45 Questions???

[Capt. Jim]

Went to look at a '73 FJ45 for sale tonight. It was an import from Honduras. A real beater project truck that has been sitting under a tarp for several years. Lot's of rust and missing pieces. Had some strange vintage parts variations from different years. To be specific:

Bib was old style, Engine was an F. However, the steering wheel/column was the same as on my '82 FJ40. The tub floor was also the same as on my '82, with the fuel tank located under the tub, not under the front seat. The seats and parking brake were also like my '82. The windshield frame is also late model. The doors were also from a late model truck

My question: Is this something that a non-USA truck might have, or has this truck been upgraded with later model components?

Also, did FJ45 cabs come with the newer style raised floor with fuel tank beneath tub, or did someone retro-fit a floor pan of a late model 40 into this 45 tub? Or, is this an early model 45 with a late model tub ?

Thanks,

Jim

 

[Bear]

Jim,

What is the serial number stamped on the right front side of the frame? The firewall plate could have been switched. If they match, do they indicate manufacture in Brazil? Also, the importer could have registered it as an older truck to avoid the DOT, EPA, and DMV inspectors.

 

[Capt. Jim]

There was no vin number stamped on the frame. The MFG plate on the door jamb was missing. There is no title for this truck, either. It is a real junker and may not be worth it due to the Vin issue.

I did, however replace the frame on my FZJ80 some time ago with an insurance claim. This was a new frame direct from Toyota, and it has no numbers stamped on it.

I am just confused with all the newer items on this truck that didn't appear here in the states until the late model trucks.

 

[mmcinnis]

I looked at the truck also and found that the vin on the firewall had the first letters/numbers rubbed off. The only #s on the vin where after the ????___ - 1234. The frame had been beefed up in several sections, not factory. The fuel vent was out of a later model truck but placed nicely on the exterior side of the cab, very odd but looked factory. The tank underneath the cab was very well placed but I do not think this is factory??

Mike

 

[Bear]

Well, guys, sounds rather fishy to me. Toyota did not manufacture vehicles without numbers on them, nor did they rob the parts bins to make a mishmash of different years parts. There was an orderly progression of improvements to succeeding years of manufacture.

Maybe the RI dreamed up some numbers to assign to the vehicle upon importation/registration. Doesn't necessarily mean the vehicle has no value; more importantly no one should be claiming it is a specific year vehicle, or that everything on it is correct to the date of supposed manufacture.

If all the parts together make up an interesting truck to you, and the price is fair for that compilation of parts, go for it. Eyes wide open is always best.

 

[Grease Cruiser]

Ahhh, welcome to the world of Central American trucks. They use everything possible to make it work......even if it does not fit all that well or work all that for that matter.

Go for it if it's cheap. Worry about a title later.

 

[Capt. Jim]

Go for it if it's cheap. Worry about a title later.

I've been thinking about it.......