Insanity takes over - help needed

[78crzr]

Coming back to the dark side. Been out of Cruisers for about 4 years now, still have the itch, and am now looking for another 78-80 FJ40. I'm looking for one as close to original as I can get, Tan in color, with this being at the very high end of the price scale.

I know value is a subjective thing, but would you say this is priced right? I am looking for some kind of basline consensus.

Moderator - if this should be in chat, my apologies, and please move the thread.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...arms=tab=Watching&item=180320138984&viewitem=

 

[nuclearlemon]

if you're willing to pay it, then it's worth it.

somethings about the rig bug me. it does look very clean, but things like the odometer numbers not lining up (which usually indicates the odo's been rolled) and the door weatherstrip being poorly glued back on. probably nothing and it doesn't help that i'm looking at them on the smallest monitor outside of a pda, but don't buy it sight unseen.

 

[Fast Eddy]

That is the cleanest unmolested cruiser I know of on the west coast; maybe anywhere. That said, I don't think he's going to get $18k for it in this economy. Too bad about the grab bar and the speakers. It looks like the top has never been off.

If I was paying that kind of money, I'd fly out and see it before I paid, but I think you'd be pleasantly surprised.

SLOonTheGo lives nearby. He may be willing to ride up and check it out for some gas money.

 

[FJ40_68_Nick]

1978 fj 40 clean survivor all original 97k mi no rust!

you can get a better price if you shop around.... hehe

 

[78crzr]

I appreciate the opinions and suggestions gents.

My initial thoughts were that somewhere in the neighborhood of $16K as a starting point given the economy and the few things it still needs in order to justify that price today. As much as I like original paint, it would also need an exterior respray at some point for preservation's sake. Houston humidity takes its toll. All considered, it is still a damn nice 40.

I'll be giving it some more thought and go from there. As Nuclearlemon suggested, I wouldn't buy it sight unseen. Flying out and driving back would be the only way to go! May also be good to see about someone like SLOonTheGo checking it out for some $$ before flying out there as Fast Eddy suggested. Seems that there is 1 offer out there, hopefully it is too low.

I'll let you guys know what is decided - thanks again!

 

[dblugly]

1978 fj 40 clean survivor all original 97k mi no rust!

you can get a better price if you shop around.... hehe

I'm in Paso Robles, never seen it. If you would like I could go check it out and take some pics, PM me.
Kris

 

[saltrig]

Never been wrenched on huh? Well who put the bezel on upside down!

 

[Flash1034]

And bent the shifter...

 

[Gusb]

if you're willing to pay it, then it's worth it.

somethings about the rig bug me. it does look very clean, but things like the odometer numbers not lining up (which usually indicates the odo's been rolled) and the door weatherstrip being poorly glued back on. probably nothing and it doesn't help that i'm looking at them on the smallest monitor outside of a pda, but don't buy it sight unseen.

I agree. For such a "perfect rig" most of it seems too good to be true but there are some weird little things going on for an "all original" paint, etc.

I think everyone would agree the wheels have been repainted for sure? Look at the seat rails - they look just like my old rusty 78, on top of what looks like a brand new floor? In the same photo - are those aftermarket seat covers - don't they seem a little too nice - even on a really clean truck?

And I know it's hard to call but the engine bay just doesn't look right with the exterior (to my limited inexperienced eye).

The yellow beat-up jack handles look just like mine, etc. And why is that bent shifter on this otherwise perfect truck?

Take a hard look (inside the sill area with a light, etc.) in the flesh.

That said, I would think if it is what it's supposed to be (and it's what you want) it is worth the 18k. If he's the 2nd owner, you would think there would be lots of traceable paperwork, original manuals, etc. that would really establish much of it's history.

And then I would be really jealous of whoever ended up with it.

On second look - I just don't think it's an honest truck. Look at that rear shot. The badges look old, faded and original (just like mine) and everything else is all shiny new paint. I bet those bumperettes never knew that truck in 78.

 

[Melloj123]

The shifter is bent because it has a Tuffy in it.

 

[bsmith123]

tub

hmmm

I think it is a given that the tub has been painted and he has spruced up the wheels and bumpers, etc-- nothing wrong with that. What is under the paint? you'd have to see that in person

The inside looked pretty good-gauge cluster etc

What are your plans for the vehicle? If you are going to do a frame off or use it for wheeling I think there are better deals

for 18k there are some pretty nice frame off restores with wheeling goodies like winches and lifts and tires and so on. Maybe a rebuilt engine or lockers to boot.

I think the question to ask is would you pay 18K for this with old faded paint? If the answer is no then maybe this is not the vehicle for you---You see what I mean? WHats the sum total of it worth to you not just the shiny paint.

A lot of originality is a good thing if you are looking at doing a stock restore but it does not look all original to me.


I am not putting it down cause it does look like a good solid truck just seems slightly over the odds on price. Tough Call if you are really wanting a late model in good shape it may be hard for you to pass I know.


Price no issue and would I like to have it? Sure would!

 

[Eshu Elegua]

i have a 1980 dune beige, with that money you can put mine in better condition..even with mirrors all over below the frame...did you won the lotto that need to get rip off? then buy it..i would not.

 

[78crzr]

Just noticed something else that seems a bit odd. Does the vertical seam where the rear quarter meets the door jamb on the passenger side seem a bit sloppy to you? The seam has a blob of what looks like a fat weld toward the top. Almost looks like new panels were fitted and the weld not ground down. The drivers side seam looks as I would expect the passenger side to look - like a factory seam.

I think I'm going to pass on this rig. Too many perceived inconsistent attributes. If it were in the mid to low teens then maybe, but I can't see paying the money he is asking. I'm not in that big of a hurry. The Tan '80 that sold here about 2 months ago was quite a bit nicer in my opinion and went for $16K. A better deal will come along...

Thanks for everyone's opinions and advice. Glad to see Mud hasn't changed a bit since I sold my '78 FJ40 - it remains a great forum!

 

[65swb45]

To quote my friend colangut: '"The deal of a lifetime comes along about every 6 months."

If this is the truck I think it is [identifiable by me for having a brushed on area of paint on the inside of the driver's side fender skirt...that I put there!] then I will attest to the rig being very well cared for. To the point it was the one rig where the wife said 'It's me or the rig' and he took the rig!

Still, not worth 18k. Or 16k. Heck, I sold a rust-free dune beige '78 on Ebay in '07 for 4k. My bad there.

 

[CruiserStuff]

Ooh, Mark, $4k for a clean '78 hurts. D'oh is right! I do agree with you that "The deal of a lifetime comes along about every 6 months." I sold an uber-clean green '79 with a barely broken-in TLC rebuilt 2F and factor power steering for $19,900 a few years back and sold a cream-puff of a dune beige '80 for $12K (I needed the money "right now" - otherwise I'm sure I could have gotten more. This eBay truck gives me a bad vibe. The engine bay and undercarriage has grime that doesn't line up with the interior condition. Looks like a good truck, I just don't know if it's $18K nice - ESPECIALLY in this economy. I say keep looking.....