Hello to all, and thanks for any info and/or recommendations.
I purchased a '74 FJ several months ago. Nice LC with V8 Conversion that was completed moons ago (long enough ago that has a CA BAR certification label), probably 20+ years. To the untrained eye, the Conversion looks very factory, especially with tthe accumulated years of dust in the engine compartment.
Overall, it's in 'nice' shape and I probably risk getting noobie flamed here... but I think it nearly rust free. I haven't researched the registration history it to a detailed extent yet, but believe it a CA original vehicle since new (still wears the 70's era CA blue plates which are very mint). Again, I'm not a FJ expert, I've just admired them since I was a kid and trusted the seller 100% who'd owned it maybe 10 years and understood they were the second owner, making myself #3. So I took a leap of faith as I didn't want to miss out as the car wasn't yet advertised.
Anyway, to date, I haven't done much with it and it's been garaged since. I have some ideas, like swapping out the hard top for a soft top as the wife would like. As a car purist, I wouldn't want to risk doing something I'd kick myself later (.like removing a hard top that may have been before to appease someone who really doesn't care much either way).
Being a muscle car fan for years, I have appreciation for how two seemingly similar vehicles will have completely different values. I've been doing my homework and trying to get a good understanding of the FJ nuances and what makes what...what, but I think this is a case where it's better to just ask someone who knows much more than I can learn in a few evenings time.
Aside from the motor/tranny swap, .... I'd like to know what is or isn't original and how it impacts the overall value, especially relating to originality. I'm not a hard-core offroader, tho I definitely have been and love it. I just don't think I'd do it this this one.
So looking for a San Diego reference or the area who can provide insights, be it an individual or professional company. If can provide informal, or even an formalized report. Be happy to pay for a fair price for that service. I'd really like to have the information for insurance purposes and of course, my own knowledge.
Thank you for any insights.
I purchased a '74 FJ several months ago. Nice LC with V8 Conversion that was completed moons ago (long enough ago that has a CA BAR certification label), probably 20+ years. To the untrained eye, the Conversion looks very factory, especially with tthe accumulated years of dust in the engine compartment.
Overall, it's in 'nice' shape and I probably risk getting noobie flamed here... but I think it nearly rust free. I haven't researched the registration history it to a detailed extent yet, but believe it a CA original vehicle since new (still wears the 70's era CA blue plates which are very mint). Again, I'm not a FJ expert, I've just admired them since I was a kid and trusted the seller 100% who'd owned it maybe 10 years and understood they were the second owner, making myself #3. So I took a leap of faith as I didn't want to miss out as the car wasn't yet advertised.
Anyway, to date, I haven't done much with it and it's been garaged since. I have some ideas, like swapping out the hard top for a soft top as the wife would like. As a car purist, I wouldn't want to risk doing something I'd kick myself later (.like removing a hard top that may have been before to appease someone who really doesn't care much either way).
Being a muscle car fan for years, I have appreciation for how two seemingly similar vehicles will have completely different values. I've been doing my homework and trying to get a good understanding of the FJ nuances and what makes what...what, but I think this is a case where it's better to just ask someone who knows much more than I can learn in a few evenings time.
Aside from the motor/tranny swap, .... I'd like to know what is or isn't original and how it impacts the overall value, especially relating to originality. I'm not a hard-core offroader, tho I definitely have been and love it. I just don't think I'd do it this this one.
So looking for a San Diego reference or the area who can provide insights, be it an individual or professional company. If can provide informal, or even an formalized report. Be happy to pay for a fair price for that service. I'd really like to have the information for insurance purposes and of course, my own knowledge.
Thank you for any insights.
Last edited:
