Wanted Another Newb looking for a 40!

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Okay, I've been searching not for long, but am a very motivated buyer. I posted about some I've found and test drove but so far no luck. I've inquired about one on this forum that I hope will work out (fingers crossed). But if not, here is what I'm looking for:

- 1975 or older - this is key living in the "commie" state I do. :)

- Mechanically sound - I am very handy on home remodeling projects but don't know much about cars. My friend who is a car guy says I could probably figure out a lot of it, but I don't know how much time I'm willing to put into it. I figure I can handle most of the light cosmetic stuff. Mechanical stuff... not so much. Although I'd love to learn more about it and seems like it wouldn't hurt to know with these vehicles.

- I don't intend to use it as a crawler or even moderate wheelin'. Probably just some dirt roads to camp and explore where I don't want to take my regular car. Most of the driving will be on weekends with the occasional commute to work.

- Doesn't have to be pristine - kind of prefer to have something that I can tweak a little bit to make it my own.

- Stock-ish would be cool, but I guess based on what I've read here and what members have told me, would like either a 2F or vortec setup. Wife seems to prefer something more modern in an engine but it sounds like the 2Fs are a reliable option too.

Anyhow, if you have a 40 that needs a new home, I'd love to hear from you. Budget is $10ish. Willing to have it shipped too.

Thanks! :cheers:
 
One word of advise take your time . It seems alot of new guys buy trucks that are over priced. If it was me and I lived in the states and this is just me try to get one thats as stock as possible. The year is up to you but if it was me a 1977 to 1983 would be nice and budget your money and draw the line at a price. I think anywhere to $8,000 to $15,000 would get you a nice ride.

That's my 17 year experience talking.
 
Thanks I appreciate the words of wisdom. I'm trying to be patient and find "the one" for me. I know it's out there, just waiting for it to show up. I've seen some pretty nice ones but once I get more detail it is more work than I can handle. 1975 is key for California since vehicles older than that are exempt from smog. However, I'm opening up my search to California vehicles older than 1975 as I assume they have to meet smog to be registered (I know, be careful when you assume.. :) ).

I have learned a bunch from this site since I started my search. Glad I found it otherwise I may have bought the first vehicle I saw lol.
 
So for $8,000 and then shipping say $1000 then you need to register it. I think you can get a decent truck to be honest for $7,000 to $8,000. There are tons on Craig's list as you know.
 
I'm having a hard time finding "decent" ones on Craigslist for $7-$8k. Most have tons of rust or diamond plating, or have been painted so who knows what under them. But I'll keep looking. And being as patient as I can be... lol. Thanks!
 
How about this one?

Found this one (1969):

Engine
Chevy small block 350
Transmission
Chevy 350 turbo
list of amenities.
Stock running gear
Power steering
front n rear power disc brakes
tilt column
front n rear heaters work great
Auto meter gauges
CD player
nice leather seats
new dash pad
smoked glass in doors
Weld wheels sitting on new 33's
9000lb Warn winch
New warn locking hubs
Shackle reversal
4 inch lift springs
L.E.D light's
4 core radiator
The paint is in great condition

$11,500. Seem reasonable?

light_blue69_fj40.webp
 
I'll break the ice...

Mike,

I saw this one earlier and I think it looks great and the description sounds great!

It's emissions-exempt and de-smogged and has modern features, like 4-wheel disc brakes and power steering and 'more power'.

Given the prices we are currently seeing for rust buckets and fully restored 40's and the list of features on this '69, I think this price is perfectly reasonable.

You've probably already discerned whether they are negotiable on this price, but the best price is always a price with which you are most comfortable.

Good luck!
 

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