw it yesterday and knocked on the owner's door. He was friendly and said he would sell it for $5,000 obo and the original 4 speed transmission for $200.00.

I took some pics. What are your thoughts?

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I would lose that person number

Looks like most of the body is gone to rust. I wouldn’t asssume any metal under the paint is good from the doors to the hard top sides looks like paint bubbles which means rust under

This may come off as mean but to me that’s a parts truck... but I also only like Toyota stuff and hate rust

Better deals can be found or if getting something that outta shape a better price could be found. To me that’s a 1500.00 truck on the high end. Unless the 350 is something nice
 
I would have to disagree with Bama guy. It depends on what it is worth to you. You would need to drive it and make sure everything works the way it should like Steering, brakes lights etc... If everything works and it drives like a normal 40 then look at the tub. Is the tub a complete rust bucket or does it just need a rear silll and quarter panels or is the entire floor gone? Your going to have to crawl under it and see what you are getting into. For me if its mechanically sound and can be driven home and the main support channels are not a complete waste, then the price is fair. I might offer 3,500.00 to be honest.
 
Almost anything in that price range is going to need bodywork unless you buy a roller with no drivetrain.
 
Let’s keep in mind this cruiser is not advertised for sale.....
the OP said he knocked on the owner’s door and asked if he’d sell it and 5k was the number.....
If someone knocked on my door and asked about something for sale I’m sure I would just chuck out a number that I thought was high in order to get someone off my doorstep... unless I had for sale signs on it...

Just saying, maybe the owner is not really wanting to sell the rig and a price we all think is on the high side, is high for a reason... not really for sale.
 
Thank you for the words of wisdom. I've been wanting an FJ40 for a while now and am chomping at the bit to buy one. From what I have heard I will slow down and not just buy the first one I can afford.
 
Haha,the Nissan pickup in the above pic does have a piston hanging from it! I asked him why he did that and he didn't have an answer.

I just got back from test driving it and the frame and floor pan looks good. Here's why...the engine and transmission leak so the bottom is coated with oil and tranny fluid. The horn doesn't work, the reverse lights don't work, and the emergency brake doesn't work. The inspection sticker says 8/18.

He is firm on his price of $5,000 and told me someone in Maryland is interested in the "Jeep" as well. He also said that he is out of work and owns 8 cars and needs to sell. It could be he is trying to get me to buy quick at his price. It could be he wants me to feel bad about his job and buy quick at his price too.

I'm going to think on it. I want to learn how to weld. I know a little about engines to make me dangerous.

Thanks again for everyone's input.
 
alabamatacomaguy said:
does that mean you bought it?

if so post up more pics and your plans. lots of people have been in your shoes and know good tips on welding up body panels on these bad boys
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No, I haven't bought it. I am going to think it over until this Sunday afternoon. If I did buy it I would like to get rid of the rust on the body, and convert the engine back to Toyota. I would love to have a Toyota V8, but doubt I have the funds for this. I would do all of this slowly over the years.
 
Mods, please move this thread to the correct section. While it stays here it is a silent reminder to everyone that I am a noobie and still have not learned the correct place to post threads. It is my personal thread of shame. haha
 
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