'77 & '78 FJ45LBP

[cruiser_guy]

I was at the clearance lot of the Guatemalan electrical distribution utility. They have an '80 FJ40 for Q2000 (about $220) and an assortment of FJ45LPB's for anywhere from Q3000 to Q5000 (about $350 to 500). Some run and some need work (they are certainly NOT pristine but they are restorable). Is it worth it (I've already got the FJ45LV that I'm working on so I don't need another project)? I know, I need pictures but the wife had the camera all afternoon at the clinic she helps out at.

 

[Grease Cruiser]

From what I have seen of most Guatemalan 45's: No! Too much of a headache. They may seem really cheap but they have been bastardized beyond belief. They use their Cruisers down there and beat the ever living crap out of them.

Also, they probably do not have front discs or 4 speeds or 2F's for that matter. For some odd reason Central American spec 40 series did not get the improvements that some the of the other parts of the world did.

And they are CKD's Completely Knocked Down. No heaters, no dash pads, no vent duct work, etc. They are stripped as can be.
But if the tailgates and headache racks were in good shape, you could always get your money back and make it worth your while to buy them. Probably not though.

Good luck. Maybe they were taken care of. Would be worth having a second look at them. If they are in good shape, I might be interested in one. There is a good possibility that I will be down there in January. Post some pics when you get a chance.

 

[buckroseau]

I'd take one if you can find someone to drive it up to Texas cheap. Got some kin folk there, they can meet them at the border


But in all seriousness, I would take one if you can find someone to drive it up to the border in Texas......

I have been looking for a 45lwb to prime the pipeline for then next project. I've got a set of disc axles, 2F and 4spd tcase/tranny just waiting for one in the shop.

Matt

 

[tucker74]

I'd be interested in a lwb for $500 - think they would make the trip back to Texas?

Tucker

 

[cruiser_guy]

From what I have seen of most Guatemalan 45's: No! Too much of a headache. They may seem really cheap but they have been bastardized beyond belief. They use their Cruisers down there and beat the ever living crap out of them.

Also, they probably do not have front discs or 4 speeds or 2F's for that matter. For some odd reason Central American spec 40 series did not get the improvements that some the of the other parts of the world did.

And they are CKD's Completely Knocked Down. No heaters, no dash pads, no vent duct work, etc. They are stripped as can be.
But if the tailgates and headache racks were in good shape, you could always get your money back and make it worth your while to buy them. Probably not though.

Good luck. Maybe they were taken care of. Would be worth having a second look at them. If they are in good shape, I might be interested in one. There is a good possibility that I will be down there in January. Post some pics when you get a chance.

You are right on the beat and stripped category, some are better than others but they do have 2F engines (I checked) not diesel :-( Headache racks are intact but the boxes are a little rough (nothing a trip to Panama to buy a repro wouldn't solve). I'll probably pick up one to drive until the FJ45LV is done at which time I can decide if it's worth my while to attempt that too. It will give me time to amass parts as well as check the roadworthiness. I'll be at the wreckers in Honduras this weekend looking for the H41 and diesel for the FJ45LV so I can check on the FJ45LPB cab I saw last time as well.