Thinking about buying a 1970 fj40

[zztopless]

The trucks look great and I'd love to own one. Problem is I do not have much experience fixing automotive problems. The one I am looking at tomorrow looks like it's in great shape - both mechanically and aesthetically. Will I still be under the hood fixing odds and ends all the time?

I know it depends on the vehicle but any advise will help.

 

[Vitesse_6]

Well.....
There isnt much to go on, We dont even know where you are to suggest a place to look at it.
But If you feel it is a good truck for a good price go for it, Age and maint. is a bigger deal than a nice paint job IMHO.
Good luck, A bit more info could help


edit...
I know its a bit of reading, But its gold...GOLD I tell you.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=118417

 

[Volunteer]

Unless your buying a 30K mile truck expect to have to work out the kinks every now and then. We are talking about 37+ year old vehicles. Spend 70 or 80 bucks or what ever his labor rate is for a trust worthy mechanic to take a look at it. If he has a rack make sure he lifts it up and take a look underneath. It worth it. Many 40's over the years go through many phases of MODs from owner to owner but you do run accross some that were virgin and left stock. A 70 is a good year model. Good luck and keep us posted. Pics would be nice.
Once you own one your hooked for life. Oh and the proper welcome to MUD

 

[green73]

As previously mentioned. there isn't much to go on for suggestions. Does it have a V8 or factory in-line 6? stock, lifted? Or do you know? If you can read and tell time (lefty loosie, righty tighty), you can fix a Land Cruiser. Next to a Jeep CJ they are the easiest 4X4's to maintain by design. There are a few manuals available,(Haynes, Chiltons, and a few others) including Factory Service Manuals (FSM's) available. Stick around here, read the FAQ's, ask questions, however stupid you feel they may seem (someone will either answer or PM you with the answer, this place is the encyclopedia/Guinness book of Land Cruiser info and the people reflect that!), and you will be alright. It is your $$$ spend it how you want, and remember "you can't take it with you"

If you do buy the FJ and stick around, then WELCOME! if not PISS OFF!

 

[Fast Eddy]

• The truck looks great
• I do not have much experience fixing automotive problems.
• The one I am looking at tomorrow looks like it's in great shape

In my opinion, since it's 30ish years old, it will need:

• brakes $500-$1000
• cooling system rebuild/service $400-$1000
• spring bushings, center link rebuild, tie rod ends $300-$1000
• carb rebuild $300-$400
• exhaust system $200-$400
• oil seals $100-$1000
• all other fluids replaced and a tune up $250-$500

I was in the same place as you a year ago. I paid extra for an extra clean truck. I've got pics of most of these repairs if you don't believe me. Two grand for me, about five if you don't do the work yourself.

I paid the lower of the two prices. The high price is my wild-ass guess about what it will cost to have a shop do it. YMMV.

There's a build thread around by a guy who bought my used-to-be dream truck restored by CCOT. He restored it all again. Many of his previous restoration efforts turned out to be cheesy. It looked great when he bought it.

 

[cruiser88]

my biggest concern is always this.can i pick up the tub off the frame RUST MY MAN RUST is your #1 concern.then the others just take time there easy to work on.just not cheap,but then again the toyota parts last longer

 

[Fast Eddy]

my biggest concern is always this... RUST MY MAN RUST

Sorry for my Cali-centric view of the world. I often feel bad that my truck doesn't need a frame-off resto. No, really.

 

[cruiser88]

im sure on my buget i could not even get a rust free 40.so i have to pick on with rust in her.i love body work and wrenching on cruisers so it does not bother me

 

[zztopless]

thanks for the advise and the welcome. First - I am in Baltimore, MD. I went to see the '69 FJ 40 today. sorry no pictures, however the engine is a 6 cyl. just rebuilt, had a frame up restoration 5 years ago, 2 gas tanks, no rust inside or outside, 3 speed column shift, drum brakes all around. It drove like a beast!

The seller let me drive his '73 FJ 40 afterwards. This truck was sweet - 3 speed on the floor, power steering. It's not for sale but I think this is much more practical for me. After driving the '73 FJ 40 the column shift on the '69 is not for me. Also, I definately need to have the major restorations complete before getting in my garage.

I need to find one around this vintage - or maybe '75 that has had a restoration. Any chance I can find one in the $10,000 range?