Journey to My First FJ40
- Thread starter sypd
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First time I replaced the timing belt in my Miata it took seemingly hours, and I did it wrong. Second time it took like 15 minutes.
If I knew what you guys knew...
Looking back to when I started this and my FJ40 IQ was 0, what I would have bought then is not at all what I'm looking for now.
You're doing it the right way. I looked for almost 2 years before I found my 40. In the end, knowing the issues and what is good and bad about the various years, will be invaluable when you find the right one. Having a high FJ40 IQ will only help you in the negotiations and discussion. In the end, I found my FJ40 on Craigslist but it turned out to be a fellow mudder selling 15 minutes drive from my house! You just never know. Good luck with your search!
Mark
- Thread starter
- #123
So true. My target (or perfect) has changed several times. A lot of early advice was to narrow on a year. I've leaned more towards other qualities like no rust, frame condition, stock config and the like. Going from purchasing reliable, sensible vehicles that get 30mpg plus, to buying an FJ40 is a totally different mindset.
And feeling like you got a good deal and made a good decision...I've had to adjust expectations and goals. Not that I ever thought this was a responsible or sensible endeavor...at least not in the same sense as buying a Honda Civic.
Ha, my Lady's Yukon has been in the drive all winter; a casualty of basement renovations and needing the storage. I'm 1 good weekend away from getting her back in.
That's awesome!
- Thread starter
- #124
Dealer Customizations
Maybe my search-fu is busted this morning, but I didn't find any info on the forums about Dealer Customizations from back in the day.
I had read that the striping you occasionally find was one such customization.
Does anyone know what kind of customizations were common?
This seems like a question for our resident historian, @JohnnyC.
http://landcruiseroftheday.com/2013/09/09/1974-fj40-toyota-land-cruiser-custom-dealer-pin-striping/
Maybe my search-fu is busted this morning, but I didn't find any info on the forums about Dealer Customizations from back in the day.
I had read that the striping you occasionally find was one such customization.
Does anyone know what kind of customizations were common?
This seems like a question for our resident historian, @JohnnyC.
http://landcruiseroftheday.com/2013/09/09/1974-fj40-toyota-land-cruiser-custom-dealer-pin-striping/
JohnnyC
Long ago TLCA# 2231
pin striping or body striping was common 70's and 80's .... some dealer, one that i know of factory and some POooo 
JohnnyC
Long ago TLCA# 2231
cruiserkreutz
SILVER Star
Sypd, I'm glad to see you haven't given up on your '40 quest. I admire your patients!
Posted via IH8MUD app
Posted via IH8MUD app
- Thread starter
- #129
pin striping or body striping was common 70's and 80's .... some dealer, one that i know of factory and some POooo
Awesome, great links. That's what I remembering seeing before.
I'm also wondering about upholstery. I'll read up.
- Thread starter
- #130
I have a verbal agreement on one.
Waiting for paperwork, title etc. Trying to contain my excitement.
fingers are crossed for you ... looking forward to seeing it ...
- Thread starter
- #132
Destination Ahead
Today has been a very odd collision of highs and lows.
The High
I'm an FJ40 owner! This afternoon, Mike (@mechnizer, https://www.facebook.com/fjs.rus) took possession of my first FJ40 from its previous owner.
On MUD I’ve been befriended by people I would likely never ever meet otherwise. We are of different ages, different educations, different careers, and yet we have a few things in common: Land Cruisers and generosity to others.
Lou (@shipmag) lives a few hours from me, and reached out several weeks ago to talk cruisers and help me with my search. He has history and family in Phoenix where Mike has been working on one of his FJ40s. Lou introduced me to Mike, and he immediately offered to help, “always eager to help out someone that shares our sickness”. Lou couldn’t stop saying nice things about Mike, the quality of his work, and his knowledge of FJ40s. Absolute he could help!
I scanned Phoenix and the surrounding area, but didn’t really see anything I felt was worth investigating. Lou and Mike both insisted they go look at a 1978 FJ40. It was many things I didn’t think I wanted:
- it isn’t running
- it is in a state of teardown
- the deal includes equipment that I don’t really need
- fender flares
- I’m partial to the older FJ40 body style, ideally 1974 with the F.5 or a 2F upgrade
- asking price seemed really high for something that wasn’t running
I definitely didn’t want to waste Mike’s time. He was doing this as a favor, and I was sure it was exactly that: a waste. Nevertheless, I relented.
Mike’s review of the condition was (boiled down):
- everything is there (parts)
- the body and hard top are in very good condition for the age.
- all the smog for the engine is there
- the normal rust areas are in very good condition no under the paint rust.
- it is all stock except the fender flares and the cutouts
- the body is straight no wreck damage or 4 wheeling damage.
- drivers floor has a hole but easy to fix.
- dash pad is inside to prevent sun damage
There were really no alarm bells. Mike’s recommendation was that a light restoration would result in a fantastic, stock cruiser.
I showed it to my wife, Angie, and got a big surprise. “You should to that”. I couldn’t believe my ears. What?
Turns out, she loves the idea of buying something like this, solid and rust free, and then having Mike put it in solid running condition for me. Said another way, she loves the idea of not-ME doing the really important work.
