Sell or keep

[airon23]

So I have been toying with the idea of selling my 1976 FJ40. I know it's not so much tech, but maybe the pictures showing work and parts that are described might count. Woody, or other admin if you think this belongs elsewhere please by all means move it.

For the tech, I still think there's plenty for someone to do to make this thing even better. The rust in the rear sill and quarters, I never got around to fixing. Welding isn't really my thing, but I know there are plenty of technical mistakes of mine that will need to be addressed.

This is maybe more so to help gather my thoughts for creating a listing that best represent the FJ40. Appreciate any thoughts and of course the required lowball "funny/sarcastic" offers

I've owned this Feb. 1976 FJ40 for a little over 10 years. Purchased it from an old timer in Carson City NV. who was the 2nd owner since 1984. I put a lot of work into "refreshing" both the exterior and interior, as well as the drive train, over the years. Pretty much everything on this thing I've either gone through or refreshed I feel like. It was definitely a labor of love. But I think it might be time to move it along to someone else who will love and care for it. Who knows as I write this whole thing up maybe it'll be too sentimental to part ways with, but honestly I haven't driven it in quite some time so I think I will likely go through with listing it.

Exterior:
Brush guard (not sure brand, but bought used from Cruiser Corps.)
Paint: refreshed bezel, bumper, POR front chasis, front doors and hard top sides to match sky blue with paint match from Cruiser Corps., brush guard, front metal grill with emblem.
Added rear reflectors
Refreshed hardtop white cap with all new seals and paint
Added antenna
Replaced round mirrors
Replaced brake light lenses
Replaced door gaskets
Con-ferr Roof Rack with hardware
Added rear footstep between bumperettes

Interior:
Added Vintage Air A/C
Reupholstered front seats
Reupholstered jump seats
New headliner(CCOT)
New OEM door cards
Padded Con-ferr center console
Added some stock looking decals to add to the refresh
Replaced Shifter boot
Replaced outside cowl vent hoses
Added beat back envelopes(Con-ferr I think)
Added seat material to foam pad
Front (OEM) and Rear vinyl floor liners

Drive Train:
Rebuilt Steering box (Mark's Offroad)
Re-gasket/seal transmission and transfer case(Valley Hybrids)
Replaced tie rod ends
New HFS Hell For Stout 2.5" lift
Refreshed Warn hubs and replaced hub gaskets
New fuel tank (CCOT aftermarket)
New transmission mounts

Engine Bay:
New aftermarket wiper fluid container
Radiator re-cored
New radiator hoses
Replaced engine gaskets (Mark's Offroad)
New engine mounts
Added headers and wrapped pipes
New Intake/exhaust gasket
Replaced head valve seals
Cleaned and POR painted engine block, head, valve cover, oil pan, etc.
Replaced fuel system hoses and filter
Cleaned and resealed water pump

This is just a cursory list of just some of the things I've done to it or are included. There's a link in my signature line to a running build/refresh thread I had going for a while if you want to see that as well. I have plenty more pictures too if anyone's interested. Also I have a ton more parts, all the smog stuff that was removed, and other odds and ends.

 

[airon23]

I haven't paid super close attention to the market really, so it'll be interesting.

 

[fireflyr]

You’ll regret selling. I was on 10th floor getting ready to jump and the MUD community talked me down. I’m glad I kept it and drive it every day now.
You obviously love the vehicle and have done some nice work so figure out what you need to get it on the road.
Besides, you’ll miss us, we’re like family.

 

[fireflyr]

I’ll save you the trouble of going through all the steps of grief. Just read the first couple of pages.

Thread 'Fix or Sell: '67 FJ40'

Dec 20, 2023

We've had this Landcruiser for about 20 years. Modified it with 4 wheel discs (Poser mod), H42 4 speed with 3 speed transfer case, rebuilt F.5 engine, DUI distributor, Howell fuel injection, Paki soft top (top needs replacement), 33x9.5x15 BFG's on Toyota steelies, Nason's Dune Beige 416 paint (in about 2009), SOR seat cushions and covers, Man a Fre 4" lift with OME shocks, new shackles... bunch of stuff I can't remember.

Anyways, was running it at idle trying to figure out an issue with the fuel injection when the engine seized. By seized I mean just stopped. No weird noises, no...

• fireflyr
• engine fix fj40 sale sell
• Replies: 144
• Forum: 40- / 55-Series Tech

• 

 

[airon23]

You’ll regret selling. I was on 10th floor getting ready to jump and the MUD community talked me down. I’m glad I kept it and drive it every day now.
You obviously love the vehicle and have done some nice work so figure out what you need to get it on the road.
Besides, you’ll miss us, we’re like family.

Lol that's the thing to get it on the road is... charge the battery. It fires right up every time.
Yeah that's the dilemma and why I haven't listed or gone through with it is that thought that I'll regret it.

