So the time has come to pass the torch. Been a fun time but it’s just not getting the use it once did and the family has other needs. I am trying to figure out how much to list it for and I understand this is the forum I should ask. I would love to have opinions but I would certainly prefer private messages with any actual dollar values.
1978 FJ40 located in Owings Mills, MD
All the running gear, frame, etc., is 78. The doors, rear portion of tub, and hard top are 1973 I believe. This is all documented in the build thread I have listed below.
Backstory – I bought this one from a Mud member, who had bought it from another Mud member who did the original rebuild. That rebuild thread is located here:
Hoz 78 FJ40 Restoration
I have had it now for four years and in addition to regular maintenance, odds and ends, etc., the following has been done/added since I have had it:
Old Man Emu 2.5” lift kit – springs, shocks, shackles, steering stabilizer
33” BF Mud terrains
Trollhole Custom Top
Bowkit from Real Steel Cruisers
RE Audio Bluetooth Marine Amplifier – head unit free
Bose Speakers
New front disk brakes – calipers and pads
New brake master cylinder
New rear brakes
New wheel cylinders
Concealed interior led lighting
Misc. - Rear step, dash pad, license plate frame, window seals, knuckle job, rear cargo mat, harnesses for jump seats.
I have been tackling a set of items every year but like any FJ40, I never got through all of it. There are minor leaks on the side panel, transfer case, etc. There was an exhaust leak that I had repaired but I am not sure is 100% gone. Steering box also leaks but drives fine, idles fine. Original carb/manifold setup with smog, etc. As far as rust, the frame was POR coated (or some equivalent) by original builder. There is a quarter sized spot on the hood where paint had chipped and a couple small areas where there is a little bubbling. This is always a hard thing to quantify but I looked at many FJ’s before I bought this one and this one appeared to me to be in much better condition on the rust front than all the others I saw. I am sure there are a million things that others may wish to improve of course.
It has been garage kept since I have owned it and it was garage kept by the prior owner. It always starts and runs great. I have taken in on drives of near 150 miles with no issues. Even with the 33’s it drives very straight and has no problems at highway speeds. I have a hard top, however I haven’t put it back on in years since I got the trollhole soft top made, which has been awesome.
As far as technical questions, I am happy to address whatever questions people have, however I make no claims to be as knowledgeable as a lot of people on this forum. In a former life I was a much better mechanic than I am now and most of that is due to lack of time. Frankly, I have had to come to this forum more times than I can count for help to make proper decisions. I was able to get this FJ off of the forum and I would certainly like to give someone else the opportunity before I have to put it on craigslist or something. At the same time, like anyone, would like to get the best value I can. I am including as many pictures as possible, but if there is some portion I have not photographed, just let me know and I am happy to post.
I am sure I am forgetting something but what else is new.
Thanks again and I certainly appreciate it.
1978 FJ40 located in Owings Mills, MD
All the running gear, frame, etc., is 78. The doors, rear portion of tub, and hard top are 1973 I believe. This is all documented in the build thread I have listed below.
Backstory – I bought this one from a Mud member, who had bought it from another Mud member who did the original rebuild. That rebuild thread is located here:
Hoz 78 FJ40 Restoration
I have had it now for four years and in addition to regular maintenance, odds and ends, etc., the following has been done/added since I have had it:
Old Man Emu 2.5” lift kit – springs, shocks, shackles, steering stabilizer
33” BF Mud terrains
Trollhole Custom Top
Bowkit from Real Steel Cruisers
RE Audio Bluetooth Marine Amplifier – head unit free
Bose Speakers
New front disk brakes – calipers and pads
New brake master cylinder
New rear brakes
New wheel cylinders
Concealed interior led lighting
Misc. - Rear step, dash pad, license plate frame, window seals, knuckle job, rear cargo mat, harnesses for jump seats.
I have been tackling a set of items every year but like any FJ40, I never got through all of it. There are minor leaks on the side panel, transfer case, etc. There was an exhaust leak that I had repaired but I am not sure is 100% gone. Steering box also leaks but drives fine, idles fine. Original carb/manifold setup with smog, etc. As far as rust, the frame was POR coated (or some equivalent) by original builder. There is a quarter sized spot on the hood where paint had chipped and a couple small areas where there is a little bubbling. This is always a hard thing to quantify but I looked at many FJ’s before I bought this one and this one appeared to me to be in much better condition on the rust front than all the others I saw. I am sure there are a million things that others may wish to improve of course.
It has been garage kept since I have owned it and it was garage kept by the prior owner. It always starts and runs great. I have taken in on drives of near 150 miles with no issues. Even with the 33’s it drives very straight and has no problems at highway speeds. I have a hard top, however I haven’t put it back on in years since I got the trollhole soft top made, which has been awesome.
As far as technical questions, I am happy to address whatever questions people have, however I make no claims to be as knowledgeable as a lot of people on this forum. In a former life I was a much better mechanic than I am now and most of that is due to lack of time. Frankly, I have had to come to this forum more times than I can count for help to make proper decisions. I was able to get this FJ off of the forum and I would certainly like to give someone else the opportunity before I have to put it on craigslist or something. At the same time, like anyone, would like to get the best value I can. I am including as many pictures as possible, but if there is some portion I have not photographed, just let me know and I am happy to post.
I am sure I am forgetting something but what else is new.
Thanks again and I certainly appreciate it.
