Newbie -- What do you think of this one? (1 Viewer)

[kadshark]

I am in the process of purchasing this rig out of state GA - '78 FJ40 - 3FE - https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/rv5m5mfdtl8v3014nzn04/h?rlkey=a879mmnxlq0e71u0nz1ltr23v&dl=0 , subject to inspection, and it's nowhere near any of the Land Cruiser specialists I've seen listed here or elsewhere. I am debating the most effective way of getting it checked out, one of these national services (e.g., Prepurchase Inspections - Auto Appraisal Group, Inc. - https://www.autoappraisal.com/prepurchase-inspections/) or leaning toward a local shop who works on classic cars, does some resto mods, but is also not a Land Cruiser specialist. My other car is a 23 year old Miata, and this would be my winter toy in Vermont. I'm hesitate to ask (only because I know opinions will likely be all over the place), but any thoughts on the Truck itself (has a 3FE swap) welcome! Thanks.

 

[Green Bean]

I am in the process of purchasing this rig out of state GA - '78 FJ40 - 3FE - https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/rv5m5mfdtl8v3014nzn04/h?rlkey=a879mmnxlq0e71u0nz1ltr23v&dl=0 , subject to inspection, and it's nowhere near any of the Land Cruiser specialists I've seen listed here or elsewhere. I am debating the most effective way of getting it checked out, one of these national services (e.g., Prepurchase Inspections - Auto Appraisal Group, Inc. - https://www.autoappraisal.com/prepurchase-inspections/) or leaning toward a local shop who works on classic cars, does some resto mods, but is also not a Land Cruiser specialist. My other car is a 23 year old Miata, and this would be my winter toy in Vermont. I'm hesitate to ask (only because I know opinions will likely be all over the place), but any thoughts on the Truck itself (has a 3FE swap) welcome! Thanks. View attachment 3523857

From the pics, it looks like a nice truck. It is nice that the seller put it on a lift to show the underside. But if at all possible, I would want someone familiar with 40’s to inspect it. As I’m sure you know, rust can be a problem and paint and Bondo don’t show up on cameras.

 

[jmylie]

Head over to the clubhouse forums. You may find a willing local to go and take a look.

Send a message to:

Gun Runner 5

forum.ih8mud.com

LDowney

forum.ih8mud.com

Both are in GA.

 

[aging fleet]

Man, I'm not sure I'd buy something like a 40 to be a winter toy living in VT. The salt is going to get after it.

 

[rainingagain]

Man, I'm not sure I'd buy something like a 40 to be a winter toy living in VT. The salt is going to get after it.

I see a few gallons of fluid film in OPs future.

 

[kadshark]

Head over to the clubhouse forums. You may find a willing local to go and take a look.

Send a message to:

Gun Runner 5

forum.ih8mud.com

LDowney

forum.ih8mud.com

Both are in GA.

Thanks, great idea!

 

[kadshark]

I see a few gallons of fluid film in OPs future.

I am definitely focused on this risk. Have local shop ready to spray Formula 3000, which is the local favorite, and I plan to go OCD washing it. Had one inquiry on a 40 with an Aqualu tub, but doesn't seem to be going anywhere.

 

[Varty Yo]

7 posts and no bezel police stepped up...... Shame

 

[Aloha Jen]

7 posts and no bezel police stepped up...... Shame

The bezel police are on it. She’s firm, but fair.

 

[bhsdriller]

What are they asking for it

 

[Paul_A]

The bezel police are on it. She’s firm, but fair.
View attachment 3524229

My bezel stepped up.

 

[franklin40]

7 posts and no bezel police stepped up...... Shame

i got 5 posts in and was ready to jump all over that bezel but you guys beat me to it afterall!!

nice looking rig but in those photos but it’s going to be really hard to tell if it’s a over up without closer up photos. the rear door seals are all out of wack but the rest of the body looks solid.

 

[cbmontgo]

Man, I'm not sure I'd buy something like a 40 to be a winter toy living in VT. The salt is going to get after it.

Just of note, the rear corners are already bubbling under that paint. It will be a losing battle.

But it’s a great looking 40.

 

[OPMACHINE]

Looks like most of the panel seams have been bondo d over. I would expect to find rust

 

[UZJ40]

It might be a camera/perspective issue, but the front clip looks a bit tweaked to me... almost like the passenger side is sitting higher than the driver side -

 

[franklin40]

i actually agree the passenger side gap between frame and bib seems a bit wider than on the drivers side which would give the impression of it being pushed up on that side. the corner where the hood bib and fender come together isn’t as smooth as the drivers side. probably a little body panel adjustments and it’s all be good but just look closely!

we’re probably just nitpicking though because we’re jealous our own 40s don’t look so nice. well mine doesn’t anyway!

 

[majdomo]

Head over to the clubhouse forums. You may find a willing local to go and take a look.

Send a message to:

Gun Runner 5

forum.ih8mud.com

LDowney

forum.ih8mud.com

Both are in GA.

Agree with this. Local with a magnet and a little time would be great for this.

 

[kadshark]

What are they asking for

What are they asking for it

I’m embarrassed to say bc I feel like I’m overpaying a bit. What do you think it’s worth?!

 

[archie73]

Man, I'm not sure I'd buy something like a 40 to be a winter toy living in VT. The salt is going to get after it.

As a guy who rebuilt a cruiser from Vermont, I absolutely second this statement. I don’t doubt the power of fluid film or whatever is recommended, but Vermont is not afraid of salt and the damp environment means it never really stops its corrosive ways. Summer vehicle? Absolutely, the summers are plenty long. When you pull it back out in the spring, it’ll feel like a rebirth. Just my opinion.

 

[kadshark]

Just of note, the rear corners are already bubbling under that paint. It will be a losing battle.

But it’s a great looking 40.

Yeah, that is a spot I’m focused on for the local inspection. I was trying to tell myself that wasn’t rust bubbling up, just because it seems like some like a kind identical detail on both rear quarter panels, but hard to know.