1980 Toyota FJ Cruiser 40

Description

This rig is ready for its next adventure!
This 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 was imported from Venezuela, where it had been used for camping and fishing trips by a father and his daughter for 15 years before being purchased by an American Biology Professor doing field research. After he completed his research he decided to import it to the US along with another Troopie which he kept and sold this one to me. It has a clear Mississippi title but is currently in Austin, Texas.
If you are looking for the basis for a high-end restoration or show car, this is not the one for you. Let me repeat that. This is a truck with many battle scars and is priced accordingly.
If you are looking to build an off-roader or want to spend a few weekends to have a decent weekend cruiser, this may be your new car!
Power comes from a 4.2L inline-six which is mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox and split transfer case. The car starts, runs, and drives as it should. The car will drive at 65mph on the highway and in 4wd-low it will go over almost anything.
4wd system and front and rear lockers work as expected.
Over the last three years I have made the following improvements;
– A new Aluminum radiator
– A new electric high-speed fan
– A new carburetor,
– A new Petronix Ignitor II ignition, coil, spark plugs, cables,
– A new battery
– New professionally installed rear U-joints
– A professionally installed Bronco front disk conversion
– A professionally installed entirely new inboard emergency brake system
– New drive shaft brake seals
– Rebuilt power steering pump
– Replaced speedometer cable
– Replaced choke
– Includes a nice roof rack
– etc
At some point over the last ten years it was repainted in a different shade of green, along with the groovy pin striping.
Now for the bad:
– Chips, scratches, and other blemishes are obvious in most panels.
– Fuel gauge is only accurate for the first ½ of the tank
– Significant rust on the bottoms of the ambulance-style rear doors, but these are easily replaced (literally 15 minutes) and can be purchased on eBay
– There is corresponding areas of rust on the cargo floor. You could just replace the whole floor or weld over the rust depending on your goals. Very common for these old FJs and not a big deal.
– Fenders have bubbling from old repairs. You can pop on new ones in 30 minutes or less if you want.
– The black paint on the front bumper and forward portion of the chassis could benefit from refreshment
– Front indicator lights I believe to be from an FJ70, were added by a prior owner.
– The turn indicators are currently not operational as I was starting to convert all the lighting over to LEDs and have not finished. The lighting system should probably be rewired if you were so inclined.
– Frame rail has been patched near the rear bumper where these tended to collect mud
– Seats are worn and not original
– The power steering box was professionally rebuilt but still leaks. I have pulled the belt so it doesn’t leak on my driveway.
Would I drive this 500 miles right now? No, I don't recommend it. With the lighting indicators out and the older tires, it might not be a great idea. That said, I drove it from Mississippi to Austin, so do with that information what you will.
I am absolutely not an FJ expert, but I am happy to answer any question I can.
This is a 40-year-old truck that needs work, but will make someone happy. Selling due to layoff.