New owner - Rescued 80

fd59 · 08-01-08, 12:31 AM

Well, the planets were in alignment this week and I ended up with my first ever LC - a 1996 80!!!

I say she was rescued, because the previous owner had trashed the interior (no rips, just stains, & nastiness everywhere) and had done no noticeable maintenance since she divorced to or three years ago.

Initial list of issues observed during test drive:
1. Front Muffler had fallen and restricted exhaust flow, resulting in very little power and awful sound.
2. The engine was obviously running on 4 maybe 5 cylinders.
3. Engine was running somewhat hot - 3/4 way to the top, but not in red zone.
4. The LC would barely hold 65 down the highway.
6. Break light was on.
5. Did I day the interior was nasty?
BTW - She had been driving this LC in this condition on a daily basis for a while.

Even with these issues. I determined the worst case scenario would be that there were some burnt valves and/or a Head gasket replacement. Though I did not feel either was the case because it just seemed all was needed was some maintenance. I just had the feeling it was calling to me---Help me! Help me!

After very little negotiation, I ended up with what I think is steal -- only 1,500 bucks!!!

Well..... I got it home - which was a 100 mile drive in 97degree heat -- With the heater running the whole time to keep the temp gauge at the half-way point.

Now on the the rescue.. I change the plugs - The missing immediately went away as she was firing on all six cylinders! Then I notice that a major oil leak had shown up -- Turns out it was the filter which I could turn with only 1 finger. New oil & filter took care of that - End of first day. The next day I removed the radiator and flushed the rust colored excuse for coolant out of the radiator and engine - no more running warm/hot. Start some cleaning of the nasty interior and end of the second day. The third day was spent cleaning the interior with the help of my wife.

Short list of things left to do:
1. Replace muffler and maybe the cats (221,000 miles)
2. Replace Mirrors
3. Buff out scratches and wax. (Suggestions???)
4. Replace Antenna
5. Replace Factory Radio
6. Suggestions????

Here are some pics:

Ting · 08-01-08, 12:55 AM

First post since Feb 2006?

It's always nice to hear a story like this.

Search the word PHH, and hit the FAQ on the top the page.

vladi80 · 08-01-08, 03:11 AM

thats a an awesome deal

fjfar80 · 08-01-08, 04:52 AM

Wow - great deal. Proof again that even abused...they can run forever. I would recommend that you flush the brakes, replace the belts, check all hoses and replace as needed, and a front and rear end service (I am sure there will be a need for re-packing). A good baseline is the best place to start...then you won't be asking, "I wonder when that was replaced?" Also, don't forget the simple stuff: air filter; fuel filter; windshield wipers; flushing the windshield washer tank; checking starter contacts, etc.

As far as the paint...start with a good car wash, use a finish cleaner, then a clay bar (removes impurities from the paint), then start with a good quality wax (I use Pinnacle Carnauba) and you should be well on your way to a great shine. You may need to use some light rubbing compound if you have some bad scratches that are still left after using the clay bar. If you do this you will then need to use a polish prior to the wax. BavAuto (a BMW supplier) has a great "how to" article on detailing. I have attached the link here.

Hope this helps.

Cheers.

- Mark

jamisobe · 08-01-08, 06:49 AM

You stole that truck!

Rustoleum makes a dark hammertone paint in shaker cans that almost exactly matches the stock bumper color and does a good job of hiding any blemishes.

Now with all of the cash you saved let the mods begin. Use the search function.

You can do an Exhaust over the frame which is a very nice thing to have if you envision any off roading in the future. Downey makes headers if you know someone to help make a mandrel collector. 1 high flow cat.

A lift of 2.5 inches is usually one of the first substantial mods but it's possible to go to 4" without major changes and you can go all the way to 35" inch tires (315s) without major modification.

Running boards are usually one of the first things to be removed.

jfz80 · 08-01-08, 07:49 AM

You did great!!! nice looking rig.

