Help for a new member

[RmeAv8r]

Greetings All,
My name is Eric and I am currently working in Saudi Arabia and have found some FJ’s that I may ship home to the States. I don’t know much about Land Cruisers other than I loved them growing up.
I have the option of purchasing a FJ40 and/or a 43. They are 1978 models and have matching numbers, all original.
From what I can tell the prices are pretty cheap but shipping gets steep and tricky. Ideally I restore at least one for myself but I am not sure which.
My question is, am I getting in over my head?

 

[coonassjohn]

Welcome! Both look good and probably worth the investment. As far as being over your head, only you can answer that one.
If it were me I'd take them both.

 

[bhsdriller]

Curious how much could you get them for?

 

[RmeAv8r]

Welcome! Both look good and probably worth the investment. As far as being over your head, only you can answer that one.
If it were me I'd take them both.

If I can get them to pass inspection I just might b

Curious how much could you get them for?

The 40 is about $6K and the 43 is $4700. Both need some work to pass inspection, tires for the 40 and a parking brake job for the 43. I’m told shipping is around $2-3K a piece but may be cheaper if they both fit in one container.

 

[tjhaga]

I’d take both at those prices!

 

[Living in the Past]

I agree take them both. Sell the FJ43 to me. I have a NOS chrome bezel as well as the fog.

 

[coonassjohn]

Take them apart for shipping. Then no inspection and probably cheaper to ship.

 

[1969FJ]

I would jump all over the FJ43.

 

[Living in the Past]

Take them apart for shipping. Then no inspection and probably cheaper to ship.

That would get them in the country but not titled to be registered on the road. May have to cut the frame in half to get it in the country. Half cut are popular for engine upgrades in already title vehicles. The value here is on the whole vehicle not parts. Nothing special in the FJ43 running gear. Doesn't even have a full floating rear axle. Could even have a three speed transmission. While I would have interest in a complete FJ43 I wouldn't if it was parts with the frame cut in half. Usually see half cuts on vehicles that would be hard to import. Maybe Californian would have a problem but not in AZ.

 

[coonassjohn]

Just trying to help the guy out to get them in with the least hassle, not help someone make a quick score.

 

[Living in the Past]

Once they get here still want to be able to title and register them. Not sure about the tub but a complete frame would probably throw up a red flag. These are not a cheap hobby and if cost of shipping is a problem might not be the best idea even import them. Getting them in a container and shipped out in pieces doesn't mean they will just slide thru customs. Can see no reason to take apart a 78 petrol 40 series to import it. Keep hearing about problems arising in California on all imports. But that is California. Guess if someone wants to put one together and leave it as lawn art okay but to register for the road not worth all the extra hassle. Taking it apart and bringing it in pieces is what people do for vehicles that can't be imported. Can see no upside no matter what the OP intends doing with them. I couldn't can see anyway it would even be cheaper. A bunch of pieces will take up a lot more room in a container. Maybe take less if you built crates for all the parts. But will take a lot more time to load and secure all the crates verses driving a vehicle in and blocking and strapping it down. All the extra time or paid labor to take it apart and reassemble. Unless your trying to skirt the import laws I can see no reason to take a vehicle to get it in the country.

 

[RmeAv8r]

Great comments, I appreciate the input! From what I am learning the vehicle must be titled, inspected and functioning for me to ship with the least amount of headache and costs. I am going to meet another American here that shipped one home and see what he had to do. I will update, thanks again!

 

[ToyotaMatt]

Great comments, I appreciate the input! From what I am learning the vehicle must be titled, inspected and functioning for me to ship with the least amount of headache and costs. I am going to meet another American here that shipped one home and see what he had to do. I will update, thanks again!

first off ,

WELCOME TO MUD ........


There is a Importing Mini Forum / Threads here on MUD , I would go there and get Schooled up quick before u spend any DINARS

this way u will wind up spending Less in the end , because Knowledge is Power , & Power Saves $

- one last word of wisdom , make SURE you have the Original Aluminum DATA ID Plate from TOYOTA under the hood / engine bay , held by Rivets or screws , without one your importing will that much more of a challenge
Like Really That Much More ...............

they will look Something Like or exactly like this Egyptian Spec. FJ43 1976 2F with a 3-speed J30 Transmission

take note the LOW production #

here is Link to Importing Forum ....................

good luck

Importing / JDM

Tech and information related to the importation of JDM and other rare vehicles.

forum.ih8mud.com

​

 

[RmeAv8r]

first off ,

WELCOME TO MUD ........


There is a Importing Mini Forum / Threads here on MUD , I would go there and get Schooled up quick before u spend any DINARS

this way u will wind up spending Less in the end , because Knowledge is Power , & Power Saves $

- one last word of wisdom , make SURE both have the Original Aluminum DATA ID Plates from TOYOTA under the hood engine bay , held by Rivets or screws , wothout one your importing will that much more of a challenge

they will look Something Like or exactly like this Egyptian FJ43 1976 with a 3-speed J30 Transmission

take note the LOW production #

here is Link to Importing Forum ....................

good luck

Importing / JDM

Tech and information related to the importation of JDM and other rare vehicles.

forum.ih8mud.com

View attachment 2041803​

Great info, Thanks!!

