4 years in the making new 80 Series Owner

[TheRealDeal124]

Do you happen to know what LCH did to treat existing rust before respray? Like sand blast or needle scaler ? Just curious. They are somewhat local to me and this is one job I'd be willing to pay someone else to do.

It is notated on the third paragraph of this link under undercarriage protection. If I'm being extremely nitpicky, they didn't treat the last member of the frame that doubles as the rear bumper. Not the end of the world, but again being picky. I'll have that section done next summer after the vehicle is out of the garage. Since it hasn't snowed here in Illinois yet (knock on wood) I'm still driving it.

Land Cruiser Resurrections - Lch4x4 | Build My Cruiser

www.lch4x4.com

 

[davidp14]

Thanks.

As much money and hassle you spent getting this done, I think you have the right to nit pick. Still it looks really good from what I see.

 

[TheRealDeal124]

I've had the 80 so long that I now need brake pads! Slight squeal when slowing to a stop. Sounds like my delivery truck at work.. They were serviced before I bought it in 2020. Not sure if the dealership replaced the pads with OEM. They leave brake dust bad.

On another note I took the family out to purchase their very first real Christmas tree. I settled on Fraser Fir, I was looking for White Pine but couldn't find any. I hope everyone is doing well this holiday season.

 

[40th80for20at50]

For the interior I paid whatever the list pricing was online plus shipping. As far as mechanical work goes, if I can't work on it then I send it to my mechanic who is local. I live in Illinois and LCH is located in Maryland so I paid to have the vehicle shipped to them. They work with a few towing companies and the company I worked with did an outstanding job getting my vehicle across country.

Price of course may vary depending on where you live. The undercoating which I described earlier was $2,500. They also charged me for the inspection and noted a few things the 80 needed. If you love Wit's End like I do, and buy their kits which include non factory hoses (Rear Heat Bypass, PHH, etc) then the inspector from LCH will say those need to be replaced. At least that's what my technician did. I informed them I have a mechanic who services the vehicle and refused the work.

I had the Sliding Rear Windows refreshed because of a prior leak and improper fix by the previous owner. My advice to you is if you don't have $10,000 laying around just for your Land Cruiser, do it little by little, and send your Land Cruiser to a shop for things you absolutely can't do. It adds up quick. I knew that going in.

At the end of the day, the total price of everything including shipping ($700 both ways) was around $4,500. The work they did was great, but transportation costs admittedly were a bit steeper than I anticipated. Helps if you can drop off your Land Cruiser or if you live local to them or another shop. If I knew about OLC 4x4 in Arizona I would've made a road trip out of it this past summer and had the work done then. Not sure if they do underbody coating. Arizona Cruisers are like new underneath. Hope this helps!

Thanks RealDeal! It's not doing the work that concerned me...it is the time (or lack thereof) and the ensuing potential that it linger on way too long. I actually submitted a request for an estimate to them before the holiday. Waiting on a response. But now that TLC4x4 has moved very close to me, I am going to talk to them as well. I like the fact that LCH has ready-to-fit leather upholstery (but I don't like their LCH tag on it). I don't know how or where TLC would source the replacement leather.
Just a lot of things to consider.
If I sold it without refresh, I would get about $19 or $20k. If I spend $15 to $18,000 updating it, I could sell it for $25k. So it doesn't make good financial sense to spend the money. But I'm not really looking to sell either. Its obvious that I'm wrestling with this.

 

[TheRealDeal124]

Thanks RealDeal! It's not doing the work that concerned me...it is the time (or lack thereof) and the ensuing potential that it linger on way too long. I actually submitted a request for an estimate to them before the holiday. Waiting on a response. But now that TLC4x4 has moved very close to me, I am going to talk to them as well. I like the fact that LCH has ready-to-fit leather upholstery (but I don't like their LCH tag on it). I don't know how or where TLC would source the replacement leather.
Just a lot of things to consider.
If I sold it without refresh, I would get about $19 or $20k. If I spend $15 to $18,000 updating it, I could sell it for $25k. So it doesn't make good financial sense to spend the money. But I'm not really looking to sell either. Its obvious that I'm wrestling with this.

