Looks like an honest '45. I'd bid if they accepted bids < $20k.
Fixed top swb list
- Thread starter Gumby
- Start date
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1962 Factory Green FJ45 SWB 12062
4-FJ45-15837
landcruisnman
1972 FJ55 "Iron Giant"
4FJ4515046 on Ebay right now....
2-FJ4511941 LHD Brought into Panama by a guy who worked for the Canal.
Why does that VIN start with a "3" denoting a 1963 vehicle - which is no shock since 1963 was when this body style was made, but the tag shows 1965? Something's a little fishy there. Other than that, she looks nice.
Nothing fishy. And not uncommon. The "3" as you say designates the model-year Toyota manufactured it---as a 1963 model. You will notice that the font of the 1965 stamped into the data plate is different from the vin font stamped by the factory. Either the dealership stamped the 1965 or it was stamped at the port of entry in 1965. You will also notice that there is a round tag screwed to the lower right-hand corner of the data plate stamped "T-66." That is either when the dealership sold the vehicle, 1966, or when the vehicle was first registered---which were probably one and the same, in 1966.
All these discrepancies in dates are attributable to the lag between the time of manufacture, the time sat on storage lots awaiting transit to the dealership, the time sat on dealership lots, and the time of first registration---in this case a 3-year process.
Remember, Toyota in the early 1960s was just getting a foothold in the U.S. market. There was that World War, after all, which soured a lot of Americans toward all things Japanese, there was the residual prejudice, there were trade relations to overcome and there was of course competition from the familiar big-3 home-brands---Ford, Chevy and Dodge---to contend with.
Yet, a few folks bought Toyotas.
tahoe40/45
SILVER Star
It was built in late 63, but probably sat around till 65 before it sold. So even though it is a 63 build, its a 65 on paper because it sold that year.
Ha, looks like Old Red and I answered at the same time. I didn't notice the 66 tag on the bottom.
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The font of the 1965 does look a little off.
i have just bought one but not picked up yet, cant wait..will have to make a tub
- Thread starter
- #112
I can't read the VIN.
its a bit tricky to read isnt it..4-FJ45-15312 eng F 187867
@FJ45VTOZ does it have the 5" chassis extension at the rear cab mount? Every factory bed I've seen here is a 62 model, by 64 I'd say fixedcabs would have been all trayback originally until the long wheelbase beds come out, but I do like your idea of fabricating a replica factory bed as I have thought the same for one of my 63 models
it doesnt have the chassis extension, it currently has a dual cab tray on it which is coming off. i am going to make a tub either way. ive got access to 2 fj40 wrecks for the tub; ill put two together. its missing the big window carb and an interior mirror head, other than that i think its all there, i have some orig wheels already, not sure if 64 front bumper was new or old shape?
will know more when i get it home.
Roof looks good and 64 is new shape bumper
So, did they go to fiberglass roofs in '64? I thought that happened when they went to folding windshield.
@Searcher356 I'm not aware of any fj45 pickups that came with fiberglass roofs, they did change the shape of the rear of the roof at the end of 64 with the folding windshield and removable back section
This is the difference between fixedtop and removable top roofs
This is the difference between fixedtop and removable top roofs
It doesn't look like a steel roof in the photo of the black '64.
its steel alright, its just in quite good condition considering. I thought fibreglass roofs were never OEM on pick ups?
