Wanted Ready to part with your FI V8 Converted hardtop FJ40?

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for an FJ40 with a low mileage LS1 (or other modern fuel-injected V8) conversion/swap, thoughtful suspension/mechanical upgrades, and a body in decent shape (I want it to look good, but not have a such a perfect body that I'm worried about it every time I take it out). Need a hardtop and standard doors. If the exterior is faded but low on rust that's completely fine so long as it's in good shape. I can take care of paint. Ideally the interior would also have been tended to and suitable for putting in a car seat in the rear for my son to go out with me. This will not be a daily driver, but in the winters we'll use it to get to and from the ski hill, and we'll go out for whole day adventures on a regular basis. It also needs to fit into a standard garage.

I am not inclined to work on the vehicle myself, so I just want it to fire up after its been sitting for a while and be easy for a paid mechanic to work on. My ideal vehicle would be something that a passionate, thoughtful, caring person on this forum built and is ready to part with to start their next project. I'm looking to pay market price or even a slight premium for something that fits my needs.

I've been hunting for the last couple of months and feel like I have missed the rare good ones that have come up, so I'm hoping to shake the tree here a bit and get some people interested in passing on their friend to me and my family. Thanks all! Post here or PM me.

 

[swamp-thing]

There's always this Gem....

For Sale - Craigslist Houston - '72 FJ40 Unlimited

 

[a77fj40]

Welcome to Mud!

Not to discourage you but I've been looking for the same thing for years. Finally gave up and started building my own. I realized that no one will build the rig the exact way i want. I suggest you do the same. Even if it means paying someone. You can get a good foundation rig for 8-10 (main goal should be rust free or close too, you can fix a lot of mechanical for what it costs to do basic rust repair). Having a shop do a decent V8 conversion will cost 10-12. so depending on where you start you're looking at about 20-25K. i seriously doubt anyone that took the time to build their dream rig will let ti go for less than that plus you get to build it the way you want. Just my $0.02.

Guys... chime in if you think I'm off base here.

Good luck on the hunt.

 

[a77fj40]

Oh and you didn't specify but I'm sure you know to buy a 75 or older. Good old Kalifornia.

 

[DSB345]

Put a hard top on it


1976 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser W/ 6.0 LS Engine Like Bronco K5 Blazer

 

[JeffD]

Not too far from you, looks interesting:
Toyota FJ40

 

[BigBearCrawler]

Thanks for all the input everyone. I am simultaneously looking into building my own rig and following the path that a77fj40 outlined. One of my fears with this is the all-consuming nature of it and having the project draw out for 12 months or more as I obsess over every detail. I'm sure many of you will say "That's the point!" - I'm going to check out the ones mentioned here.

The 40k 6.0L seems like it's too nice - wondering though - is adding a hardtop and doors a straight-forward task? Seems like a big pain and fairly hard to source - or do I have that wrong?

 

[DSB345]

Wrong year but they are out there and not hard to install. A good one will cost you 30 to $50,000.00.
I'm not saying that is a good one or not. Just showing they are around.

Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 complete hard top

Thanks for all the input everyone. I am simultaneously looking into building my own rig and following the path that a77fj40 outlined. One of my fears with this is the all-consuming nature of it and having the project draw out for 12 months or more as I obsess over every detail. I'm sure many of you will say "That's the point!" - I'm going to check out the ones mentioned here.

The 40k 6.0L seems like it's too nice - wondering though - is adding a hardtop and doors a straight-forward task? Seems like a big pain and fairly hard to source - or do I have that wrong?

 

[BigBearCrawler]

Not too far from you, looks interesting:
Toyota FJ40

I checked this out - seems like a perfect start - unfortunately a salvage title, which would be fine if I weren't going to put money into it. Everyone agrees on that right - crazy to restore a salvage titled vehicle?

 

[FJ404345]

I checked this out - seems like a perfect start - unfortunately a salvage title, which would be fine if I weren't going to put money into it. Everyone agrees on that right - crazy to restore a salvage titled vehicle?

So if you like this one buy it and drive this one and buy another to restore for more then 12 months,

Why cut yourself short?

Welcome to the madness !!

 

[JeffD]

I checked this out - seems like a perfect start - unfortunately a salvage title, which would be fine if I weren't going to put money into it. Everyone agrees on that right - crazy to restore a salvage titled vehicle?[/QUOTE

In most states you can rebrand the title once the salvaged vehicle has been repaired. I think they call it a rebuilt title? Doesn't look too difficult.

 

[JeffD]

Here is another one, looks like a v8.
1969 Toyota Landcruiser FJ40

 

[UZJ40]

What is your budget?

 

[BigBearCrawler]

My total all-in budget for a perfect vehicle, perfectly setup, perfect color would be in the 30k range.
Seems like I could build something pretty sweet for that, but haven't found a vehicle yet that I love at that price.

 

[Sippi FJ40]

I'm looking into selling mine, it's a 1976 and has a 350 conversion though. No rust, fits in my garage haha. But it needs some wiring work done but I'm incorporating that into the price as well as some body work on the top since I don't have the time to fix it myself.

 

[BigBearCrawler]

PM sent Sippi thanks.

 

[Detailx]

So I've had thoughts of selling my truck because Cars and Coffee runs every other month doesn't justify keeping it, but that has not been sufficient motivation to deal with the BS and tire kickers required to sell it.

It's a 78 hardtop. I’d say about 85% of the paint is the original Dune Beige. The hood sports some surface patina. It would break my heart to paint it, but I lose that say if I sell it. Any rust that exists is surface.

Engine is a 5.7L Vortec Fuel injection conversion running on GM computer (even has check engine lights wired on the dash and the OBD sensor to pull codes). People who see it say it looks like the factory put it in there.
Fuel system is new including fuel pump, lines and MPFI injector conversion
Intake gaskets (which were a common problem with these motors) have been changed to the metal ones, Dex cool has been evacuated, thermostat has been changed as has the temp sensor. Motor runs cool in 100 degree heat.
It sits for longer than I would like to admit at a time and fires right up at the push of the button everytime. It runs good.

NV4500 5 speed manual transmission

4” OME lift springs and shocks. Brand new bushings on rear shocks

All fluids recently baselined including correct (expensive) fluid for the NV4500 transmission

Brand new Optima Red Top battery

(5) basically new BF Goodrich KO tires on black Cragar wheels

Seats have been changed to a more comfortable option. Fronts are power and rear is a Bestop seat instead with seat belts instead of the jump seats for safety

Alpine radio is wired with 2 6X9s in the back. It works, but I can tell you I have never bothered listening to it.

Has Power steering, Warn winch up front. Basically ready to rock and roll. Everything with the exception of the engine, trans and drive shafts are the Toyota stuff so it is pretty easy for a competent mechanic to work on it with 1978 FJ and 1997 GM manuals.

With your budget and knowing what you are looking for you sounds serious so figured I would throw it out there. Check out the pics. If you are interested, drop me a line.

 

[BigBearCrawler]

Detailx PM sent - looks pretty near ideal to me!

 

[BigBearCrawler]

Hello again - came to a deal, but the seller had a change of heart and decided not to part with his vehicle. I learned a lot in the process - I definitely want something that has a stock-ish look to it. Any other candidates?

 

[Gappy]

See my signature line for a description of my 40 and avatar pic for one pic.
It is carbureted, brand new GM crate motor (350) not even broken in yet. Minor scrapes and bruises from off roading. A few minor spots of rust but nothing major at all and the quarter panels have been replaced. I have the top and doors that I've never used.