What was I thinking- How NOT to go about buying an FJ 40

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Joined
Nov 6, 2008
Threads
11
Messages
47
Location
Boise, ID
Howdy all,

Newbie intro. I was going to title this post as "How NOT to go about buying an FJ", but that was a little long.

My name is Steve, and I'm in Boise, ID. I've always wanted an FJ40 ever since I was introduced to 4 wheeling, but never could lay my hands on one. Then came family and the need for many seats and doors on my vehicle, so my “want” had to be put on hold for quite a while. 20 years later, because of my oldest now driving and the need for another vehicle in the driveway, the opportunity arose again. Not knowing what to look for, or what I was looking at (since this was before my discovery of this forum), a few months back I landed my first FJ... that was in my price range (which is very low). The 40 was found on Craig's list, and was parked in a farm field for over two years without being run. I had the pie in the sky idea that I could fix this baby up for about a grand and, with stars in my eyes and about an inch of dead bugs in the tub, I drove her home. I seem to do a lot of things backwards, in that, I bought the thing and then I do the research on it. Needless to say, I wasn't quite sure what I was in for until I was up to my elbows in it. Several times I had her just on the verge of drivability, but the preverbal snowball would roll, and one thing would lead to another, and she still sits in our driveway as I attempt tinker her back to life.
Most of my issues involve finding cheap parts, and figuring out what in the world this gizmo does, or where that wire goes to.
I've got plenty of questions, and it seems like you guys have the answers. I’m looking forward to picking your brains.
Just for the record, she’s an early ’73 with a ’66 FJ55 engine (which makes it fun finding basic “tune up” parts). She’s kind of like a Frankenstein’s monster, with all the mix and match parts.

Ps. One good thing... I now have my bezel on right! (not reflected in the photo)
IMG_1612.webp
 
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Welcome to MUD!

Congrats on you find and purchase.

Dan (aka Cruiser Dan) works at American Toyota in Alb, NM. He gives MUD discounts on Toyota parts and really knows his stuff. His digits are in my Sig line.


As far a "Cheap" parts go. You will be amazed at how many parts are avaliable from Toyota and how much they cost. Many, Many times they are cheaper than Napa, AutoZone, etc.

From Toyota
Dist Cap for a 1977 FJ40 - $17.68
Rear tail light lenses - $17.83


Coolerman has a ton of parts for your vintage rig. Like front turn signals.
 
Just for the record, she’s an early ’73 with a ’66 FJ55 engine (which makes it fun finding basic “tune up” parts). She’s kind of like a Frankenstein’s monster, with all the mix and match parts.



Welcome.



Post up a serial number and pictures of your engine....the 55 series truck was not made until 1969...






Most of my issues involve finding cheap parts...


You have already experienced the cheapest part; purchasing the vehicle.
 
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Welcome to mud :flipoff2:

No worries, you'll work it all out, and then you'll be happy!

You said a '66 F, so is that an F145?

Nice Orange cruiser...pretty rare so I hear...you might want to keep her orange.

X2 on Cruiser Dan and going to Toyota for parts.

Enjoy the adventure!
 
Never crossed my mind to actually check with Toyota for parts... Thanks for that one! Seems like a no brainer, too.
And Cruiser Dan too!

I'll try to post engine pics and s/n soon.
 
I live in Boise and have a '70 "hangar queen" which might have some parts you might need. We're in the middle of a '72 rebuild, so come on by and have a beer! MUD is the catza**! Welcome!
 
Get an SOR catalog, and a Haynes manual. The parts breakdowns are nice to have.

Sometimes the dealerships only have listings to a certain year (mine only goes back to 74) so crusierdan is a valuable resource, and with discount is usually way cheaper than the local toyota shop.

She looks pretty tight, and noFJ above is right, that interior color is pretty rare. Check outthe color section of Cool Cruisers for more info.

Good luck with her.
 
Are you thinking it's a fj55 engine because the sticker on the valve cover says 155? Or something similar?
 
Looks like a pretty solid start you got, and Steve is right , the cheapest (and easiest)part is buying it !! Must be worth it, though, we all just keep working on them and throwing buckets of money at them. Welcome, and good luck !!:cheers:
 
Must be worth it, though, we all just keep working on them and throwing buckets of money at them. Welcome, and good luck !!:cheers:

AMEN! I think most of us have a love/hate relationship with our trucks. My motto has become: "Fix it, wheel it, break it, fix it again." Been doing it for about ten years. Haven't tired of it yet. Welcome.
 
Welcome! I grew up in La Grande, always headed east towards Boise to fly places, and in winter to ski up Sun Valley. Cheers on your new purchase!
 
Welcome:flipoff2:...oh and Flip that Bezzel.

Hay if the tub is in good shape that is half the battle. Don't stress, do one project at a time, start small and try not to look at all the work it needs. Toyota can be a big help and the service department loves to see these old rigs, most of the time my dealer will give me a break on parts. You will find that some of the aftermarket places are good with some parts and bad on others, try to use Toyota parts. Advance auto and NAPA have been a good source for the "need it now part".

Good luck and use this place, it is and has been very helpful.

Later,

Corey
 
Welcome to mud! :flipoff2:
2x all the above
Looks like you got a winner there. looks solid better than most.

Good luck and God speed

Chris
 
Cruiser

doesn't look that bad from what I see I've seen a lot worse restored.

My advice is first give it all a good look over--how's the frame?

from the look of the body I am guessing it is in decent shape

pumpkin is a great color if you decide to keep it


What are your plans for it ?
 

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