FJ40 woes. Sell/keep? What's it worth?

[762jp]

Please move if this is in the wrong place. I'm sure other 40 owners have been here or shared the sentiment.

I bought my 40 last year (in August, actually) I've chipped away at it here and there. I swapped in a 2F, 4 speed. The wiring was all butchered when I bought it. It still is, but slightly better than it was. I've replaced all kinds of parts, spent all kinds of time and it still isn't remotely close to being ready for the road. I hate the Weber carb on it. I had it rebuilt professionally and it still doesn't seem right. Going back to an Aisin style carb seems like a chore since I don't have any of the original linkages, etc. I've kind of run out of time and motivation for it. Sucks cause I never really got to experience 40 ownership lol. Think I'll just pour whatever time was allotted for this thing in to my 80s series. Have young kids, don't have the kind of free time I used to.

I'm considering selling it as-is. Wondering what Mud thinks it's worth. Attached are some photos. It's a 62. Terrible paint job from PO. Drivetrain is from an 80. Seats are non original. The wiring off of the ignition switch is original, with factory colors. Just about everything else has been touched. Very little rust. No rot. Originally from TX. (Technically one owner based on the story I got) It's pretty rough around the edges but most of its bones are still there. Thanks in advance.

 

[trig8r]

I am in the same boat only I have been at it a lot longer and have probably thrown a lot more money at it. I am keeping at it, hoping that it is worth it in the end.

 

[fireflyr]

Actually, you are enjoying the pleasure of 40 ownership. They are always a chore but the first time you pop the top off, drop the windshield and load up the kids it will all be worth it. I was where you are 2 years ago. Stick with it, you’ll never get another shot at it. Besides, it looks like you’ve done most of the heavy lifting. I don’t see too many ‘62s.

 

[Augustiron]

I'm laughing at another thread started by somebody asking in the fj40 fanatic section if they should keep their fj40 that they aren't having a good time with.

If you're not having a good time, sell it.
Life's too short to deal with BS.

As for what it's worth?
Post it up in the classifieds with a good detailed ad and lots of photos with what you would like to get for it and ask for feedback

But I expect 99% of responses here to be
1) no don't sell it
a) never selling my fj40
b) regret selling my fj40

Old / project cars aren't for everybody.

 

[sandsfj40]

Nice to have something so early. Keep it going, lots of items here that can be bought for your needs. Make sure you send the info to the registry page for historical purposes. 40 Series Registry - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/40-series-registry.771909/page-25

 

[Augustiron]

Cruiser blinders are strong here.....

OP states "spent a ton of time already, not remotely close to being ready for the road, don't have time to do this..."

Fj40 cult "keep going!!"

Lol

Ask someone outside of mud if you should keep it.

 

[762jp]

Cruiser blinders are strong here.....

OP states "spent a ton of time already, not remotely close to being ready for the road, don't have time to do this..."

Fj40 cult "keep going!!"

Lol

Ask someone outside of mud if you should keep it.

I love it, but I wish I had bought a later model or one that was more complete when I bought it. I'm a BMW tech for a living. It gets a bit tiring to work on cars 24/7 even when I'm not working lol

 

[fireflyr]

OMG. I’m part of a cult.

 

[rainingagain]

I love it, but I wish I had bought a later model or one that was more complete when I bought it. I'm a BMW tech for a living. It gets a bit tiring to work on cars 24/7 even when I'm not working lol

Maybe you can tell me why me E61's back hatch just decided it only wants to go down halfway haha! JK - pretty sure it's another busted wire in that stupid loom.

Do you have the space for another one? Maybe go looking for what you want now that you know what you really want. Then sell the 62.

 

[RodrigzCrzr]

I would say keep at it. you're almost there. I put a 2f and a 4 speed on my 71 fj40. used the original 2 barrel carb and a vacuum advance dizzy. and she runs great. it is daunting. but once they are dialed in they a fun to drive.

 

[762jp]

Maybe you can tell me why me E61's back hatch just decided it only wants to go down halfway haha! JK - pretty sure it's another busted wire in that stupid loom.

Do you have the space for another one? Maybe go looking for what you want now that you know what you really want. Then sell the 62.

99% of the time, BMW wagon trunk/hatch related problems tie back to the wiring harness lol. You're probably right.

