We've all seen beautifully restored classic automobiles. The body comes off, the engine comes out, the interior is redone and every part of the vehicle is evaluated, refurbished or replaced before reassembly. These efforts come with descriptions like "no expense spared" and "better than new". The end results can be visually stunning and financially staggering! The problem is you may be afraid to drive it!

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Then there's that "other" genre of classic automobiles. They have been cared for and their owners have used them. They have made improvements. The didn't abuse them but instead cared for them and kept them humming down the road.

 

The truck is very original in many ways I'd put her squarely in the "survivor" category!  I've driven her and she runs great and handles well.  The engine compression is 130 to 135 across all cylinders.

 

She's stock! There is no power steering or A/C which were not offered by Toyota until 1979. She was originally delivered to CA and of course she has retained her original 2F engine and 4-speed transmission. All the original smog equipment is present and the truck should easily pass California smog.

 

Some of the upgrades include one exterior repaint in her original color, updated suspension with Bilstein shocks, new battery 5/25/26, replacement headliner, Sony in dash AM/FM/BT audio system with speakers in all four corners. You'll find a Tuffy Console between the original upholstered front seats.  She's been enjoyed by the same owner for the last 5 years and is showing 101381 miles. 

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The paint is in good shape however there are a few flaws along with a small rust spot that on the drivers side rear quarter panel. (pictured). You'll see minor small scrapes and scratches but overall she looks great.

 

This truck has been garaged much of the past 5 years and driven less than 1000 miles over tht period. The interior is largely original including all the upholstery on the front and back seats, the original front mat in excellent condition, clean visors and original door cards, and more. The dash pad has a couple cracks. All the glass is very good. 

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There's an one enigma to this truck and that is the bolts that appear on the drivers and passenger side. I have no clue what these may have supported supported or why they are there? I would remove them and plug the holes and paint the plugs blue. 

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The 1978 FJ40 is many people's optimal year. You get disc brakes up front, the old school rounded bezel and 4:11 gears for off road adventures.  Trucks like these are becoming increasing hard to find.  She comes with some valuable new parts including new window channels and felts, new Bushwacker flares, (never installed) a variety of new hoses, and a nice car cover. 

 

For more information call (515) 864-1275 or email overton@aol.com​​