Identify a Toyota Steering wheel

[zetasig]

I suck as I dont have a photo. but I saw a parts rig this weekend, 1973 Fj 40. with a steering wheel which was identical to my newer FJ 40 wheels. With the blue "T" in the center cap.
This one had a red "T" which I have never seen. All the rest was the same. Three horn buttons on the spokes. etc.

Any one care to comment.

 

[Exiled]

1973 was a quirky year for Fj40's imported into the US. For various reasons, I've always suspected that Toyota's supply of US-spec'd FJ40's burped in 1973 and that Toyota filled the gap by bringing in some non-US Cruiserss. Back then the differences were slight but may have included little details like the different center cap on the steering wheel.

I tried to do some research on this a few years ago but my results were inconclusive. I can tell you that 1973 was the only year that factory orange ("Brilliant Persimmon") was offered in the FJ40 in the US, and that not one of these trucks have the color code on the VIN plate. I've also come across other details like a 1973 FJ55 that came with no heater and 16" rims with no hubcaps, stock.

Little things here and there, but enough to point out to some discrepancies.

If you can get back to the parts truck, take a look at the VIN plate and see if there is anything out of the ordinary, or take a closer look at the steering wheel. If you can, take a picture, I've never seen a red T in the center wheel cap.

 

[zetasig]

Well this parts truck just happens to be that orange color, under some black primer. Too bad it is rusted out.

I will pass along the info. I know the owner can take a photo of it.

Thanks Warren.

He has the VIN tags So He should be able. to get some info.

 

[Landpimp]

look like this?

74 fj40, orange with red center cap

 

[Landpimp]

if I recall 73-4 were the highest sales years of Cruiser in the US.........so Henry's theory makes sense.........cruisers from other markets may have been diverted to the US to fill the void.

 

[beanz2]

I thought the blue T emblem in the center came in 1976? My 75 still has the red T in the middle.

Dave

 

[zetasig]

Pimps got it. Same color. Just filled with lots of rust thanks to road salt. Well Mystery solved.



Some one buy some of my junk or give me some $$ to buy more parts.

 

[Lucy_FJ55]

I'm not too sure about Fj40's, but my 1970 FJ55 has the mentioned steeringwheel center cap and have seen examples elsewhere and had no idea it was uncommon. I assumed it was standard equipment on earlier models...I like it so much I have been thinking about putting it on my new-to-me '77 FJ55 in place of the blue one.

 

[65swb45]

I have had hundreds of cruisers come thru the shop over the years and the red 't's were always on the 55's. If someone showed up with one on a 40, I would just assume that they swapped one over to be different.

Kind of like putting an early chrome horn button or diagonal side louver or a dreaded bezel, or T bird on anything newer than came stock with one.

 

[Rice]

Something I'd never thought of either ... thanks Zet. My 74 has a red T if we're taking a tally. (oh, and original color was beige)

Rice

 

[3_puppies]

ther's a 72 fj40 in the local wrecking yard with the red "T" on it, been thinking about grabbing it one day. if they are rarer maybe I'll have to pick it up.

 

[fj40mayo]

My '73 has the red "T" and color is 416 (Dune Beige). I never knew that about the center cap on the wheel. Man, do I feel special. Heres to all you red "T" land cruiser steering wheel center cap owners.

 

[cruiserbrett]

I think the red checker "T" showed up in 72ish I think... and it switched to blue in 1976.

The coolest land cruiser wheel is the early FJ55 wheel with the shield centerpiece. 1968 and 69 IIRC. the wheel itself looks like the later Fj40 wheel but with a different centerpiece.

-Brett

 

[Landpimp]

I have some lit with the blue T and its early 70's.

is the wheel you like look like this?

I think the red checker "T" showed up in 72ish I think... and it switched to blue in 1976.

The coolest land cruiser wheel is the early FJ55 wheel with the shield centerpiece. 1968 and 69 IIRC. the wheel itself looks like the later Fj40 wheel but with a different centerpiece.

-Brett

 

[zebrabeefj40]

I parted out a '75 rustbucket FJ40 that had a stock red T wheel for the tally...



Nick Jennings

 

[nuclearlemon]

hhhmmmm, just happen to have one on my desk...from a 72

 

[green73]

I was going to ask about the Red "T" center cap myself. Thought nothing of it until someone at GSMTR asked me if mine was U.S. Spec. Min is an April '73 FJ40. Hmmm... Now I am re-thinking putting on the Grant GT wheel. Between here and PBB , and LCML I hardly ever have to ask a question about a detail like this.

 

[phishtaco]

My 12/72 has the Red T

 

[largenfirm]

My mother's 1974 had the red T from the factory. Vehicle itself was red.

Kirk

 

[1974 fj40]

green 73,

My 40 had a Grant GT on it when I bought it, and I have always wished it had the stock wheel.

Red or Blue........either is better than a Grant !!!!

Also without power steering it would be nice to have a bigger wheel anyhow......