Advice needed: Looking at a 69 FJ-40 started project

[lfootmatt]

PICS ADDED: Advice needed: Looking at a 69 FJ-40 started project

PICS added below.

Frame powder coated, body done, just rebuilt 2F, looks to be about 1/4 of the way back together. May look at it tonight.

Please advise on what I should be looking for, and any ball park value estimations.

Looks like its a rolling chasie with the drive train in and tub on, thats it. So I'm sure there is a big pile of parts somewhere to go with it. Might be a nice way to get a deal.

I'll add more detail as I get it. Pics to, yes I now "TTSWOP"!

Oldest boy needs something to tinker on / dream about driving in a couple of years.

Thanks in advance!

Matt

 

[cjgoode]

Engine, Frame and Body to are the majority of the work. Hard to say on value without pictures and what already done means. If the frame was powder coated correctly that will be nice, if not will just be rust problems that will be very hard to fix, so I would not consider that a true value add since only time will tell if that is good or bad. Getting projects someone started and cannot complete can get you a good deal, also you run into owners that want to recoup all the money they have invested and that will never happen. The engine is also iffy, search for posts about people who had their engines rebuilt only to have major problems once they re assemble and try and drive. If you cannot drive it then value wise I would treat the engine as a used 2f not a rebuilt one.

Good luck and keep us informed, and get us some pictures for our enjoyment.

 

[camcruiser13]

need some pics, but maybe 2k

 

[misterpepper]

Value could be all over the place, so I won't offer any opinion on that, but what I do know is that I bought a project recently that started out a lot more assembled that it sounds like this one is (body on frame, drivetrain and interior out) and the closer I get to finishing the more parts I realize that I don't have. It's a lot easier to tell how complete a vehicle is when it's all together, especially if it is running. I thought I was getting a pretty good deal buying a project, too. Fortunately for me I have a pretty good source of parts through a friend, but without that I'd have been waaay better off buying a complete vehicle. Even if all the big stuff is there it's the little things that can really add up. Just something to watch out for.

 

[lfootmatt]

More info: Unknown frame prep prior to PC.

Unknown year 2F that was supposedly completely rebuilt to include all new external bolt on parts (i.e. carb, alt, ect.......).

GM power sterring
drum brakes
4" lift (Seller was told it was an Old Man Emu lift)
new springs
Doors appear to be complete w/ glass
has original jumpseats
has some Mercedes bucket seats (needing adaptation)
has new-used (whatever that means) windshield hinges.
has brand new fenders never installed.
Tub is perfect and in primer.

Known to be missing some dash knobs and windshield glass.

Seller didn't tear it down. Bought it as is from a someone that paid big $$$ to have a high end restoration shop do the engine, body and frame work.

Looking tonight: I'll post pics after.

Thanks,

Matt

 

[lfootmatt]

Pics:


fj40 pictures by lfootmatt - Photobucket

Can't get pics to upload directly.

All body parts are in primer and appear to be there. Even has new door windows.

Tub is totally solid/newly redone. Just don't know if its right. Some very light surface rust on the underside where they didn't hit it with the primer. may have to blast and re-prime the underside.

What do ya think?

Matt

 

[misterpepper]

Lots of good looking stuff there. How much? (Or do we not want to know.) As with every cruiser project plan on spending a lot more $$$ than you expected. I'd take it on if it were me, assuming the price was right. Heck, with the parts you have there you could part it out and make enough for a pretty decent runner already assembled.

 

[waiting for time]

Looks like a decent project with a lot of new stuff already there.
You might want to make a list of the stuff needed to finish it and post it to be completed here. You can then use that list to find out what is missing. It will give you an idea of what you need to spend to make it a runner.

 

[lfootmatt]

Right now he's at $3,600. Problem is its really hard to tell what's missing and what's not.

Fuel tank is definately missing, just remembered that.

Saginaw PS box was really done poorly. They butchered the crossmember badly and didn't close the top back off. So that crossmember really only has a bottom plate. As for frame stability, they did weld on a very heavy duty front tube bumper that appears to be very strudy. Still, that PS swap is going to need some attention and welding. That sux about powder coating.

Still mulling an offer! any more advice is appreciated.

Thanks,

Matt

 

[lfootmatt]

u snooze u lose

Somebody else beat me to it!

SUX!

Thanks for the advice anyway.

Merry Christmas!

Matt

 

[nspctr1]

I'll share even tho it's already gone.

Here in Tx we really do not have to deal with rust issues too often and looking at that rig, the prep was done fairly poorly so to do it right you would have to reblast and reprime/paint/powdercoat to make damned sure it doesn't rust in 5 years.
Next, I don't know why people tear a rig down as far as that and never paint the axles. It's just a pet peave of mine I guess but damn it man,

Lastly, as mentioned before, you never know what parts are missing and it does add up quick. My point being that for 3600 dollars you can find a more capable rig for what your final investment total may have been..... just my .02

 

[D'Animal]

I know it is already sold so I will add a few comments.

I'm glad you saw the PS was a hazzard.

I don't understand the metal plate under the cargo area in picture 4 and picture 6. With the attention to the detail that was given to the rest of the rig, this just stands out.

The Little things are missing from chrome spear on the hood to the internal door components. I did not see the dash but all of the cables, etc. These little things are what really add to the price of putting one back together.

There will be another one out there for you and your son.

 

[cjgoode]

Good thing you missed that, 3,600 is way to much for that in that condition in my opinion. The body may have been repaired, you can see the different between the front and back, but also see surface rust under it. So the body would have to come off and redone and painted to some extent, and that PS. Between the rust on the newly fixed bottom and the PS you have to question everything being done. For that price you should be able to test drive it.

 

[Eshu Elegua]

you have to gift thanks to the guy that buy it. too much $ for a "project"