Elite Land Cruiser Struggles (13 Viewers)

[ERC]

Hi everyone, I just want to share my experience with the company Elite Land Cruisers. I’m working on an HJ60 for a buddy of mine who spent over 100k on this complete resto from Elite Land Cruisers, and while from 10 feet she’s a beauty, it’s got a whole slew of issues. He shipped it to me to replace the head gasket. It’s only got 490 miles since the resto and already needed a head gasket. Upon looking it over, I found a whole laundry list of problems. Power steering leaking, ripped engine mounts, paint cracking, loose driveshaft, etc. When I began tearing into the engine, I was starting to notice how many of the components were original, something I hadn’t expected on a 100k resto. Beat up fittings, mismatched bolts, etc. Once I got it down to the long block I yanked the valve cover and valve train off only to find reused and mismatched head bolts, along with loose rocker arms and even bent pushrods. I’m amazed at how horribly this cruiser was put together. I’m don’t know a ton about these old Cruisers, but I do know that a 100k resto on an old American muscle car would get you a pretty perfect car!
I just want to put my experience and the headache my buddy has gotten into with this car. I’m also curious to know if anyone else has had as bad of an experience? I’ve read a little but I’d be curious to know of anyone else.
Also the owner or whatever of Elite Land Cruisers has COMPLETELY ignored my buddy. Goes to show what kind of business they are. Here’s a link of the cruiser

 

[OGBeno]

The owner is an IH8MUD member.

 

[Casey E]

Did he buy this from the builder directly or through an auction? If directly and they are ghosting him on motor issues that would be a very , very bad look. Obviously need more details. 100k build should have a fresh motor.

 

[ERC]

Did he buy this from the builder directly or through an auction? If directly and they are ghosting him on motor issues that would be a very , very bad look. Obviously need more details. 100k build should have a fresh motor.

Directly from them. I also would’ve assumed the motor would’ve been new or at least refreshed. The head bolts appeared to be used/mismatched, rocker arms were not properly lashed, and as a result one of the pushrods was bent. I can upload a few pictures within the next day or two

 

[NeverFinis]

I will sometimes assess a vehicle for sale if a potential purchaser asks for opinions here on ih8mud. Only done through pictures provided by the sellers. My experience is spending several years tearing down my own LX450 and mechanically rebuilding it, using OEM parts if available. I also swapped in a L96 V8 and a 6L90e.

The last time I did this, it was for a "restored" LS swapped 80 series selling well above $100K. The number of things wrong, or missing, was astounding. I mean, non triple locked 80 series with non factory steel wheels for over $100K.....The LS engine was swapped in such a way that the vehicle couldn't be driven off road (oil pan/diff clearance).

The vehicle for sale was listed by the original restoration company but it was an older restoration from them.

The owner of that company found out about my assessment and privately messaged me here. He first offered to fly me out to check out his current operation to show they have improved since that vehicle was built.

His excuses were 1) The current owner has made changes since their restoration, 2) They have gotten better. I mean, none of that was noted on the website...

He couldn't point out any issues with my assessment. Ultimately, he wanted to distance his company from his own restoration. Soon after, the vehicle was removed from his own website.

He wanted me to remove the VIN from my post. I always ask for, and post the VIN in the thread for future google searches for the next potential owner. I let him know he could sue me if wanted the VIN removed....he backed off... I don't think he is paying for my flight to see his operation now...

Anyway, my advice would be to document, with pictures, everything you see. Otherwise, it's your word vs Elite Land Cruise's word.

After you document everything, post the VIN of that FJ60 here. It will become a permanent record of their work.

 

[3_puppies]

this has been brought up before with different rigs

7

Thread 'Elite Landcruisers?'

Aug 8, 2022

Has anyone ever delt with elite? feedback? comments on work quality?

• 72mikel
• Replies: 25
• Forum: Bad Sellers - Buyer Beware

 

[ERC]

I will sometimes assess a vehicle for sale if a potential purchaser asks for opinions here on ih8mud. Only done through pictures provided by the sellers. My experience is spending several years tearing down my own LX450 and mechanically rebuilding it, using OEM parts if available. I also swapped in a L96 V8 and a 6L90e.

The last time I did this, it was for a "restored" LS swapped 80 series selling well above $100K. The number of things wrong, or missing, was astounding. I mean, non triple locked 80 series with non factory steel wheels for over $100K.....The LS engine was swapped in such a way that the vehicle couldn't be driven off road (oil pan/diff clearance).

The vehicle for sale was listed by the original restoration company but it was an older restoration from them.

The owner of that company found out about my assessment and privately messaged me here. He first offered to fly me out to check out his current operation to show they have improved since that vehicle was built.

His excuses were 1) The current owner has made changes since their restoration, 2) They have gotten better. I mean, none of that was noted on the website...

He couldn't point out any issues with my assessment. Ultimately, he wanted to distance his company from his own restoration. Soon after, the vehicle was removed from his own website.

He wanted me to remove the VIN from my post. I always ask for, and post the VIN in the thread for future google searches for the next potential owner. I let him know he could sue me if wanted the VIN removed....he backed off... I don't think he is paying for my flight to see his operation now...

Anyway, my advice would be to document, with pictures, everything you see. Otherwise, it's your word vs Elite Land Cruise's word.

After you document everything, post the VIN of that FJ60 here. It will become a permanent record of their work.

I have a whole folder from the owner of all the issues. I’ll take some of my own pictures and upload them all here.

 

[fjbj40]

“Restored”

The most abused/misused word to describe automobiles being sold or its condition.

 

[ERC]

“Restored”

The most abused/misused word to describe automobiles being sold or its condition.

Agreed

 

[svsisu]

I have worked on a couple of Elite cruisers restorations. I cannot emphasize enough how bad they were. Engine spray painted "restored". The entire chassis had no solder on any of the wires, simply twisted together and electrical tape (sometimes). Missing half the body mounts, almost all aftermarket parts (door handles, filters, belts, hardware etc all not Toyota), every bolt hand tight, drivelines fell off on the test drive. That sort of thing. This was all for a guy that spent over $100K on one of their Troopy restorations. For such bold claims on their website, the quality of work was egregious.

This says it all to me about Elite

 

[svsisu]

The owner is an IH8MUD member.

@BTUMAN ?

 

[OGBeno]

Correct

 

[ERC]

Correct

I don’t think that is him. The owner of the cruiser I’m working on is from NY

 

[svsisu]

I don’t think that is him. The owner of the cruiser I’m working on is from NY

The owner of Elite is a ih8mud member.

I feel for your client, as others have said document everything, and hopefully you get it all sorted out.

 

[ERC]

The owner of Elite is a ih8mud member.

I feel for your client, as others have said document everything, and hopefully you get it all sorted out.

Ah I see. I have a whole folder of pictures with everything wrong with it. I’ll have to upload it along with some more pictures I’ll take.
I don’t mind the work, keeps me busy!