Collect them all 1959 FJ25

[landcrusher909]

I finally have a FJ25. My buddy @rockcod found this on FB market place a few days ago and sent it to me. Well even with everything going on getting ready for Bonneville I couldn't pass the chance. So we made a deal over the phone and picked it up this morning. 1959 FJ25 on a 1971 FJ40 frame and drivetrain. There are a few things like welded rear barn doors and a 40 tunnel cover, I was so stoked to see the original fuel tank and gas cap. Its going to be a fun semi resto build.

 

[Cruiser_Nerd]

So wild to have that gauge cluster survive the column shift shenanigans. Looks like you've got a '58 there by the block number and speedo.

 

[Indygbd]

I thought it was a 1957 body. It appears to have the hole for the dash mounted turn signal switch and the upper hole for the vacuum wiper motor twist valve. It has the early Speedo plate. It does not have front cowl vents either which is like a 1957 model. I also noticed it does not appear to have eye bolt holes for the door safety straps.

Very cool truck Rob. If you need any parts let me know my friend.

 

[tahoe40/45]

Congratulations!, that’s a really cool early body. Can’t wait to see what you do with it.

 

[rainingagain]

Nice! I was hoping someone on MUD would pick that up.

 

[Archie 1962 FJ25]

Congratulations Rob. This is surely an odd one, Toyota appears to have started assembling it in 57 and used quite a mixed bag of parts on this. Landcruiser script logo on apron suggest Toyota was still assembling it until late 58 .

 

[scoobiedubes]

Very happy to see it on mud, excited to see what you do with it! Keep us all in the loop, congrats and welcome to the madness

 

[landcrusher909]

After getting some free time my buddy Chris. We pulled the 1971 drivetrain and started working on a plan to bring Emma ( Chris already named her ) back to life. The motor is completely frozen up, trans and T case are really in good shape. Its going to be a long process and I will keep you all updated on her progress @Lagatha62

 

[landcrusher909]

@Indygbd , @Archie 1962 FJ25 and everyone else. I am doing some research on this 25 and something I noticed is there are no kick vents ? Would this have been an overseas model ? Having a lot of fun researching this rig

 

[Indygbd]

@Indygbd , @Archie 1962 FJ25 and everyone else. I am doing some research on this 25 and something I noticed is there are no kick vents ? Would this have been an overseas model ? Having a lot of fun researching this rig

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That is a good question and most people would say yes however that would be incorrect. The United States didn’t start selling FJ25’s until 1958. Early 1958 models used leftover parts from 1957. Actually the U.S. did receive FJ25’s in1957. 2 from what I have read came in late 1957 for Toyota Motor Sales USA to show and sign up potential dealers. The others 6 were sent to Aberdeen Proving Grounds for testing by the military. I have personally owed 2 1958 U.S. model FJ25’s.

If you look at the 1958 U.S. sales brochure you will notice there are no kick vents on the vehicle. You will also notice the hand brake and transfer case levers are in separate locations like later models. That changed mid year 1958 and those 2 shared the same hole in the trans tunnel. Yours also has holes in the center of the dash for the vacuum wiper switch and early turn signal switch.

So to answer your question, I would say it’s impossible to tell for sure. Do you have the serial number?

 

[landcrusher909]

That is a good question and most people would say yes however that would be incorrect. The United States didn’t start selling FJ25’s until 1958. Early 1958 models used leftover parts from 1957. Actually the U.S. did receive FJ25’s in1957. 2 from what I have read came in late 1957 for Toyota Motor Sales USA to show and sign up potential dealers. The others 6 were sent to Aberdeen Proving Grounds for testing by the military. I have personally owed 2 1958 U.S. model FJ25’s.

If you look at the 1958 U.S. sales brochure you will notice there are no kick vents on the vehicle. You will also notice the hand brake and transfer case levers are in separate locations like later models. That changed mid year 1958 and those 2 shared the same hole in the trans tunnel. Yours also has holes in the center of the dash for the vacuum wiper switch and early turn signal switch.

So to answer your question, I would say it’s impossible to tell for sure. Do you have the serial number?

8-FJ25-6561L

 

[landcrusher909]

Tag

 

[Indygbd]

8-FJ25-6561L

My fj25 is 5501L

 

[landcrusher909]

My fj25 is 5501L

Looking at the registry the vin tag makes it a 1958 ?

 

[Indygbd]

Looking at the registry the vin tag makes it a 1958 ?

Agree. The 8- makes it a 1958. Again like mine it’s an early 1958 with the 1957 features.

 

[fwed]

Agree. The 8- makes it a 1958. Again like mine it’s an early 1958 with the 1957 features.

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Hi my question is there any other 3 speed FJ25 in US. Here in Australia they are all 4 speed on the floor same as brochure. The 3 speed vacuum 4wd did not arrive till 40 series.

 

[Indygbd]

Hi my question is there any other 3 speed FJ25 in US. Here in Australia they are all 4 speed on the floor same as brochure. The 3 speed vacuum 4wd did not arrive till 40 series.

All FJ25’s came with 4-speeds here too. This one had many modifications in its lifetime and is not stock.

 

[landcrusher909]

All FJ25’s came with 4-speeds here too. This one had many modifications in its lifetime and is not stock.

Question would this 25 have came with the T bird or the Oval Toyota hood badge ? I found the oval ones and I guess in this case it really wouldn't matter its still going to look cool

 

[Indygbd]

Question would this 25 have came with the T bird or the Oval Toyota hood badge ? I found the oval ones and I guess in this case it really wouldn't matter its still going to look cool

1957 to early 58's had the oval. When they mage changed in mid 58 they switched to T-Bird emblem.