Wanted BJ40 Newbie Project

Hey everyone I'm new to the community and looking to get my first LC. I've been looking for an HJ47, but have been having trouble finding one in decent condition for a complete newbie to work on such as myself. The market seems larger with the 40s. I love the styling and mechanical simplicity of this family of trucks, and at this point am looking for a diesel 40, 44, 47 but will go for a gas as well if the right match comes along.

I am not a mechanic past changing oil. This is going to be my first project to learn on - I've loved classic cars since I was a kid, had no one in the family or immediate circle who knew anything about cars so here I am getting into it completely blind! Figured I'd get started on a truck since I like to camp somewhat off the beaten track now rather than a sports car that would have limited use. Generally this is how I've learned other things in the past - jumping into the deep end - is this a good idea for mechanical work?

Looking forward to joining the community. I've posted in the HJ classifieds section as well just in case there are any bites there. Seems the market for those is much smaller than the 40s. Let me know if that is not ok.

TLDR complete newbie who loves classic cars looking for first project car in the range of 8k-14k

Thanks guys. Perhaps some can also chime in with what to expect in this price range. Any help appreciated!

 

[krudo]

Forgot to mention. I've been on eBay, iH8Mud classifieds, BringATrailer and craigslist for a few weeks now. Also been talking to AUSToUSA. I haven't found the perfect match yet though, and thought having the guidance of more experienced cruiser heads would be valuable in making this decision!

Thanks to all that take the time to read/reply.

 

[Aaron Womack]

There's a guy in Dallas that aquires and sells some 40's, 43's, and such. His name is Tom Watson, TWatson on here...I believe he imports a lot of his vehicles. I get that it's not at all local, but he might be able to help you or at least be able to point you in the right direction. He's a good guy and he's done me a good turn when I've done business with him. If nothing else, he's good for some interesting conversation. Here's his website...
Inventory | N2 Cruisers

 

[78fj40mg]

Here's a 1968 FJ40 bargain on ebay Toyota: Land Cruiser Base

 

[krudo]

Hey Thanks Aaron, I've sent Tom an email. @78fj40mg that's a little more extensive than what I'm looking for. Looks like it will need a new bed and considerable amount of restoration work.

 

[78fj40mg]

You can't beat the price though.

Check these sites out you might find what you are looking for:

1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40V Values | Hagerty Valuation Tool®

Classic Diesel Cruisers

Land Cruiser Heaven

Inventory

Restored Land Cruisers - The FJ Company

Left Hand Drive | Diesel Toyota Land Cruisers

Home

Red Line Land Cruisers - Parts, Restoration, & Service - Toyota FJ40, FJ55, FJ60, FJ62, FJ80 & More - Red Line Land Cruisers

bj42 for sale - Buy & Sell bj42 across Canada Canadianlisted.com
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds...sort_time_desc&page_size=15&modelFacet[]=FJ40
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds...sort_time_desc&page_size=15&modelFacet[]=FJ40
http://www.bigskycruisers.com/for-sale.html
Land Cruisers For Sale
http://www.ebay.com/sch/Cars-Trucks-/6001/i.html?Model=Land%20Cruiser&_dcat=6001&Make=Toyota
Cars & Trucks in Make:Toyota, Model:Land Cruiser | eBay

 

[krudo]

Wow this is great thank you for all the links. A bunch of sites in there I hadn't heard of.

 

[socaloffroad]

pm sent

 

[Otis]

at this point am looking for a diesel 40, 44, 47 but will go for a gas as well if the right match comes along.

If you are looking at the Troopy that is available on N2 Cruisers site, keep in mind that since it appears to be an '82 gasser it will not likely pass smog in CA. Make sure you know what the smog requirements are before bringing in an import vehicle to CA. Smog checks can be a pain here... Good luck with your search!

 

[GV00]

I've got a BJ40 with a 3B + turbo that I'm (sadly) going to be getting rid of. I picked up in running condition and made a project of it, then reluctantly realized that the parts for it are going to be a dealbreaker in terms of it being a daily driver. Too much downtime getting replacements, mostly.

Mechanically, it's in pretty good shape. Engine was rebuilt something like 40K ago (I'd have to check to be sure), frame is solid, I drove it from CA up to WA when I bought it and had no problems. Then I drove it up to Canada and had Radd Cruisers take a good hard look at it. The result is a list of relatively minor items that will need to be addressed, but the only major item was wear on the alternator mount. The alternator itself failed several months later, so I went ahead and took it down for the rebuild I'd had planned. Currently, all it really needs is a working alternator and battery to be up and running. I was planning on doing a NRP box truck alternator conversion (there are threads on it here on Mud), but haven't done so. To put it on the road, you'd need to bolt the seats back in, put the front-end body components back on, and probably want to bolt the roll cage back down. Amusingly, with the lift and cage it doesn't fit through my garage doors, so I took 'em off. Probably a sound idea to drop a coat of primer on the portions of the body that I've removed paint & bondo from. Body-wise, it's in so-so shape. Areas of rust had been covered with bondo, most of the rest of the tub's exterior got a layer of bondo on principle at some point, and it looks like somebody went over it with a ball peen hammer to help with adhesion. I figure it's a solid weekend or two of work from roadworthy, as I put about half that much time into taking stuff off of it (excluding the paint, bondo, and bedliner).

Has a ton of extra stuff with it, including a H55F (not installed). History, as I can put it together (and remember offhand), is that it was imported from Costa Rica, sold to a ranger in NM, then sold to a gentleman in CA, who I purchased it from. Presumably you'd have a pretty easy time getting it titled in CA, since he had already done it and I've not made any modifications. I'll be posting it with full pictures of everything I've got with it sometime in the near future, but wanted to give you a heads up now.

Here's the post from the previous owner:
For Sale: - 1980 BJ-40, 3B engine, turbo, full roll cage,

Pretty sure this is the same one from a while after import:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yCL39fuCw...B4ns8aZk/s1600/Front+Driver+side+Exterior.jpg

I've got better records on it, but I'll crack them open and put together a more cohesive history when I post it. Let me know if you're interested and I'll give you a better rundown.