Is this worth investigating?

[Ocho77]

Hello,

If this is in the wrong place, I apologize. I'm an 80 guy and have been looking for a 40 series to restore. I founds this FJ40 (says it's a 63). I've asked for some more pictures. What I don't know, is price. I know it's relative to what shape the cruiser is in, but wanted to see if this is an alright deal if it checks out, or really nothing spectacular.

Here is his ad:
All original. Solid frame and body. No patches. Stored in a barn for 30 years. Ran it about 8 years ago. Was going to put a V8 in but decided not to.

And a picture:

 

[Old Red]

Nothing spectacular.

What direction to take with that rig mostly depends on what you mean by restoration, though. A back-to-factory restoration on that one would include at minimum finding the correct hardtop and seats. Doable, yes. Easy or cheap, no.

So if you don't like hunting for obscure parts and paying the price then don't buy an early 1960s cruiser for a factory restoration. On the other hand if all you want is a cool project to tinker with and if it fits your budget then by all means . . . have fun!

 

[3_puppies]

is that the one close by me? close as in 100 miles.
haven't seen any pics yet.
I thought it was listed as a 64.

 

[Ocho77]

Nothing spectacular.

What direction to take with that rig mostly depends on what you mean by restoration, though. A back-to-factory restoration on that one would include at minimum finding the correct hardtop and seats. Doable, yes. Easy or cheap, no.

So if you don't like hunting for obscure parts and paying the price then don't buy an early 1960s cruiser for a factory restoration. On the other hand if all you want is a cool project to tinker with and if it fits your budget then by all means . . . have fun!

Thanks, that's what I was looking for. Not knowing enough about the different vintages of 40 series (in the process of learning) I'm skeptical. Thanks for letting me know it's not all original like the owner claims.

He wants $5k for it.

 

[3_puppies]

He wants $5k for it.

definitely not the one near me.

 

[Cruiser68]

The bezel is not original either, it is supposed to be thicker on the upper side and thinner downside