When I contacted them, I made it first priority that I wanted the frame done. I didn't ask for an inspection, although I believe it's a legal thing. Where a shop has to disclose all of the things that they found while the vehicle was in their possession.

I approved some of the repairs they wanted to make, but the process and Time were too much for me to handle. I wanted my 80 back as soon as possible. Before I made my decision to just do the frame and the sliding rear windows, it had been 2 weeks that my Land Cruiser was there. I figured it would take less time than that to do the tasks I requested.

The inspection took roughly a week, and another week before they could get me an estimate and I'd have to put down a deposit before the work could begin. I also would have to wait since they are backlogged 3 months. They have to wait on parts as well.

I took a step back and made the call to take back the 80. I had my mechanic do the work him and I determined needed to be done. Parts were here before the 80 got back from Maryland. The work they did was outstanding, but I wasn't willing to wait until February before I ever thought of getting my vehicle back.

As far as TLC4x4 is concerned, I believe whatever leather you want installed is what they will do. The work they do is very customizable as I'm sure you're aware. I wouldn't worry about the quality of the leather. I'm not entirely sure if he still restores Land Cruisers, last I heard he was. I believe they also service primarily Land Cruisers as well as their Icon line.

 

[TheRealDeal124]

Well, those 2 years went by quick as an 80 owner. I love my Pioneer Touchscreen, but if I could get my hands on a good condition/brand new OEM radio with traditional knobs and buttons, now that would be something.

I'm more of a purist and don't want an aftermarket radio. I'm an old school type of person with CDs and enjoy listening to the radio more than playi g my own music. The idea of having a Touchscreen in my face as I drive doesn't quite sit well with me.

As I understand it, the Land Cruiser and Avalon of the mid to late 90s have the exact same radio. Are these still available OEM? Pricey I know, but I will likely sell my Pioneer.

Part Number is 8612017310. Listed on multiple parts websites as able to be purchased. If someone has a mint condition or close to it that they'd like to let go, I'd be interested. Being a member of the TLCA I wonder if I could get the radio at a discount.

 

[Irish Reiver]

Compression Results that the technician did, part of the inspection. Apparently the previous owner did a good job on the Head. Know you guys would like this information.

View attachment 2805396

I just saw this thread for the first time. You have done a lot of good work. Making a few on here jealous. I was wondering if you did anything with your cylinder head? The numbers you posted show cylinders 1,4 & 5 right on the limit. did you take these readings yourself or did your mechanic do it for you?

 

[TheRealDeal124]

I just saw this thread for the first time. You have done a lot of good work. Making a few on here jealous. I was wondering if you did anything with your cylinder head? The numbers you posted show cylinders 1,4 & 5 right on the limit. did you take these readings yourself or did your mechanic do it for you?

When LCH took delivery of it they did a full inspection on everything including the compression test. I knew the HG was done prior to my ownership. I haven't touched it. I've had no problems with the cooling system. I baselined it as best I could. I appreciate that! I know I'm not running 35s with 5.29s, I'm more of the purist side of 'Mud. The OEM or bust type.

 

[TheRealDeal124]

Installed a brand new OEM Shift Knob today, wasn't a bad job. I don't have O/D anymore, but it wasn't exactly a feature I've ever used. I love having brand new leather on the steering wheel and the shift lever.

I found a spare High and Low Range knob in the middle, that's right, smack in the middle of all the connectors. Odd, I wonder if whomever was in there last left it in there. Now I have a spare! Also found either a beard or hair comb under the center console, as well as some spare change.

Also ordered a spare PS 6M1 mirror, and driver and passenger 6M1 door handles! Next up is my driver and passenger window runs. Cheers

 

[clx16]

nice. can you tell me why you lost O/D? You don't ever use it to help it climb hills or slow down?

 

[TheRealDeal124]

nice. can you tell me why you lost O/D? You don't ever use it to help it climb hills or slow down?

I couldn't get the terminals disconnected, so I snipped the connection and wrapped it in electrical tape. I live in Illinois so not many hills. Mostly flat land.

 

[TheRealDeal124]

New issue has popped up. My keys have been getting stuck in the ACC position inside the ignition cylinder.

