US model FJ40 identifying characteristics

[FJnoob2]

Hey all,
I seem to recall a thread that stated that only US model FJ 40's had roll bars. Did I misread the post. Also something about a brake indicator on the dash. What identifying features differentiate a US model from the South American Central American models. I saw one with roll bars but the speedo was metric. Can the collective brain trust of this forum please list the items look for to identify a US model vs. an "Import" besides the obvious speedo that could probably be changed out from a metric to US. Thanks

Cheers

 

[1969FJ]

I do know most of them have rubber bumperettes. Probably because the roads were quite tight and a mild bump is served better with a shock absorber.

 

[SuperDuperCruizer]

I believe the front heater was standard on most North American models. This seems to be missing on quite a few Cruisers coming from south of the boarder.

 

[1969FJ]

I also believe the VIN tags were a bit different in various countries. There are some on here who probably know each country.

 

[brian]

you should spend some time and use the search function, you are asking very broad questions, and all the info you should seek is already here.

 

[brian]

I also believe the VIN tags were a bit different in various countries. There are some on here who probably know each country.

well if it didnt come here, it's probably not going to meet all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards in effect on the date of manufacture shown above.

 

[3_puppies]

SA import will generally have a front bench, no dash pads upper or lower, maybe no rollbar, some have a different top, no emissions , round air cleaner, sometimes 70 series front turn signals, etc, etc

 

[Living in the Past]

I do know most of them have rubber bumperettes. Probably because the roads were quite tight and a mild bump is served better with a shock absorber.

View attachment 2364460

That style soft top was never offered in the US. All our FST had soft doors on the side and tailgate on the back. First couple of years of the FJ40 in the early sixties a few had barn doors. But none had the hard/soft ambulance doors.

 

[devo]

A FJ43 is so different you’ll never be able to ask enough question or get enough answers.

I can personally tell you that a 43 kicks ass........





devo

 

[devo]

@TWatson ...... right on, good to see you onboard





devo

 

[1969FJ]

That style soft top was never offered in the US. All our FST had soft doors on the side and tailgate on the back. First couple of years of the FJ40 in the early sixties a few had barn doors. But none had the hard/soft ambulance doors.

Please understand that was an image to show bumperets that were attached to a SA vehicle. The softtop was never an issue. Perhaps you are adding to the thread by observing something else.

 

[Living in the Past]

Please understand that was an image to show bumperets that were attached to a SA vehicle. The softtop was never an issue. Perhaps you are adding to the thread by observing something else.

That all I was doing. That combination of doors on a FST is always a five away being from another market or a later conversion. Barn doors and left side spare were never offered in the US. The rear ambulance doors for the soft top is a option I wish Toyota would have imported here. Have a 1962 FSM showing the FST ambulance doors. I personally like the soft side doors we got with the FST.

 

[flx]

The real visual specificity of US 40's you can't find on any other market are the side markers.
The rear side marker is made only to comply with US regulation, also the "front side marker" is a side blinker repeater in the rest of the world and is wired differently only for the US.

Rollbar, various door arrangements, heater, etc. were available in other countries even if not in SA (Japan, Europe, etc.).

 

[FJnoob2]

That style soft top never offered in the US. All our FST had soft doors on the side and tailgate on the back. First couple of years of the FJ40 in the early sixties a few had barn doors. But none had the hard/soft ambulance doors.
[/QUOT

That style soft top was never offered in the US. All our FST had soft doors on the side and tailgate on the back. First couple of years of the FJ40 in the early sixties a few had barn doors. But none had the hard/soft ambulance doors.

Thanks for your input. Please define FST for the noob.

Thanks

 

[wimberosa]

Thanks for your input. Please define FST for the noob.

Thanks

Factory Soft Top

 

[FJBen]

The lack of heater is usually a good indication, or aftermarket heater that it's not a US model...not always but usually.
Rear axle being a Dana 60 sem-float is south american only
The Glass in a South American spec is also different,


I would HIGHLY suggest searching away on here for all info.

Then if you find one, I would highly suggest posting pictures and asking questions on here before you pull the trigger.

Good luck!

 

[pjohnson]

Rear axle being a Dana 60 sem-float is south american only

Been here a while and never heard this. Please elaborate, with pics if possible.

 

[FJBen]

Been here a while and never heard this. Please elaborate, with pics if possible.

Sure, Venezuela made a deal with Toyota that they would sell the FJ40, but a certain percentage of it needed to be "locally" made/sourced. Government regs or something...

That looks like:
rear axle, radiator, doors (some) glass, softop, etc.

The rear axle is a Dana 60, semi-float

 

[cruiserkev]

Tell tale signs of a South American FJ40 are usually no roll bar or dash pad, speedometer in kms, no heater, rubber boobs on the bumpers, wing windows on later doors, bench seat and some come here with a different hardtop. I'm sure there are other differences as well. There are many stories of hack job junk 40 series being imported here so beware. I definitely wouldn't trade my U.S. spec 40 for one. Good luck!

 

[pb4ugo]

US spec 40's in 76 got frt disc brakes. If you find a 76 or later model with drums in the frt, its most likely not a US model.