 

[Living in the Past]

Greetings All,
My name is Eric and I am currently working in Saudi Arabia and have found some FJ’s that I may ship home to the States. I don’t know much about Land Cruisers other than I loved them growing up.
I have the option of purchasing a FJ40 and/or a 43. They are 1978 models and have matching numbers, all original.
From what I can tell the prices are pretty cheap but shipping gets steep and tricky. Ideally I restore at least one for myself but I am not sure which.
My question is, am I getting in over my head?View attachment 2040515

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View attachment 2040517

View attachment 2040518

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One thing you haven't made clear is what is your intent once you get them to the US. If your planning on keeping them then if your getting in over your head is only you would know. Plan on selling them you could go a couple different ways. If you had the cash could have them bought restored there were labor is cheaper than the US. Or fix them up just enough to ship. Either way LHD 40 series from the Middle East are very marketable. You line up your buyers who could either buy them out right or make a large non refundable deposit. Just getting fixed up and selling them as is might less hassle then restoring them as a buyer would expect a trouble free vehicle in excellent shape. Trying to handle that half way around the world. Even as is can still have complaints. Just need the buyer who understands your not a dealer or I assume a expert on the 40 series. So something not brought before the sale was not done intentionally. Make that clear ahead of time you should be fine.

 

[Splangy]

I question the all original part. The 43 has a 1979-newer front bib and bezel on it. The 40 is 1979 or newer. Check the serial numbers on the frame. Data tag and title very carefully before proceeding.

 

[RmeAv8r]

One thing you haven't made clear is what is your intent once you get them to the US. If your planning on keeping them then if your getting in over your head is only you would know. Plan on selling them you could go a couple different ways. If you had the cash could have them bought restored there were labor is cheaper than the US. Or fix them up just enough to ship. Either way LHD 40 series from the Middle East are very marketable. You line up your buyers who could either buy them out right or make a large non refundable deposit. Just getting fixed up and selling them as is might less hassle then restoring them as a buyer would expect a trouble free vehicle in excellent shape. Trying to handle that half way around the world. Even as is can still have complaints. Just need the buyer who understands your not a dealer or I assume a expert on the 40 series. So something not brought before the sale was not done intentionally. Make that clear ahead of time you should be fine.

Very good points.
Ultimately I have one restored for my self. Ideally I sell the FJ43 to cover costs of restoring the 40 or vice versa. I can tell you there are more here available for purchase. Another is an ‘82, I believe, with power steering but it’s currently being considered by another buyer. I expressed interest in it as well in case the other guy passes so I am next up to offer.

 

[RmeAv8r]

I question the all original part. The 43 has a 1979-newer front bib and bezel on it. The 40 is 1979 or newer. Check the serial numbers on the frame. Data tag and title very carefully before proceeding.

I see your point. My phrasing was incorrect in that aspect. I am saying I he body, engine and frame all match and appear to have minimal modifications.

 

[Living in the Past]

I question the all original part. The 43 has a 1979-newer front bib and bezel on it. The 40 is 1979 or newer. Check the serial numbers on the frame. Data tag and title very carefully before proceeding.

Good catch on the FJ40. Didn't really pay attention since not looking to add another FJ40. Without doing some searching believe the spare tire carrier added the extra brace around 5/80. Gas door is hinged on the front but that just confirms past early 79. 8/80 would be split transfer case and hand brake on the rear axle. FJ43 is pre 8/80 with the A Pilar style. Finding a new bib bezel in the same color would be easier than one in a different color in that region. Not sure the cost to restore one in that region but not sure the FJ43 as is would sell for enough to cover it. Would say the same for the FJ40 except what it really is is in doubt. Very likely doesn't have a five speed but having a full floating rear axle may have a four speed. Still looking at $9K just buying and shipping to the US. And that a estimate on shipping customs costs. Guess I would talk to a few members who have restored cruisers in that region of the world. Get more info on the two for sale. Then go from there. I have always lived well within my budget. Even if I sold one to pay to restore another would want at least 50% above the estimate available. There is enough stress in life without adding some that could be avoided.There is a reason insurance companies will total a vehicle even when estimated repairs are less than the value. Very common to have extra costs arise once work has started. Same with restoring any vehicle.

 

[RmeAv8r]

One thing you haven't made clear is what is your intent once you get them to the US. If your planning on keeping them then if your getting in over your head is only you would know. Plan on selling them you could go a couple different ways. If you had the cash could have them bought restored there were labor is cheaper than the US. Or fix them up just enough to ship. Either way LHD 40 series from the Middle East are very marketable. You line up your buyers who could either buy them out right or make a large non refundable deposit. Just getting fixed up and selling them as is might less hassle then restoring them as a buyer would expect a trouble free vehicle in excellent shape. Trying to handle that half way around the world. Even as is can still have complaints. Just need the buyer who understands your not a dealer or I assume a expert on the 40 series. So something not brought before the sale was not done intentionally. Make that clear ahead of time you should be fine.

Yeah, I am neither a dealer or an expert by any means. I would like to make some profit to help with the other model but ideally I pass the savings on to the buyer so they can restore it to their desired level.