So Initial purchase: 1500
Baselining 1500
lift and tires 1500
slider and bumper 1500
rear bumper 1500
gas in the time it takes to do above 1500

havin a sweet ride in the end though.....priceless. enjoy the adventure and let us know your plans. All the above advice is great info. Peruse the FAQ if you havent and prepare for more frequent posting

pint · 08-01-08, 07:58 AM

Congrats on a KILLER deal! Good luck with it. You'll have less invested once you do everything you want and need to do than most do just to purchase the base vehicle!

My wife said no FJ! · 08-01-08, 08:01 AM

Very Cool...and Great Deal

Amazing what a little maintenance can do...hope you get to enjoy the 80 for many years to come

BuckeyeFan · 08-01-08, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fjfar80

A good baseline is the best place to start

Yeah, I'd take the paint and stereo off the "short list" for now, change the ATF - Diff/TC fluid - PSF - fan clutch oil. Sounds like you are a better wrench than me, and I found that stuff to be cake. Makes you feel better, too, and the truck always seems happier, whether it makes any difference or not. With a '96 you can get a new MAF from LandTank and she'll run even better.

Looks nice in the photos, I'd be proud of that "rescue".

nicholas · 08-01-08, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fjfar80

Wow - great deal. Proof again that even abused...they can run forever. I would recommend that you flush the brakes, replace the belts, check all hoses and replace as needed, and a front and rear end service (I am sure there will be a need for re-packing). A good baseline is the best place to start...then you won't be asking, "I wonder when that was replaced?" Also, don't forget the simple stuff: air filter; fuel filter; windshield wipers; flushing the windshield washer tank; checking starter contacts, etc.

As far as the paint...start with a good car wash, use a finish cleaner, then a clay bar (removes impurities from the paint), then start with a good quality wax (I use Pinnacle Carnauba) and you should be well on your way to a great shine. You may need to use some light rubbing compound if you have some bad scratches that are still left after using the clay bar. If you do this you will then need to use a polish prior to the wax. BavAuto (a BMW supplier) has a great "how to" article on detailing. I have attached the link here.

Hope this helps.

Cheers.

- Mark

Nice find for $1500, Congrats! I'm glad there hasn't been any major problems you have run into so far.

X2 on the clay bar. I'm pretty sure my 97 had not been waxed in the past 10 years, so my neighbor and I went over the whole body with a clay bar. We were amazed at how much road grime and dirt was adhered to the paint. We used a maguires clay bar that he had bought in a kit. First we washed the whole truck thoroughly, then we poured concentrated car soap onto a rag and used it to wet small sections of the body and rubbed the clay around in small circular motions until we could "feel" that the clay had taken up the impurities and the clay could be rubbed around smoothly, not gritty and grimy like it was initially. Then we washed it again, this takes a little extra time since you have a bunch of concentrated soap on the car. We finished it off with a coat of wax. It definitely adds a lot of bling to your ride until you add more pinstripes when you are out wheelin.

landcruisers4ever · 08-01-08, 09:50 AM

great find

Brentbba · 08-01-08, 10:00 AM

On the exterior clean up - I just spent 5 hours on my '94 detailing her. I swear by Zaino products.

For a first time, was liberally with Dawn diswashing detergent. It will strip all the gunk. Zaino has a whole line. As others have said, start with the clay bar. Zaino has a new swirl remover product out that I tried for the first time this past weekend and it took out all the pin striping from my offroading. Follow Zaino's instructions and you'll have a beautiful exterior. He's got a base coat product that replaces his Z1. Use it and then follow up with the Z2 product. In all 9 times on/off and drying, but worth every minute!

If your interior is leather, go with Leathertique. Great stuff.

No affiliation with either company, just a very happy customer of both!

lt1fire · 08-01-08, 10:48 AM

all of the above and if you are going to redo the exhaust make it custom with a high flow cat and muffler

fjfar80 · 08-01-08, 07:41 PM

I would avoid the "dish washing" liquid. Although it is good at stripping wax it can also damage clear coats and paint. I would stick with a specialty automotive "cleaner" instead. A few extra bucks is usually a good investment when dealing with automotive paint.

woodsman 44 · 08-01-08, 07:52 PM

fd59, 80 looking very good as well as the price!!!
welcome to the family.

