Looking for opinions on this '76 FJ40

[iptman]

Hello everyone,

I'm looking to get some opinions from you guys on this FJ40. It's a '76 and is proclaimed to be completely unmolested. I don't have a trained eye for 40s so any info would be appreciated. The one thing I did see was the spare tire carrier seems to be the '75 and earlier version but the seller has confirmed this is a '76.

The 40 is in DC and I may go downtown and look at it this week. If anyone wants a free lunch and could help me look this over let me know.

Thanks,
Patrick

 

[iptman]

Last pic I have.

 

[StaleAle]

I might be able to help with that. When are you planning on going?

Send me a PM.

 

[SEMPERFJ]

I am willing to help also! Let me know

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD

 

[iptman]

Ok, thanks guys. Waiting to hear back from the seller for days and times this week.

 

[76FJ40]

I believe the tire carrier changed in mid '76.

 

[John Smith]

I found the CL ad and that is not "superficial rust" as the owner would have you believe. You probably already know that. Just looking at the long shot pictures you posted of the rust, that are not in the CL ad... Front bumper is mangled. The rear corners and sill are full of rust. You can see on the driver side behind the door is already rusted through, and there is something funky about the black driver side step, along with the black at the top of the driver door. It looks like there may be rust in the rain gutter, but hard to tell from the long shot pic. There is rust under the passenger side turn signal assembly. The front engine hook is terribly bent for some strange reason. It appears to be smogged, which is good.

He is using photos in the CL ad possibly from the previous owner. Note the MD tag and now it is registered in DC based on your pictures. So if he is the second owner, and the truck is from CA, did he previously live in MD and move to DC recently? He also did not put any pictures of the rust areas in the CL ad. Based on the misleading pictures and "superficial rust" statement, make sure you thoroughly inspect the truck. Ask him to please make sure not to start the engine prior to your arrival for inspection. You want it stone cold.

Even with all the negative I just pointed out. The truck appears to have the jack under the driver seat. It looks like the factory tool bag next to it. Hopefully full of all the factory tools. It has the jump seats along with the center console and factory floor mats. Looks like the dash has been cut for a radio and a tach, but I personally don't consider those so bad. The knobs are there and look to be in good condition. He will probably be able to easily get 9K in this area for that truck. If you fixed all the rust you would have a very nice 76. Or you could put it on eBay or one of the auctions and probably easily double your money if you fixed the rust.

Not sure what your plans are, but that appears to be a very solid truck for this rusty area, and would be a great candidate to fix the rust and, keep and drive forever. IMHO

Please let us know how the inspection goes.

 

[iptman]

The seller has a guy, supposedly, driving up from NC with cash in hand and is due to arrive around 3:30. My plans for it would be to fix the rust as time and skill dictate and build a capable, mostly stock, light wheeling rig. My number one seed color is Beige/Dune Beige but first and foremost want a rig that's not a complete wreck. I think I'd have a hard time repainting a 40 something other than the color that came on it from the factory but maybe I'm being silly about that. This 40 stood out in that it looked as stock as my untrained eye could determine, was local, wasn't a complete rust bucket and was within an acceptable price range. I'm a big believer in taking advantage of opportunities when they present themselves but I do want to be prudent as well.

 

[iptman]

Got sniped...back to the waiting game.

 

[SAS]

I just replied to a guy in the 40 section about a '77 FJ40 he's got an eye on in Boston, MA. The OP is a newb to Cruisers and recently registered on Mud.

My #1 advice to him was to be patient. I know you are wise, and therefore already know this.

You're lucky, there's a '77 FJ40 being built right here in Manassas, that you'll soon be able to buy lots of raffle tickets and possibly win it.

 

[kulangot]

Was that truck owned by a guy named Jose?

 

[iptman]

Was that truck owned by a guy named Jose?

Nope, why?

 

[kulangot]

Nope, why?

Looks like a truck that Donny bought back from the south west about 10 or 12 years ago.