 

[procomsignathid]

I re-read your post a few times. You say you think it might be time to move on to another project, but can you elaborate on why you are considering the idea of selling it?

 

[airon23]

I re-read your post a few times. You say you think it might be time to move on to another project, but can you elaborate on why you are considering the idea of selling it?

I think ultimately it boils down to I just really don't drive it much at all anymore. I love it and really enjoyed the time working on it and making it mine over the years, but in the last 3+ years it's been driven a hand full of times. Once off road, and the rest just putting around the neighborhood for a little stroll. It used to sit in my garage and didn't make too much of it, just go look at it and move it from time to time, but then my daughter started driving and it got pushed outside for her 09 4Runner to park in the garage instead. Now it's all sad sitting out in the weather and not getting used.

These are my thoughts of why I think I should sell. Also if I'm being honest, I drive a 2016 Subaru outback that I've never been excited about. New Toyotas like the 4Runner and Land Cruiser look much cooler than the boring outback to me and there's that thought of well just sell the FJ40 and get something I want to drive. But this isn't my daily driver, it's a toy for all intents and purposes. So should I keep my favorite Toy or like in the Toy Story movie, is it time to let another kid have fun with my old Toy'ota?

 

[procomsignathid]

I sold my 2010 Subaru Forester last August and have been daily-driving my 40 since then, but I have a short commute so the MPG isnt an issue for me. Have you considered trying to daily it for a week or two? Might give you the data you need to make a decision. If you dont like doing that, maybe it is time to let it go.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Is the 80 your daily driver? If you don't enjoy driving it then I'd sell.

 

[pb4ugo]

Everyone i know who owned one or folks that come up to me and said they owned one have all said they regretted selling it.

 

[Gappy]

Keep!!

 

[Augustiron]

Meh, I'll be the outlier here.

If you aren't enjoying it, or using it, and it feels like a burden, sell it, forget about it and get something you enjoy.

If you want another project now or later you can get one.

Life's too short

Remember, you are asking inmates in the landcruiser asylum for advice.

 

[airon23]

Meh, I'll be the outlier here.

If you aren't enjoying it, or using it, and it feels like a burden, sell it, forget about it and get something you enjoy.

If you want another project now or later you can get one.

Life's too short

Remember, you are asking inmates in the landcruiser asylum for advice.

Haha I love the analogy.

 

[jim land]

All those forest or mining roads and trail system of the western USA you have access to is only a dream for me in the north east, with mostly privated lands or ATV only trail, just use it, lucky you

 

[steffan]

I've been considering selling mine so I've been watching the auctions etc - the market is way low - about half of what they were bringing even last year if that plays into your decision.

 

[Augustiron]

Yup, That's the reality of the market right now.

I've had my very well built 80 for sale locally for a month without many nibbles.

I know I have it priced at the upper end, hoping for the right buyer looking for all the right stuff.

 

[sogafarm]

Yep as long as gas prices remain ultra high, these old guzzlers are a hard sell these days. But like all things, it’s cyclical. If you don’t have to sell now then wait for better days.

 

[FJ404345]

I think ultimately it boils down to I just really don't drive it much at all anymore. I love it and really enjoyed the time working on it and making it mine over the years, but in the last 3+ years it's been driven a hand full of times. Once off road, and the rest just putting around the neighborhood for a little stroll. It used to sit in my garage and didn't make too much of it, just go look at it and move it from time to time, but then my daughter started driving and it got pushed outside for her 09 4Runner to park in the garage instead. Now it's all sad sitting out in the weather and not getting used.

These are my thoughts of why I think I should sell. Also if I'm being honest, I drive a 2016 Subaru outback that I've never been excited about. New Toyotas like the 4Runner and Land Cruiser look much cooler than the boring outback to me and there's that thought of well just sell the FJ40 and get something I want to drive. But this isn't my daily driver, it's a toy for all intents and purposes. So should I keep my favorite Toy or like in the Toy Story movie, is it time to let another kid have fun with my old Toy'ota?

Just to go look at it and some times drive it with a lot of joy is enough to keep it and worth to wait for better days of much more joyfull rides to come

 

[samatulich]

Sell the 4-runner, have your daughter drive the land cruiser.

 

[Living in the Past]

Sell the 4-runner, have your daughter drive the land cruiser.

Guess I'm different than most. The safety of my child out weighs my love of the FJ40s. Not sure the age of the daughter but young inexperienced drivers a vehicle basically build on a later 1950s design would not be my choice when something more modern is available. Their is a reason young inexperienced drivers have high insurance rates. Worse today with so many distracted drivers on the road. 4th gen 4Runner offers safety but not too much tech to distract the driver. Now suggestion the 4Runner move out and the 40 go back into the garage I could see.