Brentbba · 08-01-08, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fjfar80

I would avoid the "dish washing" liquid. Although it is good at stripping wax it can also damage clear coats and paint. I would stick with a specialty automotive "cleaner" instead. A few extra bucks is usually a good investment when dealing with automotive paint.

I agree with your comment about diswashing detergent.

I trust in Sal Zaino. Even his website says not to use often at all. His instructions intent is a one time use to strip old wax before application of his products.

fd59 · 08-02-08, 12:04 AM

Thanks for all the great advice. I can't think a any vehicle new or used that I would rather have right now. This is going to be my daily driver. I will also use it for hunting (deer & duck), camping, fishing, and what ever towing I do. I do not plan on any hardcore off-roading (i.e. rock crawling), just whatever is required to perform my other hobbies. Which means mainly getting across muddy fields or launching a boat from a dirt/mud ramp. Which leads to the question - will 34x10.5-16 LTB swampers fit under her without a lift?

Anyway, plans for her at the moment are:
1. complete all maintenance/fluid replacement, belts, hoses etc.
2. Replace the exhaust system - preferably a bolt in system so I can do it, but $$$ may force a weld in system.
3. Add "Street Thunder" Siren - So people will get out of my way when responding to fires.
4. Work on exterior.
5. Look at major rebuild items such as front axle, replacement of all u-joints, etc. (The initial observation shows some leaking around the axle knuckle) However, nothing shows up as needing immediate attention. Everything feels pretty tight, and she drives like a new vehicle since I got her running on all six.
6. Then start any mods. I'm thinking the first items to be replaced will be the bumpers, because I want a winch on the front and the spare mounted on the back.

Progress will be slow as wife, kids, and work take up most of my time. Work on the 80 will usually be performed during the hours of 10pm - 2am - after the family has gone to bed.

Anyway, thanks again for the advice.

Mack

Beowulf · 08-02-08, 11:07 AM

Mack,
Nice Mack Truck Mack.

Where did you find it? Please make us all drool and tell us it has the factory diff lock option!

-B-

fd59 · 08-02-08, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beowulf

Mack,
Nice Mack Truck Mack.

Where did you find it? Please make us all drool and tell us it has the factory diff lock option!

-B-

Sorry, no factory diff lock. But for the price I would have snagged it even if it didn't have wheels and tires. - which are 75-80% Toyo Open Country btw. Will have to eventually get a more aggressive tire for the MS Delta mud (Very Sticky Gumbo).

3sacrwd · 08-02-08, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brentbba

On the exterior clean up - I just spent 5 hours on my '94 detailing her. I swear by Zaino products.

For a first time, was liberally with Dawn diswashing detergent. It will strip all the gunk. Zaino has a whole line. As others have said, start with the clay bar. Zaino has a new swirl remover product out that I tried for the first time this past weekend and it took out all the pin striping from my offroading. Follow Zaino's instructions and you'll have a beautiful exterior. He's got a base coat product that replaces his Z1. Use it and then follow up with the Z2 product. In all 9 times on/off and drying, but worth every minute!

If your interior is leather, go with Leathertique. Great stuff.

No affiliation with either company, just a very happy customer of both!

Ditto on the Zaino products. I used to use them on my Corvette, and just did my other cars last week with the remainder.....great product.

98 SNAKE EATER · 08-02-08, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brentbba

I trust in Sal Zaino. Even his website says not to use often at all. His instructions intent is a one time use to strip old wax before application of his products.

LOL

It seems everyone knows Sal

I was a hardcore Mothers/Meguires user until Sal told me to lean on his (then) brand new Viper GTS

He gave me a little nudge and I slid right off the fender

Been a believer and dedicated user eversince

AKcruiserfreak · 08-03-08, 12:16 AM

I would KILL for a find like that right now. I am on the hunt for a neglected, locked 80 that needs my love.