The Axxess key picture was what came with the 80 when I purchased. The bent key is what I've been using. Although the original key has some wear, it does work. They both have been stuck inside the cylinder until I give it a nice palm, jiggle, and spray of Blaster Lock Dry Lube.

I went ahead and purchased an entire set of OEM cylinder and keys. I'm going to replace the Ignition cylinder first, but before I do so, I had a question. Am I able to give all 3 locks to a locksmith to match? The D and PS key holes have given me no problems, but I'd rather not have separate keys for everything. As far as replacing the Ignition cylinder the dash has to be entirely disassembled correct? I wish Mr T. still sold matching sets.

 

[TheRealDeal124]

Install was easy! Key was coming in and out easy yesterday, not the case today. Key is stuck again. Will continue to tinker.

 

[clx16]

I haven't torn apart the cylinders on the Toyota locks but in general you can move the plates around to make them all the same if you don't want more than one key. You would need to put them in in the same order as another lock you want to duplicate.

 

[TheRealDeal124]

I haven't torn apart the cylinders on the Toyota locks but in general you can move the plates around to make them all the same if you don't want more than one key. You would need to put them in in the same order as another lock you want to duplicate.

I could deal with the two keys, as they are the only keys on the ring. I think I'll just keep it the way it is. Nice to know I could always change the actual cylinders.

 

[TheRealDeal124]

I don't think I've posted, but here's where my 80 was sold brand new. Love that the previous owners kept this with the Land Cruiser.

As far as the Ignition Cylinder, I must've messed something up in the transmission shifter knob when I changed them out. So the key will come out if I give the knob a few palms. Key came right out. The transmission must think its in another gear (I read that on a much older thread a few days ago about that as well as today) so the key wont release. Sounds like I have to go back into the shifter mechanism and let you guys have a peak. Likely not until next weekend. Cheers!

 

[SNLC]

So you can still get full lock and key sets. You have to get them from Japan though. You can have the door locks rekeyed to match the ignition, take it all to a lock smith and let them do their thing.

With the key in the ignition, turn it to acc, then find the tiny hole in the key barrel, bottom side. Push a paper clip or similar up in this hole and pull on the key. Whole ignition cylinder will pull right out.

You can splice the wires for the OD switch, since you got to get back in there, why not?

Cheers

 

[avdeveloper]

This is a 1995 FZJ80 with 188k miles on her, 3 owners, first one owned it for 17 years, then 2 owners owned her for a few years before Saturday. Emerald Pearl is the color, all factory VIN etched windows except the windshield, drivers seat leather has been replaced. Head Gasket was changed at 172k miles. The first owner took the Cruiser to the dealer a lot for service. There is a lift and 35s on the Land Cruiser, which I will be removing and replacing with OEM wheels and factory size tires and an OME factory height lift. I want to keep this ol girl as stock as possible for now so I know what I really need to modify as time goes on. I've already ordered window motors for all 4 windows, sunroof is still questionable as to how I'll repair. It opens slow. Oil Pressure Gauge doesn't work. I'm also a member of the "No D light" club that I read about last night. Rear tailgate struts have also been ordered. The frame and differentials are in good shape for being 25 years old. The body is also in good shape as well as the paint. The rear tailgate has a small rust bubble that will be addressed before summer. This will strictly be a weekend vehicle and garaged/not driven during the winter. I applied Fluid Film to the underbody with just the can. I also orderd 2 factory keys that I got tonight. It came with no third row which I didnt mind as I wouldve taken it out anyways. Overall a very solid vehicle that I cannot wait to tinker with and enjoy for many years to come.

wow I didn't know there's a club for no D light. Yay, I'm not alone XD

 

[TheRealDeal124]

Shopping around to see who could repaint my rear crossmember that LCH forgot about. I want to sand blast and respray in a glossy black. I'm removing everything I can before she goes under the knife. I also need the P/N for the DS rear fender flare pad for the front flare.

Land Cruiser finally joined the magic 200,000 mile club! I always geek out about the entire odometer turning over.

 

[TheRealDeal124]

Can anyone care to guess what I'm up to? I feel like I'm spinning in place. Oh wait...