With the 45, you could also go 4 door... That'd be super cool.
Check out this site for inspiration...
FJ | Gallery | FJ-44 | ICON
Check out this site for inspiration...
FJ | Gallery | FJ-44 | ICON
Opinions on buying an FJ40 or an FJ45 in similar condition
- Thread starter Ample
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I don't want to spoil the party, but looking at the pictures, you are not really buying a Land Cruiser, but just a bunch of off year body panels and a questionable frame (the 40) or a burned out shell (45). And most of it you won't be using anyway.
That is not way to start a restoration. Like said before, anything can be fixed and some people do but you will have to start with something half decent especially in a country where parts are hard to find (if at all)
You will need a lot of stuff and from what I hear that could be a problem. Not only would it cost you a fortune, but you might have to fabricate stuff yourself. A project like this is like building house, you start with the foundation, And if either of these shells is the basis, you will run into serious difficulties.
I know you are enthusiastic and determined but don't let it blind you judgement. You say that FJ's are hard to find in Kenya, but I am sure they are out there. Maybe not now. Looking at the money you will have to spend to get either one on the road, you can also search in other countries and import. Maybe you should think out of the box. Don't you have a friend that is going to move to Kenya bring one with him? Any foreign companies with that might be able to help sourcing a good one. If registration is a problem, you could buy either one of them and use the numbers for what ever you find in another country.
I have done some major projects but I would walk away from these two, unless you need a source for parts.
That is not way to start a restoration. Like said before, anything can be fixed and some people do but you will have to start with something half decent especially in a country where parts are hard to find (if at all)
You will need a lot of stuff and from what I hear that could be a problem. Not only would it cost you a fortune, but you might have to fabricate stuff yourself. A project like this is like building house, you start with the foundation, And if either of these shells is the basis, you will run into serious difficulties.
I know you are enthusiastic and determined but don't let it blind you judgement. You say that FJ's are hard to find in Kenya, but I am sure they are out there. Maybe not now. Looking at the money you will have to spend to get either one on the road, you can also search in other countries and import. Maybe you should think out of the box. Don't you have a friend that is going to move to Kenya bring one with him? Any foreign companies with that might be able to help sourcing a good one. If registration is a problem, you could buy either one of them and use the numbers for what ever you find in another country.
I have done some major projects but I would walk away from these two, unless you need a source for parts.
I think the only thing on the 40 that you will find 74 is paper work. Guessing this is a 81/82. Only thing different than those years in the North America market would be the glove box door still being spring loaded latch instead of a twist handle. And of course it's a RHD. I think everything or most everthing on that 40 came originally on it. But it is missing many parts which would probably be much easier to find here. A lot of the parts missing could be found here aftermarket which is a lot cheaper than having to go OEM on all parts. Plus many parts are pretty easy to find used unless it was rare part to begin with. As for importing one form another country and switching paper work. In the US it either has to be imported legally or be chopped in half. Get caught switching VINs around not only would lose the vehicle but would be dealing with legal problems. I still think importing a mid wheel base 4X series would be the easiest way to go if parts are that hard to come.
- Thread starter
- #44
You can't go wrong with either of them because you sound determined and will make it work either way. The 45 will require more custom work to fit more than 2 inside comfortably. The 45 has a metal roof and the 40 is stock with the fiberglass roof...easy to fix fiberglassI have always wanted a 45, and we have more choices than you it seems, even in the US they are hard to find. Good luck to you, whichever way you go!
For sure I am determined but I am also logical and do not want to throw good money into an empty hole. I know this sounds like a downer - but I guess there's more than 1 way to skin a cat.
I spoke to a specialist fabricator today who is damn good at converting FJ70's into safari wagons. They add 4 doors and elongate the body / chassis. Damn...my heart sank... they want US$12,000 for adding 2 doors!
- Thread starter
- #45
I think it's very easy to get emotional especially when you can't find complete vehicles here. I am going to kind of be hard on myself and let logic kick in. I guess one very important thing you said was about building a house and you have to start with the foundation.
I'm gonna have to sleep on this. My friends are into lC's and they are very good at what they do. One of them (who has 5 LC's sitting at his home said I am overpaying for the 40 by about 80%). Reality has to sink in.
I respect all the frank opinions that I am getting - and i would like to thank each and every one of you - so 'thank you'.
This project is not yet dead but I will go deeper into finding the right car at the right price for my foundation.
- Thread starter
- #46
I think the only thing on the 40 that you will find 74 is paper work. Guessing this is a 81/82. Only thing different than those years in the North America market would be the glove box door still being spring loaded latch instead of a twist handle. And of course it's a RHD. I think everything or most everthing on that 40 came originally on it. But it is missing many parts which would probably be much easier to find here. A lot of the parts missing could be found here aftermarket which is a lot cheaper than having to go OEM on all parts. Plus many parts are pretty easy to find used unless it was rare part to begin with. As for importing one form another country and switching paper work. In the US it either has to be imported legally or be chopped in half. Get caught switching VINs around not only would lose the vehicle but would be dealing with legal problems. I still think importing a mid wheel base 4X series would be the easiest way to go if parts are that hard to come.
