I'm new and looking for an FJ40... is this a good one??

[DHracer3]

I'm a new member looking for his first FJ40 to restore.
I know this will take a while to do.
ANyways I have come across an FJ40 that was bought in NC and is going for a hec of a deal I think.
There is minimal rust on the body and some work has already been done to it.

Please take a look at it.. 1972 Toyota FJ40 Landcruiser for Sale or Trade

It has the original engine taken out of it because it seized up.
I was thinking of replacing the engine anyways to make it road worthy but the owner bought a Chevy 305 engine to put into it but has not done this yet.. I don't really want a V8 anyways so I thought I would sell it.
He has all the parts for this FJ and more for fixing it up.. it comes with 2 different soft tops also.

What do you guys think?
Would it be a good first time build up? I'm pretty good mechanically and am prepared to learn as I go on... I'm also A.D.D so as soon as I get stuck into this I will get it done.. but I'm doing a full restoration..

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

What do you guys think?
Would it be a good first time build up? I'm pretty good mechanically and am prepared to learn as I go on... I'm also A.D.D so as soon as I get stuck into this I will get it done.. but I'm doing a full restoration..

No. Find one with a better body and no diamond plate.

 

[k91]

I think you should wait for a better deal as well, seems a little steep for a cruiser waiting for 305 to be in..

 

[DHracer3]

You think..?.. I checked behind the diamond panels and there really isn't any work done to them.. wiped the dirt off and was still painted. The body is in really good shape.. thats the main reason I liked it since I don't feel like doing to much work on the body

 

[SouthBostonFJ40]

Add up everything it will cost you to get it to the condition you want it to be in. Then double it. Then take that amount and look for one that is "finished".

 

[Vicm]

You think..?.. I checked behind the diamond panels and there really isn't any work done to them.. wiped the dirt off and was still painted. The body is in really good shape.. thats the main reason I liked it since I don't feel like doing to much work on the body

Wellcome to mud,
If you went over it and you think there is no rust , then make an offer. Get it as cheap as you can.
Does he have all the stuff for the 305 swap?
I am no body expert , but rust would be my greatest concern.
Did you look at the rear and front corss members of the frame
cowl under windshield frame and the rear sell.

Good luck , I hope it works out for you and you do a build thread .

 

[flash02]

I have bought many of "looks good" cars and because I wanted it NOW I did a lousy job of looking for rust and poor repair work. If you really want THIS truck go back out with a magnet and look for filler, check all the seams for rust and check for poor repair work. I would ask the owner who performed the V8 conversion; these can go very wrong if not done by a pro. I converted my first 40 to a 305 w/sm465 and Toyota xfer case, all in all not to bad but I had issues and one of them was the 305. A 305 is good for a sports car but does not offer much for a 4x4. The 305 is somewhat of a short stroke 350, long stroke= torque. This is a good time to pick up a 40 for a good price, look for a good unmolested factory original FJ40 and start from there.

good luck!

Corey

 

[fjwagon]

It really depends what you are looking for. Gear ratios, interior/exterior gas tank etc. For example a 72 does not feel the same as a 79 if it is original. Also consider what you will be using it for and how much you plan to spend on the restoration. Check the faq section, might get some ideas which way to go. Personally I would try to locate one that has the original paint that has not been molested and that is at least drivable and minimal rust. They are harder to find but there out there. Just my humble opinion.

 

[71 redwood]

looks like a good deal

 

[BDSeff1fitty]

is the 305 new? will it make enough money to get a f or 2f motor? do you want that 3 speed tranny? or would you like a 4 speed?

if its pretty rust free, has all the adapters for the 305 conversion, and everything else is there IMO 2k is a steal. i went thru craiglist looking for the one i just bought and looked at every state and every city and never saw anything that decent for 2k.

im a newb so don't take my opinion to seriously

 

[winkle]

Do it. I paid $1000 for mine with no top or doors, bad tires no drivelines, not running, If the body is how you want it buy it and build the rest how you want it. I have gone through mine from stinger to taillights and I know whats up with every piece of it!

 

[DHracer3]

I have checked it over pretty well getting underneath the FJ and is pretty clean.
The 305 was only bought recently but would need some work but I intent of getting rid of it.
I would like to get the 3fe engine with a 4 speed transmission.. is that possible?...( I'm completely new at this)
the guy has tons and tons of original parts that came off.. the only tings that are out of the FJ are the engine parts for the original F engine and the 3 speed trans.
I don't intent to drive this thing around any time soon though I know that much... it will be my Winter job to start cleaning it up nicely and start collecting parts for it.
I want to keep it relatively stock with a 3" lift so it will be a daily driver. all wheel wells are clean and underneath it to.

 

[flash02]

Thought the 305 was in...My fault may be I should have paid attention (ADD). A 3FE should bolt up to the Toyota 4spd with out any issues. If the body is not full of rust and body filler and all the parts are there to make it whole again then go for it. Always keep this in mind...start small, don't try to build this in a day, have a budget, and this project will be expensive. Go over this rig with a fine tooth comb, use a hammer and lightly tap on the frame for soft spots, run a magnet across the body panels to look for body filler, and look for any obvious hack repair jobs.


Good Luck!

Corey

 

[DHracer3]

Thanks guys I will get the magnet out and check it out... other wise I think I may pick this thing up hopefully soon!

 

[Flash1034]

Where do you live? Ive got a REALLY nice 1978 FJ40 for sale in S. Cal.

Flash

 

[DHracer3]

I live a bit East... North Carolina..