Can it really be worth that much?

[FJ40sRock]

My brother in law lives in Canada and has seen an FJ45 LWB which was professionally restored by Hilltop Cruisers, and I think they want about what Icons sell for, which is closer to 100k than 50k. From the pictures, it has a galvanized frame and is lifted about 4" or so, and has stock steering and front spring mounts. The engine is a Toyota diesel. the truck is completely restored.

What are your thoughts on this? I personally will find an FJ45 for myself in a couple of years after I get some enjoyment out of my '40 which is nearly complete. I will build it myself, but if cost were not an issue, this looks pretty cool.

I have tried to advise my brother in law, and would like some other views on this truck.

Andy.

 

[kkt]

My brother in law lives in Canada and has seen an FJ45 LWB which was professionally restored by Hilltop Cruisers, and I think they want about what Icons sell for, which is closer to 100k than 50k. From the pictures, it has a galvanized frame and is lifted about 4" or so, and has stock steering and front spring mounts. The engine is a Toyota diesel. the truck is completely restored.

What are your thoughts on this? I personally will find an FJ45 for myself in a couple of years after I get some enjoyment out of my '40 which is nearly complete. I will build it myself, but if cost were not an issue, this looks pretty cool.

I have tried to advise my brother in law, and would like some other views on this truck.

Andy.

here is a link to their website
Looks like an extra nice 45
http://www.hilltopcruisers.com/index.htm

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

That is a sharp lookin' Cruiser....

 

[Grease Cruiser]

It seems a bit overpriced in my opinion. I would not pay more than $50K for it. But, I like my Cruisers as cheap as possible. As far as what it is worth? That depends on the right buyer with the right money. They might get what they want for it, you never know.

But for close to $100K, I would prefer a much newer Toyota diesel and some other goodies. Don't get me wrong, the 3B is bullet proof (I have had several) but it is old technology and there are much better options out there.

It is a rather nice 45 but so is this one:
http://www.proffittscruisers.com/franklin/index.html

The one from the link above is one of the nicest 45's on the planet and was not as much as the one from Hilltop Cruisers.

I would say you would be much better off to find a good clean restorable one and have it restored just the way you want it. I think you would be much happier as you make it the way you want it and can add that personal touch that is your own. And, you would save yourself a bit of money as well.

Food for thought.

 

[rommeldog]

I didn't think I would ever spend the kind of money that I have poured into my projects. My '77 fj45 cost me about as much as I could pay for a brand new FJC. However, when you want something different then anyone else, you have to pay for it. I am a big fan of the toyota diesel (500,000 on my HJ60) but the lack of power and cost of parts makes one wonder it is a good choice for any restoration. Not being a toyota purist, I put a 6bt in my 45 and wouldn't replace it for anything else. You have to consider as well that a vehicle like the 45 from Hilltop is not going to depreciate like a new vehicle and will likely hold its value in the long run. Just some thoughts.
Jason
'87 hj60
'77 fj45