My ideal scenario is an 80 series drivetrain with a 40 / 45 body.
I can tell you that our importation laws are pretty messed up and it's not just that easy to get stuff in bcos it need inspections, etc.
I definitely will not swap VIN's. What I can do is use a VIN / Frame from 1 car and only transplant the body of another over this frame.
Guys I need your help...
How much will it cost in US$ to get:
all window glass
door rubbers,
window winders
door handles
wiper motor and linkages
full fj40 roof
lights
switches
windscreen drop down knobs
door locks
Any other items that I will need (ignore the engine, gearbox & axles)... I really want an 80 series drivetrain... or can I add the 80 series axles under the 40 / 45 series and get a coil suspension getting rid of the leaf springs?
I can then add on our import duties, freight costs, inspection costs, etc.
Thanks in advance.
I agree with some of what you're saying, and disagree with other parts. I'd not underestimate the value of a good frame and a straight body. It sounds like he OP is planning a drivetrain swap, so to a degree, some of the missing things are less important.
All that said, I'd also be looking for a second "donor" vehicle that was more complete. If you could buy a rusty and beat up driveable truck to get most of the missing stuff, you'd be miles ahead. The windows are the biggest issue. Wiring, guages, drivetrain, and a lot of other things, can be aftermarket or from a different vehicle...
One concern with the 40 is it's legality in your area. I'd hate to see it rebuilt only to have a problem if someone realizes the body is a different age from the registration.
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i say save some money and buy a diesel 42 from Auz. or somewhere in your country. one thats compete and drivable. the diesel is very easy to drive, a kid can learn, so your wife will be impressed with her new tallents and might not let you drive it !
Too much hastle matching and mismatching parts. Once time is gone we can't get it back.
Just my thoughts...
Too much hastle matching and mismatching parts. Once time is gone we can't get it back.
Just my thoughts...
- Thread starter
- #49
There would be no legal issues with a different year body on a different year frame. The frame has to match the Log Book (Registration docs).
- Thread starter
- #50
I cannot import a complete car which is more than 8 years old from Oz or any other Country... but I can import cut offs, engines or other parts to fit on a frame here.
My question then would be, Why not get a complete body from OZ or even in SA (at least the same continent) If you got it from OZ you could probably find a Troopy which you could then fit on a 70 or 80 running gear? From what you say about prices and availabilities there it would seem to be the way to go..already RHD, Would meet the cut off/parts criteria and you would get the longer wheelbase to boot with the ability to carry more people/stuff covered...just saying...very interested in what you end up doing..BTW I think there is a build on here putting a 60 on a 80 frame and running gear, not what you intended but it just shows anything can be done... My truck when completed will have 70 axles,15bf engine and a host of other non stock parts because thats what I can get...without costing a arm and a leg..My vote is for you to get the body from OZ (or where ever you can find one and then put it on whatever you like...Looking at the Pictures you supplied, and hopefully understanding the direction you want to go...find the frame there and get the body parts elsewhere...but what you showed for the price you quoted seems way too high to me..many here live in OZ and Im sure would help you get what you needed....best of luck...Lee
Check out some of the commercial sellers... SOR.com (expensive), CCOT (quality can vary), Marks Off Road (very reputable)... To get an idea of part prices. For what things are worth, I'm sure you'd be better off finding a complete (or at least semi complete) donor car (wherever) for $1000-1500 with the parts you're looking for, loading it into a shipping container, and have it shipped to you. Even if you had to pay someone to strip some of the excess to meet import requirements, you'd be further ahead.
$12,000 seems crazy. To stretch a 45 into a 4 door, you'd need 2 more doors, some filler pieces to go between the front and rear doors, a 40 roof (or a 45 stretched one), and a stretched tub. Even paying a guy $50 an hour, I can't see the bill getting to $12,000 to do that.
I have no idea on the logistics of importing stuf, but I'd also check out these places for body parts...
http://www.aqualu.com/fj-quad-cabs.html (quality products)
http://www.extremebends.com/body-pa...105_89?zenid=32b2aca123f51a344ebb67817bde46dd (good local reputation and tons of stuff not on their site)
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- Thread starter
- #54
I guess having looked at the pricing for both Aqualu & Extremebends they will not be feasible. Shipping will be a killer.
- Thread starter
- #55
Hey Bikersmurf... Marks off Road seems like a serious supplier.
When I look at the individual costs of body panels I almost feel that the Kenyan FJ40 &45 are not that expensive.
How does the glass fit into the body panels? Is it only a rubber seal holding the glass between the gap on the body...
OR
... is it some sort of a frame that is there onto which the rubber seal goes and the glass gets squeezed between the rubber seal and the frame.
When I look at the individual costs of body panels I almost feel that the Kenyan FJ40 &45 are not that expensive.
