Deal or No Deal

[Regor]

I've seen lots of these in the FAQ's area. NuB to FJ needs your expertise. Found one about 150 miles from me in Tucson. Here is his eBay description:
Arizona FJ40 with fresh, professionally rebuilt and resealed stock 4.2 liter 6 cylinder & 4 speed transmission. Less than 159K ORIGINAL MILES. I believe 1977 was the first year for 4 speed transmission and front disc brakes. Runs and drives extremely strong and smooth. No oil leaks. 4x4 works good. Shifts with no problems. Warn locking hubs, brand new drive belts, valve cover gasket, air filter ($$$$), carb to air cleaner gasket - all from Spector Off Road. Recent battery. Just did an oil and filter change. Gauges, lights, switches and knobs work, glass in good shape. Rubber front mats in good shape. Will need new tires. Currently has oversized offroad type tires. Vehicle has been in Arizona most of it's life. I believe I am the third owner. Does have some of the usual rust on quarters, fenders and running boards BUT pan and floor are very solid. Vehicle was originally red but was repainted a flat tan acrylic by previous owner. Seat upholstery appears to be be original, vinyl is cracked but foam padding still good. Missing one side mirror head but those are readily available. It has the roll bar and rear ambulance doors. Needs very little mechanically.

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk152/Mregor/LCD10.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk152/Mregor/LCD6.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk152/Mregor/LCD9.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk152/Mregor/LCD5.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk152/Mregor/LCD4.jpg

He ended his eBay auction early because he wasn't getting what he thought it was worth. He has contacted me outside of eBay about the deal. His asking price is $3,800. It's not registered but he says he'll get smog check done if I buy. Has spare tire carrier and ambulance doors not shown. My concerns are the rust. Paint looks like it was done with spray cans literally. Looks like it was right over rust to hide it. How hard or how much $$ to repair the visible rust? He says motor was professionally rebuilt by Jim Click employee on the side? Let me know your thoughts. Thanks in advance,

Roger

 

[Recovering40driver]

Sounds fishy

Contact outside of ebay is usually someone trying to pull a fast one. 150 miles ain't so bad to go and check it out in person. I just wouldn't put any money down until I could see it and definately would have my guard up.

 

[Regor]

Contact outside of ebay is usually someone trying to pull a fast one. 150 miles ain't so bad to go and check it out in person. I just wouldn't put any money down until I could see it and definately would have my guard up.

Of course I'll check it out first but still, 300 miles r/t is a ways to go if it's not worth it.

 

[Bill McC]

Receipts may help verify the rebuild. Also, last registration. Will this be your primary vehicle? Is the $3800 too high? $3000ish doesn't sound unreasonable as a start to a restoration or fix up. You can't really tell unless you visit it yourself. If you have a budget in excess of $3K such that you can get it road worthy, buy tires, etc. then have a mechanic take a look. It might look different up on a hoist. That rear rust is a pain to fix, but possible. How is the frame?

Finally, if the 300 miles is too far/too expensive of a trip you may want to wait for the next one. I have seen FJs here for sale which appear to be in as good or better shape for similar money.

Good luck.

 

[Joe Egolf]

keep looking IMOP

 

[mixerman]

Look like it needs a lot of work for $3800 . I paid $4000 for mine with a newer steel tub sag steering. I would keep looking.

 

[cyrilward]

Sure Sounds a alot better than it looks

 

[Regor]

Thanks for the comments. WIll keep looking.

 

[mtj555]

I guess you have to ask yourself what your plans are for a rig. Restore or a wheeler. Seems to be hiding something under the rattlecan job. Didn't even take the time to mask off the windows. A professionally rebuilt engine could be a selling point. I would ask to see pictures of the engine bay. Find someone locally who is a cruiserhead and take them with you to check it out. I paid too much for mine. I wish I could have taken someone with me. You live and learn. I was not patient. I had to have one. You are on the right track coming to this forum. Best of luck to you and welcome to the site

 

[Bad Mojo]

If you are unsure of it walk way. You will know when you found the right one. Keep looking and you will find the one you are supposed to own.

 

[thecrazygreek]

sorry but thats a complete pile of doo doo. The body is completly shot. The floor maybe good, but it needs new quaters, rockers, rear sill replacement, who knows what else the paint is hiding. Even with a rebuilt motor, I would not go over 1500, so you have made the right decision to keep looking...

 

[Gusb]

I think the rust is at a point where it needs a lot of other good stuff going on to make it worthwhile. I don't see it in those photos. Too bad it's so far away - worth a closer look ... not worth the 3k to me.

 

[Southeast Overland]

Without seeing and driving I would give $1000. See and drive maybe $1500. A rebuilt motor is nice (I just had mine done) but with all the other problems the rebuilt motor won't increase the value of the truck that much.