Lead on fixer | What's it worth?

[captainehh]

Greetings!

I have a lead on an FJ that needs restored (I've been told it's a 70-74 based on the gas cap and ambulance doors). Is this correct? I'm a classic car guy, but don't know much about FJ's. Yet.

The truck has a bit of rust, has an older small block conversion, and doesn't run. It may run with a battery, new fluids, and a carb rebuild.

What's this thing worth?

Thanks!

 

[Fast Eddy]

It's not an "FJ". It's an FJ40.

From those pictures, I'd say between $1000 and $5000. Adding your description, I'd say $2000-$3000, depending on rust. If, by some magic, the amby doors aren't rusted out on the bottom maybe a bit more.

However much it's worth, the owner is going to be asking about double that amount, 'cause 40s are so awesome that they make people clingy.

It looks like a '75 or maybe even an early '76 based on the tire carrier. '74 would have been on the other side.

That could be the mythical color Yosemite Yellow??

 

[SteveH]

I would go on the assumption that it needs tons of work (brakes, suspension, engine, clutch, radiator), and offer 2K and see how it goes. Completeness counts, as many parts are pricey (jump seats, original rims, emblems, etc.), so if it's missing a lot of that kind of stuff (and you care), factor that in.

 

[captainehh]

Thank you! I'm an infill home builder in Portland, OR and am buying the lot to build on. I'm hoping for 2k, which the seller will be happy with for moving costs, but I will most definitely report back...

 

[bertsulli]

It has rear flairs over the wheel arches, so check to see if, and how well, the rear quarter panel was cut out. Also, while you're checking there, take a look at the rear sill and see how much it has rusted.

From the look of it, you could easily part it out for $2k alone, so that wouldn't be a bad deal.

 

[winnie]

interesting colour ... probably because of the road salt (and whatever else they use) issue here, frame is always first and foremost on my mind ... without a frame its parts only ... and welcome ...

 

[Fast Eddy]

From the look of it, you could easily part it out for $2k alone, so that wouldn't be a bad deal.

Bite your tongue! That needs to be on the road or the trail.

Does anyone else think the wheels look like they're from a heep?

 

[handcannon]

Welcome to Mud fellow Oregonian! (I'm in the Albany/Jefferson area) Just going by the pics that looks to be a good solid 40. Just so others are in the know, Oregon doesn't use salt on the roads, and the WET (west) side of Oregon doesn't get a lot of snow (except this year which has been the most I've seen since 1969). Rust can still happen due to the loads of winter moisture, but it is not as big of a concern as it is back east where salt is in heavy use.

I would recommend you get someone knowledgeable to look at it with you. There is a club somewhere in the Portland area, but I'm not familiar with details about it, that could possibly have someone who would be willing to help you check out the 40.

The sills, side door and especially rear door, need to be checked closely. Also, the rear wheel wells and rear quarter corners. The rest of it will depend on how the motor swap was done. If it lived its' life here in the northwest it should be real solid.

Don

 

[wardriver]

I like it.

 

[longtrail]

I second the opinion to have someone knowledgeable go look at it with you. Its value is going to be largely based on the condition of the metal. Just from the photos it looks fairly complete, but the rear sill looks like it has some rust eating through. Rear sill rust often indicates rust in the quarter panels, and wheel wells, and tub, etc...
engine swap makes me wonder what else is not stock...which detracts from the value. Wish I could offer more but we need more photos. On the upside, fj40's seem to be selling like hotcakes lately!

 

[FF LC FREAK]

Honestly, it is really tough to tell from the two pictures you posted. The best advice is to take someone with you that knows FJ40s and go over it from top to bottom. Hook up with the local club - Cascade Cruisers - and I'm sure someone would be willing to check it out with you. It just so happens, we are having a club meeting tonight in East Vancouver at Leonardo's Pizza at 7:00. Swing by if you want!

 

[77mustard40]

I have a lead on an FJ that needs restored (I've been told it's a 70-74 based on the gas cap and ambulance doors).

Looks to be post 74 based on the ambulance doors, rear bumper and rectangular lights, a shot of the front would tell if it's 75-79 or later. May be a good opportunity, echo those advocating taking an experienced eye, good luck.

 

[ducktapeguy]

I'm guessing 75-76 based on the drivers side panel style spare tire mount, ambulance doors, and lack of vent windows on the hardtop. But these things are like frickin legos, so unless it's all original anything goes.

 

[sggoat]

X2 on ~ 75, I don't think the rear vents were added until '76??
There is a thread somewhere here that lists the history/evolution of the 40-can't remember now who wrote it or where--try search?

I'm guessing 75-76 based on the drivers side panel style spare tire mount, ambulance doors, and lack of vent windows on the hardtop. But these things are like frickin legos, so unless it's all original anything goes.

 

[captainehh]

Thanks everyone for the great responses! What a great community of people.

I was just over there speaking with the sellers. It looks like I may be able to pick it up for $1,500. It seems like at that price, it may be a no-brainer. I will report back on what happens though.

The girlfriend wants it gone and the owner dude wants to keep it through the move. Classic story. If he sells it, it will be for $1,500 so we will see...

I'll report back either way.

Thanks again!

 

[Fast Eddy]

X2 on ~ 75, I don't think the rear vents were added until '76??

'78 model year, something like 9/'77 and later.

 

[captainehh]

Just thought i'd report back that I picked up the FJ40! $580.

I'm pretty pumped. Can't wait to dig in!

If anyone has any skinny 16" mud tires/wheels they'd like to unload, let me know. I'm in Portland, OR.

After I get it running and go through all the systems, i'm excited to change the way she rolls a bit.

Thanks!

 

[Fast Eddy]

Screamin' deal and would still be a great deal for double or triple that. Congrats!!

 

[skidplate]

You did good! I'm calling it a '75. How about pics of the inside. WELCOME!

 

[cjgoode]

That is a good deal, show us some more pictures, and enjoy it.