Seeking Guidance on Restoring a 1959 FJ Cruiser Hardtop

[59fj25]

Hello FJ Cruiser Community,

I'm new to the FJ Cruiser world and could really use some guidance. My aunt is generously offering to give either myself or my cousin a 1959 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ25 hardtop. I'm seriously considering taking it on as a restoration project, but before I commit, I wanted to get your thoughts on whether this would be a worthwhile investment.

I've seen values for these trucks all over the place—some as low as $14k and others as high as $30k, $40k, or even $50k. Given that these seem to be pretty rare, I'm not sure where this particular truck might fall on that spectrum, and I’d love some input from those who know these vehicles best.

I plan on keeping it for a while, so the restoration wouldn’t just be for resale, but I also want to make sure I’m not getting in over my head with parts availability, restoration costs, and potential value down the line.

Any advice, experiences, or resources you could share would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much!

Don

 

[tahoe40/45]

Hello FJ Cruiser Community,

I'm new to the FJ Cruiser world and could really use some guidance. My aunt is generously offering to give either myself or my cousin a 1959 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ25 hardtop. I'm seriously considering taking it on as a restoration project, but before I commit, I wanted to get your thoughts on whether this would be a worthwhile investment.

I've seen values for these trucks all over the place—some as low as $14k and others as high as $30k, $40k, or even $50k. Given that these seem to be pretty rare, I'm not sure where this particular truck might fall on that spectrum, and I’d love some input from those who know these vehicles best.

I plan on keeping it for a while, so the restoration wouldn’t just be for resale, but I also want to make sure I’m not getting in over my head with parts availability, restoration costs, and potential value down the line.

Any advice, experiences, or resources you could share would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much!

Don

Hello welcome.

Some pictures would help to see what condition the FJ25 is in. Rough condition and missing parts gets you in the lower price range, a running/stopping FJ25 with all or most original parts will be in the higher price range.

True FJ25 parts are hard to find. Some Toyota Land Cruiser parts from the 60/70s will work, but still some are hard to find. There are aftermarket parts that will work. All that said, its not impossible to keep the FJ25 alive.

EDIT:
Forgot to mention there are a few venders on IH8MUD that have parts that will work for a FJ25 or have reproduction parts that will help keep the FJ25 going.

 

[59fj25]

Hello welcome.

Some pictures would help to see what condition the FJ25 is in. Rough condition and missing parts gets you in the lower price range, a running/stopping FJ25 with all or most original parts will be in the higher price range.

True FJ25 parts are hard to find. Some Toyota Land Cruiser parts from the 60/70s will work, but still some are hard to find. There are aftermarket parts that will work. All that said, its not impossible to keep the FJ25 alive.

EDIT:
Forgot to mention there are a few venders on IH8MUD that have parts that will work for a FJ25 or have reproduction parts that will help keep the FJ25 going.

Here's an updated response to post on the IH8MUD forum:

---

Hello welcome.

Some pictures would help to see what condition the FJ25 is in. Rough condition and missing parts gets you in the lower price range, a running/stopping FJ25 with all or most original parts will be in the higher price range.

True FJ25 parts are hard to find. Some Toyota Land Cruiser parts from the 60/70s will work, but still some are hard to find. There are aftermarket parts that will work. All that said, its not impossible to keep the FJ25 alive.

EDIT:
Forgot to mention there are a few venders on IH8MUD that have parts that will work for a FJ25 or have reproduction parts that will help keep the FJ25 going.

Here's an updated response to post on the IH8MUD forum:

---

Thanks for the insights, @tahoe40/45!


I’m trying to learn as much as I can, so I really appreciate the help.


The FJ25 is currently primed and does run, but I haven't had the chance to take it for a spin yet. It appears to be in decent condition, and I believe it has the original jump seats, which I understand might be a nice feature. I'll try to get some pictures posted soon to give you all a better idea of its condition.


I was also wondering if you (or anyone else) could shed some light on the wide price range I’m seeing for FJ25s. For example, I noticed this 1960 model went for $14k (1960 FJ25 on Classic.com), while this 1959 model fetched $31k (1959 FJ25 on Classic.com).


It seems like both cars were restored, but maybe the one that sold for $31k had a better paint job or underwent a full rotisserie restoration? If that's the case, does that mean a non-rotisserie restored 1959 FJ25 typically sells for around $14k? Or are there other factors at play that contribute to such a big price difference—like specific features, originality, or market trends?


