FJ43

[addicted56]

I'm down in Colombia and there is an abandoned FJ43 where I work. I am going to get the doors opened on it next week to grab the vin but I'm wondering based off the rest of the information I've gathered what year it was.

From the tag inside the passenger engine compartment.

FJ43L-KC
FJ43-67185
309 LL11
H41 K052

The frame number matches that of the plate.

Engine number is FJ43-24391

I've used a couple different sites to get some info. Best guess though is that it is a 03/80.

As soon as I can grab the Vin I will know more hopefully.

 

[Bear]

You are correct, that truck was manufactured during the middle of March 1980.

My sources tell me that it was built at the factory as a left-hand drive mid-wheelbase soft-top with split half-metal / half-canvas rear ambo doors. It was painted "Freeborn Red," came with the granny-low four-speed transmission, and had 3.73s in the diffs. It probably had a non-split transfer case, and most likely front drum brakes. I would expect it has fiberglass rear upper sides and roof now. HTH

 

[addicted56]

You are correct, that truck was manufactured during the middle of March 1980.

My sources tell me that it was built at the factory as a left-hand drive mid-wheelbase soft-top with split half-metal / half-canvas rear ambo doors. It was painted "Freeborn Red," came with the granny-low four-speed transmission, and had 3.73s in the diffs. It probably had a non-split transfer case, and most likely front drum brakes. I would expect it has fiberglass rear upper sides and roof now. HTH

You are correct ,

It is a left hand and it does have an aftermarket removable hard top. It does have rear ambo doors and it is currently Red (I think the hood was repainted at one point). Judging from other sources I beleive it does have the 4.9??? low first gear with the H41 tranny. I have no idea about the transfercase I beleive stock, I will have to look. It does have front drum brakes with old split rims.

Thank you for clarifying. Now if I can just get the paperwork figured out I might have a chance at bringing this thing home with me.

 

[addicted56]

It looks exactly like this. Same top, mirrors, rims, etc. Only difference is it is Red, has a roof rack, and has 70s series type turn signals.

Well that and it has 5-7 years of grime on the exterior.

 

[JohnnyC]

when you grab the vin...also bring a camera


soooo....are you going to purchase this rig?

 

[4XLT]

say yes say yes say yes say yes

 

[Exiled]

The use of 70 series turn signals on 40 series Cruisers is very common all over Latin America because of the easy availability of aftermarket ones.

Lets see some pictures, sounds pretty cool!

 

[addicted56]

I will grab some pictures on Monday. The extreior isn't pretty on this one but on the interior besides a missing stereo and a broken headrest it looks perfect. It either has 2K miles on it or 102K. I haven't decided yet. Judging by the lack of a drop of grease underneith and or oil in the engine compartment, tires that still have the nipples on them I would think 2K. But then again the fan blade has the edeges chopped up from who knows what so I have no idea.

I sure hope to bring it home. It has some very serious paperwork issues I guess. Hence why it was abandoned here 5-7 years ago.

I think I can get them worked out. I would just need to pay the back taxes, fees to transfer paperwork, and ship it home.

We will see.

 

[addicted56]

Well,

I found the problem today....I THINK.

I used a coat hanger to pop open the vent window and then reached in, unlocked the door and opened it up. Seals were a little sticky from bing closed for 5+ years but they stayed on.

All I can say about the interior is PERFECT. I adjusted what I thought was a broken headrest (it was just back) and then took a peak around.

Only spot of rust is a bit starting to show where some water leaks in and gets under the drives side mat. The rest of it is SPOTLESS. Missing a radio and one other whole just above it. Not sure what it is. Otherwise seats look like they were never sat on and the steering wheel never touched. I wouldn't be surprised if this thing really only had 2K Kilometers on it.

As to the problem why the last guy couldn't bring it back to the states. The VIN plate is completely missing.

Question #1: is the Frame # the same as the VIN

Question #2: Can I get another one made just like the guy with the VIN plate thread. Only problem is, his are for under the hood and I need it for the A pillar

Question #3: If the frame is not the same as the VIN....I assume the DMV can get it from me from the licsence plate number it was last registered to. Or can anyone on here find it with some hook ups?

Here is a pick. I used the time the gaurd was on patrol to break into and he came back when I was perusing around inside and didn't seem to take a second glance. So when he is gone tomorrow I will take more pictures.

Any help much appreciated. I realistically have until 25 March to get this thing straightened out and on a ship...though I have some freinds that might be able to help if I can't get it done by then.

 

[addicted56]

Ohh,

And I think I figured out the vents on the front of the top. They flow around thru the top and dump out in fents in the front, middle and rear of the vehicle. Pretty cool. Considering it doesn't have a heater I see why.

 

[Radd Cruisers]

Ohh,

And I think I figured out the vents on the front of the top. They flow around thru the top and dump out in fents in the front, middle and rear of the vehicle. Pretty cool. Considering it doesn't have a heater I see why.

Grogan just purchased one in the US with the exact top, thought it was aftermarket but now Im thinking its factory.

Cool truck.

Rob

 

[addicted56]

I don't know. Its hard to say. On one hand they say that they were only brought here with soft tops becuase it was cheaper to import. Of if not soft tops the factory was a non removable hardtop. But then if you look at the glass on it, it is all toyota factory glass. I also am willing to bet the rear lock matches that of the doors but I'm not sure yet.

 

[addicted56]

The engine numbers I pulled do not seem to match what I see online for the 2F. Maybe I pulled the wrong set of numbers as there were a couple more just above it on the plate I believe.

Can anyone confirm that this engine may have came out of this truck or another?

Thank you.

 

[addicted56]

Good progress today. I got ahold of the owner and he was a very good guy. Might just be able to work this thing out after all. I might have to yank the engine out and ship it back seperatly but hey. The elbow grease you have to put into saving a car from rotting is always worth it.

 

[wngrog]

Top looks just like mine. I have a yellow one (78) from Columbia. The top is not factory, it is made in Columbia.

More info here.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/263118-school-me-fj-43s.html