Builds My First Brand-Used Land Cruiser (1 Viewer)

[SSI Yakker]

Hi all,

I have been lurking, researching and reading on the forum for a while. I have learned what to look for, what to avoid and how to fix issues because of this great community and I'm very appreciateive of everyone here on MUD.

About a month ago, I dove in head first and bought a '97 Collector's Edition LC. It's burgundy (... I know, not the most sought after color) and only has 191k on the clock. It is mostly stock with a few new parts from the PO like radiator, oil pump, fuel pump, new AC (I cold). It had a major hole in the old Bosal down pipe and the O2 sensor was dangling. It came with new MT Baja Radial MTZ's and a beautiful interior.

I drove 250 miles with the Mrs. to look at it and drove it home. It made it most the way until it started to run hot after about 200 miles. I brought a OBDII reader to keep an eye on it (thanks to the forum) and limped her home floating around 220-230 degrees, stopping multiple times along the way. Tested the HG with a pressure kit and also a gas kit from the radiator - no issues!

 

[Red Merle]

That's a peach! How much does a unit like that set you back in that neck of the woods?

Looks like a great platform. Why was it getting hot? Was there any further documentation or discussion about the cooling system ad new radiator?

 

[SSI Yakker]

After getting her home, I went to flushing the coolant system. Found no thermostat in the housing and the PO's mechanic used a silicone sealant which made a mess inside of the system. I pressure flushed about 10 gallons through her and then another 4 gallons of distilled water and all kinds of junk came out. Popped a new OEM t-stat in her (after testing it) and filled her up with toyota red mix. She was still slightly overheating while driving around where I live - max speed limit is 35 mph on the island - so I bought an Aisin Blue Hub and did the mod on it. The old one in it was a terrible excuse for a replacement and I'll probably replace the water pump soon too just for comfort.

But here's the old one compared to the new one.

All in all, I'm excited where this project is going to take me! I'll still be lurking, researching and asking a bunch of questions!

Thanks again for everyone's input -

SSI Yakker

 

[SSI Yakker]

That's a peach! How much does a unit like that set you back in that neck of the woods?

It was too good a deal to turn down after negotiation- the Hi/Low shifter was stuck so that was a good bargaining chip for me, plus some surface rust here and there.

Looks like a great platform. Why was it getting hot? Was there any further documentation or discussion about the cooling system ad new radiator?

I'm hoping it was the fan clutch that the PO had put in. Not much on paperwork except from the previous-previous owner removing the brush guard and installing the Bosal crap in 2012

 

[Red Merle]

- the Hi/Low shifter was stuck so that was a good bargaining chip for me, plus some surface rust here and there.



I'm hoping it was the fan clutch that the PO had put in. Not much on paperwork except from the previous-previous owner removing the brush guard and installing the Bosal crap in 2012

Unless he has a another one and you are worried someone else will snag it, let's hear a number! I can't do any sort of analysis with "It was too good a deal to turn down after negotiation"

Looks like cooling system just had some bad mechanic-ing and you are already getting it sorted out.

Does look like a great platform. Good luck!

 

[SSI Yakker]

Unless he has a another one and you are worried someone else will snag it, let's hear a number! I can't do any sort of analysis with "It was too good a deal to turn down after negotiation"

Looks like cooling system just had some bad mechanic-ing and you are already getting it sorted out.

Does look like a great platform. Good luck!

Thanks! I paid $2250 for it

 

[Red Merle]

Thanks! I paid $2250 for it

That's a bargain alright! Great work! I love a good deal

 

[4xFletch]

Maybe not the highly sought after color but who cares when it looks that good for that price. I get envious of any “new” cruiser purchase in good condition no matter what the color. Congrats and enjoy The Ride.

 

[COYS]

Enjoy the journey!

 

[Saito]

Is the front half missing off of the old fan clutch ? ! ?

And score on that clean cruiser !

 

[ExpoGeorgia]

I’m jealous, been looking for another Burgundy 80 for a long time! Great buy, now enjoy her!

 

[SSI Yakker]

Is the front half missing off of the old fan clutch ? ! ?

And score on that clean cruiser !

Thanks! Yeah it was dinky. No markings on it except made in the USA. Needless to say it was not adequate for her cooling system

 

[hamishpotter]

Congratulations and welcome to the Cabernet Club!

 

[davidp14]

That's a fine specimen!
Congrats. It looks like you're already learning (like I did) that these things are a commitment.

Lockers ?

 

[SSI Yakker]

No lockers

But I'll probably never need them for what I'll be using it for

 

[ExpoGeorgia]

@SSI Yakker you wouldn’t happen to be from here would ya??

 

[SSI Yakker]

@SSI Yakker you wouldn’t happen to be from here would ya??
View attachment 1765100

Haha I am!

 

[bajaphile]

I personally really like the burgundy color. It looks like the paint was well taken care of.

 

[ExpoGeorgia]

Haha I am!

Sounds good man, my girlfriend works at Barbara Jeans on the Island.. I’ll let you know next time I’m in town

 

[bicycleagent003]

You got a great deal on a clean rig, and you're already working on and enjoying it.
You are winning.
Most sought after color blah blah blah. You scored.