TK

08-01-08, 12:31 AM	#1
fd59 IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: MS Delta Posts: 7	New owner - Rescued 80 Well, the planets were in alignment this week and I ended up with my first ever LC - a 1996 80!!! I say she was rescued, because the previous owner had trashed the interior (no rips, just stains, & nastiness everywhere) and had done no noticeable maintenance since she divorced to or three years ago. Initial list of issues observed during test drive: 1. Front Muffler had fallen and restricted exhaust flow, resulting in very little power and awful sound. 2. The engine was obviously running on 4 maybe 5 cylinders. 3. Engine was running somewhat hot - 3/4 way to the top, but not in red zone. 4. The LC would barely hold 65 down the highway. 6. Break light was on. 5. Did I day the interior was nasty? BTW - She had been driving this LC in this condition on a daily basis for a while. Even with these issues. I determined the worst case scenario would be that there were some burnt valves and/or a Head gasket replacement. Though I did not feel either was the case because it just seemed all was needed was some maintenance. I just had the feeling it was calling to me---Help me! Help me! After very little negotiation, I ended up with what I think is steal -- only 1,500 bucks!!! Well..... I got it home - which was a 100 mile drive in 97degree heat -- With the heater running the whole time to keep the temp gauge at the half-way point. Now on the the rescue.. I change the plugs - The missing immediately went away as she was firing on all six cylinders! Then I notice that a major oil leak had shown up -- Turns out it was the filter which I could turn with only 1 finger. New oil & filter took care of that - End of first day. The next day I removed the radiator and flushed the rust colored excuse for coolant out of the radiator and engine - no more running warm/hot. Start some cleaning of the nasty interior and end of the second day. The third day was spent cleaning the interior with the help of my wife. Short list of things left to do: 1. Replace muffler and maybe the cats (221,000 miles) 2. Replace Mirrors 3. Buff out scratches and wax. (Suggestions???) 4. Replace Antenna 5. Replace Factory Radio 6. Suggestions???? Here are some pics: Last edited by fd59; 08-01-08 at 12:40 AM.

08-01-08, 12:55 AM	#2
Ting IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Monterey, CA Posts: 1,172	First post since Feb 2006? It's always nice to hear a story like this. Search the word PHH, and hit the FAQ on the top the page. __________________ 1996 Kazu 96 LX450, 97LX450

08-01-08, 04:52 AM	#4
fjfar80 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Hong Kong SAR Posts: 373	Wow - great deal. Proof again that even abused...they can run forever. I would recommend that you flush the brakes, replace the belts, check all hoses and replace as needed, and a front and rear end service (I am sure there will be a need for re-packing). A good baseline is the best place to start...then you won't be asking, "I wonder when that was replaced?" Also, don't forget the simple stuff: air filter; fuel filter; windshield wipers; flushing the windshield washer tank; checking starter contacts, etc. As far as the paint...start with a good car wash, use a finish cleaner, then a clay bar (removes impurities from the paint), then start with a good quality wax (I use Pinnacle Carnauba) and you should be well on your way to a great shine. You may need to use some light rubbing compound if you have some bad scratches that are still left after using the clay bar. If you do this you will then need to use a polish prior to the wax. BavAuto (a BMW supplier) has a great "how to" article on detailing. I have attached the link here. Hope this helps. Cheers. - Mark __________________ 1997 FZJ80 - Flareless, Lined, MetalTech Sliders, LandTank MAF, PM'd to the Gills, 285 BFG ATs, Alpine, and XM but, just starting (it's sitting in CONUS...a bit lonely..awaiting customization and ready to get Super Charged) 1997 BMW 528i - AC Schnitzer'd out (right-hand drive) 1988 E28 M5 - Currently being restored in the US "It is not the critic that counts" TR - 1910 http://faragesgarage.blogspot.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrgarage Last edited by fjfar80; 08-01-08 at 05:04 AM. Reason: Grammatical error...can't have that...now can we?