To some of you this may sound completely wrong. I get it. Part of the ownership experience is getting dirty, maintaining. I agree! I need to be realistic though. The reality is with the age of my kids and stage of career, I don’t have the liberty to spend hours every week in the garage. My kids are, at this point, not of the age or inclination to spend that time with me in the garage. Besides, there’s really no avoiding getting dirty, am I right?!
I talked to the owner and got a little more background. He bought it 4 years ago as a project. It was at that time running. He started a teardown with plans for a more elaborate restoration, but got busy and that’s that. He’s not the first and won’t be the last. There was one prior owner who lived in California and moved to Phoenix with it.
I started researching what it might cost to get the cruiser to different levels of finish. And I really warmed to the idea of buying a cruiser that I had a high degree of confidence in from a rust and stability standpoint.
Really, what I realized was just how much I distrusted the sellers I was talking to on eBay and CraigsList. MUD sellers are a happy exception.
I did a little negotiating with the seller, and we struck a deal Wednesday. $6000 for the whole deal. I can either sell the extras, or keep them. If I sell them it appears I could get upwards of $2k. I’ll probably “give” them to my father-in-law who doesn’t like gifts and will probably overpay me for them. I’d like to say the FJ40 was $4000, but really the important part is it’s mine!
Now it’s real, money has changed changes for a title and piece of land cruiser history. I’m beyond excited!
I’m sure some surprises are up ahead and I relish bemoaning and resolving every single one.
I owe everyone here for sharing your knowledge, opinions, and especially encouragement. I’m especially thankful to Mike and Lou.
And to all my other “friends” I can now tell them I indeed found my “Bronco”. You can now stop sending me ads for Jeeps and Scouts.
The Low
In the early morning hours, our boxer passed away. Hank was just a few weeks shy of 12 years old, at or past his life expectancy. I attribute some of that extended life to our 2 yr old Boston Terrier, Margo. She gave him a boost of energy for sure.
I wouldn’t characterize myself as overly attached to my pets; I have 4 kids that get most all of my attention. But it is nonetheless a sad day for my family and myself. He was 110 lbs of kindness and slobber, and he will be missed. The house feels empty without his snoring.
As I have observed, there’s a trend here of naming our FJ40s. It seems appropriate to name this one Hank.
They have both outlasted expectations and found new energy late in life. I am the third “owner” of both. They also share some colors, and I’m sure I could think of some other similarities.
I asked my 15 yo. Could she handle “going for a ride with Hank” to the store, or would that be too strange. “Not at all,” she sobbed.
It seems right.
Oh, and the boxer’s full name was Hanky Panky.
Today has been a very odd collision of highs and lows.
The High
I'm an FJ40 owner! This afternoon, Mike (@mechnizer, https://www.facebook.com/fjs.rus) took possession of my first FJ40 from its previous owner.
On MUD I’ve been befriended by people I would likely never ever meet otherwise. We are of different ages, different educations, different careers, and yet we have a few things in common: Land Cruisers and generosity to others.
Lou (@shipmag) lives a few hours from me, and reached out several weeks ago to talk cruisers and help me with my search. He has history and family in Phoenix where Mike has been working on one of his FJ40s. Lou introduced me to Mike, and he immediately offered to help, “always eager to help out someone that shares our sickness”. Lou couldn’t stop saying nice things about Mike, the quality of his work, and his knowledge of FJ40s. Absolute he could help!
I scanned Phoenix and the surrounding area, but didn’t really see anything I felt was worth investigating. Lou and Mike both insisted they go look at a 1978 FJ40. It was many things I didn’t think I wanted:
- it isn’t running
- it is in a state of teardown
- the deal includes equipment that I don’t really need
- fender flares
- I’m partial to the older FJ40 body style, ideally 1974 with the F.5 or a 2F upgrade
- asking price seemed really high for something that wasn’t running
I definitely didn’t want to waste Mike’s time. He was doing this as a favor, and I was sure it was exactly that: a waste. Nevertheless, I relented.
Mike’s review of the condition was (boiled down):
- everything is there (parts)
- the body and hard top are in very good condition for the age.
- all the smog for the engine is there
- the normal rust areas are in very good condition no under the paint rust.
- it is all stock except the fender flares and the cutouts
- the body is straight no wreck damage or 4 wheeling damage.
- drivers floor has a hole but easy to fix.
- dash pad is inside to prevent sun damage
There were really no alarm bells. Mike’s recommendation was that a light restoration would result in a fantastic, stock cruiser.
I showed it to my wife, Angie, and got a big surprise. “You should to that”. I couldn’t believe my ears. What?
Turns out, she loves the idea of buying something like this, solid and rust free, and then having Mike put it in solid running condition for me. Said another way, she loves the idea of not-ME doing the really important work.
To some of you this may sound completely wrong. I get it. Part of the ownership experience is getting dirty, maintaining. I agree! I need to be realistic though. The reality is with the age of my kids and stage of career, I don’t have the liberty to spend hours every week in the garage. My kids are, at this point, not of the age or inclination to spend that time with me in the garage. Besides, there’s really no avoiding getting dirty, am I right?!
