I turned FJ40 today

[jtmosca]

24 hours ago I had no idea this was going to happen.

It's a rust-bucket but the price was right. I have a feeling I'm going to be asking Oh-so-many questions in the near future. I thank everyone in advance!

 

[jtmosca]

Here's what I know so far. It was on FB Marketplace. I drove to VA to get it. It's a '71 with a few upgrades. It fires up and drives. 4 wheel high and low work. The interior isn't horrible. It has the factory PTO winch. The frame seems pretty good and solid. 4sp manual feels smooth. It had a disc conversion done a few years ago. I'll upload the pics I have so far.

 

[jtmosca]

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Congrats!

 

[lastresort576]

Time to tow that to a diy car wash, and start a list of what needs attention and prioritize that list. Nice score!

 

[Jeff Elliott]

Exciting day for sure - congrats!!!

 

[coinoperated40]

Hope all works out. Looks more like a ‘76 model or a lot of upgrades.

 

[Fort Knox]

Hope all works out. Looks more like a ‘76 model or a lot of upgrades.

Agreed. Ambulance doors and wipers on the bottom of the windshield started in '75, I think. Then the swing out rear vent window started in late '76. So this looks like either a '75 or early '76 model.

 

[S4Cruiser]

Nice! and a PTO winch.

 

[mwalls54]

I was wondering who picked this up. It was close to me. I had a few people go by and look and send me pics. one guy ran cause he thought it was too much rust. You have a good starting point.

 

[cruisermatt]

I was looking at this one too and actually messaged the OP for more pics but he was pretty nasty to me when I inqured about the year/title/VIN's. That is definitely not a 71. Later tire carrier but single piece 1/4 glass mean's it's a very late 76, or it's completely built out of multiple trucks which is possible. I also see +80 ignition and 78-80 washer bottle/overflow tank combo.
The 2F, 4-speed, disc front axle, Power steering setup ($!), make it pretty easy to look past all that if you just want something to drive.

 

[jfz80]

Congrats Justin !

Was eyeing that one as well and getting a kick out of his descriptions each time he edited the ad.

Good price for a good starting point.
But agree it’s a mish mash of model years.
Who cares. Get it running and enjoy it.

 

[jtmosca]

You guys are truly masters of your craft! Pretty much everything you noticed is dead on.

While I was cleaning it out today I found some hand-written notes from the PO buried in glovebox. According to the notes it is:
- '71 title/VIN# (I can confirm that)
- '78 windshield, wipers, doors, and steering wheel / column
- '75 rebuilt 2F motor
- 3.70 gear ratio
- 4 speed
- PTO factory winch
- Disc brake front axle
- Disc brakes added to rear axle
- Upgraded oil cooler & power steering
- Some years back it had new dash, seats, and floormats installed (however they are showing age now as well) and a new radiator & gas tank

So as you all noted, it is truly a mish / mash of multiple years / vehicles that was previously "restored" but has obviously not held up well. The body is a hot-rusty-mess but it seems to run pretty decent. (I drove it around the neighborhood a little this evening.)

I bought it with the following the intentions:
- Get it road-worthy
- Give my sons an iconic first vehicle to run around in (that is also nice and slow)
- Teach my sons how to wrench on vehicles, how to drive a manual, and the magic of a scrub brush and elbow grease
- Potentially teach myself how to weld vehicle sheet metal.

I have no current plans to start a frame off restoration (which is probably what it needs!). I just want it to be a fun ride for the boys and I to enjoy together.

 

[gasman4u]

You guys are truly masters of your craft! Pretty much everything you noticed is dead on.

While I was cleaning it out today I found some hand-written notes from the PO buried in glovebox. According to the notes it is:
- '71 title/VIN# (I can confirm that)
- '78 windshield, wipers, doors, and steering wheel / column
- '75 rebuilt 2F motor
- 3.70 gear ratio
- 4 speed
- PTO factory winch
- Disc brake front axle
- Disc brakes added to rear axle
- Upgraded oil cooler & power steering
- Some years back it had new dash, seats, and floormats installed (however they are showing age now as well) and a new radiator & gas tank

So as you all noted, it is truly a mish / mash of multiple years / vehicles that was previously "restored" but has obviously not held up well. The body is a hot-rusty-mess but it seems to run pretty decent. (I drove it around the neighborhood a little this evening.)

I bought it with the following the intentions:
- Get it road-worthy
- Give my sons an iconic first vehicle to run around in (that is also nice and slow)
- Teach my sons how to wrench on vehicles, how to drive a manual, and the magic of a scrub brush and elbow grease
- Potentially teach myself how to weld vehicle sheet metal.

I have no current plans to start a frame off restoration (which is probably what it needs!). I just want it to be a fun ride for the boys and I to enjoy together.
View attachment 3636840

when it's time, don't forget to use Callahan brake pads!

 

[rabid]

I saw this one on FB. What a great start. Congrats!

 

[jtmosca]

What a difference a bath a makes...

 

[gasman4u]

What a difference a bath a makes...

View attachment 3637043

Kinda reminds me of the married with children when they lose Al's car in the carwash....

"I DO remember buying a green dodge!!!"

 

[lt1fire]

Careful, once you turn FJ40 your lower ball joints start dropping rapidly.

 

[jtmosca]

3 minute bath-time-video. Safe for work (but just barely)

 

[cruisermatt]

that is a great list of parts. Actually that entire body tub is most likely 77-79, the tire carrier bolts locations are different.
My #1 advice for new 40 owners of trucks that have sat forever: you are 99% likely to need a new fuel tank for it, just go right for the OEM Toyota one, which for you will be a 75-79 tank. Don't fool around with the plastic or aftermarket junk.