I’m also a bit confused because I’ve seen some soft-top models going for $30k to $40k, which adds to my uncertainty. Does the hardtop generally add more value, or is it more about the overall condition and restoration quality?


The original color was either white or beige, and it still has the original seats. I’d love to know if there are any other details or options I should be looking for that could boost its value or make it a standout piece for a restoration project.


Thank you for taking the time to respond to my questions. I’m looking forward to being a part of this community and learning more from everyone here!


Don

 

[sofj45]

Just my 2 cents which take it with a grain of salt for what it is and I can not and am not speaking for the others in this group just myself, you seem to be mostly concerned with value there for you will not get what you put into it unless you hack it together like so many and throw a s*** paint job and find that one idiot to spend big money that doesn’t really know what they are buying. decent condition is a huge range to the person looking at it and the early cruisers there a lot of parts that’s specific to them as far being correct compared to parts that have been put on them to be useable.
Most of the early cruiser people in here seem to like original things and love the landcruiser as a hobby and enjoy the process of making things correct. 25s are rare but does not make them more valuable to everyone. More purchasing money is currently spent on later model 40s with creature comforts such as ps, disc brake and ac because the group of people buying them are paying the top dollar to show off there “fj” and aren’t really into the landcruiser world as enjoyment it’s a status symbol. I feel most the people that enjoy the early Landcruisers are about the vehicle and the enjoyment from hunting down a next to impossible to find part or having parts remanufactured to make a vehicle as close to original as possible and then having that part available for the next enthusiast trying to do the same thing, where you don’t get the money back you put in but that’s not what it’s about.
Hard top or soft top models have the same value to the right person doesn’t matter as long as it’s original to the vehicle. You might be better off getting the cruiser and turning and selling it where you truly would be ahead in value that way. If you get it for free and sell it for 10 or get it for free put 40 into it and sell if for 35.

Look at both the links you put up. The one that sold for 15 was Forsale for 49 before not selling at mecums and then selling at Barrett. On top of the horribly low price they got, they had to pay 10% of sale price plus a listing fee plus travel and everything else so they maybe put 10k from that sale into there pocket. I’m guessing the low price has to do with the quality of the build as I didn’t look at any other picture other than the one displayed and when it’s missing the hood latches and it’s been restored I don’t need to look any further. The second one sold the year prior at the same auction for 11k more so that poor bastard bought it for 42 plus they pay 10% percent of purchase price to Barrett took it back the next year sold it for 31 paid another 10% because both buyer and seller pay the percentage when it goes thru barrett auctions.
Or do your aunt a favor help her find a good home for it to someone that will do it correctly for the enjoyment and take a percentage for finding good buyer and doing the leg work.

I have 60k wrapped up in a cruiser I’m trying to sell for 40 that’s just as rare as a 59 fj25. I drive it regularly but at the same time could spend another 10k doing nothing to it other than playing and never see a penny back. If I was to build the same truck today finding a decent cruiser for around 10k I’d be 100 into it still be hard pressed to get 45 out of it.

 

[brian]

before I commit, I wanted to get your thoughts on whether this would be a worthwhile investment.

It would not be.

 

[nuclearlemon]

i'm with everyone else. early land cruisers are a labor of love, it's the very rare one that's an investment.

 

[3_puppies]

I'm reminded of an old saying
how to make a small fortune in XXXX? start with a big one

 

[Unimogguy]

If you want a restored 25 buy it from someone who already has restored it. I seriously doubt there are very few who restore these rare vehicles that ever see a positive financial return unless you’re in the restoration business and someone is paying you to restore it for them. I have far more invested in my 45’s then I’ll ever see if/when I sell.

 

[sofj45]

@59fj25 Don I do apologize that I came across like a complete a******. The early cruisers are a great vehicle and very fun projects if you enjoy the headache of owning one. If you are still interested in the project and or selling the vehicle the rest of the people in this group are your best source to help put a more accurate value to it. There are so many little parts on the early cruisers that make them correct to era that most of us have spent countless hours hunting down, cleaning,refurbishing, re-manufacturing that these guys in this group can help you or atleast advise you on what’s correct or incorrect to the vehicle so you have the knowledge of the vehicle.

My apologies and best regards,
Mason

 

[Indygbd]

I love 25’s and own several. I can tell you that if you are missing original parts it will cost you a fortune to restore and you will loose money in the end. If it’s 100% original and in very good condition you might break even in the end. I have over 6 figures in my 1958. I have tracked down every rare impossible nos part you can find. I love the hunt and the journey. I’m also a perfectionist so who cares about the money. You have to determine what is important to you.