08-01-08, 06:49 AM	#5
jamisobe IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 1,062	You stole that truck! Rustoleum makes a dark hammertone paint in shaker cans that almost exactly matches the stock bumper color and does a good job of hiding any blemishes. Now with all of the cash you saved let the mods begin. Use the search function. You can do an Exhaust over the frame which is a very nice thing to have if you envision any off roading in the future. Downey makes headers if you know someone to help make a mandrel collector. 1 high flow cat. A lift of 2.5 inches is usually one of the first substantial mods but it's possible to go to 4" without major changes and you can go all the way to 35" inch tires (315s) without major modification. Running boards are usually one of the first things to be removed. __________________ 95 FZJ80 custom headers & 3" flowmaster exhaust, 4" OME lift (with CC bushings, x br lines, adj panhards, heavier dropped sways), ARB lockers, 35" Toyo M/Ts, dual dry cell batteries, 2300 watt inverter, speedo corrected, & Kaymar w/carrier Next: ???

08-01-08, 07:49 AM	#6
jfz80 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: la punta alto TLCA# 16634 Posts: 1,838	You did great!!! nice looking rig. So Initial purchase: 1500 Baselining 1500 lift and tires 1500 slider and bumper 1500 rear bumper 1500 gas in the time it takes to do above 1500 havin a sweet ride in the end though.....priceless. enjoy the adventure and let us know your plans. All the above advice is great info. Peruse the FAQ if you havent and prepare for more frequent posting __________________ 95 FZJ-80 Lifted, Locked, armored,37'd, blown and bigelow enhanced ; single digit MPG wondermobile 72 FJ-55 IPOR bumpers/sliders, SOA, 3'' BL, 8274, and a big ole F'n engine, 35' (for sale) 92 P/U stock, lil lady owned, gas miser/DD/worker aka tiny tim

08-01-08, 03:11 AM	#3
vladi80 IH8MUD Junior Join Date: May 2008 Location: Fremont,CA Posts: 75	thats a an awesome deal

08-01-08, 07:58 AM	#7
pint IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Parker, CO TLCA# 17493 Posts: 1,132	Congrats on a KILLER deal! Good luck with it. You'll have less invested once you do everything you want and need to do than most do just to purchase the base vehicle! __________________ 2000 UZJ100, OME 865, OME T-bars, Slee Diff Drop, Slee SliderSteps, TJM T3, PowerStop Cross Drilled & Slotted Rotors, 295 Terra Grapplers M101 Trailer - Sold 1993 Bontrager Race Lite MTB

08-01-08, 08:01 AM	#8
My wife said no FJ! IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Montreal Posts: 753	Very Cool...and Great Deal Amazing what a little maintenance can do...hope you get to enjoy the 80 for many years to come __________________ Dean 1964 FJ40 Hard Top...resto, going back to original stock!

08-01-08, 09:50 AM	#11
landcruisers4ever IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: pensacola florida Posts: 217	great find __________________ 1997 lx450 "Alexus" 3 OME lift, ARB winch bumper, safari snorkle, T-max competition 9000 winch, custom rear storage system and factory lockers X3 2000 lx470 1976 FJ40 current project 2008 Sequoia 1988 FJ62(hurricane) 1977 FJ40(sold)

08-01-08, 10:00 AM	#12
Brentbba On the Golf Course! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA TLCA# 13420 Posts: 4,959	On the exterior clean up - I just spent 5 hours on my '94 detailing her. I swear by Zaino products. For a first time, was liberally with Dawn diswashing detergent. It will strip all the gunk. Zaino has a whole line. As others have said, start with the clay bar. Zaino has a new swirl remover product out that I tried for the first time this past weekend and it took out all the pin striping from my offroading. Follow Zaino's instructions and you'll have a beautiful exterior. He's got a base coat product that replaces his Z1. Use it and then follow up with the Z2 product. In all 9 times on/off and drying, but worth every minute! If your interior is leather, go with Leathertique. Great stuff. No affiliation with either company, just a very happy customer of both! __________________ Brent '94 White LC; Kaymar Rear Bumper w/tire carrier; Hanna Sliders; ARB winch ready Front Bumper; Slee Transfer Case Skid Plate; Revo 285's, OME 850/863 Heavy 2" lift, INTI Rack; Warn M12000 Winch, Snorkel; Sputnik! TLCA Member #13420; KI6SGO

