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11-85
fj4500850441
2f 799764
one of the last ones built
11-85
fj4500850441
2f 799764
one of the last ones built
MUD missil!QUOTE]
HAHA, you said, Mud Missil!!!
Johnny,
My research shows the last 45 frame being produced in June 1985, number FJ45-421310, but this earlier number should be correct as follows: I came across four different series of FJ45 serial numbers produced through the late 1970s and early 1980s. Likely this was done either for different world markets, or perhaps different models such as RHD, LHD, CKD, or cab/chassis types.
Since during that time not all countries subscribed to the 18-digit VIN number system, variations were possible in a world market.
The particular serial number of this truck, FJ45-850441, seems to have had its frame made in January 1984; the last serial number in that series was FJ45-850558, produced on October 1984. In that respect it would be one of the last trucks produced IN THAT SERIES, but not necessarily one of the last FJ45 trucks produced.
It would be helpful to know the specifics of this truck off the firewall plate, to see if it was a cab and chassis-only model, or a complete truck, and whether LHD or RHD, and maybe its location, to determine the market it was sold into, or the non-Japan point of assembly.
I have read that 45s were sold into the 1986 year, but that all those were cab and chassis-only models, no pickup beds. And I have seen a photo of a number of completed frames with engines-only sitting outside one of the Toyota factory buildings sometime in 1986--could've been one of your archived photos. Incomplete vehicles could have been sitting at the factory for some time. I have no way of knowing when in the production process the serial numbers were stamped onto the frames. All I can come up with is the very last frame number, in the longest running and final production series, was FJ45-421310, produced June 1985. If all this is true, then chronological numbers will be out of sequence.
The Master Parts Catalog shows the pickups ending April 1986 as cab and chassis-only, sold for the General world market, with the last of the hardtops dated October 1985--both of these LHD. Unfortunately the Master Catalog doesn't give serial numbers. However, in the preface, they do mention that in the millions of parts in the book, occasionally they will reference an engine or frame number. I just have not paid that close attention to find one of those rarities--maybe someday.
In any event, the four different sets of serial numbers show that each line was dribbling out the very last few trucks towards the end, no longer the big monthly production quotas.
Do you know anyone with a definite factory production schedule for these? My source dried up some time ago, so I can't check out the numbers I have.
Do you have any thing showing a later frame number and a later factory build date?
Ya did TJ...
We are not going to derail the serial number thread.
Pm this cat, give them a link to this thread, and ask them to post up about the truck here.
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hi there,
I am swapping the chassis with an australian one.
I am swapping the chassis with an australian one.
I remember reading an article in Fourwheeler, years ago, maybe mid/late 80's, about a couple in the states that wanted a 45 but by then they were out of production. They were referred to a company in South Africa? about aquiring one. The company ended up piecing one together and selling it to them.
Something about no complete trucks were sent to the country, just parts and the companies pieced them together.
I probably still have the magazine tucked away somewhere.
........I might be able to scan it and send it to someone here to post.It is a great read...