How does the glass fit into the body panels? Is it only a rubber seal holding the glass between the gap on the body...
OR
... is it some sort of a frame that is there onto which the rubber seal goes and the glass gets squeezed between the rubber seal and the frame.
The glass is held in solely by the rubber seal. In simple terms, you put a piece of cord into the slot in the rubber (where the body fits), push the window up against the body, and then pull the cord out from inside the body. The cord pulls the rubber inside e body, and it then slips into place. I'm sure it doesn't make a lot of sence from my description, but it's actually quite easy to do.
Older windows (pre 72ish) and windshields use a 2 piece seal, where everything is installed, and then a locking strip is installed to keep them there.
Marks Off Road is a serious suplier, with an excelent reputation, but it's a buisness and he's making a living selling Landcruiser parts. You'll always be able to find better deals privately. In your situation, you'd be best to find a (more or less) complete truck, for $1000, and have everything you need shipped to you. I've seen rusty, driveable 40s sell for $500. Shipping is going to be the expensive part.
And yes, it's ridiculous what it costs to buy the combined parts to rebuild a truck. That's why most people recomend buying the most complete and finished truck you can. You'll see adds here all the time... $25,000 invested, $10,000 or best offer. If you can buy the $25,000 truck for $8-9,000 why spend $25,000 or more.
When I bought mine back in 1991 they were affordable to build, now is annother story.
Older windows (pre 72ish) and windshields use a 2 piece seal, where everything is installed, and then a locking strip is installed to keep them there.
Marks Off Road is a serious suplier, with an excelent reputation, but it's a buisness and he's making a living selling Landcruiser parts. You'll always be able to find better deals privately. In your situation, you'd be best to find a (more or less) complete truck, for $1000, and have everything you need shipped to you. I've seen rusty, driveable 40s sell for $500. Shipping is going to be the expensive part.
And yes, it's ridiculous what it costs to buy the combined parts to rebuild a truck. That's why most people recomend buying the most complete and finished truck you can. You'll see adds here all the time... $25,000 invested, $10,000 or best offer. If you can buy the $25,000 truck for $8-9,000 why spend $25,000 or more.
When I bought mine back in 1991 they were affordable to build, now is annother story.
- Thread starter
- #57
Bikersmurf - your description is pretty good on fitting the glass. I've seen this done a few times so know where you're coming from.
I think the secret of my build is to get as complete a truck as possible (right hand drive) and then rebuild it on home ground.
Naturally I will not take the engine / gearbox & axles unless I get a complete truck with the 1HDT and auto gearbox - and I think that's going to be fat chance!
My problem is going to be trying to trust someone to ship the parts (especially a private seller) as they will want the money up front.
We'll see... I have contacted a few ebay sellers to see what they have to say... Also being in Africa does not help because of the number of scams and people having bad experiences and getting cheated.
I think the secret of my build is to get as complete a truck as possible (right hand drive) and then rebuild it on home ground.
Naturally I will not take the engine / gearbox & axles unless I get a complete truck with the 1HDT and auto gearbox - and I think that's going to be fat chance!
My problem is going to be trying to trust someone to ship the parts (especially a private seller) as they will want the money up front.
We'll see... I have contacted a few ebay sellers to see what they have to say... Also being in Africa does not help because of the number of scams and people having bad experiences and getting cheated.
1) Paypal might be one option to protect you... Not sure on logistics with larger purchases.
2) A lawyer could hold the money in trust till you recieve the truck.
3) A mud member (an independent one with a reputation) could help ensure you get what you've paid for.
4) You could go on "vacation" to pick it up.
5) Some shipping companies may be willing to help by holding the money in trust (don't know but may).
- Thread starter
- #59
I like no. 4 a lot but I also know it is the most impractical!
Maybe option 3:
3) A mud member (an independent one with a reputation) could help ensure you get what you've paid for.
Hopefully I'll find someone who is willing to help me here.
While on the subject of getting all the body panels from overseas - and other parts needed, how easy or hard would it be to transplant an FJ40 body to the FJ45? I am not talking about mounting the body to the frame but let's say I wanted a full body truck - is it a simple question of fitting body panels from an FJ40 to the 45 that I posted pictures of?
I have looked up the FJ45 frame number but those numbers do not exist on the web... I believe in OZ they have the asme issues when comparing frame No's to SOR's website info.
That FJ45 frame starts with FJ45 68***
Maybe option 3:
3) A mud member (an independent one with a reputation) could help ensure you get what you've paid for.
Hopefully I'll find someone who is willing to help me here.
While on the subject of getting all the body panels from overseas - and other parts needed, how easy or hard would it be to transplant an FJ40 body to the FJ45? I am not talking about mounting the body to the frame but let's say I wanted a full body truck - is it a simple question of fitting body panels from an FJ40 to the 45 that I posted pictures of?
I have looked up the FJ45 frame number but those numbers do not exist on the web... I believe in OZ they have the asme issues when comparing frame No's to SOR's website info.
That FJ45 frame starts with FJ45 68***