New Guy with a midlife crisis - 1981 FJ43

[bryce112]

Hello all,
I'm retired and want to relive my past. Had a 1974 FJ40 many years and two kids ago. Now, after meeting and talking to relatives in Colombia, South America - an opportunity has come up to obtain a 1981 FJ43 from a family member down there and have it brought here to the south east coast of North Carolina. Am I crazy?

 

[brian]

No.

 

[devo]

No not at all. The more the merrier!


devo

 

[devo]

What does the rest of it look like?

 

[bryce112]

getting some more pics and videos soon. And not that it matters but does 16K US dollars sound reasonable? I figure shipping and stuff will probably be @5-6K based on what he told me using a company called Transceler. Also, the only thing not original are the front brakes - he converted to a 1982 disc brake setup using OEM parts. He also replaced the alternator and battery. Drives it once a week - it is a rust free driver not a restored vehicle.

 

[cruisermatt]

what you are going to want is many pics as possible of the frame rails. Virtually ever single SA 43 I have seen (about 35-40 in the last few years) the frame has been cracked/split and repaired around the front spring mounts and motor mounts.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Not crazy! ^^^ from CruiserMatt. Buying from a trusted family member who has treated it well? Is a good thing. Does it have heat/AC? May need to add if it does not

 

[sterling]

As mentioned NO, you are not crazy.....more than likely ahead of the game coming from a family member that can be "trusted" vs. FJ43 flipper from SA

Love the 43 hardtops!
Looking forward to the pics

 

[bryce112]

couple more pics

 

[Mopdog]

43s are Awsome. I really wish my 40 had room to comfortably lay down in.

 

[Mike Shull]

You might be asking the wrong group about your sanity. We all might be a bit crazy. Maybe not.

 

[devo]

Way cool that the front has already been converted to disc. With the hood latches moved back a bit I wonder if at one time it had 70 series front marker lights? Looks like the paint has been freshened up also? All in all, it sure looks good in the photos.
Rust, every old 40 series has rust. Some how it is thought that a 40 series out of Colombia has more rust than 40’s out of Canada and the US. That’s just rubbish! But, be vigilant because some rust more than others and it is always a good idea to look the rig over.

As @Mopdog said, 43’s are awesome

 

[Greek Cruiserhead]

couple more pics View attachment 3344144

Sweet loking old school rims too, congrats mate!
15' or 16' inch?

 

[Living in the Past]

Curious if it has four speed with a split transfer case? That would be an advantage over a three speed. Either way does appear hand brake is on the rear axle. Four speed would use the crossmember under the transmission making the H55F upgrade easier.

If I had to guess at some point this cruiser had 70 series turn signals. The two screws Infront of the ones holding the hold down hook is the correct location.

Certainly not knocking the cruiser, just what I noticed. If I didn't have way to many 40 series, most projects and well past mid life would be all over a 43 series like this one.

 

[Rochfort]

getting some more pics and videos soon. And not that it matters but does 16K US dollars sound reasonable? I figure shipping and stuff will probably be @5-6K based on what he told me using a company called Transceler. Also, the only thing not original are the front brakes - he converted to a 1982 disc brake setup using OEM parts. He also replaced the alternator and battery. Drives it once a week - it is a rust free driver not a restored vehicle.

I'm trying to do the same thing to Canada with a '78 FJ43. Exemptions exist for classic cars BUT - looks like you need to be the original owner. Better check that!!!

 

[Rochfort]

couple more pics View attachment 3344144View attachment 3344145

Looks like it's been jacked a few inches. Yeah?

 

[Living in the Past]

I'm trying to do the same thing to Canada with a '78 FJ43. Exemptions exist for classic cars BUT - looks like you need to be the original owner. Better check that!!!

View attachment 3344774

Are you saying in Columbia to export a classic you need to be the original owner or to import to Canada? I know in the US technically has to be the original engine to import. Because Toyota hasn't included the engine serial number on the VIN plaque since the mid sixties should be able to get away with a similar engine like 2F to 2F. Non Toyota or diesel engine would be a red flag. Brazil Bandeirante with a factory installed Mercedes diesel would be an exception.

 

[Rochfort]

Are you saying in Columbia to export a classic you need to be the original owner or to import to Canada? I know in the US technically has to be the original engine to import. Because Toyota hasn't included the engine serial number on the VIN plaque since the mid sixties should be able to get away with a similar engine like 2F to 2F. Non Toyota or diesel engine would be a red flag. Brazil Bandeirante with a factory installed Mercedes diesel would be an exception.

.
I'm saying Canada Customs on its website ssys to import to Canada you to be original owner.

Are you saying in Columbia to export a classic you need to be the original owner or to import to Canada? I know in the US technically has to be the original engine to import. Because Toyota hasn't included the engine serial number on the VIN plaque since the mid sixties should be able to get away with a similar engine like 2F to 2F. Non Toyota or diesel engine would be a red flag. Brazil Bandeirante with a factory installed Mercedes diesel would be an exception.

 

[Rochfort]

Hello all,
I'm retired and want to relive my past. Had a 1974 FJ40 many years and two kids ago. Now, after meeting and talking to relatives in Colombia, South America - an opportunity has come up to obtain a 1981 FJ43 from a family member down there and have it brought here to the south east coast of North Carolina. Am I crazy? View attachment 3343895

Where is it in Colombia? I'm in Bogota

 

[bryce112]

In the state of Antioquia. Also, would anyone know if the front disc brake conversion will affect the importation - the rest of the vehicle is original and numbers matching. Got a few videos to just don't know how to upload (or if that's allowed here)