Columbian FZJ73 Assistance and Questions

[Alpine4X4]

Looking at a 95 that came out of Columbia, After doing some reading and research here, I'm seeing that they started assembling them in Columbia from kits in 95. How do I tell if it was a full Japanese build, or assembled in Columbia?

Here's the ID plate...

Also, I understand that they started using Venezuelan manufactured Dana differentials with the kit builds. Other than scarcity of parts for the Dana's, are there any other concerns about them? Is there an easy way to tell the difference between the Dana and the Japanese sourced differential?

I have a call with the seller here in less than a couple hours. He's a car collector, and rebuilt the engine himself. The vehicle has less than 250K Km on it, and really nice condition. Claim there's no rust, and the pictures and video I was provided shows no rust. Is there certain hidden areas that could have rust that I should be aware of?

Thanks!

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Regarding the rear differential, you can tell by looking at it. Or, post a photo here and someone else will identify. Pretty sure it will be the Dana model.
My understanding is that the S. American cruisers are assembled on that continent using Japanese parts. Well, except for a few things such as that rear end.
Similar to what Subaru now does with their plant in the US using engines built in Japan.
I've heard windshield frame is a common rust area for these 70s. Of course, fenders too.

 

[Alpine4X4]

So, here's the scoop, the current owner, who does business in Columbia purchased the Land Cruiser from the original owner, who he has known for 10+ years. He had some work done on it down there before he shipped it back to the USA, such as the Burfields, seals, etc. Yes, the windshield frame had some rust, which was minor, but he had that area repaired and repainted. Says you cannot even tell that it was redone, only the new seals around the windshield stand out. Otherwise the vehicle is rust free, and always stored inside, both in Bogata, and here in the States.

He's a big time collector of classic cars, so he's well versed in buying old cars. Says he just got a 70/71-series that was built in Venezuela.

Says he'll let me have it for $30K. I assume that's a good deal based on what I'm seeing similar 73's listed, or sell for?

Oh, based on the ID plate, I found that the vehicle was assembled in Columbia at the Sofasa plant.

 

[FJBen]

Do you have anymore pictures?

South American usually equals pig in lipstick.

This thing has been repainted.

There is always more rust.


$30k is way too much for a South American 73 series.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

How many miles/kms? Is there a maintenance history? If you look on BAT, the going price for these in recent history is about 20-30K so not sure $30K is a "good deal".

I suppose you know these have a carb, not fuel injection.

 

[Alpine4X4]

How many miles/kms? Is there a maintenance history? If you look on BAT, the going price for these in recent history is about 20-30K so not sure $30K is a "good deal".

I suppose you know these have a carb, not fuel injection.

Yes, carburated.

Less than 250K on vehicle, with freshly rebuilt engine/carburetor in USA. (New valves, pistons, seals, gaskets, etc. Without any previous issues on engine)

I only found one recently (last two years) sold on BaT for less than $30K, and it was listed here on Mud prior to that for $35K IIRC.

 

[FJBen]

Yes, carburated.

Less than 250K on vehicle, with freshly rebuilt engine/carburetor in USA. (New valves, pistons, seals, gaskets, etc. Without any previous issues on engine)

I only found one recently (last two years) sold on BaT for less than $30K, and it was listed here on Mud prior to that for $35K IIRC.

Any more pictures?

 

[OGBeno]

Yes, carburated.

Less than 250K on vehicle, with freshly rebuilt engine/carburetor in USA. (New valves, pistons, seals, gaskets, etc. Without any previous issues on engine)

I only found one recently (last two years) sold on BaT for less than $30K, and it was listed here on Mud prior to that for $35K IIRC.

No engine issues and it was rebuilt? That makes no sense. Do you have evidence and documentation of the engine build?

 

[JuanJ]

Hello,

The VIN plate includes SOFASA, which is the name of the assembly plant in Colombia. The lettering is characteristic of trucks assembled from CKD kits. OEM VIN plates' lettering has a different relief.

In theory, the rear axle is a Venezuelan Dana 60. Once upon a time Dana had a plant in Venezuela. 70 Series trucks assembled in Venezuela had these axles.

Venezuelan Dana 60 axles are compatible with Toyota parts, namely brake drums, brake pads and cylinders.

Where SOFASA sourced the Dana 60s for the assembly is a good question.

Dana 60 axles from Colombia-spec 73 Series are not compatible with Toyota parts. At least not the ones I have checked. Parts are very hard to get, especially brake drums, which are usually toast by the time the truck makes it to the US. You can source some parts from Toyota dealers in South America, but they are expensive; you have to add shipping to the local cost.

Regarding rust, Colombia spec 73 Series trucks are very prone to it. Check the windshield frame, door sills and side panels. People are very good at covering rust spots with paint and bondo. It is wise to go through the body with a magnet and a very fine comb. See the picture below for typical rust spots.

The FRP top, which is a local component, is prone to cracking.

As for the engine, it is quite common to abuse them in South America. This is why, by the time they have around 200 k kilometers on the clock, they are repaired, regardless of what the specifications/procedures recommend. Work quality varies.

About the price, do not spend money you cannot afford to lose.







Juan

 

[SNLC]

I found a 2004 FZJ73 soft top in Colombia with 35,000 OG kms. New condition.

$40k

Not importable being a 2004, just saying.

Cheers

 

[Fishbulb]

You can buy a pristine one with factory locking diffs from Flex Dream in Japan for that price. Do not buy a SA truck for that much.

Below is a picture of mine how she came from Flex Dream for less money than you are looking at in SA.

 

[Alpine4X4]

You can buy a pristine one with factory locking diffs from Flex Dream in Japan for that price. Do not buy a SA truck for that much.

Below is a picture of mine how she came from Flex Dream for less money than you are looking at in SA.

View attachment 3623417

Not interested in a RHD unless I get job delivering mail (unlikely), or get a second home in New Zealand (also unlikely).

 

[Fishbulb]

You can tell the VIN plate has been removed due to the rivets being raised in the center. I would check the other VINS to make sure they all match and/or haven’t been altered. Either way, the vehicle already violates 19 U.S.C. § 1627a. That’s another risk when it comes to importing from Central and South America.

 

[FJBen]

Not interested in a RHD unless I get job delivering mail (unlikely), or get a second home in New Zealand (also unlikely).

Any more pictures to post up?

 

[Alpine4X4]

 

[Alpine4X4]

 

[Alpine4X4]

Any more pictures to post up?

He provided pictures that are some weird format that MuD doesn't accept, so had to do screen shots.

 

[Alpine4X4]

You can tell the VIN plate has been removed due to the rivets being raised in the center. I would check the other VINS to make sure they all match and/or haven’t been altered. Either way, the vehicle already violates 19 U.S.C. § 1627a. That’s another risk when it comes to importing from Central and South America.

Can you educate me on what violations exist that you see?

 

[Fishbulb]

Can you educate me on what violations exist that you see?

Just that the rivets holding on the VIN plate are not the factory original rivets. That would be an import violation. It would most likely not be a big concern if the other VINS are fine, but something to at least be aware of.

 

[Fishbulb]

From what we can see in the pics the Cruiser does look pretty dang good.