Should I Take My Dream Opportunity?

[Thomasbroo]

Hello! I've studied the forum quite a bit, but finally created an account as I may be receiving an FJ40 soon! I have had a dream for several years to own an FJ40, and finally have an opportunity to as a friend of mine offered me a junked one in the woods way back on his property. I guess my question is would this be worth taking the opportunity to fulfill my desires and rebuild or would it cost a ton to get it running again?
A little bit of information: I have friends that can weld & help with body. The engine is somewhere on the property, but not in the car at the moment. The transmission is inside the FJ, but disconnected when the engine was. The car has been sitting since '01 when it was last serviced.
Feel free to look at the pictures and give an honest opinion on your thoughts. (Sorry for the poor quality) Thanks tons in advance!

 

[ginmtb]

I've seen people revive worse, but expect to spend a lot of money and time on that. The fact your are starting from FREE helps you're a grand or two ahead (depending on how much is rusted out).

Having friends that can help will save you some money too. You may have to buy them a bunch of beer though so factor that into your budget.

Speaking of, do you have a budget? These things aren't cheap to restore. Are you thinking of keeping it stock or doing a restomod? Lots of things to consider...

Good luck!

 

[Jdc1]

Even if its not salvageable, it looks like there are alot of usable parts there and worth bringing home. Good Luck.

 

[Thomasbroo]

As of now, I just want to get it able to be driven and looking halfway decent. Nothing fancy until I get plenty of money stored up well in the future. I want it halfway looking stock, but I'm not worried about all original parts or anything. I'll be modding it after I know it works and everything. The worst rust is right there under the driver's door (as pictured). The frame underneath also has some surface rust, but it's still solid.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

That looks like a very expensive "free" truck to me. But good on you if you save one.

That Cruiser likely last ran when Gerald Ford was President. Just go in with your eyes open.

Remember, it doesn't have a working motor and will need everything from steering, to electrical, to brakes to motor, to tires. And that's before it's worth doing body work/paint which costs thousands and thousands.

In the end, it's going to be all about how much money you have. If you don't have any, walk away. Saving that Land Cruiser will take a strength of vision, purse, and purpose that few have. Good luck.

 

[Captn Conch]

Hell yes! He should donate it to you as you are a person who wants to do the right thing by it. Engine somewhere on property, tranny in the back? He's just letting it go back to Mother earth.....Shame. What's he thinking on this poor neglected carcass? It needs to go to someone like you that wants to do bring it back from doom. Otherwise I would not give much for it as you are in for beau coup expense.

 

[emac]

It looks like a major project. Engine needs to be rebuilt, I assume. Tons of body work, and a lot of hours removing, cleaning, replacing, painting, etc. IMO, you need a good place to work on it. A place that isn't going to be needed any time soon. You will have to ask yourself if you are capable both financially and mentally to tackle a longterm project. I have rebuilt several cars, and the FJ40 is pretty straight forward. Judging from the pictures, it looks like it will need a pile of money.

 

[Varty Yo]

Whatever money you have stashed up id double that!!! Thats a huge project.

 

[juanchogaviria]

Í Would get it. But it may bring more frustration to you tan getting one that is running. Look for one in running condition and keep this one for parts.
Just my opinion.

 

[Flatlanderfj40]

A transmission should be up on the list.

 

[rrv333]

If your friend is going to give you the 40, take it as a favor to him to clean up his property. You can find another project that is already running with all parts assembled. That looks like a huge under taking just to get it to the running and driving stage. Having friends to help is always the best but you usually have to work around their schedules and that doesn't always coincide with your schedule. Either way, good luck.

 

[CRZR45]

I look at it differently. If you are mechanical then you can do it cheap.. Find a rusted out 60 series and remove the drivetrain. I see them a lot for around $500. Buy complete new brake parts, or put the 60 axles under it. Bondo over rust or run like it is til you get $ to do body later or find a donor body later on.. Good luck and that can be saved!

 

[thebigredrocker]

Go for it.

 

[Rigger]

That thing is one good weekend away from being a daily driver, man!

No seriously, I agree with the others that say get it. Bring it home for parts if nothing else.

 

[Tin basher]

It's better than the one I payed 500 for

 

[bikersmurf]

If the frame is solid you're not in bad shape. Check around the rear spring mounts... you'll likely find more surprises. It will likely cost more to restore than one in better shape that costs money.

I'd not bother rebuilding the stock F motor. My thoughts would be:
1) swap in 60/70 series drivetrain, wire it up, patch it up, and enjoy a stockish truck.
2) swap in a newer Chevy drivetrain, tranny, Tcase, centered rear axle, newer front disc axle, and enjoy a newer drivetrain with readily available parts.
3) Diesel swap, Mercedes engine, five speed trans, disc front axle, rear axle to match up with T-case.
4) 3B or 13BT diesel, coordinating drivetrain.

Consider your options, ask questions, etc.

If you want a restoration, walk away from this one... but if you want a fun rig, keep your eyes open, and enjoy the adventure. While you're at it, move the rear axle back 5-6" and stretch the body into a 43... my body won't allow me to build one anymore. I wish I'd known what an Fj43 was 25 years ago when I was rebuilding mine.

 

[tls3601]

Carpe diem brother-run down your dreams!!!!

 

[Jdc1]

Keep us posted.

 

[70fj40]

It's worth more than what you are paying for it and there are some usable parts on it.

 

[thebigredrocker]

Here's a tub. For Sale - 77 fj40 3/4 tub