2008 GRJ79 value

[janyyc]

Thanks for the update, @Kroll - that's in-line with what I would have expected. @John Young once bought a RHD-to-LHD converted HDJ81 in the UAE. It was a disaster, through and through - and it seems that these would be asking for the same amount of trouble or perhaps more.

 

[Brost]

In regards to these cab swapped VDJ's out of Ontario. I had a friend fly out and spend some time poking around them. He was absolutely disgusted with what he saw. It is obvious that the VIN shows the chassis were originally destined for the AUS market, but when you look up the VIN that is still attached to the body (a sticker on one of the units) it is a 2017 marketed for the GCC. The motor ran well and healthy when he started them up...but that's where it all ends.
Wiring to accommodate the cab swap was horrendous- obvious splices and even exposed wires running along the frame rail. Interior features do not work - power windows or even the diff lock switches. My friend also found yellow sand in the frame rails, they didn't even bother to clean anything up. These are not turn key trucks by any means. To sum it up- lip stick on a pig.

Appreciate the valuable feedback. Hopefully anyone researching in future finds this thread and information.

Tried to get information on where @Jay34 got his vdj through but it top secret

 

[janyyc]

Any 2009 VDJ would be coming from Australia (or, less likely NZ). No other market had the VDJ7* at that time.

 

[OGBeno]

Firewall-driving position conversions are very, very difficult to do outside of the factory manufacturing environment. At least, to do well where the end user is unaware of the conversion.

Every single one I’ve experienced has been a customer service nightmare.

 

[Kroll]

Thanks for the update, @Kroll - that's in-line with what I would have expected. @John Young once bought a RHD-to-LHD converted HDJ81 in the UAE. It was a disaster, through and through - and it seems that these would be asking for the same amount of trouble or perhaps more.

Yeah it's a real shame that transparency isn't being employed by this dealer. These trucks should be sold in an "as-is" state and for significantly cheaper.

Firewall-driving position conversions are very, very difficult to do outside of the factory manufacturing environment. At least, to do well where the end user is unaware of the conversion.

Every single one I’ve experienced has been a customer service nightmare.

I don't doubt that. Unless someone is building their own project and putting a 110% in effort and detail to the finished conversion...there's not enough money that you could charge as a reseller to make it fiscally feasible for the average consumer.

 

[OGBeno]

I don't doubt that. Unless someone is building their own project and putting a 110% in effort and detail to the finished conversion...there's not enough money that you could charge as a reseller to make it fiscally feasible for the average consumer.

The cost to do it correctly with the body work as well as the wiring harness/interior work would be exorbitant to the point where it would be cheaper to buy the correct driving position vehicle one wanted.

IE: buy a new truck.

 

[John Young]

Lately I've been seeing better conversions. Like this one in Sharjah. They do the conversion right in the yard.

That said, I still would not touch a conversion with a barge pole.

I asked how they did the firewall openings but did not really get a great answer. This was an AUS 2018 truck, BTW.

Thanks for the update, @Kroll - that's in-line with what I would have expected. @John Young once bought a RHD-to-LHD converted HDJ81 in the UAE. It was a disaster, through and through - and it seems that these would be asking for the same amount of trouble or perhaps more.

 

[OGBeno]

Lately I've been seeing better conversions. Like this one in Sharjah. They do the conversion right in the yard.
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That said, I still would not touch a conversion with a barge pole.

I asked how they did the firewall openings but did not really get a great answer. This was an AUS 2018 truck, BTW.

Yeah, no thanks. That looks as clinical as an engine conversion at Sanford and Sons. You can have your Sharjah mechanics.

 

[John Young]

Yeah, no thanks. That looks as clinical as an engine conversion at Sanford and Sons. You can have your Sharjah mechanics.

I should have said conversions that appear better. They seem to be doing a lot of them. I understand most are going to Africa. But yes, I am with you OG, bad, bad idea to buy one of these.

 

[OGBeno]

I should have said conversions that appear better. They seem to be doing a lot of them. I understand most are going to Africa. But yes, I am with you OG, bad, bad idea to buy one of these.

That explains everything. They are going to war and other fun African experiences.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

I wonder ( disregarding the legality of these vehicles in the first place) if the average buyer would rather have one in a RHD (factory) setup or a LHD (perhaps poorly executed) setup, that with enough talent and cash could be corrected?

 

[Brost]

At this point looking at these and the conversions I would say most of us would rather an original RHD truck vs a converted one.

 

[John Young]

At this point looking at these and the conversions I would say most of us would rather an original RHD truck vs a converted one.

There are enough LHD's out there that my own feeling is that it is best to go that direction. Yes, they often require a lot of work but the wonderful thing about 70s is that the parts are out there for the most part.

 

[coldtaco]

I guess mines not worth much if or when I decide to sell

 

[janyyc]

I guess mines not worth much if or when I decide to sell

I think that’s not the point. You documented and did an incredible job on the conversion.
These have 0 paperwork or documentation and obvious shady work from the get go.

 

[mt72]

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I think it's too expansive to my taste