New Member with FJ43...

[Rediver]

Hey all,

I tried to get some answers and support from the guys over at Toyota Nation, but not a single response. I assume since you guys are THE land cruiser gurus, this is a more appropriate place for me to be in The site looks better too lol.

I hail from Saudi Arabia (and no I don't bomb things)... and here is my foray into the FJ world...

So I recently caught the FJ40 bug and started searching around (they LOVE the FJ series here, there are literally TONS of them). There aren't that many FJ40 series to be found though, and they are becoming scarcer.

SOOO, I was driving around and I saw this wierd FJ40 parked in front of a villa. I got out and checked the car out.. and found that it originally came with a rag top but the dude had custom made a WOOD roof for it (first thing to get burned lol). The body is in great shape, new 2000 dollar paint job (titanium silver from the newer land cruisers), and rebuilt engine.

However, it is a bit long and the chassis reads: FJ43-382780 (the last number 0 isnt very readable, but im pretty sure its a 0).

Anyway. What the hell is an FJ-43, and why does it have a rear bench seat?? It's a 1973 model and has three speeds.

Should I buy it? It'll cost me about 3000 dollars and im kinda worried. When I started it up, it ran a bit rough cold (its a gas engine) but I guess thats normal? And how easy is it to fabricate an AC on there? (it gets frikkin HOT here, year round).

One more question: Is this car considered a good daily driver? I spearfish every weekend and I love the look and capability of the thing. But does it really live up to it's legendary reliability? And if anything goes wrong, are parts interchangeable with later model FJ's? (coming by parts for classics like this is near impossible).


Can't wait for your guy's responses, here are some pics (the car is dusty in and out, but it gets driven around daily to keep it alive):

 

[singletrackjunkie]

Essentially it is a longer wheelbased 40. As far as whether you should buy it or not depends on what the market is like in Suadi. Personally I'd keep my eye open for a diesel cruiser which are probably in better supply in Saudi than in the states but it looks to be in good shape and I'm sure you'd enjoy it. welcome to the addiction!

 

[singletrackjunkie]

Oh yeah, if you do buy it be sure the first thing you do is flip the bezel

 

[Lugal]

I don't have first-hand experience with Saudi or the 1F, but next door in Yemen parts and expertise for the 2F are ridiculously easy to find. I'd bet you'd be ok in Saudi, too.

 

[Hogan]

it looks like a nice cruiser, good luck with what ever you get. Welcome to Mud

 

[tucker74]

The FJ43 is the mid-wheel base version between the 40 & the 45/47, this model was never brought to the states and would be very sought after here. The engine should be a 1F (F155) and would be interchangeable with any similar vintage Fj40/43/45/55. These are very simple to work on and yes, very reliable.

As for the seats, the PO must have removed them somewhere down the line, this would have had two long benches from the factory if it is a FST version. You're going to have plenty of room to figure out some rear seating, and the extra room should come in handy for you fishing hobby

I'd say $3k isn't a bad price for a complete running Cruiser with a new paint job and little rust - go for it!

Tucker

 

[Rediver]

So, if I were to buy it and bring it back with me to the States... how much would you guys estimate I can get for it?

And has anyone fabricated a good, reliable AC on a 1F?

Thanks for the priceless info BTW everyone

 

[tucker74]

That rig doesn't look like a '73 unless someone spent a lot of time upgrading it, the turn signals, emblems, wipers, doors, fuel door, and rear lights are all '74+. Get a shot under the hood for us, I'm betting there's a 2F in there, are you sure it's a 3-speed?

Tucker

 

[Rediver]

Yup 100 percent certain.

 

[John Smith]

So, if I were to buy it and bring it back with me to the States... how much would you guys estimate I can get for it?

And has anyone fabricated a good, reliable AC on a 1F?

Thanks for the priceless info BTW everyone

If you want to make some money start exporting diesel FJ45s and other rust free trucks to us today. My guess is there is some rule against exporting these trucks from Saudi to us? If not, you could start up a nice export business. I have asked this question to a few of you posting from Saudi and no one has ever given me an answer. If you know anything about the vehicle export laws please let me know.

To answer your questions, I believe you could easily recoup your money if you sold that truck in the US. In the US we have vendors like Vintage Air who make bolt on kits for these trucks. Vintage Air - Inventors of Performance Air Conditioning - www.vintageair.com I bet you can find a local Saudi shop who has experience putting AC in these trucks with locally sourced parts.

 

[Rediver]

I know of no such rules.

