Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

Hello fellow cruiser enthusiasts, I have wanted a classic fj for many years and I accidently came across a 1971 cruiser that has been completely restored. however,the original owner pulled the stock motor and replaced it with a small block chevy and a chevy 4 speed, both of which have been rebuilt during the restoration and have 200 miles on them. The body is near perfect and has just been painted but again the owner chose a non cruiser paint scheme to use. Lastly, the seats have been changed/redone with non original seats. With all that said, the cruiser is very very nice, everything is new and original expect the big things I already mentioned. so my question is, I can purchase the cruiser for 13k, has the cruiser's value been killed with the restorer's choices and changes or is this a really good deal? appreciate any and all opinions. thanks

if you base your investment on an original then yes it is dimminished value. once you change anything color, engine, interior, ect you change the value, however if its a kick ass truck then it is worth what anyone will pay for it. but dont plan on getting your investment back unless it is all original. i have been doing bodywork on cars for 30 years and restorations.