FJ40 frame/chassis swap

[jwdabomb]

I am looking to do a frame swap on my FJ40. What am I getting myself into? Does anyone have any insight they can provide? How many man hours should this take for a professional mechanic?
Also, I am looking for a 1975 or earlier frame that is titled. I live in Northern California but would be willing to have it shipped. Thanks

 

[1969FJ]

What is wrong with your frame ?

 

[firefighterjed]

What is wrong with your frame ?

Betting that it’s the wrong age. In the lovely state of California they make it difficult to own older vehicles. Unless they’re older than 1975. Then the regulations lighten up.

 

[1969FJ]

I see. Makes sense. I knew a California person who did the same thing. But, since the frame number is about a 6 inch square area on the passenger side of the front frame rail, he bought that piece and welded it in. So, you now have an older number. Simple. You can actually find a rusted frame from older as the front usually never rusts as bad as the rear, so, one is as good as the rest.

 

[jwdabomb]

If any of you have been through this process before, I would appreciate your insight.

 

[pjohnson]

You do realize that you have just publicly stated you plan to break the law, right?

 

[thecrazygreek]

 

[reddingcruiser]

Well, I have "restored" several early pre-smog vehicles. It's amazing how almost everything on an FJ40 up to 1978 will bolt right onto an early frame.

Cutting out a VIN and swapping it to another frame, now that's a bit dicey.

 

[1969FJ]

You do realize that you have just publicly stated you plan to break the law, right?

Actually, no. It has been a grey area forever. This has been hashed over and over. The law ALLOWS frame repairs as part of any repair. So, if you get a hole or rust, it can be repaired and move forward. Now, lets say your frame is rusted real bad. Lets assume another deal. You got impacted in the front and messed up the frame rails. Can they be repaired ? So you salvage some and they include a new frame number. I never want to break a law but when it comes to frame repairs it seems everybody has an opinion that differs.

 

[reddingcruiser]

Actually, no. It has been a grey area forever. This has been hashed over and over. The law ALLOWS frame repairs as part of any repair. So, if you get a hole or rust, it can be repaired and move forward. Now, lets say your frame is rusted real bad. Lets assume another deal. You got impacted in the front and messed up the frame rails. Can they be repaired ? So you salvage some and they include a new frame number. I never want to break a law but when it comes to frame repairs it seems everybody has an opinion that differs.

If you swap a damaged frame in California you will end up with a 'Salvage' title. When you do a VIN verification it will tied to the original VIN. My wife's 40 has a Salvage title.

 

[1969FJ]

If you swap a damaged frame in California you will end up with a 'Salvage' title. When you do a VIN verification it will tied to the original VIN. My wife's 40 has a Salvage title.

I suppose all states have some statute about this. In your case, you swapped a frame, not a repair. I had a friend in Montana who bought an FJ40 and the PO had welded over part of the stamped frame number. There also was no pillar tag either. So, he had no choice but to cut and weld so they had some number to register with. What he did was find a real rusty old frame and did a great job of welding in the piece where the frame number is. Still driving it today.

 

[pjohnson]

Actually, no. It has been a grey area forever.

I don't think the CA DMV or CHP consider it a grey area. Ask either one, I have.

he bought that piece and welded it in

Doing this would be illegal in CA, perhaps not in Montana.

Of course a frame swap is not illegal. You just have to follow the rules.