craigslist 79 BJ40 Been on CL for a while, interested in what people think

I'm in Seattle and have been looking at cruisers for about a year now, this one has peaked my interest. My jumping in budget is roughly 15K so this one could fit. Its been on CL for a while, price has recently been reduced. I'm going to get really serious after I take a professional exam in April, but like I said this one has peaked my interest. Curious to hear what people with more experience think?

1979 Toyota _FJ 40_ * Diesel *
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/5973784967.html

 

[RustyNailJustin]

I'm in Seattle and have been looking at cruisers for about a year now, this one has peaked my interest. My jumping in budget is roughly 15K so this one could fit. Its been on CL for a while, price has recently been reduced. I'm going to get really serious after I take a professional exam in April, but like I said this one has peaked my interest. Curious to hear what people with more experience think?

1979 Toyota _FJ 40_ * Diesel *

I would be seriously interested in how much bondo is smashed into rust holes pre paint.
That thing is showing red flags for me but it's worth seeing in person.

 

[Shes Mad]

I would seriously doubt the miles and the claims of 40k miles. Bib is toasty, and I would bet the floors are gone. Below the doors and the rear sill are suspect. Remember, paint bubbles are usually holes, not just surface. Inspect the rear of the frame closely for rust, and swelled joints. I would inspect closely, and have a compression test. Needs to be low to mid 400's and even. Should fire easily maybe with some smoke, but it should clear quickly. White smoke is BAD. Black is just fuel, blue is oil. Not sure if it is a repainted, but Costa Rica trucks usually are.

And you won't get 30 mpg unless you only ever drive 30mph. Maybe 30 kilometers per gallon. More like 20 mpg. The only ones that get 30mpg are owned by people who can't do math.

 

[grishw1]

I too would have a hard time believing the mileage. Body and undercarriage look show more signs of wear than 40K. I need to find this parts place he's talking about. Haven't had that kinda luck finding parts quickly for mine.

 

[Shes Mad]

Parts place is probably SOR

 

[3_puppies]

a block heater was installed for easier starting in the winter......I'm thinking he doesn't drive it much in the winter with no heater.

it's also an earlier 79, before Jan 79, as it still has the 78 parts on it

 

[ekrispin]

I would be seriously interested in how much bondo is smashed into rust holes pre paint.
That thing is showing red flags for me but it's worth seeing in person.

So I can educate myself for the future, what are you seeing that's indicating bondo. I think I understand what im seeing with paint bubbles and obvious rust signs, but with other signs of rust im less educated.

I would seriously doubt the miles and the claims of 40k miles.

I thought that too!

 

[mcjb]

Get it checked out at Torfab

 

[mcjb]

But by the looks of it and it being from Costa Rica it doesn't look worth 15k. Maybe 11k? I don't have as keen an eye as others on here nor as much experience.

I'd get one for less if 15k is your budget bc you WILL be putting money into it.

 

[shawnfj40]

Did the south american trucks use a pre 79 floor pan in the 79? That one has the tank in the cab? It may be 10,000 if the claims are legit. South American trucks are usually pretty stripped down. Ie no heat or roll bar or disk brakes etc...

 

[Shes Mad]

Did the south american trucks use a pre 79 floor pan in the 79? That one has the tank in the cab? It may be 10,000 if the claims are legit. South American trucks are usually pretty stripped down. Ie no heat or roll bar or disk brakes etc...

I saw he same on the tank, but I wasn't sure. It may be a 78, which doesn't change much except the tank. Unless you really want a diesel, I'd look for a little nicer gas model for the money. If diesel it is, go for it at 10 after inspection

 

[RustyNailJustin]

So I can educate myself for the future, what are you seeing that's indicating bondo. I think I understand what im seeing with paint bubbles and obvious rust signs, but with other signs of rust im less educated.


I thought that too!

It has rust bubbles in places you usually see in rigs that are completely rust ridden. It is not showing a ton of rust in the places that are usually showing rust.

 

[rorkis]

If you go look at it take a magnet to check for bondo where there are rust bubbles. If it all steel the magnet will tell you. If it is full on bondo (not magnetic) you will be able to tell.

Good luck.

 

[ekrispin]

Thanks all for you insights, i really appreciate it!

 

[grishw1]

Did the south american trucks use a pre 79 floor pan in the 79? That one has the tank in the cab? It may be 10,000 if the claims are legit. South American trucks are usually pretty stripped down. Ie no heat or roll bar or disk brakes etc...

Yes, mine had no heat, no ac, and no disc brakes. I've added Metal Tech Jackson cage. The drums are fine brake wise, surprisingly easy to get parts. Will add after market AC and heat if I decide to put top back on during summer. Austin is warm most of the time. But all good points.

 

[BJ40monster]

I'm in Seattle and have been looking at cruisers for about a year now, this one has peaked my interest. My jumping in budget is roughly 15K so this one could fit. Its been on CL for a while, price has recently been reduced. I'm going to get really serious after I take a professional exam in April, but like I said this one has peaked my interest. Curious to hear what people with more experience think?

1979 Toyota _FJ 40_ * Diesel *

 

[BJ40monster]

1980 Toyota Landcruiser BJ40

3B Four Cylinder Diesel

24 volt system.

Power steering.

Custom made heavy duty steel front bumper.

Warn 8274 winch with remote control.

CB Radio

31" BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A

Custom made aluminum snorkel.

Custom made rear rack and tailgate.

12 volt converter power for stereo and power socket.

Lock box between seats (impenetrable)

Extra gauges

Front leather seats are from a Toyota 4Runner


Body off frame revival completed May 2006 which at that time frame was sandblasted/painted, undercoated, body undercoated, inside floors and underneath. New braking system installed, new clutch etc.

Besides regular maintenance, a few notables;

Transfer case full rebuild summer 2010

New 4 core rad 2011

Winch rebuilt 2012

Rear diff rebuilt 2013

Front knuckles rebuilt 2013

Full service, synthetic oil, 2 new batteries, etc. 2017

Mileage is unknown as the odometer was broken at some point in the past.

Comes with a full soft top, a bikini top, misc. parts etc.

Truck was insured for summer use only since 2006

 

[ekrispin]

1980 Toyota Landcruiser BJ40

3B Four Cylinder Diesel...

Is this a rig you have for sale?

 

[BJ40monster]

For Sale

 

[grizzly101700]

View attachment 1404940

is your bj40 still for sale and what price