 

[59fj25]

Hey everyone,


I appreciate all the honest feedback—definitely gives me a better perspective. I understand that early Land Cruisers, especially FJ25s, are more about passion than profit. That said, whenever making an investment, I at least like to understand what the return could be, even if it’s just marginal. If not for the money, it’s about the relationships and friendships that come from these transactions. I’ve been around some cool rides in my day, so I get what it means to be a true enthusiast.


The truck does run, is primed (not painted), and I believe it still has the original jump seats. I do know it’s missing the headlamps and maybe the bezels, but I’m not sure if they’re laying around somewhere. A few of you mentioned how hard it is to find certain parts—what should I be looking for to determine if this is worth restoring? Also, what parts are you guys on the hunt for? This truck might have what’s needed, and I’m happy to help if I can.


Lastly, I still see a big gap in FJ25 prices—some selling for $14k, others for $30k-$40k+. Is it purely about originality and restoration quality, or does the hardtop, color, or certain features impact value?


Appreciate all the input, and looking forward to learning more!


—Don

 

[brian]

this is a bot

 

[Indygbd]

Photos?

 

[bj70bc]

haha faulking Bots
no one calls it a fj cruiser.....

 

[59fj25]

@Indygbd working on the photo's. been a little tough to get them, but they will be here soon., is there anything specific i should have photos of ?

no bot's here fellas. all my comments and questions are valid are true. if you are looking for a part that isn't available, you'd be missing your opportunity to have a chance at me considering selling or help lend to reproduce for the others out there who might need some help. I'm a team player.

@b702012 Noted! like i mentioned above and thought-out my post's i am new to the community, I'm just passing through and figured i'd stop in at one of the FJ25 specific threads so i could get some knowledge from the people who love these cars the most. If their not FJ cruisers, should i call it an FJ25 or is there another term for this series that I'm not aware of ? If so, i would love to understand who and what this beautiful truck is.

 

[Indygbd]

@Indygbd working on the photo's. been a little tough to get them, but they will be here soon., is there anything specific i should have photos of ?

no bot's here fellas. all my comments and questions are valid are true. if you are looking for a part that isn't available, you'd be missing your opportunity to have a chance at me considering selling or help lend to reproduce for the others out there who might need some help. I'm a team player.

@b702012 Noted! like i mentioned above and thought-out my post's i am new to the community, I'm just passing through and figured i'd stop in at one of the FJ25 specific threads so i could get some knowledge from the people who love these cars the most. If their not FJ cruisers, should i call it an FJ25 or is there another term for this series that I'm not aware of ? If so, i would love to understand who and what this beautiful truck is.

There are a lot of opinions on here. So be careful what you wish for! If you take multiple photos myself and a few others can pick apart the truck fairly quickly. We can tell what’s missing, what’s original, and what you might need to restore. It’s difficult to give an opinion without them.

Give everyone on here a chance. They may be hard to get to know at first however every one of them are good guys in this section of the forum.

 

[sofj45]

Parts you should be looking for that are true and original, seats, master cylinders, wiper motors/arms, transmission, ignition and keys, gas cap and filler neck, jack and tools, carb, centered diff rear axle, windshield frame, hardtop and doors, gauge cluster,dash pulls and knobs. basically a lot of early parts that get swapped out and updated over time and use of the vehicle. Post pictures the more pictures you get the more people that know the rigs can tell you what’s correct and what’s missing and or has been swapped.

 

[Indygbd]

Parts you should be looking for that are true and original, seats, master cylinders, wiper motors/arms, transmission, ignition and keys, gas cap and filler neck, jack and tools, carb, centered diff rear axle, windshield frame, hardtop and doors, gauge cluster,dash pulls and knobs. basically a lot of early parts that get swapped out and updated over time and use of the vehicle. Post pictures the more pictures you get the more people that know the rigs can tell you what’s correct and what’s missing and or has been swapped.

Original seats are important however can be found and are being reproduced now. Same with most metal panels. Shopping is pricey from South America for them so hopefully the body is good. Fj25’s had either Asahi Vacuum Wiper Motors or TNK electric wiper motors. The original instrument cluster is hard to find and important. Original gas tank with large filler neck is important for a purist restoration. The rest is up to you if you want the parts upgraded or original. For example the early master cylinders are very hard to find. You can use newer versions and they will work fine. It’s just up to you if you want everything to be as original as possible. The rest of the parts you will need I can assist you with finding them.