FJ40-how much rust is too much?

[brittan]

I have a chance to purchase a 78 FJ40 for $2500. I haven't seen it yet but the seller tells me that it has a "little" rust. Other than that he says it runs great. He thinks it has 198K miles but said it could only be 98K. I love this classic Toyota and just want it as a toy to take out and do trails. I have no intention of turning it into a rock crawler or going crazy with it. I live in AZ so I just want to drive it on weekends and take the top off.
My question is how much rust is too much...and how does one go about getting rid of the rust...is this more than I should be taking on?
Ideas and suggestions welcome. If anyone knows of a good body shops in PHX I am interested in referrals.
Thanks,
Brittan

 

[desertdude]

photos??

 

[brittan]

I plan on seeing the cruzer Saturday...if it looks good...trying to define what good is where rust is concerned...then I will pick it up.
I will have pix but it would be after the fact...

 

[IDave]

Arizona cruisers would generally be expected to be relatively low on rust. I know people who drive around trucks with holes in them you can put your arm through, and are perfectly happy with them. Others spend thousands to fix up the first cracks: before they get bad. It is all in what you want. The main thing is to be sure that the frame is solid. No holes allowed there IMHO.

 

[Isotel]

look for flaking on the frame.. It will most likley have rust on the rear Sil (below the Read doors) and in the fenders.. But if there is alot on the floorboards and frame i would consiter talking him down on the price or moving on

 

[desertdude]

sounds like a good price for an AZ '78

 

[TexomaFJ40]

Consider your time

How much rust depends on how much time you want your Cruizer disassembled having the cancer removed. If there is way too much on the body, consider what you will have to pay to get an aluminum replacement. Yes, steel body replacements are available, but the price is WELL over what you can get a better Cruizer for on Ebay and are only for those who are doing a 25K restore. CCOT has some good replacement panels, but be prepared to do ALOT of work to make you Cruiser look good. Don't forget there also are body supports in the wheel wells that will probably be shot to if you have any rust in the bed.

 

[gulp3000]

Buy it, drive it, wear the rust with pride.

For $2500 look at at it like this: It cost 1/3 of a new ATV, you can fit 4 people in it, go 70 down the Hwy, and it will go 80% of the places folks drive an ATV.

 

[brittan]

Thanks for the hlep guys...I will see it this weekend. I will let you all know what comes of it.

 

[yooper]

Look at these pics of the one I bought for $350 yesterday. I doubt you'll find rust this bad in AZ. This is about the limit of repairable or driveable rust:

my new Cruiser in chit chat

 

[spotcruiser]

Rust

Cosmetic repairs or repairs to weather-seal it are easy.

If the frame is so rusty that it is destined to fail, or if the body is structurally unsound and is close to separating from the frame, it's more serious and you have to consider your ability to fix it. Any sheetmetal can be replaced. Structural parts have to be found used (most of the time) or manufactured per sample.

Anything can be fixed, but some things are not worth your time and money.

Good Luck.
Todd Bull.