Advice on FJ43

[chichiflys]

There is a restored FJ43 for sale on Craigslist in Philly (FS: Restored 1979 Toyota FJ43 Land Cruiser FJ40). Seems legit, the truck was supposedly restored by Terracruisers (Miami, FL). The current owner apparently doesn't want it anymore. Low miles since the rebuild. I'm considering it only if it checks out (plan to call Terracruisers to verify VIN, etc). I've corresponded a little bit with the current owner. I plan to see it in person soon. It's a lot of moola for sure, but seems like a reasonable price considering the rebuild process (again assuming it's truthful).

So the question for the forum - anyone familiar with Terracruisers? This is a Columbian truck, the restore process is shown pictorially on Terracruisers' website. Assuming everything checks out, anything to be concerned about with a restored imported truck (outside the normal concerns of a 30+ year old vehicle)? Anyone have experience in a similar situation? Any thoughts appreciated. I've owned a '78 FJ40 back in the day and spent many an hour on maintenance, so I'm familiar with them for the most part. Thanks.

 

[White Stripe]

Never heard of them. Post up pics of the restoration and that will help.

 

[chichiflys]

Here is the link from the ad to the company's restore website. TerraCruisers - Built to Last -

 

[ginmtb]

My concern would be the lack of photos of the body work. The one shot they showed was pretty rough. How much bondo is under that pretty paint? Assuming all rust was addressed? Seems like they would however would be nice to know for certain. They were pretty meticulous about documenting the other aspects of the restoration why not include body work shots?

It does look really nice though. But for $35K I'd like to know exactly what I'm getting. Ask for more body work photos. They probably have them. But what good photog posts non-flattering photos?

 

[chichiflys]

Great point Ginmtb, I plan on speaking with the restore company if possible. He's dropped it to $30k which is a little better I reckon.

 

[mdsims]

What's the shot of the torch on the flywheel? Brazing in a new timing BB?

 

[chichiflys]

Hmm, not sure. I can see the BB on the top of the picture. Maybe it's just for dramatic flare so as to add $$$ to the final bill?

 

[OverLand Cruisers]

My concern would be the lack of photos of the body work. The one shot they showed was pretty rough. How much bondo is under that pretty paint? Assuming all rust was addressed? Seems like they would however would be nice to know for certain. They were pretty meticulous about documenting the other aspects of the restoration why not include body work shots?

It does look really nice though. But for $35K I'd like to know exactly what I'm getting. Ask for more body work photos. They probably have them. But what good photog posts non-flattering photos?

X2

 

[Michael B]

Why is the top welded to the tub? It also appears they built their own wiring harness.

 

[1969FJ]

That welded top is a showstopper for me. Perhaps the metal work to keep the removable top was to intensive so they just made it a hardtop.

 

[ginmtb]

That welded top is a showstopper for me. Perhaps the metal work to keep the removable top was to intensive so they just made it a hardtop.

Oh wow I thought that was a before shot I was curious to see how they detached that and how it turned out. Definitely a deal breaker for me!

 

[mdsims]

I don't think Toyota ever made a 43 hardtop. Looking through ads on Colombian car sites over the last few years, I've seen plenty of removable fiberglass tops, and custom fixed steel tops (some actually look quite cool, I'll find a copy and post it here in a second). I think everything came soft top over there. To me, this looks like a lengthened Toyota 40 top, oddball windows, welded in place.

 

[mdsims]

 

[thebigredrocker]

@Living in the Past might know if 43's were made with hardtops.

 

[Vossie]

or maybe @JohnnyC

 

[bikersmurf]

Even though I've not had my roof off in years... I'd pass on the fixed roof 43. It'll hurt resale value

 

[JohnnyC]

imported as soft tops and converted to hardtops ... local area laws requirements... look up nationalization laws

 

[chichiflys]

I spoke with the company that did the resto. They are located in Columbia with a US LLC office in Miami where they coordinate importing and shipping. In business for about 4 years. They indeed made a custom metal, non-removable hardtop on this truck, which was out of the ordinary. Current owner says it has a heater kit, partially installed, and it has split rims, brake booster and front disc brakes. Other than that it's bare bones basic (with the hardtop exception). Sort of losing interest in it. It's so pretty I'd hate to drive and use the damn thing, although I may road-trip it just to check it out. I appreciate the insight and suggestions from everyone. Owner hasn't driven it much in a year so there is some risk of peripheral parts needing attention/tweaking possibly...old gas, etc.

 

[dustin weaver]

43 were never made with a hard top, they imported them with a soft or no top option. They had two companies that made hard tops for them in Columbia. Mpr and another company, I've been told mpr tops are better than the other.

 

[White Stripe]

I think non-south american countries got fj43's with factory hard tops-Japan especially.