I'll look into it. I have not seen a single FJ45, however... so the making money part might not be applicable

We have alot of FJ70's of ALL types, pickups, hardtops, diesels... everything. You think there's a market for those?

 

[WarDamnEagle]

If it's 25 years old or older then you can legally import it into the US. Having been there often, I don't think Saudi Arabia cares what gets exported to the US.

 

[John Smith]

I know of no such rules.

I'll look into it. I have not seen a single FJ45, however... so the making money part might not be applicable

We have alot of FJ70's of ALL types, pickups, hardtops, diesels... everything. You think there's a market for those?

We love what we can't get here, which is anything diesel and anything FJ70 also. As WarDamnEagle stated, if it is 25 years or older it can come in to the US with no problems.

 

[pbgbottle]

didn't they use the 3spd there along with the 2f on the later years even after we switched to the 4spd. . even has the factory fog lights on it.

 

[redsands]

forget the diesel 40 series out here. ive not seen one in 3 years. there are a few 80 series diesels about, and there are a few newer(2006 up) 70 series as well. there is the odd jdm LHD conversion out here too. i havent seen a single one i would buy though...

as for a daily driver here in saudi..not my first choice. not quick or nimble enough to keep up with the crazy pace. ive tried. lack of rollover protection is a concern too.

ac can be had, would cost 3-5000 riyals, and you may or may not be satisfied. it may or may not work. theres alot of butch jobs done out here. most parts would be used/ fabbed. if its a 1f you have, even tougher. if its a 2f, go to a wrecker and take the parts from a 60 series, and get an aftermarket evaporator.

3 grand us. for this seems like a good deal IF its mechanically sound. check for bondo due to accident(s). fresh paint here is not always a good thing.. rust is rarely an issue here but ive seen rusted out floorpans. gobs of undercoating is a dead giveaway.

good luck

 

[FR3533]

get it

 

[nuclearlemon]

diesel cruiser which are probably in better supply in Saudi than in the states !

probably not. countries that produce oil usually have pretty dang cheap gasoline.

 

[Rediver]

Ya... went down to the auction last night to see what's the market like.

We have HUNDREDS of 70 series, as mentioned before. Too many of them are new lol. Not sure if you guys can import new FJ70s?

Anyway, I read REDSAND's post, and I'm starting to see why it wouldn't be his first choice as a DD. People here drive like they're on speed 24/7. And as mentioned before, an reliable AC is a MUST...

So I'm calling quits on the thing, if anyone wants it... PM me.

What I DID find however was a 1997 1HZ MT Landcruiser that is in great shape, and the price is alright. Totally bone stock, no lux at all. About 140,000 miles on the clock.

What i'm wondering is why you guys all love diesels so much. I personally like the sound of the turbo (which this one doesnt have ). Is it just a fuel cost saving thing or is there more behind it? Saudis don't like em too much cuz gas is cheap, and the gas ones are quicker. Some prefer the diesels though. Any reason for this?

There are'nt many diesels around, but they're pretty easy to find if you want one. Since I'm already in the car import business (just starting anyhow), I can arrange for exports if anyone is intrested.



WarDamnEagle: Having been there often, I don't think Saudi Arabia cares what gets exported to the US.

lol. I'm pretty sure they don't even know WHAT is bieng exported (including the amount of oil). The Saudi gov. system is a love-hate relationship. It's COMPLETLY disorganised and humiliating, yet you can get away with just about anything.... and crime rates here are near nill.

 

[Rediver]

So? What is it about the diesels there is to love so much?

 

[DanS HJ-45]

I'm a diesel nut. I only own one vehicle that is NOT a Toyota Diesel (and it's a 1949 White dump truck). Here's why:

• They are thermodynamically more efficient, which saves me money
• Wheeling a Diesel is about as good as an automatic, maybe better if you ask me
• They are VERY simple, in that there's no electrical system needed to keep them running
• The torque and power bands for diesels are just as well suited to everyday driving, than gas engines tend to be (just you get better mileage)
• Even if fuel is cheap, being more efficient lets you go farther away from fuel stations (bonus for some of us)
• Who wants to go fast? Anybody with a sports car can do that. I'm much more into reliable, efficient transport that I can safely drive WELL off the beaten path and back
• BioFuels (BioDiesel or Vegetable Oil) rule. Really. It's better for the environment, better for the engine, and better for my pocketbook (not to mention it is sustainable)

There's an FJ-75 for sale here. My Mom said if it was a diesel she'd trade in her pickup for it tomorrow. I don't doubt it. I really hope someone legally gets an HZJ-75 over here quick, because that would just be too awesome.

Dan