Help identifying the model year of my FJ40

[ToasterDude]

Hey there, I'm located in Australia and recently started working to try partially restoring our fj40 thats been sitting for 3 odd years. It was bought at the auctions several years back so I don't have any previous history about the vehicle. I've been told that its a '77 but after having a look it has alot of early body panels and whatnot and the 3 speed transmission so I don't believe its a 77 model year. However it also has a 2F motor and it has a Vin plate which says the engine is a 2F. I was wondering what model year it could possibly be? Was there a period where the 2f was offered with the 3 speed? or could it be that the vin and engine were swapped in.
Will post more photos soon, Vin is FJ40205785

Are there any places where the vin is stamped on the body besides the vin plate?

 

[WarDamnEagle]

The VIN is also stamped on the outside of the frame rail. Just in front of the right side tire. I ran that VIN on ToyoDIY and it came up with "no records found". That doesn't necessarily mean anything other than it's not in their database. My '77 FJ55 won't pull up in their system by VIN number either FWIW.

 

[cbmontgo]

Looks like to be a pre-1975, I can tell you that much.

 

[RevISK]

I’d say the Bezel is upside down but since you’re in Australia, it’s actually correct.

It’s the truck that is upside down.

 

[ToasterDude]

The VIN is also stamped on the outside of the frame rail. Just in front of the right side tire. I ran that VIN on ToyoDIY and it came up with "no records found". That doesn't necessarily mean anything other than it's not in their database. My '77 FJ55 won't pull up in their system by VIN number either FWIW.

I just checked the frame rail,its been sprayed in a really thick sorta bed liner paint but I managed to get FJ40-94990 or Fj40-94220,no sign of the final digit at all

 

[ToasterDude]

I just checked the frame rail,its been sprayed in a really thick sorta bed liner paint but I managed to get FJ40-94990 or Fj40-94220,no sign of the final digit at all

looking at it I think its Fj40-94990 (x) x being the digit I cant find so a range of 10 combos 949900-949909 I guess. I'll take some more pics tomorrow.

 

[ToasterDude]

any other locations to check for the vin? cant find anything on the firewall or whatnot

 

[WarDamnEagle]

FJ40-0942200 through FJ40-0942209 comes up as a 1984 General Countries or Europe market LHD model. I didn't check all 10 possibilities of the other number but FJ40-0949901 comes up the same.

 

[charliemeyer007]

Wiper motor location and those exact patern front turn signals are the same as my USA 72. Has a 3 sp on the floor tranny and a direct shift transfer case.