I'd really appreciate any thoughts on the below thread....I purchased my first FJ62 a year ago and am about the begin the process of customizing her. See below...
It's an '88 that's basically in great (but not mint) original condition. Zero rust, 232K miles, blue ext/grey int, chrome all in great condition, interior has minor wear - 1 seat tear and carpet is a bit worn - cd player/radio in great working condition, very cold a/c, working power antenae, quick reacting 4WD and tranny, engine runs strong (70mph on the interstate is a breeze). Did I mention zero rust? Body has 3 minor bumps.
Since owning, I've had the vehicle checked out by two LC mechanics and the most major item determined was a minor front seal leak. While in the shop, I've had 10-15 offers to purchase. I had all fluids replaced and tune-up performed upon purchase.
Bottom line - I paid $3500 for the vehicle, a steal. I'm the third owner and since owning (1 year) I have used it only to drive to/from the airport weekly (2000 miles put on it in the past year).
My plan (and the quotes given to me) are as as follows:
1) 4-inch lift using OME suspension. Quote included shocks, springs, bushings, shackles. Also replacing all hoses and belts on vehicle. Price quoted is $1450 parts/$800 labor for these items.
2) Body and Paint. Body has 3 minor 'bumps' but they're more parking lot car door situations than anything medium to major. Body shop is going to pop these 3 places, remove engine, remove chrome/emblems/bumpers, etc and perform a complete color change (engine well, door jams and any interior areas that are same color as exterior). Powdercoating of bumpers, emblems, antenae and all other chrome items will also be included. Exterior paint color will be the same color green on the new Hummv's (lighter than british racing green, slightly darker than USMC OD green) with a few coats of clear-coating. Price quote for body and paint is $4000 by best body/paint shop in my area.
3) Interior. Interior will be designed like the new Lincoln LT truck....black carpet, black dash, black headliner, cream high-quality leather seats (new springs, new foam but on existing non-rusted seat frames) with black piping on all seats and head-rests. Also cream leather w/black piping on lower section of interior door panels. Price quoted is $2400 buy best interior shop in area.
My question is this....with a Hummv green exterior, powder-coated wheels, emblems, side-view mirorrs, bumpers, 4-inch lift w/33inch BF Goodrich AT tires, and interior done as mentioned above - will the effort be worth the money and time spent? This is my first LC and my first restoration/customization on these type vehicles. With the end-goal in sight, what are your thoughts? Total price for customization will be in ballpark of $9500 but should be unique enough to easily sell for a slight profit in the future. Just my feelings though.
Thoughts? I should add that I have discussed with both mechanics the importance of ensuring vehicle is mechanically sound prior to doing any of the above. The one thing I do not want is to have a great looking vehicle that sits in the driveway and won't operate.
Thanks in advance.....
Derek
It's an '88 that's basically in great (but not mint) original condition. Zero rust, 232K miles, blue ext/grey int, chrome all in great condition, interior has minor wear - 1 seat tear and carpet is a bit worn - cd player/radio in great working condition, very cold a/c, working power antenae, quick reacting 4WD and tranny, engine runs strong (70mph on the interstate is a breeze). Did I mention zero rust? Body has 3 minor bumps.
Since owning, I've had the vehicle checked out by two LC mechanics and the most major item determined was a minor front seal leak. While in the shop, I've had 10-15 offers to purchase. I had all fluids replaced and tune-up performed upon purchase.
Bottom line - I paid $3500 for the vehicle, a steal. I'm the third owner and since owning (1 year) I have used it only to drive to/from the airport weekly (2000 miles put on it in the past year).
My plan (and the quotes given to me) are as as follows:
1) 4-inch lift using OME suspension. Quote included shocks, springs, bushings, shackles. Also replacing all hoses and belts on vehicle. Price quoted is $1450 parts/$800 labor for these items.
2) Body and Paint. Body has 3 minor 'bumps' but they're more parking lot car door situations than anything medium to major. Body shop is going to pop these 3 places, remove engine, remove chrome/emblems/bumpers, etc and perform a complete color change (engine well, door jams and any interior areas that are same color as exterior). Powdercoating of bumpers, emblems, antenae and all other chrome items will also be included. Exterior paint color will be the same color green on the new Hummv's (lighter than british racing green, slightly darker than USMC OD green) with a few coats of clear-coating. Price quote for body and paint is $4000 by best body/paint shop in my area.
3) Interior. Interior will be designed like the new Lincoln LT truck....black carpet, black dash, black headliner, cream high-quality leather seats (new springs, new foam but on existing non-rusted seat frames) with black piping on all seats and head-rests. Also cream leather w/black piping on lower section of interior door panels. Price quoted is $2400 buy best interior shop in area.
My question is this....with a Hummv green exterior, powder-coated wheels, emblems, side-view mirorrs, bumpers, 4-inch lift w/33inch BF Goodrich AT tires, and interior done as mentioned above - will the effort be worth the money and time spent? This is my first LC and my first restoration/customization on these type vehicles. With the end-goal in sight, what are your thoughts? Total price for customization will be in ballpark of $9500 but should be unique enough to easily sell for a slight profit in the future. Just my feelings though.
Thoughts? I should add that I have discussed with both mechanics the importance of ensuring vehicle is mechanically sound prior to doing any of the above. The one thing I do not want is to have a great looking vehicle that sits in the driveway and won't operate.
Thanks in advance.....
Derek
