Is this 1975 FJ40 worth $40,000?? Would really value your input, thank you!

[RustyRanger]

@RustyRanger knows his rust.

I have studied it's ways for many years.
I have learned it's secrets
I have become the rust

 

[John McVicker]

I think it looks very good. It's not perfect but it's not advertised as being concours or perfect. Assuming the mechanics are sound, it appears to be the best non concours '75 I've seen.

If you don't plan on getting a TLC Cruiser, I think you'd be hard pressed to fine a better looking one than this, especially in this price range. Your next move should be to try to verify the soundness of the mechanics.

For what it's worth, my 2-'75 40 I purchased new & DD it.

 

[brian]

is the wrong muffler and tail pipe.
that upholstery job is painful to look at.

 

[WarDamnEagle]

1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ 40 | eBay

1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ 40 2,264 Miles Red SUV Other 4.2L Manual. This FJ40 needs nothing and is front line ready. EPA mileage estimates for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, and vehicle maintenance.

www.ebay.com

I'm not interested in paying $60k but I might be watching if this one goes to Barret Jackson. The fear I have, quite frankly, is having to ultimately deal with rust, etc. but this one looks like you could just repaint without going down to the frame. Of course if you do that have you "destroyed" the originality? I'm not into the latest patina craze so I might be OK with that. Not sure what I would be willing to pay though.

 

[middlecalf]

I have studied it's ways for many years.
I have learned it's secrets
I have become the rust

LOL

Be the ball (rust)...

 

[scoutingranch]

Anytime I see pitting in the metal, I walk away. Anytime I see painted over pitting.....I run away.
Of course I live in the Southwest and we don't like rust.

 

[middlecalf]

Anytime I see pitting in the metal, I walk away. Anytime I see painted over pitting.....I run away.

You’d have to sprint/fly/break-the-sound-barrier away from my rig, lol.

 

[Rusty 72]

Sherwin Williams overhaul?

 

[4Cruisers]

I have studied it's ways for many years.
I have learned it's secrets
I have become the rust

That reminds me of Mr. Lahey from one of my favorite Trailer Park Boys episodes:

Randy: Mr Lahey, is this you talking or the liquor?
Jim Lahey: Randy... I am the liquor.

I think I caught the Canada Border Service Agency guy off guard last year when we drove to Carcross from Skagway. He asked where in the US we were from, and I said New Mexico. He said we were lucky because we had Breaking Bad where we were from. I replied "yeah, but you have Trailer Park Boys!" He got a chuckle out of that.

 

[RustyRanger]

That reminds me of Mr. Lahey from one of my favorite Trailer Park Boys episodes:

Randy: Mr Lahey, is this you talking or the liquor?
Jim Lahey: Randy... I am the liquor.

I think I caught the Canada Border Service Agency guy off guard last year when we drove to Carcross from Skagway. He asked where in the US we were from, and I said New Mexico. He said we were lucky because we had Breaking Bad where we were from. I replied "yeah, but you have Trailer Park Boys!" He got a chuckle out of that.

A oxide storms comeing randy. Best get to cover.

Great show.

 

[TCEd]

Can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

 

[GA Architect]

Can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

Note: The 40 mentioned here - it is worth what one is willing to pay. I just hope they have good eyesight.

 

[roadstr6]

It's a $15K - $18K truck. It's nice, but when someone asks almost $50k for one of these trucks, expectations are really high. This one is very overpriced for what it is.

For comparison, here is a recent frame-off FJ45 that sold for $58K. This is the most spectacular restoration that I have ever seen and it was on a truck 1000 times more rare that a run-of-the-mill '75 FJ40. This is the level of restoration that is worthy of the $50k+ price:

Builds - "WY-REE-KA" A Ground Up 45LPB Restoration

I don’t know of a better factory correct lpb resto, and I’ve been around these for 25 years. With that license plate, maybe it should come back to California! Would love to drive this just to feel what it was like to leave the dealer parking lot!

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[dogfishlake]

I really see some doubtful stuff on it for the price. Either way, I can't stress to you enough to try to buy a Cruiser here in the MUD classifieds from a MUD member that has been here more than a week. My 40, 45, 55, and 60 are all from people here and they are honest and straight shooters, as well as my friends now. There are bad eggs everywhere but I have yet to meet one here.

If you want to buy from a seller that can get a great truck for you, I agree that checking with @overton is wise. I have watched his ads for a long time and his prices are right on and he deals fair.

 

[tls3601]

Check out Overton, too many questionable things on the one you have posted pics of.

 

[TCEd]

Since a number of people have said check with Overton I'll suggest the same based on my buying experienced. I considered three FJ40's that I didn't buy for a variety of reasons, sellers remorse, configuration or price. One was listed here on MUD and the others were craiglist. Eventually I messaged Overton regarding what I was looking for and he had one under consignment that fit my needs. The price was fair and the transaction was clean. I've had the vehicle for 18 months and still feel I got what I wanted. ed

 

[thecrazygreek]

Buy my 64... It's a couple months away from completion. A complete nut and bolt restoration. Plus, you can even customize it to your liking without paying for the labor to do so. Stuff like power steering, AC, Winch etc etc... Just saying...

And, I am going to be asking about 40k...

Here's a pic... Build thread in my signature has all the details...

 

[Perfectmax]

You all helped me dodge a bullet, thank you. And yes, I'm on the lookout. I'll take you all up on your suggestions. Again, thank you!