I talked to the owner and got a little more background. He bought it 4 years ago as a project. It was at that time running. He started a teardown with plans for a more elaborate restoration, but got busy and that’s that. He’s not the first and won’t be the last. There was one prior owner who lived in California and moved to Phoenix with it.
I started researching what it might cost to get the cruiser to different levels of finish. And I really warmed to the idea of buying a cruiser that I had a high degree of confidence in from a rust and stability standpoint.
Really, what I realized was just how much I distrusted the sellers I was talking to on eBay and CraigsList. MUD sellers are a happy exception.
I did a little negotiating with the seller, and we struck a deal Wednesday. $6000 for the whole deal. I can either sell the extras, or keep them. If I sell them it appears I could get upwards of $2k. I’ll probably “give” them to my father-in-law who doesn’t like gifts and will probably overpay me for them. I’d like to say the FJ40 was $4000, but really the important part is it’s mine!
Now it’s real, money has changed changes for a title and piece of land cruiser history. I’m beyond excited!
I’m sure some surprises are up ahead and I relish bemoaning and resolving every single one.
I owe everyone here for sharing your knowledge, opinions, and especially encouragement. I’m especially thankful to Mike and Lou.
And to all my other “friends” I can now tell them I indeed found my “Bronco”. You can now stop sending me ads for Jeeps and Scouts.
The Low
In the early morning hours, our boxer passed away. Hank was just a few weeks shy of 12 years old, at or past his life expectancy. I attribute some of that extended life to our 2 yr old Boston Terrier, Margo. She gave him a boost of energy for sure.
I wouldn’t characterize myself as overly attached to my pets; I have 4 kids that get most all of my attention. But it is nonetheless a sad day for my family and myself. He was 110 lbs of kindness and slobber, and he will be missed. The house feels empty without his snoring.
As I have observed, there’s a trend here of naming our FJ40s. It seems appropriate to name this one Hank.
They have both outlasted expectations and found new energy late in life. I am the third “owner” of both. They also share some colors, and I’m sure I could think of some other similarities.
I asked my 15 yo. Could she handle “going for a ride with Hank” to the store, or would that be too strange. “Not at all,” she sobbed.
It seems right.
Oh, and the boxer’s full name was Hanky Panky.
sorry to hear 
congratulations on the truck
flights to Phoenix will be cheaper in the summer
there are by now several of us who fly in from somewhere else for wheeling 
congratulations on the truck
flights to Phoenix will be cheaper in the summer
there are by now several of us who fly in from somewhere else for wheeling 
You just brought a tear to my eye in regards to Hank's passing. My Norwegian elkhound (Angus) is over 12 y/o and though he gets around fine time isn't on his side. Even though my son is only 3 y/o he will have a tough time when Angus is gone.
On a plus side, it looks like you got a nice rig. Keep us updated on its progress.
On a plus side, it looks like you got a nice rig. Keep us updated on its progress.
- Thread starter
- #136
sorry to hear
congratulations on the truck
flights to Phoenix will be cheaper in the summer
Thx. Angie and I were talking at dinner tonight about flights. Good to know summer is cheaper. Maybe we'll see you there!
Thx. I was trying to come up with a name before, but was drawing a blank. Seems when there's no good answer, just wait a few beats and the answer will present itself.
You just brought a tear to my eye in regards to Hank's passing. My Norwegian elkhound (Angus) is over 12 y/o and though he gets around fine time isn't on his side. Even though my son is only 3 y/o he will have a tough time when Angus is gone.
On a plus side, it looks like you got a nice rig. Keep us updated on its progress.
Yeh, I didn't think it was going to happen so quickly, though I suppose it wasn't quick at all. It's actually the older kids that seem to take it harder. My youngest (6) shed a few tears and is back to playing like normal. We'll see what questions and emotions arise in the days ahead.
For me it's convenient I suppose to have a distraction/obsession like the FJ40.
JohnnyC
Long ago TLCA# 2231
Very sorry to hear about Hank... Congrats on a cruiser however
About somebody else finishing the cruiser for you andnot you doing the work... Tis ok because there will be MANY other opportunities to learn on your truck
BTW ... The bezel is upside down laying in the back of the truck I bet ... Remember thick side up
About somebody else finishing the cruiser for you andnot you doing the work... Tis ok because there will be MANY other opportunities to learn on your truck
BTW ... The bezel is upside down laying in the back of the truck I bet
... Remember thick side up
but he needs to fix the grille emblem first
Sorry about your dog, I have a beagle a little older than yours and I know it will be horrible for the family when he passes.
Great truck, you got great advice, mechanical is easy, bad rust is not! Looks very clean, I'm sure you will have a great deal of fun with Hank (Chinaski)!
Also a big Kerouac fan-
Great truck, you got great advice, mechanical is easy, bad rust is not! Looks very clean, I'm sure you will have a great deal of fun with Hank (Chinaski)
!Also a big Kerouac fan-
- Thread starter
- #140
BTW ... The bezel is upside down laying in the back of the truck I bet
Hardy har har. All in good time.
