Help on assessing this FJ40

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CO_Hunter

CO_Hunter

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Sep 10, 2008
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141
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Location
Idaho
Here is the link:

1978 Toyota Landcruiser FJ40

I emailed the guy this:

I'm interested in getting some more information about the 40. Such as why
doesn't it run? Does the engine turn over? Is it a stock engine? Is the
problem with the transmission? How much money are you looking to get out of
it?

and this is what he had to say.

I used it as my main vehicle for several years. Then it sat in my driveway
and has not been started in several more years. I thought I would restore it
someday but never did. I don't think it has the stock engine. It probably
would not start or run without some serious effort but it did run well when
I last used it. I have no idea what it's worth so I'm just taking offers.

It seems that the diamond plate should have taken care of the usual rust areas. I am going to ask for more pictures of the body panels, engine and interior. What other mechanical things should I watch out for?
 
Curious. I would ask how many miles he thinks it has. If he drove it Every day, it might be high. Meaning even if it has the original trans and transfer case, it might need a rebuild. Why the heck would someone take off the marker lights and fill in the holes??? The running boards are gone. I wonder what is hiding under that diamond plate. The body really does look pretty solid.
I think you need to think about what you want out of a 40. If you want it to be nice and classy, you should spend more money up front. If you want something to just play with this looks good. If you want a stock resto, forget this vehicle and start saving money. Parts are ridiculous for fj40's.
I wish I wasn't busy this weekend, we could run over there in little red and check it out.
 
Hard to tell

Its really hard to tell what to think by looking at the pictures and the vague description. If its been sitting out, the whole thing will need a going through. I agree with Luke...all depends on what you are planning on doing with it. A resto job isn't too bad...it all depends on where you get parts from etc and if you do it yourself. For a trail runner...you'll most likely still be sinking in some money. Diamond plates means rust cover up, especially on the rear corners and tail gate. Who knows how much work it would take to get it running...could be something simple...could be frozen. And its in Durango...
 
I wouldn't count on the diamond plate "taking care" of the usual rust areas - more like hiding them while collecting more crap to rust it out even more. Needs alot more pictures and description, but no substitute for being there.
 
All good questions and comments. As for what type of vehicle I am looking for, that really depends on what I can get for the price. I could be happy with a trail runner for cheap or a nicer one that I would still take out. Ideally I would swap my 1965 restomod mustang for a comparably valued 40.

As for this 40, good points about the diamond plate. When I mentioned taking care of rust issues I thought they were replacement panels not covers over the body panels. Wow, big, bad assumption on my part :doh:

Good point on the mileage as DD and I appreciate the willingness to take a drive out there Luke :steer:

This one isn't looking too promising but I'll see if I can get more info.
 
That's a great rig at a great price. nice find.

I read craigslist adds like this all the time and it frustrates the crap out of me... how the heck have people lost the art of punctuation??? damn, that is hard to read. Literacy people!!!
 
Dave, I saw that one, if I was looking for a wagon I would sure check it out. Definitely a tough read though!!

Eric, you think he would trade straight up :lol:

The guy that has the 40 I posted about has not returned my follow up email, oh well.
 
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