1977 fj40 lost and then found.
- Thread starter Jaybird1
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The only one who will be right is you ... your memories, your money, your decision
The rest of us have no skin in this game
The rest of us have no skin in this game
It's a 40. There are lots of them out there. Don't get too sentimental about them, especially that one. Was it your Dads first car? Doesn't sound like it. Did he take it out on lots of cool trips and spend time with you doing mods to it? Doesn't sound like it. Yes it would be neat to have it back, but...its trashed. It is going to take 20k just to get rid of the body rust. And you haven't touched the frame or interior components yet. Might as well buy a new tub. It doesn't have a hard top or doors anymore, so your going to have to find some unless you want to just run a soft top. Sits its been sitting outside, the interior components are likely in crappy shape, so who knows how much that will cost to refurbish or replace that stuff. Since its just been sitting, even if you can get it running, every seal and gasket is going to leak. The valve seals are likely dried out so it will smoke until those are replaced. Trans may have water in it, tcase will at minimum need all the seals and gaskets replaced if not completely rebuilt. The radiator is probably clogged, the emissions stuff probably needs work or replacement, the fuel tank probably has water in it and is rusted out, all the hoses will need replaced, brakes will need replaced including wheel cylinders, and master and slave cylinder. Booster is likely bad...My point is, 40s really don't sell for enough money to make it truly worth restoring one in that state. Very few sell for more than 30k, probably like 95%. The other 5% that sell for 40 or more thousand either sell because they are showroom quality and not really not practical to use without freaking out about getting a rock chip, or they fooled some idiot with a bunch of money. My advice would be offer the guy 2500, if he balks, explain what it will actually take to restore it, then offer 3500 but tell him you will take your money and time elsewhere. If he refuses, go buy a 40 already fixed up for 20 or 30k, and go make some new memories with your Dad going on camping trips or something.
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Rockymtnreaper
Colorado.Cruiser
Just a point of view of someone who has been in this situation. I would get him settled on a reasonable price and then buy it. I grew up in this 1986 FJ60 and we moved from California to Colorado with it and then my Parents sold it... I tracked down the guy who owned it and told him how much it would mean to me to restore this one since I knew its history and it has sentimental value to me. He let me buy it. I think if you took this much effort to track it down and meet with the guy, it obliviously means a lot to you. Buy it if it is reasonable, but don't let the sentimental value cloud your judgment too much. I did not regret my decision. Also, my dad and I spend time together fixing it which is worth more to me than the cruiser.
Circa 1995 (I am the kid in the "glasser" and my twin sister is the one being held upside down.)
And this was taken last year.
Circa 1995 (I am the kid in the "glasser" and my twin sister is the one being held upside down.)
And this was taken last year.
This would be my approach. I would have as much in my pockets as I was willing to spend.
Start at a $3k offer in an envelope. Show it to him. Hold it in your hand while talking. Tell him how many 40s are on the market right now and only parts for early cruisers are rare right now. Wait for him to reply with a number. Don't speak another number until he replies with one. If he replies with an outrageous number, remind him you're standing there with cash in hand. Only go up in $250 increments. You'll probably get it for less than $4k, if he really wants to sell it.
Start at a $3k offer in an envelope. Show it to him. Hold it in your hand while talking. Tell him how many 40s are on the market right now and only parts for early cruisers are rare right now. Wait for him to reply with a number. Don't speak another number until he replies with one. If he replies with an outrageous number, remind him you're standing there with cash in hand. Only go up in $250 increments. You'll probably get it for less than $4k, if he really wants to sell it.
- Thread starter
- #26
I saw the first vehicle that I purchased a few months ago. A 1988 Jeep Wrangler that I bought when I was 16 back in 1994. I drove it a few years and sold it to my parents who then traded it for a few guns to my brothers father in law years later. I totally had forgotten about it until I saw it sitting under a tree when I went to his house with my brother. It brought back memories of getting stuck in the mud and really having no clue how to drive a 4wd. I still think of asking if I can get it back only to park it under a tree at my house. It still runs with close to 400K on it.
If it was me I would make sure to get it back in your hands. Defiantly bring that picture of you and your dad with you.
If it was me I would make sure to get it back in your hands. Defiantly bring that picture of you and your dad with you.
thebigredrocker
SILVER Star
I like the idea of bringing a copy of the picture, perhaps write your phone number on it and be prepared to leave it with him if negotiations fail. I wouldn't rely too heavily on pity as a tool. He might dig his heels in more. It would be a kind gesture if he'd sell it to you for a reasonible sum, but that's for him to decide.
If you start with a $2000 offer and he's a skilled haggler he'll know $3000 is within reach. Perhaps start at $1250 and he'll work you up from there. Be prepared to respectfully and politely "do the dance". Sounds like you are mechanically inclined so you can point issues out to him. Has rust eaten through the frame and floorboards? If so, point that out. Radiator Shot?
Brake master shot? Clutch master & slave shot? How's the wiring? Rats nest?
Is the hard top missing?
I hope you get it back for a price you feel good about.
If you start with a $2000 offer and he's a skilled haggler he'll know $3000 is within reach. Perhaps start at $1250 and he'll work you up from there. Be prepared to respectfully and politely "do the dance". Sounds like you are mechanically inclined so you can point issues out to him. Has rust eaten through the frame and floorboards? If so, point that out. Radiator Shot?
Brake master shot? Clutch master & slave shot? How's the wiring? Rats nest?
Is the hard top missing?
I hope you get it back for a price you feel good about.
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Id offer $2500 if he says no leave your number and be on your way. Chances are he will call you to say come pick it up. Thats been my expirinces in the past anyways.
