Wanted to say hello and ask opinion on value...

[camit34]

Hello, I have lurcked on the site for about a week or so and finaly joined.

I have a question on the value of a 1972 FJ40 that I am considering purchasing. I do not have pictures and I know it's dificult to tell from a description but I want to ask anyway...

It's 100% stock from what I can tell and everything seems to be there...The overall condition seems OK...there is the normal rust in the rockers and the back quarters and surface rust here and there...the interior is all there and needs some help but looks OK...it runs and drives just fine, nothing to write home about but it does start, idles nice, drives in a straight line, and stops...

What do you think???

Should one wait and look for a post '76???

Thanks in advance,
Aaron

 

[TJDIV]

Closest to $3000 you can get, budget $5000 total, giving you $2000 to fix it up a little.


Or I could be way the hell out in left field and giving you horrible advice. But who knows.

ONE picture, just one....would help. good luck. hope you come back as an owner.

 

[JohnL]

Depends on where you are,

and what you want to do with it.

Everone will have different experiences and there are always outliers, but a 72 in average condition with a healthy motor (get a pre-purchase mechanical inspection!) can go from $3-7,000. That's a broad band because it very much depends on whether this is what you're looking for, what goodies come with it, what mechanical shape its in, and where you are.

For the record, my 74 was in b+ shape, I paid 10K and have spent another 5K over the past 3 years on it, but it is exactly what I wanted. Don't need the disc brakes and the engine is strong.

 

[Ian Rogers]

just keep looking i got my 69' in ok shape, tight surface rust with moter working hard top and doors, for free. you just need to find the right seller. that is one who needs to sell the fj40 as of 3 weeks ago, and is getting on a plane for china in like 1 hr.

 

[labartonmd]

Converting to disc front brakes and power steering is not a big deal and should not deter you from getting a solid pre-76 Cruiser. Resale values seem to focus on the actual equipment on the the truck and not the year on the VIN.

 

[cruiserbrett]

but a 72 in average condition with a healthy motor (get a pre-purchase mechanical inspection!) can go from $3-7,000. .

I would tend towards the lower end of that range unless it was clean(no rust). There is no way I would pay $7k for a 72 in average(with the rust described) shape... Look a little harder, there are better deals out there.

 

[DenverCruiser]

Camit the big question is how much are they asking?

 

[phlyfish]

I paid 1850 for my in running condition. It had a 350 swap but other than that it was stock. I purchased an axle from a 76 for the front disk but wouldn't do it again. I would convert to the mini truck knuckles instead. Rear disk swap is easy and cheap. Mine has the typical rust.

My buddy got his 74(?) for 800. motor was seized up but the guy had a 305 ready to swap in and the motor was part of the deal.

There are good deals out there.

What is he asking for it?

 

[camit34]

Thanks for the replies and the info...

He is askig $1200 for it. I need to go take another look at it. When I saw it the 1st time, I was in a time crunch and did not get to really crawl around and take a hard look at it. He says it's in good enough shape to be a daily driver if wanted but that he bought an FJ55 last year and doesn't want both.

 

[offcamber40]

1200 is a deal for a running cruiser.. honestly, you can get it back in parts alone if it is completely shot. I paid $1300 for mine and becasue it was so cheap and fairly sound, the rest was used for new mods and restoration. I would buy for $1200, but that just my opinion.

Mike

 

[JohnL]

Mike is right.

 

[Jetboy]

I currently have 3 fj40's I have my offroader Payed $500 and drove it home had some rust and a pos aftermarket ignition that I threw away and I have spent about $5k on a total teardown, strip, paint, soa lift, gear, rewire, and lock. I also purchased a 79 fj40 for $800 with a OME 2.5" lift ,shakle reversal in non running condition (next project) with a straight body with minor rust. The third one I have is a 73fj40 that I bought in good running condition with a snowplow set up on it. (western 4way) The outside is shot, but the interior is absolutely cherry. One of the cleanest interiors I have seen. it was $1300. So I would say that you whould look around. Also none of the three were for sale! I just keep my eyes open for LC's that are sitting arround that have not been moved for a while. Then talk to the owner and make a lowball offer, and be prepared to walk away. Seems to work good for me. Just don't get in a hurry.
P.S. I also picked up a 79 toy truck for free, jumped it and drove it home. used it as a work truck for two years and sold if for $800

 

[thorvald]

buy it

 

[TJDIV]

Fxxx. $1200?


Why did you post again? Kind of like a "nah nah nah nah nah nah"...look what I found thing?

Buy it.

 

[DenverCruiser]

Camit, buy mine so that I can get that one!

 

[72cruiser]

mos def buy that stuff man,

sounds like it's about like mine, and i paid 3k for mine (came with parts, power steering, a 2F, and front discs)

oh, and don't worry. there will be waaaaaay more rust in that 72 than you think...


malphrus

 

[drohweder]

Also depends on the mods. I've got a 71 but its got a front axle from a 76(discs) and the SOA was professionally done by a well known offroad fabricater. Can't do Amby doors but I don't care cause I've got no hard top.

Like the others said, depends on what you want to do with it. 2K can do alot it you do it yourself.

For $1200--BUY IT!!!! Pics would be helpful

 

[camit34]

Fxxx. $1200?


Why did you post again? Kind of like a "nah nah nah nah nah nah"...look what I found thing?

Buy it.

I didn't mean it that way at all man....sorry...

Thanks again for the input...looks like the buy it now crowd out weighs the look around more crowd...

 

[TJDIV]

I know...I know.


Good Find.

 

[Finn74]

I got my first cruiser about 6 mo. ago and spent $2800 for it. It's in okay shape up front, but the back body panels are pretty rusted out. All normal rust for a LC. The rear sill is toast but the tub is great. Engine runs great, starts after a few turns. Interior is in okay shape: cracked dash, torn driver seat, original floor mats, 8 Track cassete (...the works). Purchased in Missoula, Montana.

Cheers!
- Finn