Checking out a 1974 Restoration

[sypd]

First, you guys rock! I love reading these forums and I'm learning a ton. This has totally killed my Candy Crush addiction.

I've been looking closely at this frame off restoration, and researching all the owners restoration choices made here in the forums. I would love some expert input.

https://landcruiser5.shutterfly.com/

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Fram...e=STRK:MEWAX:IT&forcev4exp=true#ht_500wt_1182

1971 frame and body
1974 F engine with 2F valve cover
1979 transmission transfer case drive shaft’s and axles, power steering and brakes
Fairey overdrive, rarely used (i understand these can be troublesome)

I prefer the older body style, and as I understand it the metal is better. And I want the newer drive train, gearing, brakes, steering...

So I'm looking for something that is restored and can be a solid driver. And not require me dragging my father-in-law over to the house every time it won't run. He would totally do it. But he has several of his own vehicles.

Having doors and top restored later is my plan. And adding a full cage and bench in the back for kids. I feel I can make those things happen.

I envy the talent in the forums here. You guys take rust buckets and make beautiful machines. As yet I'm not that guy. I write code and make apps. I see rust and have no answer for it.

What do you think, are there any major warning flags here?

 

[JohnnyC]

I don't see anything big as being issues ... The truck mind you is a mix of years... You already know that... Pluses are it has lots of things you like... With what it is it would be close to the top of the price range IMHO

However... The body seems to be in great condition

Do you want to nit pick the stuff wrong? Or take it as it is ? A solid truck (or so it seems in pictures) that has a good restoration that's not year specific

We are great at analyzing and nit picking

 

[sypd]

We are great at analyzing and nit picking

That's all part of the fun! Looking at the daily driver thread, it's amazing how varied the FJ40 can be configured. Nit pick away!

I'm looking for solid, definitely. Last FJ40 I looked at had obv frame repair issues and questionable restoration. At least this one is mostly documented.

I do wonder if among enthusiasts the mix of years would hurt resale, even if it's good condition. To me it seems desirable, so I hope I'm not alone. But then I hope to not sell anytime soon.

I have 9yo low mile Mini Cooper S cabriolet and can't imagine selling it. I may be growing into a vehicle hoarder...with too little garage space.

 

[DSRTRDR]

I may be growing into a vehicle hoarder...with too little garage space.

vehicle storage places exist for a reason - just sayin'

we regularly take one truck in and out of 'jail' and have reserved a second space already

 

[JohnnyC]

From what I see... ( five minutes before I goto bed lol) the engine is a 1973 or earlier engine... The 74 is what we call the 'F and a half' engine that has the oiling system of the 2f but still is an F sometimes called the F.5 or 1F.5 or 1.5F ... The engine in this cruiser has the oil filter at the intake ... So not a 74 engine

The tub is not a FST it was made into a FST ... The I'd plate probably will show it's an fj40lv

The oem soft doors are missing the window regulator that holds the window clip to raise and lower the window

Missing soft door springs to hold latch closed

Missing oem interior FST done light ( Darth Vader helmet)

Missing oem FST door eyelets for safety strap

Missing windshield wiper spray piping

The oem top is a Pakistan replacement ... Not the best quality... But not all that bad either

Bows and tailgate maybe Pakistan as well... Which makes one wonder if there is much bondo in the back when converted to tailgate from barn doors... But... Could have been done well ... Just can't tell

 

[JohnnyC]

Newer style seats ... They put the front bucket seat rear brackets in sideways

Missing oem center console

Covered over seat backs however... It doesn't look all that bad

Missing cigarette lighter

Exhaust coming out the back youll have lots of fumes inside with the rear curtin up

Something's are painted the wrong color... However the blk on white is still done nicely and looks great

I went for a second look at the tub... It does have the hole for the interior dome light ... But missing the hole for the eyelets... They could be just filled in you can see a dimple were they would go

Definitely Pakistan bows IMO

Overall it is a good looking truck

 

[JohnnyC]

Also it has a poly gas tank

 

[JohnnyC]

I write code and make apps. I see rust and have no answer for it.

What do you think, are there any major warning flags here?

I hope I didnt scare you off ... as i said before it is a good looking truck.... are you anywere near to see 1st hand?

I see no warning flags.... maybe somebody else?

the answer to rust is lots of work... this truck doesnt take alot of work... the things i pointed out are small... can be found or corrected or just lived with.

the springs for the oem soft door are still available from toyota BTW

How much are you looking to spend?

 

[sypd]

Not scared off at all. Thanks for the great details. I've been running down those items, googling, just getting a sense for how big a deal or how easily corrected...if I don't just live with them for a while or forever.

I'm prepared to spend low 20s, and would love to get below 20, but that seems more difficult/risky.

Unfortunately I'm not near enough to see it first hand. Seller. Has assured me if I get it and anything is not as described I can ship it right back. I've got that in writing. I've spoken with him and interacted for several days. He seems nice and trustworthy.

 

[sypd]

vehicle storage places exist for a reason - just sayin' we regularly take one truck in and out of 'jail' and have reserved a second space already

Haha, love it!

 

[JohnnyC]

ask for a picture of the door plate.... that will tell us if it was originally a hardtop or not

FJ40LV V=Van L=Left hand drive

everything is somewhat small.... and can be found for not all that much $$$

... except for the window regulator and hand clip... they would be hard to find... IF you do get it... I could fab some hand window clips at some point.... heres a pic of one i made in the past (oem on left) ... also a pic of the regulator and clip on my door

 

[sypd]

ask for a picture of the door plate.... that will tell us if it was originally a hardtop or not

Requested. Thought he'd posted it.

IF you do get it... I could fab some hand window clips at some point....

Thanks for the offer! I may take you up on that, compensation included of course.

And I just found your 1 week rebuild thread that evidently coincided with an adoption trip to China?! Wow! I'm in awe.

 

[sypd]

IF you do get it...

I was so close, but I didn't get it. Agh! It's all fine though. It'll be right when it's right. Right?

Thanks again for the notes. Very helpful. It's details and the history that really attracts me to FJs, and this community.

Onward

 

[Fast Eddy]

It's details and the history that really attracts me to FJs, and this community.

As you go onward, please refer to them as fj40s or 40s, or cruisers. Anything but "FJs".

 

[sypd]

Ah, sorry. I know better. Apologies.