Here are some pictures of the new '78 Landcruiser. Strange, but I actually own 3 FJ40 and 2 complete 2F motors and transmissions and yet, I've never actually driven a LandCruiser yet! Chased around a beautiful '81 that is completely bone stock, original paint, interior etc. PO at 125K overheated it and blew a head gasket. Let it sit and I posted notes on it for 5 years or so. The old man sold it to a kid who knew nothing about it and since the pistons were rust seized in the cylinders it wouldn't even crank and the kid sold it to me for $900. Has factory air, ps, and a brand new motor that I got back from the machine shop but have not put it together yet. Super nice absolutely 100% original in every detail - completely unrestored.
In the meantime, found a great '75 FJ40 nearby that was in beautiful running condition, complete vehicle in every respect, but rusted tub. My donor FJ40, which is sad, cause I have a title and everything. Just can't afford a tub. That one has 124K on the clock, 2F, with Weber carb conversion. Paid $600 for that and it's in the back yard. Previous owner called yesterday and wants pictures and would love to "buy it back," says he's sorry he sold it cause he continues to miss it.
Next, guy was taking his super nice '81 2F motor and driveline out to put in a Ford V8 in his FJ45. This austrailian motor drove beautifully when I went up to help him take it out. Paid $750 for entire motor and 4 speed and made a great friend. That's the motor that will be going in my newest FJ40 about 150K on the clock.
God Bless Craigslist! Local guy posted an ad for a beautiful '78 FJ40 with genuine 103K on the clock. Had a chevrolet 350 which was seized because someone's wife (who was the sole driver of the vehicle) did not look at the dipstick on the chevy and it seized. When I saw this FJ, I almost fell out of my truck as it was the nicest original low to no rust vehicle I've ever seen, especially here down south. Someone LOVED this vehicle as it has documentation since original purchase. Tons of notes from people who over the years wanted to buy it. Receipts for everything under the sun, including a stainless steel fastener specialist who replaced virtually all the nuts and bolts with exact replicas in stainless. It's the nicest one I've every had. So I still wonder what it is that everyone just loves about these things. Previous owners of all the ones I've collected have all but cried when I took the vehicle away. Two of them continue to email and call just to see where things are with their old vehicles. I'm hoping that once I get that Austrailian '81 2F in that pretty '78, I'll know too. I mean I've never even driven anyone elses FJ40, let alone my own. So naturally, now that I have all the parts I need, it's time to get the project underway and will be asking all the dopey things that the old timers cringe when they see yet another question about.....oh, the '78...gave $1,900 for it and guys behind me wanted to buy it on the spot from me, before I even took it home (God also bless AAA and my new membership as well as their flatbed trucks who tow 100 miles at a time when I needed only 80 of those).
Hopefully our ignorance will not be a source of pain to anyone here. I thank all who have made us feel so welcome in only a matter of days. Thank You! Pics when I figure out how to attach...
In the meantime, found a great '75 FJ40 nearby that was in beautiful running condition, complete vehicle in every respect, but rusted tub. My donor FJ40, which is sad, cause I have a title and everything. Just can't afford a tub. That one has 124K on the clock, 2F, with Weber carb conversion. Paid $600 for that and it's in the back yard. Previous owner called yesterday and wants pictures and would love to "buy it back," says he's sorry he sold it cause he continues to miss it.
Next, guy was taking his super nice '81 2F motor and driveline out to put in a Ford V8 in his FJ45. This austrailian motor drove beautifully when I went up to help him take it out. Paid $750 for entire motor and 4 speed and made a great friend. That's the motor that will be going in my newest FJ40 about 150K on the clock.
God Bless Craigslist! Local guy posted an ad for a beautiful '78 FJ40 with genuine 103K on the clock. Had a chevrolet 350 which was seized because someone's wife (who was the sole driver of the vehicle) did not look at the dipstick on the chevy and it seized. When I saw this FJ, I almost fell out of my truck as it was the nicest original low to no rust vehicle I've ever seen, especially here down south. Someone LOVED this vehicle as it has documentation since original purchase. Tons of notes from people who over the years wanted to buy it. Receipts for everything under the sun, including a stainless steel fastener specialist who replaced virtually all the nuts and bolts with exact replicas in stainless. It's the nicest one I've every had. So I still wonder what it is that everyone just loves about these things. Previous owners of all the ones I've collected have all but cried when I took the vehicle away. Two of them continue to email and call just to see where things are with their old vehicles. I'm hoping that once I get that Austrailian '81 2F in that pretty '78, I'll know too. I mean I've never even driven anyone elses FJ40, let alone my own. So naturally, now that I have all the parts I need, it's time to get the project underway and will be asking all the dopey things that the old timers cringe when they see yet another question about.....oh, the '78...gave $1,900 for it and guys behind me wanted to buy it on the spot from me, before I even took it home (God also bless AAA and my new membership as well as their flatbed trucks who tow 100 miles at a time when I needed only 80 of those).
Hopefully our ignorance will not be a source of pain to anyone here. I thank all who have made us feel so welcome in only a matter of days. Thank You! Pics when I figure out how to attach...
Dave
The only source of pain is when everyone sees your sweet rigs and all of the great deals you got.