08-01-08, 10:48 AM	#13
lt1fire IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Charlotte N.C. Posts: 735	all of the above and if you are going to redo the exhaust make it custom with a high flow cat and muffler __________________ 92 fj80: full 6 in slee lift, electric fans, 36" w/t custom sliders, custom front bumper

08-01-08, 07:41 PM	#14
fjfar80 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Hong Kong SAR Posts: 373	I would avoid the "dish washing" liquid. Although it is good at stripping wax it can also damage clear coats and paint. I would stick with a specialty automotive "cleaner" instead. A few extra bucks is usually a good investment when dealing with automotive paint. __________________ 1997 FZJ80 - Flareless, Lined, MetalTech Sliders, LandTank MAF, PM'd to the Gills, 285 BFG ATs, Alpine, and XM but, just starting (it's sitting in CONUS...a bit lonely..awaiting customization and ready to get Super Charged) 1997 BMW 528i - AC Schnitzer'd out (right-hand drive) 1988 E28 M5 - Currently being restored in the US "It is not the critic that counts" TR - 1910 http://faragesgarage.blogspot.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrgarage

08-01-08, 07:52 PM	#15
woodsman 44 IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: May 2008 Location: loomis,CA Posts: 43	fd59, 80 looking very good as well as the price!!! welcome to the family.

08-02-08, 12:04 AM	#17
fd59 IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: MS Delta Posts: 7	Thanks for all the great advice. I can't think a any vehicle new or used that I would rather have right now. This is going to be my daily driver. I will also use it for hunting (deer & duck), camping, fishing, and what ever towing I do. I do not plan on any hardcore off-roading (i.e. rock crawling), just whatever is required to perform my other hobbies. Which means mainly getting across muddy fields or launching a boat from a dirt/mud ramp. Which leads to the question - will 34x10.5-16 LTB swampers fit under her without a lift? Anyway, plans for her at the moment are: 1. complete all maintenance/fluid replacement, belts, hoses etc. 2. Replace the exhaust system - preferably a bolt in system so I can do it, but $$$ may force a weld in system. 3. Add "Street Thunder" Siren - So people will get out of my way when responding to fires. 4. Work on exterior. 5. Look at major rebuild items such as front axle, replacement of all u-joints, etc. (The initial observation shows some leaking around the axle knuckle) However, nothing shows up as needing immediate attention. Everything feels pretty tight, and she drives like a new vehicle since I got her running on all six. 6. Then start any mods. I'm thinking the first items to be replaced will be the bumpers, because I want a winch on the front and the spare mounted on the back. Progress will be slow as wife, kids, and work take up most of my time. Work on the 80 will usually be performed during the hours of 10pm - 2am - after the family has gone to bed. Anyway, thanks again for the advice. Mack

08-02-08, 11:07 AM	#18
Beowulf The quick brown fox ..... Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Somewhere in the foothills... Posts: 10,566	Mack, Nice Mack Truck Mack. Where did you find it? Please make us all drool and tell us it has the factory diff lock option! -B- __________________ 97 FZJ80 - Wing Nut MAF, locked, 315 Toyos, 4.88s, Slee 4", George's sliders, Slee bumpers, M12000, OBA, Outback drawers + other stuff. Transformation in progress... Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere. And sometimes in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself.

08-03-08, 12:16 AM	#22
AKcruiserfreak IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: North Pole, Ak Posts: 668	I would KILL for a find like that right now. I am on the hunt for a neglected, locked 80 that needs my love. TK __________________ 1971 FJ-40 2" shackle lift, 33" BFG,PTO winch, lots o' miles, con fer roof rack, safety yellow, weber 38dgas, Downey header. 1993 FZJ-80 114k, new ecu, ARB/Warn12k, Wild Country TXR 285's,Astrostart autostart, OME850J+1" Slee spacers,OME863 rear, Blue hub, 67" sliders.

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