Frankentruck

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Joined
Sep 11, 2025
Threads
3
Messages
8
Location
Toronto Canada
Hi all

This truck was offered to me from the middle east.
Chassis # JTELV71J300016462
The vendor says it has had a "facelift"...mix and match fenders, hood, grill?
If I read the VIN right it was originally 058 white?...does not look white to me, and was originally shipped from the factory as a chassis....no Cargo box, for the Australian Market.
Seems misleading if not outright scammish, maybe it was in an accident (or stolen) IDK.

PHOTO-2025-10-16-10-40-38.jpg.webp
 
VIN is correct for an incomplete vehicle for the Australia market. And is indeed a 1VD-FTV engine which is correct for the year/model designation.

They basically grafted the new front end to an older truck and added the tray.

It is a 05/2010 manufacture.
I looked at my notes and they did say 2010.....but the colour...is that a white? or tan/beige
 
I forgot to say, it is being sold as a 2009 model with a Diesel 4.5 V8
Did they provide photos of the engine bay?
 
Jaftim repaints all of their cars, and likes to change colors.
Are they legetimate? I told them I am only interested in a model that has not been modded, and matches the original factory chassis # exactly.

Its also looking like I will have to hold out for a left hand model as my current insurance company (Desjardins) and another that I have asked wont touch the RHD models. I got one quote from one that will...and its stupid expensive.
 
Hello,

It is hard to tell what lurks below the new front clip and the paint. At least not until the repair bills start to pile up.

I think there are 2010 70 Series trucks with the period correct front clip and other details available.

Do not spend money you cannot afford to lose.





Juan
 
Last edited:
Currently out of the UAE there are a number of companies which hobble together 70's for export - some actually retain many original components, others will even weld-in VIN's. Most of these use the "bones" of Australian-market J7's. The question you have to ask yourself is how and why did that J7 end up in the UAE? The Australian resale market is super strong with very high prices.

The UAE is the ideal place to do something like this - free trade zones, lots of parts availability (including full take-off bodies), and cheap labour. Most would agree that the quality of the work leaves a lot to be desired in the vast majority of workshops.

Re: LHD/RHD, I am insured with Belairdirect and RHD is no problem. I would definitely steer clear away from the RHD/LHD conversions which are also prevalent in the UAE.
 
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