You could always get the title in your name and start the endeavor. Then, if you get it for next to nothing, you already have something that has potentially a few thousand dollars in value. Next, you may find it worth your time as a hobby to learn new things (my first car was a nearly rusted out 1968 Mustang that I brought back to life as a high school kid - and I learned a ton). You may also end up loving to tinker with it a spend some money slowly, over time, to restore or as a labor of love. This doesn't have to be a short game of building the next show truck or off road beast. Or, you may start the process; learn some new skills, and realize it's not a journey you can continue. At that point you can easily find someone else who loves the project more and sell it to them. It's about the journey sometimes, and not the destination.
Can I save this 40 (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter fordoford
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Getting it running and safety is where to start IMHO. Then drive for a while while you make a list of your goals for it.
Passion, if you have that for these unique vehicles then you have what it takes. They are ALL work. Welcome to the madness/sickness
I would start out by seeing how far gone that body is. Sandblasting/truth serum shows all, but mechanicals first
The other dimension is what sort of access you have for a shop/tools. If you can do the welding, that makes for a much different project than farming all that out...etc.
I'd be pretty tempted to:
* make sure the engine is free, and get it running as it sits...would give some idea on clutch/trans as well
* then...pluck the body off just to make it easier to sort out the rest of the mechanical side - it's not that hard to pull the body, and it sure beats rolling around on the ground fighting rusty brake lines, shocks, etc. Getting the frame blasted is fairly cheap too (~$400 or so) which would make a really nice foundation going forward.
Basically sort out the drivetrain/chassis, and dunk the body back on and have fun driving it...then sort out the bodywork after. Pulling it off would give you a good idea on what's hiding as well.
I'd be pretty tempted to:
* make sure the engine is free, and get it running as it sits...would give some idea on clutch/trans as well
* then...pluck the body off just to make it easier to sort out the rest of the mechanical side - it's not that hard to pull the body, and it sure beats rolling around on the ground fighting rusty brake lines, shocks, etc. Getting the frame blasted is fairly cheap too (~$400 or so) which would make a really nice foundation going forward.
Basically sort out the drivetrain/chassis, and dunk the body back on and have fun driving it...then sort out the bodywork after. Pulling it off would give you a good idea on what's hiding as well.
YODA 88 62
SILVER Star
Offer a fair amount of money to the owner. Get a clear title. I purchased two 40s in college for cheap. Parted one that was swiss cheese and had mud in the oil pan. The other 40 was in similar shape as the one your looking at. Should have kept it.
The 40 becomes your toy rig...unlimited possibilities for the future and it already has a tow bar to get to trails and travel with you in the future. Your 80 becomes a reliable daily driver/tow rig.
Not sure what your plans are with your 80. It was not the best idea to spring over my FJ62 and commute hours away from college...always put a smile on my face taking corners with no sway bars, though
The 40 becomes your toy rig...unlimited possibilities for the future and it already has a tow bar to get to trails and travel with you in the future. Your 80 becomes a reliable daily driver/tow rig.
Not sure what your plans are with your 80. It was not the best idea to spring over my FJ62 and commute hours away from college...always put a smile on my face taking corners with no sway bars, though
Take the car you’re driving now- beat it with a 3# sledgehammer then fix it back like it was. Do that three more times. That’s what’s involved restoring a Land Cruiser. 
Take the car you’re driving now- beat it with a 3# sledgehammer then fix it back like it was. Do that three more times. That’s what’s involved restoring a Land Cruiser.
This was truly funny, yet , sadly true.
There is no question as to whether you should get it going. Get some rags, wrenches, and some beer.
rkymtnflyfisher
Trout Bum
I'd fix it.
I’d go for it if the motor isn’t seized. I’d be surprised if you haven’t already been pm’d about talking to the owner if you don’t do anything with it. Make no mistake there are guys in this forum that would like to have that rig.
How about this....you get the title in your name (do this first regardless) and then I'll come give you a good bit over the $free you paid it for.
You'll make some money and save yourself years of heartache and being broke. Win-win.
You'll make some money and save yourself years of heartache and being broke. Win-win.
@onemanarmy speaks truth. Second in line if he passes (on the deal). Haha!
