Talk me out of getting a project FJ40 (8 Viewers)

[Moridinbg]

I have an opportunity to get a rust free, not running 1976 FJ40 for seemingly very good price. Photos I have are of a complete rat's nest of cables in the engine bay and inside the cabin, the dashboard hanging on wires, tons of cables hanging above the pedals. I had no idea there could be that many cables in a 40 series!
No idea what is wrong with it, plan is to go see it next week.

I don't have much of a plan yet and that is if I end up actually getting it, but it is in a good shape and I would definitely not be doing a restoration. More like a restomod for offroad, preferably with Toyota parts. Engine swap is an option, if it is a complete non runner. I have a friend that lets me use his sheet metal/tubing workshop.
I also have a 100 series that I pulled apart, galvanized the frame, fabricated a lot of stuff, toured South America with it. I am wheeling that a lot, but it is heavy and big, I already did and had to fix enough panel damage, so a short, light 40 sounds enticing. I don't do much rock crawling, but a lot of mudding and forest trails.
Light Duty 70 series with the anaemic 2LT are dime a dozen here, but I never liked them much, while I have been drooling over 40s ever since I got into Toyotas and wheeling. Are the 70s a much much better option?

 

[charliemeyer007]

I have never seen a rust free FJ-40. Sounds like you know what's up. I like the doors on the 76, all that extra pollution control stuff not so much. A five or 6 speed manual would be good - an under and over drive

What are they asking for it? They got an info like compressing #'s, miles....

 

[tahoe fj40]

Not going to talk you out of it. Sounds like you have the skills and experience. Depending on your budget a good deal helps. More pictures would help. I see no rain gutters and possibly a newer top. Missing the tag in the door frame and under the hood.What is going on with the end of the frame at the front bumper ? Are the numbers still there ??Make sure you can register it wherever you are. Someone else put new parts on and stopped for some reason? Why?

 

[BoomerUZ]

You should do it. hope that helps talking you out of it.

 

[Paul_A]

One door looks like a replacement and I'm sure everyone caught the wrong side up bezel. A perfect project.

 

[firemanj92]

(Is the) Rain gutter missing a big chunk too?

 

[rex in bama]

I have an opportunity to get a rust free, not running 1976 FJ40 for seemingly very good price. Photos I have are of a complete rat's nest of cables in the engine bay and inside the cabin, the dashboard hanging on wires, tons of cables hanging above the pedals. I had no idea there could be that many cables in a 40 series!
No idea what is wrong with it, plan is to go see it next week.

I don't have much of a plan yet and that is if I end up actually getting it, but it is in a good shape and I would definitely not be doing a restoration. More like a restomod for offroad, preferably with Toyota parts. Engine swap is an option, if it is a complete non runner. I have a friend that lets me use his sheet metal/tubing workshop.
I also have a 100 series that I pulled apart, galvanized the frame, fabricated a lot of stuff, toured South America with it. I am wheeling that a lot, but it is heavy and big, I already did and had to fix enough panel damage, so a short, light 40 sounds enticing. I don't do much rock crawling, but a lot of mudding and forest trails.
Light Duty 70 series with the anaemic 2LT are dime a dozen here, but I never liked them much, while I have been drooling over 40s ever since I got into Toyotas and wheeling. Are the 70s a much much better option?


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Talk you out of it? Hah, yeah right. If you are seeking advice on avoiding an addiction, the current addicts might not be the best source of advice. I’m currently, though, enjoying the addiction. Looks like a fun, but uneconomical (as they all are) project. Do it

 

[mrboatman]

That’s not a bad project. Looks like someone has tried to rewire it.

 

[procomsignathid]

You should definitely buy it. That way the rest of us can feel better about our own money pits

 

[FJ404345]

You have to be completely bonkers to even spend your time on posting a picture here and waste our time on that junker and wreck !!

And worse even suggesting to spend the wear and tear and gasoline on your 4.7 V8 to go and see it.

You know for sure that you are also try to risk a divorce and separation of goods after a 8 years long draging lawsuit with your future ex ?!?!.

Don't be a loser, don't do it !





You're welcome, happy to help

 

[White Stripe]

That's had what looks like a significant amount of body work. Looks like its a 79-84 year. Those are the most rust prone years. Its very likely its hiding a lot of rust.

 

[TheHardWay]

That's had what looks like a significant amount of body work. Looks like its a 79-84 year. Those are the most rust prone years. Its very likely its hiding a lot of rust.

O-o-o-o-o - - buzzkill....

 

[White Stripe]

Maybe. Not saying dont buy it. But I would proceed cautiously. I have a feeling it has some hidden issues. Looks like the floor has been welded or something.

 

[msapers]

I don't think anyone here is going to talk you out of it. This place is like AA with an open bar. The 40 looks pretty good and all of those wires appear to be labeled. Go for it!

 

[mtn biker]

How can I talk you out of one and I myself am have the itch to buy an Aussie "Ute" and I can't even drive mine reliably yet.

 

[mtn biker]

You have to be completely bonkers to even spend your time on posting a picture here and waste our time on that junker and wreck !!

And worse even suggesting to spend the wear and tear and gasoline on your 4.7 V8 to go and see it.

You know for sure that you are also try to risk a divorce and separation of goods after a 8 years long draging lawsuit with your future ex ?!?!.

Don't be a loser, don't do it !





You're welcome, happy to help

You sound really sincere, and genuine

 

[jim land]

Body tub is 79-84 , maybe the frame too , the bib and bezel could be the only 76 parts.
Look for the # on the front right side on the frame

 

[jim land]

Valve cover is 78 and older

 

[nabbasi]

I have never seen a rust free FJ-40. Sounds like you know what's up. I like the doors on the 76, all that extra pollution control stuff not so much. A five or 6 speed manual would be good - an under and over drive

What are they asking for it? They got an info like compressing #'s, miles....

Looks like it's been desmogged - at least mostly?

I like the look of the later doors, but I've gotten so used to the early doors that I don't think I'll ever get used pulling the handle on the new ones vs. the old ones.

@Moridinbg as others have said, sounds like you've got the ability, but you're asking a bunch of addicts to talk you out of it. My only concern would be that nothing about this one seems very original. If you're looking to restomod an offroad rig, seems like a good candidate. The amount of paint (and overspray on different parts) makes me question the "rust free" statement though...

Keep us posted!