You have been chasing your dream and twisting your neck into backyards etc for 20 years to get it back so badly
Were you thinking to get a bargain over the last 20 years? I wish my dad had a 40 and I could have found it back. Great story !
To tell your story to him was a risk, but now after his reaction i wouldn't give him even the honor to show him that picture if he didn't want to try to fit in the next picture to complete your picture of your 40's family history book.
Make the deal so that the story of that greedy last PO will not spoil it for you for the next twenty years!
Were you thinking to get a bargain over the last 20 years? I wish my dad had a 40 and I could have found it back. Great story !
To tell your story to him was a risk, but now after his reaction i wouldn't give him even the honor to show him that picture if he didn't want to try to fit in the next picture to complete your picture of your 40's family history book.
Make the deal so that the story of that greedy last PO will not spoil it for you for the next twenty years!
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Long story short. I've owned 6 cruiser. 1st was a 72 FJ55. Then came a 60, then an 80, then a 40, then another 60, and finally a 45. Still have 2nd 60, 40 and 45.
Found my 1st, the 72' 55 on Craigslist 2 hours from where I live earlier this year. Still owned by one of the brothers I sold it to 17 years ago. He held on to it for me longer than he should have as I said I'd buy it on the spot if I could. Finally got down to see it and had to walk away. I can put things together and take them apart and figure out how mechanicals work and sort that out but it would have cost 100K in metal work to get that thing even close to safe to drive. Only rust holding it together. Had to apologize profusely for NOT buying it, felt like a complete jack#ss.
Guess the questions are... you want to buy it to sit in your garage for the next 10-20 years until its drivable? Is it drivable now? What's your budget to get it going? You ok with this being a lifetime project? Can it be resurrected? Could you live with yourself if you let it go?
Hardest auto related thing I've ever done is walk away from that 55 the second time. I'm at peace with it as I could never afford to give it what it needed unless it was a lifetime project. If it had been my dads and I had pictures like you it'd probably be in my garage.....do what makes you happy. If you are in over your head 2 years from now and it's yours, at least you'll be able to decide it and yours fate.
Found my 1st, the 72' 55 on Craigslist 2 hours from where I live earlier this year. Still owned by one of the brothers I sold it to 17 years ago. He held on to it for me longer than he should have as I said I'd buy it on the spot if I could. Finally got down to see it and had to walk away. I can put things together and take them apart and figure out how mechanicals work and sort that out but it would have cost 100K in metal work to get that thing even close to safe to drive. Only rust holding it together. Had to apologize profusely for NOT buying it, felt like a complete jack#ss.
Guess the questions are... you want to buy it to sit in your garage for the next 10-20 years until its drivable? Is it drivable now? What's your budget to get it going? You ok with this being a lifetime project? Can it be resurrected? Could you live with yourself if you let it go?
Hardest auto related thing I've ever done is walk away from that 55 the second time. I'm at peace with it as I could never afford to give it what it needed unless it was a lifetime project. If it had been my dads and I had pictures like you it'd probably be in my garage.....do what makes you happy. If you are in over your head 2 years from now and it's yours, at least you'll be able to decide it and yours fate.
Redgrrr
I have a problem with 40s
Lowball the crap out of him with picture in hand. Walk away, have your buddy go back a few day later and offer alittle more...
- Thread starter
- #33
Thanks for all the info advice and encouragement. Just in the ball park I wonder, emotion and sentiment aside, what would the average person pay for a rusty non running 40 with no top and no doors? Cause that's what I'll be competing with.
4Cruisers
SILVER Star
I bought my '76 FJ40 a little over 15 years ago, so take that into consideration. I paid $500 for it non-running. It has some rust issues but was complete and original, with about 62,000 miles. Turns out the only thing keeping it from firing up was a corroded connection at the coil. I started it up within an hour of trailering it home from 10 miles away. It was very driveable from then on, following the usual baselining maintenance. Until I finish my '86 FJ60 project it's our go-to everyday 4WD vehicle. At some point I'll address the rust issues.
Right now I'm agonizing over what to do with my stock '84 FJ60 which I purchased new from a dealership in Las Vegas. It has about 182,000 miles and runs well. It has quite a bit of rust along the lower body, wheel wells, quarter panels, etc. I have a parts '84 FJ60 and a parts '89 FJ62, so I have everything needed to make one good '84 FJ60 out of the parts vehicle, which is basically rust-free, but needs a repaint. It would still take a lot of time to swap the mechanicals and electrical over, but not much difficulty involved. I'm not getting any younger, and have a lot of other interests outside of Land Cruisers, but I just might start the project next year for sentimental reasons. It's been part of our family for 32 years now, so that might tip the scales towards a "go".
thebigredrocker
SILVER Star
After you offer him $1250 and he says no, ask him if you can check the tranny fluid. Make sure he's watching when you pull the fill plug and perhaps have a bucket to catch all the water that comes gushing out. At that point you may be able to get it for under $1000.
- Thread starter
- #36
So here's the deal. I saw it in person tonight. It's eat up with rust. Floors are gone. Seats are gone. Windshield frame is gone. Pretty much the only thing solid is the cowl and front fenders, pretty much everything in front of the front doors. I started at 500. He asked 5000. Seriously. He feels like he can take it to a shop and pay em 15k and he'll have a 40k fj40. The frame and running gear and engine are intact and solid. But that's about it. Here are some pics.
Wow thats bad!!!! I woulnt even have offered that man. Anything can be repairs but you would be better off starting from scratch and building one.
I know it has sentimental value but it might be best to let this one slip onto the other side of the grass...
I know it has sentimental value but it might be best to let this one slip onto the other side of the grass...
