SOLD Fj40 wanted

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Year
1976
Vehicle Model
  1. 40 Series
Color
Red
Hello,

I'm looking for an Fj40. My first vehicle was a 1970 in dune beige. Sold it when we had kids, dogs, etc. Now I'm retired and want another one.

I'm looking for one that's as original as possible. Years 1968 to 1978. I like the ambulance doors, but pre 1975 gets me away from the Oregon smog requirements. Three on the tree is fine. No V8 conversions, no highly modified wheelers. Tasteful upgrades like power steering, disc brakes are acceptable. Don't need AC as whenever it's warm enough for that, the top will be off. Will be mostly used for putzing around in nice weather, picking up cute girls and beer runs. 😉 No hard core wheeling.

My biggest limitation is, it needs to be freeborn red. I've always wanted a red one so I've decided to wait until I find one. I love the original wheels and hubcaps. An 8274 would be awesome. Soft top would be fine, save me the hassle of storing the hard top.

Obviously, I'd prefer as rust free as possible. Original paint would be fantastic. Some patina is okay. I'm not much of a mechanic but could handle some of that, with the assistance of the local LC shop. I'm not really interested in major body work. A restored vehicle would be fine, if done well and kept original.

I'd go to $35K for the right vehicle, but would prefer to be in the $20K's range to allow for my own addition/repairs. I'm in Oregon but willing to travel or ship. A road trip to one of the western states to check out a 40 would be fun. The further away it is, the nicer it would have to be. If it's sketchy, I'd want to see it in person and I'm probably not going to drive to Texas ot Tennessee....

As an example, I should have pursued this one, but was still wishy washy in my decision to buy. I've since decided to just pull the trigger. Life's too short and I'm not getting any younger. 🙂 Plus, the wife is fine with it (she hasn't yet figured out it will mean her car will have to park outside so the 40 can park inside. My side of the garage is already full of other toys.....).


Thanks in advance for any help you can give me. Let me know what's out there. I peruse Craigslist and Facebook marketplace regularly, but I'm sure I miss some. Please don't be offended if I'm not interested in your vehicle, I realize I'm being very picky.

(Picture for attention only, though if this is you rig I'd love to hear from you)

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Ding ding ding. Jump on it. Looks good!
 
If you can, I’d go check it out in person or see if you can locate someone in the area who can (and won’t try to buy it).
From those pics, no obvious signs of repaint, doesn’t look hacked up and I like the stripes. Looking at the rear sill would see how bad the rust is, but it doesn’t look like it’s hiding anything. Looks like any rust there is popping through; that’s the best part about non-fresh paint, the issues have already surfaced.
Looks like a good one.
 
 
The red one in Michigan does look pretty nice, but probably not 30k nice? The rust is really going to blossom. Might be an older resto that was resprayed? Kind of looks like it around the edge of the tub with top off and on the rear fenders where the paint is bubbling. Definitely want to look in person and stick your head up under those rear fenders and along the sill underneath.

Three red ones on BaT right now too



 
The red one in Michigan does look pretty nice, but probably not 30k nice? The rust is really going to blossom. Might be an older resto that was resprayed? Kind of looks like it around the edge of the tub with top off and on the rear fenders where the paint is bubbling. Definitely want to look in person and stick your head up under those rear fenders and along the sill underneath.

Three red ones on BaT right now too




Thanks for pointing those out. I'm watching all of them. The 1977 is ideal, but is going to go past my budget I'm sure.

The 1972 is really nice. I'd rather it have the stock f engine and 3 speed, but I might be able to live with the 2f and 4 speed. We'll see how high that goes. I'm probably not willing to go tot the top of my budget fro something without original running gear.

The 1971 is my least favorite of the three...auxiliary gas tank, missing running boards, rust.... plus the bedliner on the interior is a deal killer for me.

Thanks for keeping your eye out for me though, I appreciate it.
 
The red one in Michigan does look pretty nice, but probably not 30k nice? The rust is really going to blossom. Might be an older resto that was resprayed? Kind of looks like it around the edge of the tub with top off and on the rear fenders where the paint is bubbling. Definitely want to look in person and stick your head up under those rear fenders and along the sill underneath.

Three red ones on BaT right now too




On the Michigan one, you echo my thoughts. There is bubbling rust in all the usual places....rockers, rear fenders, one front fender and rear sill. Is it going to explode in rust in two or three years? Plus, coming from the Midwest and their road salt, I'm a bit concerned. Otherwise, I love it.

Two mud members ( @Ocho77 and @Planespotting ) have generously offered to go look at it for me. The owner keeps it at his vacation home several hours away, so I'm just waiting for them to coordinate a visit. I'm not in a hurry, as I want to be sure to get the right vehicle, so that can take time.

Thanks for all your help.
 
The thing about that '72, it's just too pretty. Nothing left for me to do but drive it. I kinda want one I can putter on....

Also, do the rubber bumpers on the rear bumperettes indicate a foreign model? Also doesn't appear to have a rear heater.....?

17-43.jpg
 
The thing about that '72, it's just too pretty. Nothing left for me to do but drive it. I kinda want one I can putter on....

Also, do the rubber bumpers on the rear bumperettes indicate a foreign model? Also doesn't appear to have a rear heater.....?

View attachment 2928819
The rubber bumpers are available and they probably just added them. Kinda cool 😎 . That 72 is super nice. The 2F and 4 speed are nice upgrades. I wouldn't be surprised if that goes higher.
 
The rubber bumpers are available and they probably just added them. Kinda cool 😎 . That 72 is super nice. The 2F and 4 speed are nice upgrades. I wouldn't be surprised if that goes higher.
Yeah, it will probably go above my budget anyway...

The 2f and 4speed are nice upgrades, but I just favor 'original '......
 
Two mud members ( @Ocho77 and @Planespotting ) have generously offered to go look at it for me. The owner keeps it at his vacation home several hours away, so I'm just waiting for them to coordinate a visit. I'm not in a hurry, as I want to be sure to get the right vehicle, so that can take time.

Thanks for all your help.

Hadn't heard from you so I figured Ocho77 got to it for you. Still available if needed, it would give me an excuse to drop by my buddies garage where mine is.
 
Not sure where the truck is compared to the other guys but I would be happy to look at it for ya if its in my neck of the woods. I have no interest in buying just offering some help.
 
Thanks @Planespotting and @Crinkler, I appreciate your offers to help. I think the owner and @Ocho77 are going to schedule something, but if that doesn't work I'll reach out to see if one of you has the time. I really appreciate the help. It'll give me a lot more peace of mind if I know someone unbiased has put eyes on it.
 

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