- Year
- 1980
- Vehicle Model
- 40 Series
- Location
- United States
- Mileage
- 12345
- Color
- Green
I'm a newbie so here goes, I've been reading the FJ43 threads about FJ 43's from South America. I used to own a 1978 FJ40 US spec LHD which was a bit too much of a project and too I found the bed too small. I would like to take the time to buy the "Right" LHD FJ43 or BJ46 would I prefer to pay for body quality and outsource only mechanical work. In terms of priorities, I like the look of a Green FJ: John Deere Green, mint green, forest green - in that order. If I have to I'm willing to re-paint a car that's an excellent body condition, but I'd prefer not to do it. I'd also prefer a hard top model (Live in CT = COLD winters). One of the factory OEM hard tops would be great OR one of the Columbian MPR fiberglass hard tops with the large 1 piece door would be fine. I never liked the ambulance doors due to the limited visibility. Budget is in the $18k-28K range. Willing to stretch for quality. I Have researched at least four currently on the market and could use some knowledgeable pre-purchase advice regarding mechanicals here or perhaps on the phone. I have inspected 2 of the below - both have issues but seem solid enough. here are some of the candidates so far:
Key questions that I need advice on regarding mechanicals are:
- https://www.leboncoin.fr/voitures/1873594865.htm/
- not keen on price nor importing from France during covid- but this seem like the ideal
- 1981 Toyota FJ43 Land Cruiser — JDMbuysell.com
- Bed and floors in semi-rough shape - likely needs frame off replacements or medium bodywork and paint
- Toyota FJ 43 1981 Johon Deere Green Toyocruiser.com
- Nice- but no hard top -or the price
- https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars/1976/toyota/land_cruiser/101211011
- Out of budget
- 1982 Toyota Fj43
- Covered in another thread- It's a pass
- Do the post 79FJ43's from the South American market have the updated split transfer case and front disc brakes that the US spec FJ40's had? If not how important is that for drivability? Some of the above have factory PS-it is "good" enough? I like PS! I cant determine if they have OEM PB? or missing mechanical in engine bay- I am knowledgeable, but no mechanic on the finer points of the 2F engines.
- How difficult is it to mount aftermarket Vintage Air heat and AC units given the mechanicals did not have the "right" taps or temps sensors, hoses etc. in the engine bay?
- In CT it looks like we do not need to pass emissions for cars prior to 1995 so what I care about is getting a truck that has the correct carburetor headers etc. It is hard for me to tell how "correct" many of these engines / bays are from SA.
- Importing a MPR top from SA is between $2- $4Kw shipping - Seems better to buy a truck here that has it already. If I want to retrofit a soft top I see several vendors that can do it new for around $2600 including the cage and fabric.
