This 1978 Toyota FJ40 has just been body-off restored by the seller, who has restored several other FJs in the past. When the original body was removed, the frame was sandblasted to bare-metal and recoated in black SEM chassis paint, while a dry 1974 tub was sourced and all bodywork painted OEM 653 Olive Green. The original 4.2 liter inline 6 cylinder with original 4 speed transmission and transfer case were retained and rebuilt. When possible, only OEM components were sourced and other than the 2.5-inch lift, this FJ is in OE spec down to the functioning original radio. The seller documented the build with an impressive thread here on ih8mud.com.

The original 1978 tub shown below was rusty, so the seller sourced a rust-free 1974 Arizona native shell shown below, which was stripped to bare metal and coated in metal epoxy primer and painted in 2-stage DuPont OEM Olive Green. An OEM style soft-top was sourced from Trollhole Cruisers and the canvas-like PVC skin is waterproof. The doors are the proper matching units which have been restored.

All rubber window trim, seals, emblems, and badges were replaced with new OEM components, and the factory rear fender openings were retained without flares. New 31×10.50 tires were mounted to freshly powder coated factory 15-inch steel wheels, which feature new OEM hub caps. The door hinges have incurred some nicks due to mounting and removal.

The seats look brand new thanks to Cruiser Corps seat upholstery kits and the dash has been restored so all gauges and accessories function as they should. Floor and friewall surfaces received a U-Pol Raptor urethane based liner for a tough protective finish with matching color. Due to the canvas roof making it less secure, the owner installed a lockable center console for added safety. All the switches, gauges, and controls operate without issue down to the rare original factory fitted stereo–both head unit and glove box mounted speaker. The seller says that every replaced interior component was done with OEM parts except for the NLA choke pull knob. Overall, the interior looks very excellent and the quality of the work speaks for itself.

The engine bay is fresh and the original 4.2-liter inline-six, 4-speed gearbox, and transfer case are said to be in excellent working order. The head was rebuilt with new valves and guides and every engine accessory has been replaced with new components including the water pump, alternator, carburetor, distributor, coil, and three-core aluminum radiator. Additionally, the clutch and brake master cylinders have been replaced along with new soft and hard lines.

The truck is properly titled to the 1978 frame number. The engine number is correct and original to the ’78. Overall, this looks like a very well done FJ build that is turn-key and ready to drive or show.