I suppose I might be risking missing out on this one, but in the end I think it’s an “okay price” for a “mostly solid survivor”, so I’m sharing what I know about a 1974 FJ40 that I’m thinking about buying. If someone jumps ahead of me, I can live without buying this one. But I’m mulling it over for now. I’ll let you guys chime in.
About me: I’ve loved 4x4 Toyotas for my adult life, currently own a 100 and a 200, and have previously had about 15 or so different Tundras, Tacomas, 4Runners, etc. I don’t have much experience with restoration, so I’d have to hire someone to help with the body work. I can wrench a little, but I generally come out better if I just do my main job and pay someone else to their main job.
I had never even driven an FJ40 before, so it was fun just to try it out. The owner was an interesting guy, and I really enjoyed talking to him.
I’m going to post the pictures of the body and frame trouble spots. I’d love to hear comments from you all regarding how worthy this one is of a full restoration, or if it seems like a better choice to lean into “survivor” status and just keep it going mostly as is.
It drives fine. The brakes are “spooky” according to the owner, but it sounds like they just need someone familiar with the setup to adjust them correctly. The owner is admittedly “not a Toyota guy”, but knows 30’s Fords inside and out. Apparently they are too advanced/backwards for what he is used to. I thought it stopped okay, but maybe I just caught it on a good day.
It stalled a few times while idling. He topped off the gas tank while I was test driving it, which I didn’t think should have made a difference. But it didn’t stall after that.
Someone put an aftermarket carb on it. It’s not terribly modified otherwise, but I don’t know these things. It’s genuinely the first time I’ve looked at one up close.
Guy is asking $14,200. I’ve got room in my garage, but not a ton of free time. I don’t feel like it’s special, but I don’t think it would be a waste of money either.
I’m hoping to learn from this experience if I don’t end up buying it. What are your thoughts when you look at the pictures?
I tried to hit up everything that I could think of, and I’ve got a few other pics. If anyone wants to see something else, let me know and I’ll see if I got a picture.
I can only post 5 at a time, so I’ll add more in another post.
About me: I’ve loved 4x4 Toyotas for my adult life, currently own a 100 and a 200, and have previously had about 15 or so different Tundras, Tacomas, 4Runners, etc. I don’t have much experience with restoration, so I’d have to hire someone to help with the body work. I can wrench a little, but I generally come out better if I just do my main job and pay someone else to their main job.
I had never even driven an FJ40 before, so it was fun just to try it out. The owner was an interesting guy, and I really enjoyed talking to him.
I’m going to post the pictures of the body and frame trouble spots. I’d love to hear comments from you all regarding how worthy this one is of a full restoration, or if it seems like a better choice to lean into “survivor” status and just keep it going mostly as is.
It drives fine. The brakes are “spooky” according to the owner, but it sounds like they just need someone familiar with the setup to adjust them correctly. The owner is admittedly “not a Toyota guy”, but knows 30’s Fords inside and out. Apparently they are too advanced/backwards for what he is used to. I thought it stopped okay, but maybe I just caught it on a good day.
It stalled a few times while idling. He topped off the gas tank while I was test driving it, which I didn’t think should have made a difference. But it didn’t stall after that.
Someone put an aftermarket carb on it. It’s not terribly modified otherwise, but I don’t know these things. It’s genuinely the first time I’ve looked at one up close.
Guy is asking $14,200. I’ve got room in my garage, but not a ton of free time. I don’t feel like it’s special, but I don’t think it would be a waste of money either.
I’m hoping to learn from this experience if I don’t end up buying it. What are your thoughts when you look at the pictures?
I tried to hit up everything that I could think of, and I’ve got a few other pics. If anyone wants to see something else, let me know and I’ll see if I got a picture.
I can only post 5 at a time, so I’ll add more in another post.