First post here, am just now starting my research and potential quest. From my internet travels, this forum seems to be the one most frequented and one with the most knowledge base for FJ40's.
I had a '72 FJ40 in the early 90's that had been rolled. It didn't have a hardtop, but no rust, non synchro 3 spd etc. I eventually sold it for $4500
I had an Arles Blue '97 D90 SW as well. That was great rig. It had the usual corrosion problems, water intrusion through the rear floor seam and some other less than stellar construction issues most D90's have. I had to sell the D90 back when we started having kids in '02.
Now several years later I'm looking to buy a FJ40 in good shape, preferably a '79-'83 with some owners history and documentation. Of course I'm looking for the least amount of rust I can find, but if it's a good candidate I wouldn't mind replacing a minor amount of rust. I'd shy away from anything diamond plated or rhino lined for this reason. I want to see what I'm buying rather than discovering rust later that had been concealed. I can't say I'm too fond of V8 conversions and would prefer the original engine and gearbox. I'd like to find one that hasn't been modded or messed with too much, as well as one that has been taken care of by all of its owners. That doesn't mean I'm looking for an auction garage queen. I'd prefer it not be actually as I want to use it. 33's, a mild lift, winch etc is about the extent of any mods I'd do to it myself. I'm open to colors but not all of them. I'm admittedly fond of the blue ones though. I'd be using it for less than extreme trails in the Bend, OR back country, dirt bike camping and possibly towing behind a RV.
I spoke to a guy named Greg from Vintage Offroad. Seemed like a nice fella on the phone and had some great info. He's a consigner though. That isn't necessarily bad imo, but I've always bought my used cars from the owner himself, who you can speak to and evaluate. I also found a site for a guy who does extensive restoration in Lincoln City, OR. His name is Scott Gesik and he looks to have a good operation going for himself. I'd likely speak to him (since I live in the vicinity) if I find one needing some work. I'm sure anything I find will need attention.
Pricing these FJ's I've found are a bit tricky right now. It sounds like they had a run up in price a few years back but have since settled down? So I'm conscious of this. I don't mind spending the money on one, so long as the value of potentially paying a premium is there later on. I've been looking at first gen Broncos as well, although it seems like the vast majority of them are rusted up and clapped out.
So if there are any leads on a '79-'83 in good shape for a guy who lives in the Pac Nw, I'd appreciate the contact.
Thanks...
I had a '72 FJ40 in the early 90's that had been rolled. It didn't have a hardtop, but no rust, non synchro 3 spd etc. I eventually sold it for $4500
I had an Arles Blue '97 D90 SW as well. That was great rig. It had the usual corrosion problems, water intrusion through the rear floor seam and some other less than stellar construction issues most D90's have. I had to sell the D90 back when we started having kids in '02. Now several years later I'm looking to buy a FJ40 in good shape, preferably a '79-'83 with some owners history and documentation. Of course I'm looking for the least amount of rust I can find, but if it's a good candidate I wouldn't mind replacing a minor amount of rust. I'd shy away from anything diamond plated or rhino lined for this reason. I want to see what I'm buying rather than discovering rust later that had been concealed. I can't say I'm too fond of V8 conversions and would prefer the original engine and gearbox. I'd like to find one that hasn't been modded or messed with too much, as well as one that has been taken care of by all of its owners. That doesn't mean I'm looking for an auction garage queen. I'd prefer it not be actually as I want to use it. 33's, a mild lift, winch etc is about the extent of any mods I'd do to it myself. I'm open to colors but not all of them. I'm admittedly fond of the blue ones though. I'd be using it for less than extreme trails in the Bend, OR back country, dirt bike camping and possibly towing behind a RV.
I spoke to a guy named Greg from Vintage Offroad. Seemed like a nice fella on the phone and had some great info. He's a consigner though. That isn't necessarily bad imo, but I've always bought my used cars from the owner himself, who you can speak to and evaluate. I also found a site for a guy who does extensive restoration in Lincoln City, OR. His name is Scott Gesik and he looks to have a good operation going for himself. I'd likely speak to him (since I live in the vicinity) if I find one needing some work. I'm sure anything I find will need attention.
Pricing these FJ's I've found are a bit tricky right now. It sounds like they had a run up in price a few years back but have since settled down? So I'm conscious of this. I don't mind spending the money on one, so long as the value of potentially paying a premium is there later on. I've been looking at first gen Broncos as well, although it seems like the vast majority of them are rusted up and clapped out.
So if there are any leads on a '79-'83 in good shape for a guy who lives in the Pac Nw, I'd appreciate the contact.
Thanks...
