A quick hello and your valued opinions on this 78 FJ40

[SAB]

I stumbled across this forum while doing research for my next purchase/family member. The FAQ section and the "What to look for" list has been a massive help. So, thanks in advance for that.

I won't bore you with details, but the long and short of it is that I've fallen a bit hard for the FJ40. I find myself spending a little more time than I should each night reading about them.

The main uses for this rig will be a daily 18 minute commute to work and lots of mild fire road/trail use getting to mountain biking locations. The appearance is no where as important to me as the dependability of the truck and if the modifications were done properly. I'm pretty patient with a wrench (I'm building an endurance aprilia and yamaha in my living room.....Not that it buys me any credentials in the World of FJ wrenching, but I haven't burned any buildings down...yet)


I've come across this one and I'm curious to know your feedback /opinions on it. The asking price is 11k.
- Aluminum Tub from firewall back.
- Original 2F engine with aftermarket exhaust and headers.
- TPI electronic carburetor,
- New clutch master cylinder for clutch just replaced,
- "Engine and tranny sound and run great"
- "Frame is in great condition no rust"
- New seats,
- New seatbelts,
- New soft top
- Entire exterior was rhino lined professionally
- 32" Tires
- New shocks
- Speedo does not work
The current owner has had it a year and his reason for selling it is to fund kitchen restorations.
I'm going to see it Monday to have a look.

Thank you for any input or suggestions you may have. I'm going to take a look at her Monday. - Seth

 

[brian]

that little steering wheel is going to be interesting with the manual steering.

 

[Downey]

Good thing you are not in Cali, 1978 needs to be kept smog legal. Curious how much weight the Rhion Lining added, more curious if the Rhino Lining is merely covering rust (i.e. holding the rig together). Sorry for the negative input.

 

[DSB345]

Look in all the area's underneath and in the corners you can't see with a powerful small flashlight. It's what you can't see that will get you. Good luck!

 

[shawnfj40]

A lot is going to depend on the price. If it is what your looking for great. It will not have a huge resale because of the aluminum tub and Rhino lining. Not really sure why you would Rhino line an Aluminum tub though. It would make a nice trail rig though. The little steering wheel will really give you a great workout trying to steer it off road. If you like it and the price is right, I don't see anything that screams "stay away".

 

[greenbeast]

At the risk of getting blistered by other mudders I would say $5000 AT MOST. Speedo doesn't work so no idea how many miles I assume. The rhino lining does kill it for me. Rust has obviously been a problem in the past or it wouldn't have a aluminum tub. That would scare the hell out of me with the rest of the body now covered up. Plenty of sources here to get rid of that damn little steering wheel though if you choose to pursue it.

If you buy right you will have no issues with losing value. The things listed above will always be this cruisers achilles heel! However if its exactly what you want and your comfortable with its unique features!

IF your truly interested in a 40, post what you want in the classifieds or post a wanted ad in the nearest Lancdruiser club. You can find the closest club by searching the ''clubhouse'' section above. I would bet depending on your budget you could find a darn nice cruiser to meet your needs.
Good Luck!

 

[SAB]

Thank you kindly for all of the replies so far. Some sound advice. Re-sale isn't a factor for me. I plan on keeping the FJ40 that I purchase until one of us permanently expires. CT (where she will be registered) is pretty lax on smogging cars over 20 years old. We don't even require titles.

Anywho, I'll keep you posted!

 

[Rustic76]

11k seems awfully steep. The prices seem to be more inflated on your side of the country though. I personally wouldn't pay 11k for that truck covered in rhino liner, just my 2 cents. Keep an eye on the classifieds here, CL, and the usual places and something nicer will turn up for that kind of money. Good luck.

 

[honk]

You don't say which NE state, but check carefully about smog requirements. If original equipment is necessary the truck won't pass. Header, Webewr, etc. not good.

That isn't an ARB air locker switch panel on the dash by any chance?

The aluminum tub isn't a bad thing necessarily, especially in your part of the world. As long as it was well done and the doors and whatnot fit and work good, it's worth having.

I hate those wheels and wonder how all the bearings are doing behind them.

Time to upgrade your phone or use a better camera if you want to post asking for opinion. Those two inside photos look like they were taken fifty years before the truck was born.

 

[cbmontgo]

$11k seems at least double what it's worth.

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

If you plan on keeping it forever, I would keep looking.

 

[SAB]

Thanks again for the honest opinions.

Honk, the FJ would be used in Connecticut. It's old enough to not have to pass any emissions testing. It's not an air locker and I'm with you on the wheels. The pics were from the seller...but I agree...quite poor quality. I spoke with him tonight at length and he seems like a pretty up front guy. Of course that's to be taken with a grain of salt.

 

[Captn Conch]

If you are a real keeper fellow and you plan on keeping it as you say until one or the other expires, then I would keep on looking for the right basically original FJ. One that is basically stock condition, sagging springs, surface rust, ripped original interior, original patina or a layer or two of old paint, half bald road tires but not hacked or requiring major rust work, but needs restoration or rehab with a sound foundation. You will never regret it if you get the right one. I did it and as I have stated before...When my time comes, Just bury me in my old '71 Land Cruiser. Furthermore, if I didn't quite do things right and we go down below then I can pull the lever and pop the vacuum button for low range 4wd and have a damn good chance of climbing out of that hole and heading on up to the High Country where we belong.....OK OK OK ..dammit Ma gimme my beer back!!

 

[DSRTRDR]

get something from out west that's rust free

 

[allan man]

[QUOTE="SAB, post: 10071522, member:

I won't bore you with details, but the long and short of it is that I've fallen a bit hard for the FJ40. I find myself spending a little more time than I should each night reading about them.

Thank you for any input or suggestions you may have. I'm going to take a look at her Monday. - Seth[/QUOTE]



Based on your info shared it appears you've made up your mind already...Buy it!
Most folks here are more attracted to a fairly original truck for that price or a well built rig with a bunch of goodies already installed such as ARB lockers, Orion T-case, Winch,disc brakes,power steering etc.


Only advice I can give you is ask the seller if he has any pictures prior to the rhino job.

 

[SAB]

Well, she sold this morning before I could get up there to take a look. The hunt continues! Thanks for the pointers though.

 

[Captn Conch]

Well there you go, Wasn't meant to be and that is a good sign. Go to the Broken Birfield Bar, hang with Henry C and RkyMtnNick, have a few, get over it and know you are probably now in position to find the right one. Good advice from DSRTRDR (Say what?) Western states = less humidity less rust. Colorado, New Mexico etc dry enough to make your nose dry out and bleed.

 

[SAB]

Sound advice Captn! She's out there!

 

[Delancy]

I plan on keeping the FJ40 until one of us permanently expires.

The key is being wise during the selection process, ensuring against premature expiration of either or both.

 

[JohnnyC]

This is a link>>> The Broken Birdfield Bar

@Exiled