1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40

1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 Aqualu Tub, Restored Driver, Austin TX

SUGGESTED TITLE
Aqualu-Tubbed 1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 Restored Driver, 4" Lift, Austin TX

LISTING DESCRIPTION
(Written in BaT house style paste this into your seller submission notes)

This 1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 is a well-sorted, garage-kept driver that received significant restoration work by a prior owner, including the installation of an Aqualu aluminum tub eliminating the structural rust issues endemic to original steel-bodied examples and meaningfully reducing curb weight. The truck was acquired by the current (third) owner in 2014 and has been maintained by well-regarded Land Cruiser specialty shops throughout their ownership. It is now offered for sale in Austin, Texas with a clean Texas title in hand.
Body, Tub & Paint
The Aqualu aluminum replacement tub is the defining feature of this FJ40, providing a rust-free foundation that original steel-tub examples simply cannot offer at any price point. The exterior was repainted in a period-correct Volvo beige a tone that suits the vintage Land Cruiser aesthetic well and is said to be in good driver-quality condition. A removable fiberglass hardtop is fitted; a Bestop bikini top and a roof rack (removed to allow garage storage) are included in the sale. An extra tailgate sourced from Cool Cruisers of Texas (CCOT) is also included. Minor surface oxidation is present on some original steel components, consistent with a 47-year-old vehicle. Underside photos showing frame and tub condition are available.
Drivetrain
Power comes from the original 2F inline-six engine, which is said to start immediately, idle smoothly, and pull strongly. A rebuilt original carburetor and rebuilt alternator have been fitted, along with a new radiator, new gas tank, new fuel pump, new fuel filter, and new oil pan. The intake system has been refurbished and the vehicle has been desmogged. Recent tune-up work includes new spark plugs, air filter, oil filter, valve cover gasket, and fresh fluids throughout.
Suspension & Brakes
A 4" Ironman suspension lift gives the truck a commanding stance. Steering knuckles have been rebuilt and a disc brake conversion has been performed. BFG All-Terrain KO2 tires (285/75R16) are mounted on powder-coated black wagon wheels. The seller reports confident highway capability, having driven the truck to 75 mph, and notes that it is well-suited to town driving and country roads.
Interior
The cabin is described as clean and usable. Front seats are said to be in excellent condition. The rear bench, center console, and various trim pieces were sourced from Cool Cruisers of Texas (CCOT), a respected Land Cruiser specialist. Additional interior refreshes include new pull handles, rearview mirror, sun visors, shift knob, and floor boots. Rock guards have been installed. New OEM front turn signals, new tail lights, new interior and exterior door handles, new rear door lock, and new battery tray and hold-down round out recent exterior and detail work.
Audio
An upgraded marine audio system has been installed, consisting of a Fusion marine stereo (AM/FM/Bluetooth/SiriusXM), JL Audio marine amplifier, JL Audio wake tower speakers, and JL Audio tweeters a capable setup for open-top cruising.
Instruments & Gauges
All gauges are reported to function with the exception of the odometer, which was non-functional when the seller acquired the truck in 2014. The seller has no knowledge of actual mileage.
Known Limitations
* No air conditioning
* No power steering
* Odometer inoperative (non-functional at time of purchase in 2014; actual mileage unknown)
Included in the Sale
* Bestop bikini top
* Roof rack
* Extra tailgate (CCOT)
* Clean Texas title