For Sale I need some advice!!!

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When i spoke with the seller he said that the whole floor was cut out and was replaced with diamond plate. I know its not original but what can I expect with only a 10,000 budget? From the classifieds on this website everything looks worse then this for less then $10,000. If some of you know of a better condition fj please paste the link so i can look at it.
 
My advice would be to be patient, educate yourself and be ready to jump on a good one. $10k is a good budget and you'll find a solid 40 for that. The one above has alot of WTF waiting to be uncovered and will cost a whole lot more in the long run repairing shortcuts. The biggest redflag is the rear barn door delete.
 
Since you asked... be willing to listen to members here! Not myself included but there are lot of very knowledgeable guys here that are willing to help you make an informed decision that might save a lot of frustration later on... lot of the advice shared is well worth considering because it is coming from those that are mechanically gifted with specific knowledge about 40's as well as from some that may have been burned by a bad purchase!

Case in point... ME! I listened and feel like I avoided some mistakes - PATIENCE did pay off ;)

At the end of the day though, it is your choice to make...
 
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I really appreciate the help. I have found another that wasn't even for sale until i asked "what would you take for something like that, he said $10,000". He is from what i noticed to be late 30's and he planned on slowly restoring it himself but could use the money for other things I presume. I am going to look at it 1/13/17 @9:00am mst. Its a 1977 fj cream in color odometer only reads 35,000???? he said that it doesn't work. I have not heard it start or drove it so i will update with more pictures and info. Please comment if you can as I post as I may be in a position to buy.

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I've seen two recently that were a far better buy, one right here on Mud (no affiliation):

For Sale: - So Cal/USA 1972 FJ40

As for the '77, a recent repaint makes me suspicious. Take a rag and a good magnet. Find out what that diamond plate on the rear is hiding. Look carefully, very carefully, at the frame around the rear spring hangers, rear frame crossmember under the sill, and the inside of the framerail down the entire length of the driver's side by the exhaust. Look at the tub under the gas tank from beneath the rig. Use the magnet/rag to check for bondo in the rear fenders, inside and out, and along the body up to the running boards. Lift any carpet or rubber mat and look at the bed. Then inspect it from underneath too, especially the crossmembers that support the bed floor. The mechanical stuff is cake compared to the bodywork. Ask me how I know ... No, don't. Makes my brain ache. GL!
 
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Same as before, although its not a deal breaker for many, what appears to be rampant overspray on the shock mounts, frame etc would have me thinking twice at 10k. ( although it could be bad lighting...) It sorta depends on all the other stuff we can't see..... good luck
 
look the easiest thing to do is check for yourself! get UNDERNEATH the cruiser!look behind the diamond plate see if you see any signs of rust or patching. Check the seams where body panels meet inside outside underneath. check behind the rear sill plate for any corrosion. As well as the behind the floor boards in between the floor boards. Like someone else said run a magnet over key areas. see if it sticks. Read read Mud and learn the problem areas. If its a 76 make sure all the smog Equipment is complete. make sure it runs if it runs and it starts thats a plus.
Body rott on a fj40 is a big problem. easy to spot if you know where to look. check the frame on the hard top inside and out. Where the fiberglass and the side panels meet and top portion of the door frame. It looks good. if you can handle a little surface rust then it makes you happy and are willing to have it fixed! Go for it. major rust is a no no! Good luck! with your search.
 
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