Almost a Member! Can someone look over an FJ40 in Springfield/Annandale/Alex/Wbridg?

[78BlueFJ40]

Hi Guys-

Fingers crossed I'm about to be a "real" member and actually own an FJ40. There's one that I'm looking at and I've driven it/inspected it but I'm still somewhat of a novice.

Is anyone in the Springfield/Annandale/Alexandria/Woodbridge area able to look over an FJ40 as a pre-purchase inspection for me? Really just looking for anything major that might be an issue - the truck seems to drive great and has very little rust, but I'd like a more trained eye to look at it.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Devilmans Hand]

Post up some pics. One of us might be familiar with the cruiser.
When do you need someone to go check out the truck?

 

[78BlueFJ40]

Thanks for the response, Devilmans Hand. I'm trying to get it looked at by Friday (short turn, I know).

Here are the only photos I have:

 

[Devilmans Hand]

Its hard to tell by the pics. Do you have any close ups on the engine or the interior?

look at where the cruiser leaks.

take a strong magnet with you to check for "repairs" where they've used fiberglass/bondo.
look specifically at the fenders, in the bottoms of the doors, at the rear sill. stuff like that.
poke around at the metal around the bottoms of every piece of glass to look for rust.

the paint is not original. The black top will be super hot in the summer.
be cautious of bedliner on the inside. it is often used to cover up rust and holes.

crawl under there and check that it comes with the skids and splash guards.

Id be curious to look at the wiring and check to see if it has been hacked up by some PO.

I won't be much help this week.

if the PO has switched hardware from cross-slot bolts to hex bolts then that is a bonus. extra points if its stainless hardware.

PM "colangut" and see if he can help you inspect the 40, as he knows them pretty well.

 

[78BlueFJ40]

Those are the only pics I have, I looked at the truck early this afternoon and everything appears to be original and intact. It is originally from S. America, so it's in Kilometers and KPH, but besides that it looks good.

I'm familiar with the basics as to what to look for, both the driver and passenger side footwells were solid and showed no signs of rust, same is true with the underside of the passenger and driver side door, a little light rust, but nothing major. New door seals are included in the sale for the driver and passenger side doors - which they need.

The bottom of the ambulance doors were also solid with very little if any rust and same is was true with the rear sill - it was solid and didn't appear to be patched.

As you mentioned, the color is not original (it appears it was originally red) and the top is not the original color, not only is it not white, but it's an odd, almost rhino-liner coating. The same rhino-liner type coating is below both the driver and passenger side door above the step-plate, I know this is a common area where rust is, so not sure if this was a preventitve measure or there was rust that was cut-out.

My two main concerns from looking at it are really the top and it's rhino-liner type finish as well as under the driver and passenger side doors. Everywhere else seems to be rust free. I didn't have a magnet on me, but plan on taking one back next time.

Thanks for the tips - i'll PM colangut to see if he can take a look.

 

[kulangot]

Non usa truck? See the little rubber pads on the bumpers...

That also means no smog and no VIN number. If legally imported it is kosher.

Could be issues with that depending on your insurance company and where you live in regards to smog. In VA you don't have to get a smog check on a 79 but it has to visually pass at safety inspection. That could be why it has the classic tags as they sidestep the inspection in trade for restricted use - no Bueno for me.

I've spent a huge amount of my time working on a close friends HJ45 from South America. Vice grips, cutting torches and hammers are the preferred tools down there. His truck has seen lots of them. Well over 300K miles is also common. My friends truck has stuff worn out that I'm not used to seeing like door hinges.

Like Sam said, not the stock color and I am not a fan of any bed liner on anything other than a mad max style beater (my s*** typically) on a $10,000 truck - NO THANKS. What is under it? Got pics?

 

[Thornton]

Where is it located? Looks like a full floating rear which would be nice. The main thing is how much work are you willing to do ? The rino liner on the top could be hiding a rotted out rain gutter along with the rocker panels. A lot also depends on what they are asking for the truck.

 

[78BlueFJ40]

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

I've inquired about the title/proper importation. It is titled as an Antique in VA which probably makes titling it easier.

Smog/Emissions shouldn't be an issue as I understand any car that is 25 years or older in the State of Virginia doesn't need emissions test (nor safety, if it's titled as an Antique). The only pics are what I posted.

The truck is in the DC area, I'm having someone hopefully look at it tomorrow. My main fear is the rhino top and what it's hiding - everything else seems to be in good condition but will find out more tomorrow. Price is $9400.

 

[John Smith]

That FJ40 has some serious lean to the rear. If you want to daily drive it with normal tags it is going to cost you to bring it up to local inspection standards. For an almost 10k truck I would expect it to already meet that standard. I would personally pass, as I have seen much better condition trucks for cheaper that will pass normal vehicle inspection.

Ultimately your opinion is the only one that matters though.

 

[kulangot]

That FJ40 has some serious lean to the rear. If you want to daily drive it with normal tags it is going to cost you to bring it up to local inspection standards. For an almost 10k truck I would expect it to already meet that standard. I would personally pass, as I have seen much better condition trucks for cheaper that will pass normal vehicle inspection.

Ultimately your opinion is the only one that matters though.

Wise words from a wise man. My thoughts exactly. There will always be another one. For that price it had better be pretty well sorted out and ready to go.

 

[Stumpalama]

Suspect for a "splash and dash". Respray, especially when they do it without removing door and hood hinges. Also overspray on frame and tires is another clue that it was done hastily and likely without sufficient prep work. This usually means bondo to smooth rust holes and puckers.

 

[Stumpalama]

I'd take the front doors though.. wing windows!

 

[78BlueFJ40]

Thanks for the advice, guys.

I've decided to bow out of this one. Need to learn a bit more before I commit!

 

[Stumpalama]

This place is a good resource. These guys will tell you what they think and won't spare your feelings. We do mean well and only tell you to help make an informed decision. Cheers and happy hunting!