Build My Costa Rican BJ40 search begins

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Looked at some crappers today along with the first orange one from this thread. I still like it because it shows its flaws but it is all original. Unless we hear from a few sources this afternoon my search is over. Right now I am leaning toward the orange 77. For the price it wins.
 
License plate 67509
Imported: Nov. 1976
Model year: 1977
Color: Orange
Free of fines, traffic violations, annotations, liens, etc.
Ready for export.
Asking is 3,000,000 offer him 2,500,000 meet in the middle and you should have it for $5,000

Wish you luck,

Rudi
 
Mr Cimarron said:
Looked at some crappers today along with the first orange one from this thread. I still like it because it shows its flaws but it is all original. Unless we hear from a few sources this afternoon my search is over. Right now I am leaning toward the orange 77. For the price it wins.
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Funny that is the one I thought that you should buy back in Sept. Good luck!
 
FJ43 1980 said:
Funny that is the one I thought that you should buy back in Sept. Good luck!
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We have been joking about that very thing. I could have saved a trip down here by picking that one months ago but I wouldn't trade this trip for anything. Still nothing is set in stone. It's been a awesome trip and will be bummed to have to head back home tomorrow. I've been to the beach, a volcano, eaten great food, and of course seen lots and lots of Land Cruisers. The people have been so friendly, even the cop who said "they all look alike" referring to me (gringo) thinking I was the guy here looking for Land Rovers. I forgive him since he was driving such a fine vehicle.
image.webp
 
Mr Cimarron said:
We have been joking about that very thing. I could have saved a trip down here by picking that one months ago but I wouldn't trade this trip for anything. Still nothing is set in stone. It's been a awesome trip and will be bummed to have to head back home tomorrow. I've been to the beach, a volcano, eaten great food, and of course seen lots and lots of Land Cruisers. The people have been so friendly, even the cop who said "they all look alike" referring to me (gringo) thinking I was the guy here looking for Land Rovers. I forgive him since he was driving such a fine vehicle.
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Costa Rica is a great place and it seems that there is never enough time to fully enjoy. Would be a great adventure to drive it back. Keep us posted.
 
Mr Cimarron said:
What were the main hidden problems that you came across so I can double check those area when looking.
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Honestly I had all the tubs media blasted and they ended up looking like Swiss cheese... They use body filler to make the floor look solid and it is near impossible to spot it... You can use a magnet to help with your search... Check everything! If you want a clean, "solid" cruiser Costa Rica might not be the place to buy... Body work for a quality long lasting paint job is the hidden cost demon in the restoration process... Suspension, drive train, interior are all give cost margins. Body work on a non insurance claim vehicle which requires true fabrication skill to repair will cost more than you could ever hope for.. Or just buy it knowing what is likely hidden and keep it hidden for as long as it stays together... Both options have their values :) best of luck!
 
Cruiser Innovations said:
Honestly I had all the tubs media blasted and they ended up looking like Swiss cheese... They use body filler to make the floor look solid and it is near impossible to spot it... You can use a magnet to help with your search... Check everything! If you want a clean, "solid" cruiser Costa Rica might not be the place to buy... Body work for a quality long lasting paint job is the hidden cost demon in the restoration process... Suspension, drive train, interior are all give cost margins. Body work on a non insurance claim vehicle which requires true fabrication skill to repair will cost more than you could ever hope for.. Or just buy it knowing what is likely hidden and keep it hidden for as long as it stays together... Both options have their values :) best of luck!
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Thanks. I had always gone into this knowing there would be hidden issues that would need attention at some point.
 
Today was a quick trip to a lawyer to sign over power of attorney to my friend so he can do whatever may be neccessary in purchasing while I head back to the US.
 
:bounce::beer:

And the count down begins...
 
First shipping quote from Kings International came in. $865 RORO to Houston and another $350 if I want it trucked to Austin. Asked what they charge for customs clearance and they are getting back to me. I may drive to Houston and pick up myself, along with dealing with customs, if work doesn't get in the way.
 
"Tico time" is setting in. National registry finally finished power of attorney paperwork but the lawyer that we were going to use for the sale went to New Jersey so we have to find another one. Not a real big deal since I am still researching shipping. Debating on the RORO to Houston, which would switch ships in Veracruz, MX, is the cheapest. Other method would be container using Charles Zeller. Found his info on Mud and he's done plenty of Land Cruisers. Good thing about this is his CR warehouse is 10 minutes from my friend so it would be a easy handoff, no figuring out how to get it to Puerto Limon. Also I can load the 40 with more goods. Bad is its double the cost and ends up in Tampa.
 
Mr Cimarron said:
"Tico time" is setting in. National registry finally finished power of attorney paperwork but the lawyer that we were going to use for the sale went to New Jersey so we have to find another one. Not a real big deal since I am still researching shipping. Debating on the RORO to Houston, which would switch ships in Veracruz, MX, is the cheapest. Other method would be container using Charles Zeller. Found his info on Mud and he's done plenty of Land Cruisers. Good thing about this is his CR warehouse is 10 minutes from my friend so it would be a easy handoff, no figuring out how to get it to Puerto Limon. Also I can load the 40 with more goods. Bad is its double the cost and ends up in Tampa.
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I had one lawyer stretch out getting my title for over 6 months only to find out he never started the process and not until I threatened a law suit from another lawyer's firm did he get off his tail and get it done... I ended up finding a dynamite lawyer who charged me half of what my first lawyer charged for title transfers which opened my eyes to the depth of his sideways practice... Great people in Costa Rica but also a lot of crooks! Gringo's tend to get the short end more often than not... Best of luck :)
 
My friend just sent this video after officially purchasing the truck. His uncle is delivering all paperwork today to the registry to help speed up the title process. In the meantime it will be stored in his dad's shop. The 40 also came with a factory roll bar that the PO had laying around from another 40. Nice little bonus since none of them came with them in Costa Rica.
 
bigfj62 said:
Is there a Dashboard on order???
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If your talking about the padded dash I believe North American (US) market was the first require a padded dash with the 68 model. Other markets were years later. Some in the eighties if at all. While a padded dash could be added to one of these it won't be that simple with mounting bracket not there.
 
bigfj62 said:
Is there a Dashboard on order???
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Not at the moment. When looking some had them others didn't and it didn't sway my choice any.
 
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