Since we're posting up Toyota Porn

Let’s put a hot young one in here while we’re at it.

 

I thought I really wanted one until I drove this one. Looks amazing and it was amazing inside but the drive is an experience from a different time. The short wheelbase and less power take some getting used to. I’d still love to have one but I wouldn’t pay top dollar to have it as my primary rig. This one was 55,000 asking.

 

If that's the case, then restored ones should be available for a helluva lot less than $110K.

In 1976, when I bought mine, the only option available was the rear heater. There was no radio, no a/c, no power window option. Only one engine available, 4-speed manual tranny only. Things like locking front hubs, or a power take off winch were available but listed as extra cost accessories, sort of like the TRD add-ons today. The only "fixer-upper" stuff was aftermarket, and that stuff was generic and also fit Jeeps, Bronco's, Scouts, Blazers and the like. It was as basic a vehicle as you could imagine, a chassis, a body, an engine and a drivetrain, so why are the resto companies demanding such high prices for one?

 

What year model is that being sold as? I see pieces and parts from quite a few different years on that. 1973 was the last model year for the wipers that hung down from the top like that one, but the front parking light/turn signal pods on the fenders started in 1974. The bumpers on the hood for the windshield to fold down on are also earlier than '74, I believe, my '76 had slightly different ones made of metal with a rubber pad on top. The side window vents at the back came along after 1976, I believe it was 1978. Wonder what tranny that has? 1973 and earlier had a 3-speed, and from 1970 and earlier it was a column shifter. After about 1977-78 the differential ratios were changed, too. Mine were 4.10; fantastic for off-road, but had the straight six screaming any faster than 60. They got changed to something like a 3.70, maybe even higher. At any rate, low range was where it was at. My truck would not bust 25 mph in low range 4th gear, and you could walk faster than the truck would go in 1st gear, low range.

If ever you do buy a resto'd FJ40 or similar, get a soft top along with the hardtop. The hardtop is heavy as hell, and when removed, the rear doors had to come off, too. Toyota changed the rear in the '74 year to include the full-length doors which replaced the flip-up lid and a tail gate. Made it a bigger hassle to remove the top, and when replaced the doors had to be realigned to seal properly when shut. Having a soft top allows you to take the hardtop off in late Spring once it's warmed up, and not have to replace it until the next winter, but gives you some rain protection between. My seats quickly went south from getting rained on constantly in the summer months, because I'd leave the top off all summer, and there were very limited options back then for things like bikini tops. I got wet a lot, because my Cruiser was my only transportation except for my motorcycle. At least the LC had a windshield.

 

It was a few years now. I drove it to a car show for the owner of the dealership in 2016 or 2017. I’m a mechanical engineering technologist but I was laid off and went to work for a bit where they had my favourite vehicles. I think they had me drive it because I was the only one that would drive the vehicles up the steep teeter ramps and I’d drive the cars into the showroom. Even though I was sales. Lol.

To the best of my recollection it was being sold as a 76 or 77. I think 77. Maybe it was a 73 though. I can’t quite remember. It had a four on the floor and was geared deep. I had heard the restoration had used a few different sources for parts and they were up front about not being all matching.

I would probably import a 70 before buying a 40. I love them though. They’re awesome.

 

3.73 gears started in 1979 along with the optional power steering and A/C (both very rare) and the first year with a catalytic converter. 1977 started the rear side vent windows. 1975 was the first year for the might 2F 4.2L and front disc brakes. All USA market 40s had a rear heater installed at the factory. If you see one without a rear heater it's a South American import (stay away). Lock out hubs were dealer installed options, most were Warns, Aisins are significantly beefier and were available starting in 79. 9.5 inch ring gears in the front and rear. Nearly indestructible. Mine is a 77 with original paint and dealer applied pin stripes. I've kept it as factory as it can possibly be. The only thing not factory are the 31 inch tires versus the 29s and a RetroSound radio. The tops are a pain to get off and on but if you have a place to store it (the top and the 40) then having the top off all summer is a blast. There are several vendors who sell bolt up rear tailgates since you do have to pull the rear doors. My favorite is the engine bay. What a thing of beauty.

 

OMG that is pretty =)

 

Yeah to own one of these it would be for special occasions and off roading. I could not see this as a daily driver. It would be fun to run to the shops and hit the trail. Would be cool to recover someone stuck in this =).

I call trucks like this my Lottery trucks. If I hit it big then I can justify paying the premium.

 

I had too..

And buddies clean 70 Bronco

Cheers

 

Here's one:

 

Unfortunately that got ruined with the Cummins 2.8.

 

This is the 66 I built. I sold it. It's cruising a country club in Florida now.

 

Depends, does she have a sister?

 

Well I had a 78 that I picked up in 1980 with 32000 miles on it for $4400. Three years and 100000 miles later, sold it for $4000. I sure wish I still had it. That thing was a tank and was true 4 wheel drive when in low. I still have a brand new right side rear door in my shed. If Toyota were to make them again, I would be first in line.

 

No, no I would not. That would be fiscally irresponsible.

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=B6PoJL6MomU

Centerfold

 

You still Local...with a shop ?


Cheers
Steinbeck

Toro Park

 

Still in Morgan Hill, yes. I built the one above in my 2 car garage. After my house burned down a few years ago the garage was rebuilt into a 1000 sqft 3 car garage with 14' ceiling. Still haven't purchased the 2 post lift... Hopefully after covid