40th Anniversary Authenticity Question - new user

[canyon68]

Hi everyone. Been reading the forum for quite some time. Just joined as finally in market for an 80. Have learned a ton so far and really appreciate all the info contained here.

Have found what looks like a fantastic truck, a 1997 40th Anniversary. It has all of the telltale signs of a true 40th (sage, auto climate, floor mats, fender decals, wheels) except the plaque on the console next to the high/low shifter is not there. This didn't concern me until I read some old posts and now I wonder if there is a way to confirm authenticity? Is the serial number listed elsewhere in vehicle (or tied to VIN) or were those only contained on the plaques?

Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks!

AG

 

[cruiserdan]

The leather seats are tu-tone and the climate control panel has temperature numbers as opposed to a hot/cold slide. Sage was 40th-only but that could be a color change.

 

[canyon68]

The leather seats are tu-tone and the climate control panel has temperature numbers as opposed to a hot/cold slide. Sage was 40th-only but that could be a color change.

Thanks. I forgot to mention it does have the two tone seats. It also does have numbers on the climate control, maybe 5 degree increments if memory serves.

Wondering if there is any way to figure out via VIN or find the serial number another way since that plaque is gone? Safe to think its legit even though no plaque/serial info?

Also, did all 40ths have wood paneling? Seller claims this one had it but he removed it due to wear and tear...thanks.

 

[FloridaFJ80]

Seems like a legit 40th anniv.

 

[Corbet]

Run the VIN at a Toyota dealership for the original window sticker if you need concrete evidence. But my guess is the center console badge simply fell off.

Every 40th I've every seen has had the fake wood trim.

 

[cruiserdan]

Also, did all 40ths have wood paneling? Seller claims this one had it but he removed it due to wear and tear...thanks.

The wood grain overlay was optional. That is what happened to the plaque. The baby got tossed out with the wood grain removed from the center console.

I know where there is an NOS 40th un-numbered console plaque. $100.00 bucks takes it.

 

[canyon68]

Thanks for the responses. Very helpful. Hope to be get this one next week. Will certainly do the registry w pics if successful. Crusierdan, trying to send a pm re: the plaque.

 

[canyon68]

Run the VIN at a Toyota dealership for the original window sticker if you need concrete evidence. But my guess is the center console badge simply fell off.

Every 40th I've every seen has had the fake wood trim.

No luck at dealership but spoke with Toyota Customer Experience via an 800 number and they were great. They emailed me the vehicle detail - basically all the info from the window sticker. You guys are right. It is a legit 40th, so moving forward with purchase. Would highly recommend this to other potential owners if you don't have full detail on the truck. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Corbet]

Well you need to find the right person at the dealer but glad you got the print out I was taking about.

 

[Bimmerista]

Make it easier on us all...how about posting some pictures?

 

[canyon68]

Definitely would if I had any. The truck is in the shop now having a front axle service, fluids changed, phh replacement, and a few other baseline things. I should be able to pick it up on Tues. Will post pics and info then!

 

[rScotty]

No luck at dealership but spoke with Toyota Customer Experience via an 800 number and they were great. They emailed me the vehicle detail - basically all the info from the window sticker. You guys are right. It is a legit 40th, so moving forward with purchase. Would highly recommend this to other potential owners if you don't have full detail on the truck. Thanks for the suggestion.

Good on you. BTW, I've had a 40th since 1998 - bought it from the dealer nearly new as a lease return....so I know it's a box stock 40.
It has the two-tone leather but did not come with the wood grain console and door pieces, although it does have the original console badge by the shift lever.
When looking at a used one you want to check the tranny but backing up a mild slope in reverse, cycle the lockers, test the front joints by cramping the steering all the way in a slow turn (be gentle), and also take a look at the spark plugs. Hopefully the two back ones are not fouled.....but anything can be fixed and these cars are worth the effort.
Oh, and be sure to make an emissions test part of the deal.
luck, rScotty
1997 40th Anniv. ed.

 

[JCruse]

You can go to this website and get a full service history for anything that was done at a dealership by previous owners. I found quite a bit on mine. It's also a 40th so welcome to the club.

http://www.toyota.com/owners/web/pages/parts-service/history

 

[canyon68]

rScotty - thanks for those tips. Did most of that but not all. It is ultimately going to TN, so I will have to pass emissions there. Great call to test beforehand! It's being checked over and serviced by a reputable cruiser guy. I think he's on mud but not sure.

JCruse - my seller is a standup guy and actually made this recommendation. I got some good info there, just like you did. Thanks for helping me out. Very excited to finally own another cruiser and glad to meet some other 40th owners.