Advice and Help on a 40

[GeoRoss]

I am going to try and check out a 40 up in Peoria on Sunday. I do not know a whole lot about them.

I know to look for rust on the sills and tub.

What are some common things to check for?

Does anyone have a ball park figure on how much a hard top and doors run?

Thanks.

Ross

 

[Tools R Us]

I am going to try and check out a 40 up in Peoria on Sunday. I do not know a whole lot about them.

I know to look for rust on the sills and tub.

What are some common things to check for?

I maybe available to look at it with you?

Does anyone have a ball park figure on how much a hard top and doors run?

Thanks.

Ross

Who cares? You have a couple of vehicles with A/C, tops, heat, etc. the 40 is a convertible. You don't want that rattling, heavy a$$, POS top and doors, get a bikini and/or soft top(s), good to go!

 

[FJ40LVR]

Ross,
You already listed the rust issue, but pay special attention to the very rear tailgate area for rust, both on top, or underneath. And if there is floor mats, or any applied coverage on the driver / passenger kick areas (where your feet would rest) peel it back if you can and check there for flaking rust buildup. This is the most common area I have seen for soft spots.
Other than that, original axles, original motor, brakes (disk vs drum) V8 swap all might be important to look over and see who has done the work, and how well they have done it. (a bad V8 swap can be a nightmare)
If it is running pay attention to steering wobble or lean in one knuckle to indicate worn parts....but if you are purchasing this to be a trail rig / rebuild, all these items are redundant anyhow and need to be replaced / rebuilt eventually.
Check out how easy the trasfer case shifts into low / 4x4, and if there is any audible whine from the hubs / case upon shifting.

As far as cost, depending on condition is the rule of thumb.

I might be available on sunday to check it out with you depending if you want some company.....(I promise to not make an offer as well )

Josh

 

[GeoRoss]

Thanks for the offers and info. I am waiting for the seller to contact me about a time on Sunday.


And Kevin, I don't want my hair to get fussed up.

 

[Tools R Us]

...

And Kevin, I don't want my hair to get fussed up.

No first hand experience, but I hear mini vans are good at preventing that!;p

 

[Big Ruckus]

I live in Peoria/ Gendale are, so if you want an extra set of eyes to look over the rig, let me know the time and place and I can Meet you there. Josh brought up several key issues you need to look for. Hopefully, it is an AZ vehicle and you have minimal rust issues to deal with.
Dale

 

[GeoRoss]

Thanks for the offers, my 40 budget just hit snag from an unexpectedly high medical bill.

Maybe this summer I can start looking again.