Hey y'all, first time posting. I wanted to get opinions on the rust of this FJ80. Seems like a pretty good deal. Interior is very clean. Only thing that's holding me back is the rust. Would this be something that could be repaired later down the line? Was hoping to outfit for overlanding once I baseline and take care of the rust. How much of an investment would it be? Is it something I could take care of myself or would it be best left to a professional? If so, how much do you guys reckon it'd cost? It's a good bit away from me (I'm in Northern KY, it's in WI). Worth the drive to check it out? Good pickup for 7k or would you guys pass?
Advice on Rust
- Thread starter CowThief
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Spoiled rust free California opinion here, hard pass.
But I realize other markets have to deal with rust on everything.
Some of the visible orange rust is non-structural surface rust and a non-issue, it's the stuff they tried covering up like at the shock tower photo that would greatly concern me.
There are areas that are or will be soon structurally weakend in those photos
But I realize other markets have to deal with rust on everything.
Some of the visible orange rust is non-structural surface rust and a non-issue, it's the stuff they tried covering up like at the shock tower photo that would greatly concern me.
There are areas that are or will be soon structurally weakend in those photos
Sorry. Hard pass. Way too much work for too little return. BTDT.
Spend more money and get a better example.
Also the frame is torn by the steering box.
Spend more money and get a better example.
Also the frame is torn by the steering box.
If you're willing to drive from Kentucky to Wisconsin, why not drive the same distance south and get something rust free? It might cost you a little more upfront, but well worth it in the long term. I got my 80 two years ago with light to moderate rust, and I even regret that!
^this
No way that's worth $7k for me. It'd take that much to pull the body, clean the rust off the frame, and then put it all back together. With that much rust underneath, I'd bet you find the body looks like it's been washed in acid when you pulled the carpet...which means there are all sorts of electrical problems ahead.
No way that's worth $7k for me. It'd take that much to pull the body, clean the rust off the frame, and then put it all back together. With that much rust underneath, I'd bet you find the body looks like it's been washed in acid when you pulled the carpet...which means there are all sorts of electrical problems ahead.
Solid NO on that one. You can find better for way less time and effort than it will take to deal with that rust.
Ditto all the above.
It might be worth grabbing (for $1500) as a parts truck assuming the body isn't rotted with cancer (floor panels look like they have some rust under the black paint) but then as already mentioned, once you start digging into it you'll likely find a ton of surprises (more damage).
FWIW a few people have taken a totaled wreck with a good frame/undercarriage and transplanted a good body onto the rust free frame/undercarriage of the other. Again you'd need a lot of skills or a lot of money to get that done.
So IMHO that's either a parts vehicle (the parts that aren't destroyed by rust), a hunting or plow truck maybe. That is if you have the time, money, another spare vehicle you can rob parts from, and a garage or barn big enough to take the vehicle apart, and a lot of skills (welding)----. It would never be worthwhile to pay someone to do all that work.
As already mentioned above, find a better one for twice or even three times the price and you'll be light years ahead.
@CowThief: it would be interesting to see some photos of interior, body, and engine bay
It might be worth grabbing (for $1500) as a parts truck assuming the body isn't rotted with cancer (floor panels look like they have some rust under the black paint) but then as already mentioned, once you start digging into it you'll likely find a ton of surprises (more damage).
FWIW a few people have taken a totaled wreck with a good frame/undercarriage and transplanted a good body onto the rust free frame/undercarriage of the other. Again you'd need a lot of skills or a lot of money to get that done.
So IMHO that's either a parts vehicle (the parts that aren't destroyed by rust), a hunting or plow truck maybe. That is if you have the time, money, another spare vehicle you can rob parts from, and a garage or barn big enough to take the vehicle apart, and a lot of skills (welding)----. It would never be worthwhile to pay someone to do all that work.
As already mentioned above, find a better one for twice or even three times the price and you'll be light years ahead.
@CowThief: it would be interesting to see some photos of interior, body, and engine bay
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I doubt anyone in this forum will advise you to buy it. Definitely not me! Too rusty. Also, I'd recommend looking for an FZJ80 rather than a FJ80.
LOL. No.
- Thread starter
- #12
I appreciate all the responses. Looks like I've got some more money saving to do lol. @Kernal, you can find plenty more pictures at the listing here 1994 Toyota Land Cruiser for Sale | Emerald Pearl | Tanin JDM - https://taninjdm.com/for-sale-1994-toyota-land-cruiser-green-triple-locked/.
An 80 with that much rust is not a good starting point at any price. If you want a overlander on a budget an 80 series is the wrong vehicle. For most people that want to overland, an 80 series is overkill. Find a type of truck that fits your budget. 80s are old and expensive.
I am in KY and just bought one out of FL. Everything I checked out north of us was bad with rust. I would definitely look south. For reference it only cost $800 to have it shipped from St Augustine to my door in Lexington.
- Thread starter
- #15
Okay, would you suggest something like a 4runner? I've also heard good things about the first gen sequoias.
It would depend on your definition of overlanding. If you just want something to camp out of, there are cheaper options. I'm never going to discourage someone from looking at an 80, but it has its quirks, good and bad.
Any way you go, I'd probably avoid shopping in the rust belt. The toll their winters take on their rigs is unreal.
A first gen sequoia, or a first gen crew cab or extra cab tundra would be an excellent overlander. 4runners have a higher initial premium buy-in price. A second gen tundra or second gen sequoia would also be good but they are larger sized vehicles. Im not sure what size vehicle you want.
tmxmotorsports
SILVER Star
I bought a 1995 fzj80 emerald green with a blown motor in western nc for 1600.00 also triple locked took me a little over a year but I found a wrecked white 95 fzj80 non locking with 138 thousand miles in Stanton va for 1500.00 pulled the entire drive train out of the white one put in the green one been great for the past 3 years and neither one was rusty at all. Keep digging NO WAY WOULD I BUY THAT 80.