 

[pb4ugo]

I love it, but I wish I had bought a later model or one that was more complete when I bought it. I'm a BMW tech for a living. It gets a bit tiring to work on cars 24/7 even when I'm not working lol

Older 40's can be a handful. There's a lot unique parts on them that aren't compatible with today's needs. You recently bought it and put parts into it, so you probably have an idea if value. You need to get it running and driving to get top dollar out of it.

I sold a car trailer last week and I had my 75 40 parked outside when the guy showed up. He bought the trailer then asked "What do you have on the Toyota Jeep?" I Initially ignored him, after asking about 4 times I said, What? He asked again. I told him he had a better chance of buying the house and 40 acres.

 

[cruisermatt]

Sell it and get a better one

 

[Living in the Past]

I love it, but I wish I had bought a later model or one that was more complete when I bought it. I'm a BMW tech for a living. It gets a bit tiring to work on cars 24/7 even when I'm not working lol

If your having issues with a 62's wiring you definitely don't want a newer 40. I have a 9/67 which have a few more things and never had to use a manual for the wiring going back to 1974. Only problem I ever had was the hazard flashers which I found later the problem to be a hidden fuse in the wiring harness up under the dash.

62 does not have hazard flashers, reverse light, factory heater, idle solenoid compared to my early 68 and which I consider to be simple compared to wiring in the seventies and eighties.

 

[Augustiron]

OMG. I’m part of a cult.

Acknowledgement is the first step

 

[60 40]

You have now experienced FJ40 ownership but not the driving part perhaps take a ride in a fully functional one? Still going to be old, loud and rattly unless you want to spend over $100,000.

Nobody want to talk price especially with so few pictures but I'll give it a go anyways. Current economy you might get $10,000 for yours sounds like the one you want will cost you $50,000. If you don't mind the ride perhaps storing and rebuilding or selling later depending on resources is an option.

 

[peesalot]

If you have young kids, I say shelve the 40 until you can enjoy it, by the way thats a rare bird in decent condition IMO. I have seen exactly zero 62's for sale in a couple decades fwiw. I would hold it if you can. Have fun with the family in the 80 while you can, they grow too quick. I was lucky enough to take my son & my daughter on separate weeks ( 1 to Rubithon & 1 to 2nd Jeep Jamboree) on Rubicon in the 40 many years, not the perfect Dad but I made that happen and it is one of my best accomplishments & memories, my 40 has become part of my life, make your 80 the same.

 

[762jp]

You have now experienced FJ40 ownership but not the driving part perhaps take a ride in a fully functional one? Still going to be old, loud and rattly unless you want to spend over $100,000.

Nobody want to talk price especially with so few pictures but I'll give it a go anyways. Current economy you might get $10,000 for yours sounds like the one you want will cost you $50,000. If you don't mind the ride perhaps storing and rebuilding or selling later depending on resources is an option.

Thanks for your insight. Not so much the old, loud and ratty part. My 80 is lifted on 35's w bumpers, rack, etc and I have a dually f350 6.7 lol neither one drives like a Bentley. Just more so wish I had bought one that was more put together as I said before. TY for your help and opinion.

 

[762jp]

If your having issues with a 62's wiring you definitely don't want a newer 40. I have a 9/67 which have a few more things and never had to use a manual for the wiring going back to 1974. Only problem I ever had was the hazard flashers which I found later the problem to be a hidden fuse in the wiring harness up under the dash.

62 does not have hazard flashers, reverse light, factory heater, idle solenoid compared to my early 68 and which I consider to be simple compared to wiring in the seventies and eighties.

Not the wiring so much as I wish it was original and unmolested. Maybe I should've said that instead. I think when I first bought it, I was so excited and didn't even give it a second thought lol

I don't think I'm going to sell it. Just a little frustrated with it, I suppose. This thread was a good reality check. I'm a bmw tech. Nothing is "hard" about working on 40s just the laundry list of every little thing lol. Thanks for your help sir much obliged.

 

[1911]

Originally from TX. (Technically one owner based on the story I got) It's pretty rough around the edges but most of its bones are still there. Thanks in advance.

I'm no authority on older 40's, but that one looks like a South American import to me - no heater, cringe-worthy front turn signals, international-market air cleaner. That could also explain the butchered wiring. I hope not for your sake, but if so then the value is considerably less than a U.S. market one.