Stumpalama
Forum Junkie
I totally got it...Your question says all you need to know.
Clearly you got it figured out. Go for it! I'm sure you have plenty of time, space, and $$$ to make that nag a stallion. 'cause it's gonna take lots of each.
My assessment is not as rosy as Patrick’s. The fact that the truck has 2 pictures of it from a time when there was measurable snow and it is snow covered tells me there is a lot lurking.
While the metal in the ‘78 tubs is 16ga as opposed to the later tubs that were 18ga, it didn’t make them immune to rust issues.
Ask @TRFCSUX how much bondo can be hidden on such a relatively small tub... I still have flashbacks when I get a whiff of burning bondo from a sanding disk.
Also, the engines ARE relatively bulletproof, there is still a lot there, plus all the mechanicals attached to it that can be more problematic than a simple front wheel drive Civic. Rear main seals, clutches, drive shafts, pinion seals, etc...
Ask @1MOA about what can go wrong with a “simple” FJ40 and how $$$ it can get when you are just trying to make it a “wheeler”.
All this is not to say it isn’t worth a look. I’d check out every FJ40 ad, if I could, just ‘cause I love FJ40’s. However, there is a lot to consider before jumping into the vintage 4x4 game.