Another FJ25 Restored

[Racer65]

Just thought I share some pics a customer just sent me. I'm not that knowledgeable about 25s, but it looks like a pretty clean restore. Personally I wish the upholstery can look more dated .
It'll show up in the auction circuit somewhere. Thoughts about value?

 

[Indygbd]

Isn't that Overton's? Or maybe he is just selling it

 

[Racer65]

No, this one has just been completed. I'll grab more pics.

 

[Indygbd]

Here is the link to his page.

60 FJ25 GRN

 

[Racer65]

Here is the link to his page.

60 FJ25 GRN

Wow, you're right! I had no idea it's posted there. Do you know when it showed up? I was told by the restorer that it's just recently been finished.

 

[Indygbd]

Wow, you're right! I had no idea it's posted there. Do you know when it showed up? I was told by the restorer that it's just recently been finished.

I am always scouring the internet for FJ25 related items. I think it has been on there for about 7-10 days. Not sure who restored it however they did one amazing job! It looks great from the photos I have seen. The interior color it a bit bright. The rear reflectors are not correct. They are the later 40 series round reflectors. Also I noticed that the rear license plate light it not correct. It is a later style 40 series license plate light too. The handle on the e-brake is painted green. I think those were all black and not color matched. No rear seats in the photos I saw and it also has a strange switch that was not correct on the dash. The carburetor was not correct as well as a few other small items. This truck is very nicely done, not 100% correct. I have 4 FJ25's now and none of them are 100% correct.

 

[Racer65]

I am always scouring the internet for FJ25 related items. I think it has been on there for about 7-10 days. Not sure who restored it however they did one amazing job! It looks great from the photos I have seen. The interior color it a bit bright. The rear reflectors are not correct. They are the later 40 series round reflectors. Also I noticed that the rear license plate light it not correct. It is a later style 40 series license plate light too. The handle on the e-brake is painted green. I think those were all black and not color matched. No rear seats in the photos I saw and it also has a strange switch that was not correct on the dash. The carburetor was not correct as well as a few other small items. This truck is very nicely done, not 100% correct. I have 4 FJ25's now and done of them are 100% correct.

The owner / restorer has been a customer and friend since the early days of my parts shop. He sends me pics of his work from time to time, and it's always quite impressive. I can imagine how hard it is to make a FJ25 anywhere close to 100% correct, as many parts are nearly impossible to source.

 

[Old Red]

The LCN advertisement states, "This is a beautiful concours restoration that is correct in every way." What a claim!

Whomever "restored" this cruiser either did not spend much time here in the 25 section or did not pay good attention while they were here.

Basic things like frame color, front bumper color and running board material and color---all wrong.

Call it a nice example, a labor of love, a real classic. But "concours," "factory correct," and "perfect?" Totally false.

You could expect a minor rhetorical embellishment or two from an advertisement seeking top dollar for something. But this one goes unacceptably too far.

 

[KY Longhunter]

So what’s he asking for this FJ25?

 

[1969FJ]

The LCN advertisement states, "This is a beautiful concours restoration that is correct in every way." What a claim!

Whomever "restored" this cruiser either did not spend much time here in the 25 section or did not pay good attention while they were here.

Basic things like frame color, front bumper color and running board material and color---all wrong.

Call it a nice example, a labor of love, a real classic. But "concours," "factory correct," and "perfect?" Totally false.

You could expect a minor rhetorical embellishment or two from an advertisement seeking top dollar for something. But this one goes unacceptably too far.

I believe @Racer65 said , ORIGINAL PARTS FROM THAT TIMEFRAME ARE HARD TO FIND.. So, restoring ANYTHING from the past will have to be a compromise . It appears to me this vehicle is as best as it will get for a restoration. So, look at the good and the best a person can do. It is a beautiful vehicle and represents the time period as best as possible. The manufacturers from that era are gone OR going , so, learn to live what concours means, the judges do.

 

[Racer65]

I can't comment on historical correctness, but undoubtedly putting a FJ25 into this condition requires a high level of capability and extensive parts search. Even with a casual glance, one can spot a ton of early parts that makes the vehicle a treasure trove. With additional time, I think the pieces @Indygbd pointed out can probably be tracked down.

Having been acquainted with the restorer's work, I would not be apologetic to characterize his restorations as concours level. Everything I've seen is in the FJ Company territory. I'm a fan of period correctness myself, but I also recognize that practically every restorer these days put in their signature touches rather than strictly abide by originality.

I don't know what the price is. I suppose with something like this it's whatever it's worth to a serious buyer. If anyone is interested I be glad to introduce you to the owner.

Disclaimer: I have no stake in the sale of the vehicle, and will not be involved beyond an introduction.

 

[Indygbd]

I am with you on this one. I agree that everything is not 100% perfect. How many cars are actually 100% original. We do not even know the exact original paint codes for the FJ25's and formulas to ensure that the paint is 100% correct. I think whoever restored this vehicle did an amazing job! Everyone on this site likes to be an expert and knock other peoples work. This is as nice as any other that I have seen.

Also, I have seen FJ25's with black frame and others with painted frames. I think some of that depends on what market they originally were sent to.

 

[Living in the Past]

Overton's claim factory correct is wrong. Some parts are harder to find than other but I do not remember a want thread looking for parts. But neither have I seen one from TLC or the FJ Company.

Air cleaner is 64 to 67 in the US when switch to paper element. Necer used on the FJ25. Did not even source tin cup brake reserviors much less the correct cast ones. Transmission shift cane never had a boot. Looks like 21 MM lug nuts instead of the correct 23 MM. Tool kits is another fail. I have a FJ25 jack and that's not it. Two different fuel pumps used on the FJ25 and this one is neither. I agree it's a nice cruiser but on these FST FJ25s that are so simple it's finding the correct part that is hard not some body work and fancy paint job.