Should I Buy This FJ40?!

[jet200]

Hello fellow Mudders. I've been on Mud a few years and currently have an FZJ80. My neighbor has a '79 FJ40 that's been parked in their yard for ages and they're finally ready to sell it. The motor turns, all the glass is complete, but as you can see from the pics it needs a complete restoration. I think I could pick it up for under $2k but before I make them an offer, I wanted to get some advice as I don't know much about FJ40's and know this would be a massive undertaking. Many thanks in advance!

 

[TheHardWay]

is the hand brake on the floor? If not, check the ID plate - should be on drivers door pillar. More likely it's a '78 or older.

 

[jet200]

I agree it's probably older. The seller doesn't know much. It was her husbands car and he passed away.

 

[Splangy]

Looks like a 1975-1976. Tons of body filler in it. Be careful. Looks like you're in New England. This is parts-truck country.

 

[brian]

that is less than $1000 is what that is.

it's a '75, has front drums.

 

[jet200]

That's my concern @Splangy. It's so rough that it may just be worth buying super cheap and harvesting parts for another build.

 

[78fj40mg]

It has a nice bumper, but the bezel is upside down so I'd pass on it.

 

[Mopdog]

It would be a great parts truck at the right price.

 

[grishw1]

If you can do most of the work yourself you might have something. If not, don't walk.....RUUUUUUNNNNNNNNN!

 

[jet200]

Haha! Thanks for all the input.

 

[luvdamud]

If you have space and plan to work on this yourself then go for it and be prepared for more work than you are expecting or could imagine. I agree with the $1000 value but that's up to you and none of us have seen it up close, inside or under the hood. Be prepared to tear into it and then make the decision whether to finish the truck or maybe part it out or get another and combine the best of both to make a nice truck. Lots of possibilities and put hours into it before putting money into it.

Oh, and know what you're buying (year?) before diving in.

Keep in mind when reading my thoughts that I'm an optimist!

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

less then 2k for a complete truck? buy it. that said, whether or not you rebuild it will depend wholly upon how much rust in the frame and the reason it was parked.... top, windshield, doors, hood, all of that is worth more then the purchase price.

quite honestly, I'd buy it, and drive the ever-living wheels off it with minimal repairs.... it's certainly not a concourse-resto type build because it's so mixed and matched parts.

 

[brian]

mixed and matched parts.

other than the jeep tail lights, and lack of front turn signals and spare tire carrier, it's pretty much all correct for a 1975.

 

[gator25]

If you part it out, I'd like to have the mirrors and wiper motor cover. Just throwing it out there.