There was a beautiful Rustic Green FJ40 on Craigslist the other day. Looked too good to be true but the price seemed fitting so i rolled the dice. Hit up the seller and he seemed cool so I called the bank to see what-if. Turns out the bank is totally cool with me buying an old fj so I met with the buyer today and took the rig for a test run.
I went all through it with what knowledge I have. Light surface rust but its a frame off resto so it was damn clean. Paint was a little dull but it was even, if matted a bit (possible intentional). Frame was good, engine was immaculate, greese in the right spots, no rust on the fenders, tub or rear door area. A little light surface rusting on the steps and along the rain channel on the roof (its a hard top) but the entire underside was dry in all the right places. No leaking or wipe marks from the engine, tranny and drive line looked clean (not freahly wiped to hide things, but not caked or dripping, just right).
Owner is a fellow fed-type so I felt comfortable enough with him and he seemed ok. We chatted price and settled and, satisfied we shook hands. Waiting for the bank-issued check to arrive (5-7 biz days?!?!?!) but unless there's some catastrophe, it looks like I'll be the proud owner of a 1970 FJ40 in the coming week or so.
As a relative noob (ive had jeeps, fjc's, hiluxes and tacomas but never an fj40) I may be leaning on you guys if and when things go bang-rattle-rattle. Anyway, I look forward to geting more active in the fj groups around town and hope to see you all soon. Will post pics and vids if and when possible!
Now...my wife...she might be a little sore with me for a while. Any advice on that front would be great as well!
I went all through it with what knowledge I have. Light surface rust but its a frame off resto so it was damn clean. Paint was a little dull but it was even, if matted a bit (possible intentional). Frame was good, engine was immaculate, greese in the right spots, no rust on the fenders, tub or rear door area. A little light surface rusting on the steps and along the rain channel on the roof (its a hard top) but the entire underside was dry in all the right places. No leaking or wipe marks from the engine, tranny and drive line looked clean (not freahly wiped to hide things, but not caked or dripping, just right).
Owner is a fellow fed-type so I felt comfortable enough with him and he seemed ok. We chatted price and settled and, satisfied we shook hands. Waiting for the bank-issued check to arrive (5-7 biz days?!?!?!) but unless there's some catastrophe, it looks like I'll be the proud owner of a 1970 FJ40 in the coming week or so.
As a relative noob (ive had jeeps, fjc's, hiluxes and tacomas but never an fj40) I may be leaning on you guys if and when things go bang-rattle-rattle. Anyway, I look forward to geting more active in the fj groups around town and hope to see you all soon. Will post pics and vids if and when possible!
Now...my wife...she might be a little sore with me for a while. Any advice on that front would be great as well!
