Hey I am looking at picking up an fj40 this weekend, I have been looking for 6+ months and there arnt many around, but I found this one, He is asking $7250 figure I'd offer $6500. It has a 327, 4spd, pto winch, and new 32 inch tires. My overall goal is to build a nice looking 4x4 on 35" to 37" tires. Right now I wheel a 98 ford ranger on 35s but I love the look of the old cruisers. Thanks!
Buying first fj40
- Thread starter Chirper
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- #2
Just curious what you guys think, I know the diamond plate might hide some body damage/rust but I figure you can just check the inside?
It all depends on what you're looking for, something stock or something that you can build up. That's all up to your preference. You're more than likely correct on the diamond plate covering some issues. Check out the frame real well and for that price I would think the brakes should have no issues either. What year is it? You also have to consider any state inspections you may have to go thru. Take your time and weigh it all out.
Diamond plate - especially on the rear quarters and below the doors, is always a warning sign as those are some of the most common rust areas on the FJ40. Even assuming it runs reliably, shifts smoothly, and brakes properly, check it with a fine tooth comb for rust - the most obvious places (behind the plate) will be under the rear sill. Make sure to check the spring mounts and wheel well areas of the frame.
To put it into perspective I purchased a running, driving, rust-hole free (lots of surface rust) truck for a little under that price. Similar features (350 engine, etc.). I think the price is a bit high - unless it's rust free under that diamond plate.
If you're building it to wheel you may not care about rust, but if the body's shot I wouldn't pay close to what he's asking.
To put it into perspective I purchased a running, driving, rust-hole free (lots of surface rust) truck for a little under that price. Similar features (350 engine, etc.). I think the price is a bit high - unless it's rust free under that diamond plate.
If you're building it to wheel you may not care about rust, but if the body's shot I wouldn't pay close to what he's asking.
1911
chupacabra
Read this article several times before you buy anything:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/132481-buying-land-cruiser.html
Good luck with your purchase decision.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/132481-buying-land-cruiser.html
Good luck with your purchase decision.
There's a 76 in Bethany, WA. Guy is asking $5500 but I know he didn't pay more then $4200 for it 'cause I looked at it before he did but I passed on it due to bondo. 350 chevy runs good has a 2 tone paint job. It was an older guy who owned it and used it for hunting trips but he doesn't hunt anymore. Would be perfect for what you want to do with it.
- Thread starter
- #7
I looked at that one and it was leaking oil at transmission and rear main seal it looked like. Plus the underside was covered in rust. looked like someone through a cheap paint job on a rusty car to make the outside look nice.
First one I purchased had diamond plate in the rear corners and of course it was hiding damage and rust. I agree make sure you inspect it well. Price seems OK to me if there is little rust. Good luck!
Been said before but check the frame where the leafs mount especially where the rear shackles mount. Toyota in their wisdom decided to make this spot a shelf for storing mud and salt for later use. Also, if youre not handy at the whole body work/welding thing Id look for something with a decent tub. If youre rich you can grab an aqualu tub or the like I guess..
Just to give you an idea, I bought a 69 that ran and drove fine but it had 15 layers of steel in the floor/tub and at least 200lbs worth of bondo. The rear section of frame was rotten as well but otherwise it looks pretty decent (body is off now). Thing is I was looking for a winter project and knew (yeah right) what kind of work it would take to fix everything.
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Just to give you an idea, I bought a 69 that ran and drove fine but it had 15 layers of steel in the floor/tub and at least 200lbs worth of bondo. The rear section of frame was rotten as well but otherwise it looks pretty decent (body is off now). Thing is I was looking for a winter project and knew (yeah right) what kind of work it would take to fix everything.
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- Thread starter
- #10
I have a mig and have done some patch panels befor, but for the price I am looking at I figured I should be able to get one with little actual rust through. and if the aqualu tub is the aluminum, I would much rather have steel and they are outside my price range. I looked at the craigslist down in LA California and I thought those were supposed to be expensive but they look cheaper then up in Oregon.
own landcruiser= hate rust= love welding. Have fun
myquestoyota
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #13
Thanks everybody I think I might pass on this one, I felt like and you guys confirmed that it is a little high on the price and I should be able to get a decent motor and little rust for that much money. there just arn't many around here but I'll keep looking. I love 4 wheeling and 40s and early broncos are the two coolest looking trucks ever made in my opinion.
Rockets2000
Space Cadet
You could always offer $5k and see what he says.
Hey chirper maybe I missed it in a previous post hit what area of the country are you in?
- Thread starter
- #16
Pacific Northwest, Where the sun don't shine! haha I'm in Portland Oregon.
I was actually looking at another for 5500 but he admitted that it has about a 2ft by 3" rust hole in the back above the bumper. It is covered in diamond plate but so are the rear corners so I'm thinking those are probably rusted out too. Can you check the rear quarter panels from the inside? is it just one layer of sheetmetal? I'm wondering if you could see diamond plate from the inside if it is rusted through? Motor looks nice though.
- Thread starter
- #17
Here is the second one. Trying to get up and check it out soon.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/3548300046.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/3548300046.html
Not sure how far you can travel, but there are regularly cruisers with better pricing here in Tucson / Phoenix. Here's two in a minute of searching....
* * I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THESE - JUST SAW THEM ON CRAIGSLIST * *
Post up with the Copper State Cruisers (Clubhouse) as well - maybe you can find other leads as well...
You probably want a top and doors, though, huh?
http://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/3555677129.html
http://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/3507888982.html
http://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/3531921606.html
* * I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THESE - JUST SAW THEM ON CRAIGSLIST * *
Post up with the Copper State Cruisers (Clubhouse) as well - maybe you can find other leads as well...
You probably want a top and doors, though, huh?
http://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/3555677129.html
http://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/3507888982.html
http://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/3531921606.html
Did you get a pm from me. I am going to list it in the classifieds in Sunday.
- Thread starter
- #20
Yah I'm looking for ones closer to me, I bet it is nice in Arizona with no rust? I can find them with 6 cylinders all around me but I want a V8 as I priced it and it seems like a much better deal to get one already swapped. Thanks for looking though!
