Ok guys I'm new this is my first post on a forum I have had my eye on this 1972 FJ40 for a few years it's owned by a family friend who is willing to sell it to me I was wondering what it's worth it's fully restored with a Chevy 350 and auto trans when the guy got it 15 or so years ago it was too heavy for the drum breaks and needed to be upgraded to disc and he never did so he parked it in the shop and it hasn't moved in 15 years but looks very clean everywhere just needs a break upgrade so what do you guys think it's worth? Thanks
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corleykj
Jack of some, definately master of none.
That is one nice FJ40. I think it is easily worth $10,000. Things to look for is thick body filler under the paint (or if you can get pictures of the condition before the new paint job). Some other people can chime in on value. But that thing may be worth much more, I just don't know. If there isn't too much hidden rust I think you should consider getting it, and just flushing the brakes and adjusting drums, installing new shoes ($100?). I can't imagine it not being drivable due to drum brakes not being strong enough. Obviously if you are driving 80 mph and stopping 33 or 35" tires, or pulling a trailer then disc brakes would be nice.
The real question you should be asking yourself is what exactly are you looking for in a FJ40?
Does it have or is it headed in the direction you want to go with one?
If it fits the bill of what you want then it just comes down to, is his asking price more than you're willing to pay?
Sitting for 15 years you're going to probably have to go through a lot of the systems to get it back up and running. Things like belts, hoses, flushing all systems that have fluid in them and putting new fluid back in, hoping the seals haven't gone bad just from sitting. The drum brakes will stop it if they are working properly but wheel cylinders may have frozen from absorbing moisture from the air over the years. Tires will need to be replaced as well.
It's not a bad looking rig, you just need to decide if it is what you want and are willing to put the work in to put it back on the road.
Does it have or is it headed in the direction you want to go with one?
If it fits the bill of what you want then it just comes down to, is his asking price more than you're willing to pay?
Sitting for 15 years you're going to probably have to go through a lot of the systems to get it back up and running. Things like belts, hoses, flushing all systems that have fluid in them and putting new fluid back in, hoping the seals haven't gone bad just from sitting. The drum brakes will stop it if they are working properly but wheel cylinders may have frozen from absorbing moisture from the air over the years. Tires will need to be replaced as well.
It's not a bad looking rig, you just need to decide if it is what you want and are willing to put the work in to put it back on the road.
Many of the things already done to this rig, have reduced its value already. That was just from looking at a few pictures. I recommend you take someone from your local area LC group and look at it. It may need a lot more than you are going to find. Then again it might be in great shape. Its not "restored" it is painted and modified though.
brian
SILVER Star
"Fully restored"
A Chevy 350 and automatic transmission was never an option in these.
A Chevy 350 and automatic transmission was never an option in these.
3 speed auto? Most likely.
Prices have gone nuts on FJ40's, so tons of people selling 'restored' versions. Most are not 'restored' and are modified and painted. Just like this one.
Prices have gone nuts on FJ40's, so tons of people selling 'restored' versions. Most are not 'restored' and are modified and painted. Just like this one.
350 and auto trans are nice upgrades imo if you don't care about keeping original. I've had 4 40's, currently v8 and auto and it's been my favorite to drive.
I'm going to agree with the others regarding the "sitting for 15 years". It's going to take more than just installing disc brakes to get it road worthy. Gaskets will dry rot and more than likely start to leak oil once you get it running. If it has gas in it I'm sure that's rock hard and will likely cause problems with the lines, so on and so forth. It can become a can of worms scenario pretty quick.
To me, it looks like a decent rig considering the price and the current crazy prices Land Cruiser's are bringing, but with that said I would definitely bring someone knowledgeable about these with you. It's easy to fall in love with one with shiny paint and nice tires only to bring it home and discover you bought a polished turd needing another $5k to get it to go around the block once.
To me, it looks like a decent rig considering the price and the current crazy prices Land Cruiser's are bringing, but with that said I would definitely bring someone knowledgeable about these with you. It's easy to fall in love with one with shiny paint and nice tires only to bring it home and discover you bought a polished turd needing another $5k to get it to go around the block once.
1911
chupacabra
Neither was a heep roll bar, and a bunch of other stuff.
It looks like it could be a decent truck, if you're not wanting a restoration. Agree that it's going to take some work to make it roadworthy and safe after sitting that long.
GA Architect
SILVER Star
Food for thought. It is easier to be happy if you look beyond small imperfections...than seeking happiness by trying to hard to make everything perfect. But large imperfections, you may want to walk away! Always look beyond what you can see.
If you feel the price is right, buy it. You won't regret it.....now your wallet/checking account may regret it, but you won't.
If you feel the price is right, buy it. You won't regret it.....now your wallet/checking account may regret it, but you won't.
The real question you should be asking yourself is what exactly are you looking for in a FJ40?
Best suggestion yet - know what you want. if you want a bone-stock FJ40, this clearly isn't it. But, it could be a fun truck to putz around with and rehab, and get your toes wet in the FJ40 world. If the body is as sharp as it appears, and you get it running and driving well, you can easily resell it down the road. If he makes you a smoking deal on it, you might even turn a small profit if you sell it some day. Realize it will likely need a massive engine 're-sealing' (replace every gasket), and possibly transmission work, along with brake work. If you can't do this (or some of it), then be prepared to open your wallet wide.
Best suggestion yet - know what you want. if you want a bone-stock FJ40, this clearly isn't it. But, it could be a fun truck to putz around with and rehab, and get your toes wet in the FJ40 world. If the body is as sharp as it appears, and you get it running and driving well, you can easily resell it down the road. If he makes you a smoking deal on it, you might even turn a small profit if you sell it some day. Realize it will likely need a massive engine 're-sealing' (replace every gasket), and possibly transmission work, along with brake work. If you can't do this (or some of it), then be prepared to open your wallet wide.
Play 'em at a heated game of Fisher Price Skee Ball. $7500 if you win. $10k if he wins.
ginmtb
'74 FJ40 - my first!
I'm thinking the Looney Toons runner/floor mat in the back makes the purchase a no brainer!
No. They are not.
I should have said...Upgrades to drivability, not end value...
brian
SILVER Star
my 2fs and 4speeds drive just fine??
Mine all did too, I understand Toyota purists trust me, but if Toyota made a v8, auto trans version they'd be the ones most desired and that bring the most $$$.
I beg to differ. Imagine the amount of smog crap a 70's-80's Japanese rig would have, and I would never buy ANY 40 series that came equipped with an auto trans.
Cool...that's why I put "IMO" when I'm trying to help a forum member out. Your opinion is fine too. Good luck with your search 4915fj40
Xpnsv72fj
SILVER Star
I was in this same situation about 2 years ago with the exception of knowing the person. I bought a restored and I use that term loosely 72 FJ40 that had been sitting for ten years. I bought it without ever seeing it (don't ever do that) just a bunch of pictures and I took the guys word for it. Well I'm now in the middle of a full blown frame off resto fixing everything that the PO did! As said before the prices have gone through the roof on these things and everyone is looking to cash in. Don't get me wrong I wouldn't change anything about buying my 40 and I love working on it and learning new things every day. However things get expensive real quick so just do your research and know exactly what you are getting in too.
Josh
Josh
