Vehicle Description
1973 Toyota FJ40 Interior Thoroughly Restored! Chevy 350ci V8 /
3spd Manual North Dakota Car, Extremely Dry Vin # FJ40143653 Evolve
Motors and Chicago Car Club are pleased to present this 1973 Toyota
FJ40! We bought this nice, dry FJ40 from a guy in North Dakota who
had purchased the car twenty years earlier from his neighbor's
wife, following the passing of her husband. When he bought it, he
gave the truck a thorough mechanical overhaul. He swapped in a
Chevy 350 small block, as well as had the truck painted beige and
fitted with a set of black American Racing wheels. He was clearly a
tasteful FJ enthusiast, as the truck is built much like we'd have
done. It's easy to see why these FJs have garnered such a
following; they're simple and utilitarian, yet handsome and iconic.
Exterior: Sand beige paint shows well and absolutely suits the
truck; beige is our favorite color on these cars. A paint gauge
shows consistent readings of between 4-6 on every body panel,
indicating that there is no bondo from any previous repairs on the
vehicle. Black front fenders, side-steps, and front and rear
bumpers are free of any damage and present well. Rear rack folds up
and down, adding significant cargo-carrying capacity. All glass is
clear and intact, with the exception of a small chip at the bottom
of the front windshield. The car is an attractive ten footer, but
upon close inspection there are a few cosmetic points to be aware
of. When the previous owner in North Dakota had the truck, he
removed the rear fender flares that were fitted at the time and
filled the holes in the original fenders prior to paint. In the
right light, the filled holes are somewhat visible. The car is a
looker, but isn't a show winner. We're just fine with that; it's a
fun and capable vehicle and we'd love to see it used as such.
Interior: This FJ has just benefited from a thorough interior
restoration. This included refurbishment of the front seats as well
as replacement of all carpeting and headliner. The car retains its
original rear jump seats. Window regulators have been replaced, and
the original ones will be included in the sale. All gauges are
functional, including the dash-mounted tach. Odometer indicates
just over 88,000 miles on the chassis, though the Toyota motor was
swapped out for a Chevy 350ci small block somewhere along the way.
Under The Hood / Underbody: This FJ is powered by a Chevy 350ci
small block with a Holley 2 barrel carb, as well as an upgraded
distributor, radiator, ignition, and new wires. Engine number reads
V0902CJD, indicating it's a ~270hp/300lbft early 1970s motor,
likely originally intended for a Chevelle. Truck runs, drives,
shifts, and stops well, with no noises or tendencies of concern.
Truck just had a brake job done at our shop, in which all four
wheel cylinders were replaced. Rear axle seals were also replaced.
Suspension components all look and feel rock solid. Underbody is
extremely dry, with absolutely no through rot or soft spots. If
only the rest of the country was as good for automotive
preservation as North Dakota. Please take a look through the photos
and see for yourself how special of a truck this is.