Now that I have it in my possession, title and all, I can share completely what I've got myself into.
As I mentioned in the other thread, seeing and talking with Jason put me over the edge. It started with getting a chance to really look over Darin's at the Uwharrie event and I couldn't shake it from my head. I was determined to find a 55 as a replacement for my 40 when it sold. Yet, as I kept looking, I also searched for 45's to see what was out there and how much. I really didn't want to spend more than $5k and as I'm sure most would guess, finding one for that price would be a very rough example of a 45.
Then I posted a purposeful "whine" in the 45 section to see what I could kick up in the way of unadvertised 45's. It worked and I got a handful of them to look at. Unfortunately, most were in the $12-18K price range with one at $5k but very far away (MT). It was something I considered until Jason shared his other find during his search.
Pics looked fair, price was a bit more than I wanted to spend but being that it was closer, shipping/pick up was much easier/cheaper and it was in much better overall shape. Still keeping it a "secret" (whatever that means around here), before I sent the deposit, the owner called and said he had an offer from FL where the potential buyer was ready to fly up, pick it up and drive it home.
Without hesitation, though I probably got played, I Paypal'd a deposit and I was locked in. Then the post to see if I could scrounge up a co-pilot to pick it up. Regina about sh!t a brick at first sight (on-line) but has now changed her tune seeing it live. She giggled (probably nervous, fear of death kind of giggle) all the way to Ramon & Emma's house but straightened up when a Wake County sheriff pulled up next to us and it dawned on her that we had no plates/registration/insurance. He continued on, thankfully. And, now we are pretty much up to date.
'77 FJ45 with a 2F, 4 speed tranny and split t-case out of an 85 FJ60, Detroit locker up front (not sure if its the "lunchbox" detroit or not) and an Aussie for the rear (to be installed), rear full-floater axle (PO said he put 60 birfs front and rear also), 40 steelies with BFG AT's, 33 X 9.50, fresh fiberglass top and some rust here and there. Found the side steps and bikini top in the bed tool box.
Well, more here than there. All lights work, heater works, shifts fine, runs fine, steers fine, brakes need fluid/bleeding but stop fine, some rust here and there. Still got to do a real hard inspection, do some PM and check out all the basics but so far so good. Pretty relieved buying it sight unseen other than the 15 or so pictures Jason shared.
And, I've really got to thank Jason for his referral and being helpful to me getting another 45 into our club. He also referred me to Uship.com where the same guy picked up and delivered mine as did his. Pretty good member I'd say, despite what all you guys say about him.
I know, shut up Jerry and just post the pics. All the pics I took this morning documenting its present state can be found on my photobucket site at:
Day 1 pictures by mtbcoach - Photobucket
But, here are the highlights since I don't want to show all the work I have ahead of myself. There will be plenty of rust clean up, the bed is in need of a complete rebuild but the tub is in fair shape and a very good base to work from...
As I mentioned in the other thread, seeing and talking with Jason put me over the edge. It started with getting a chance to really look over Darin's at the Uwharrie event and I couldn't shake it from my head. I was determined to find a 55 as a replacement for my 40 when it sold. Yet, as I kept looking, I also searched for 45's to see what was out there and how much. I really didn't want to spend more than $5k and as I'm sure most would guess, finding one for that price would be a very rough example of a 45.
Then I posted a purposeful "whine" in the 45 section to see what I could kick up in the way of unadvertised 45's. It worked and I got a handful of them to look at. Unfortunately, most were in the $12-18K price range with one at $5k but very far away (MT). It was something I considered until Jason shared his other find during his search.
Pics looked fair, price was a bit more than I wanted to spend but being that it was closer, shipping/pick up was much easier/cheaper and it was in much better overall shape. Still keeping it a "secret" (whatever that means around here), before I sent the deposit, the owner called and said he had an offer from FL where the potential buyer was ready to fly up, pick it up and drive it home.
Without hesitation, though I probably got played, I Paypal'd a deposit and I was locked in. Then the post to see if I could scrounge up a co-pilot to pick it up. Regina about sh!t a brick at first sight (on-line) but has now changed her tune seeing it live. She giggled (probably nervous, fear of death kind of giggle) all the way to Ramon & Emma's house but straightened up when a Wake County sheriff pulled up next to us and it dawned on her that we had no plates/registration/insurance. He continued on, thankfully. And, now we are pretty much up to date.
'77 FJ45 with a 2F, 4 speed tranny and split t-case out of an 85 FJ60, Detroit locker up front (not sure if its the "lunchbox" detroit or not) and an Aussie for the rear (to be installed), rear full-floater axle (PO said he put 60 birfs front and rear also), 40 steelies with BFG AT's, 33 X 9.50, fresh fiberglass top and some rust here and there. Found the side steps and bikini top in the bed tool box.
Well, more here than there. All lights work, heater works, shifts fine, runs fine, steers fine, brakes need fluid/bleeding but stop fine, some rust here and there. Still got to do a real hard inspection, do some PM and check out all the basics but so far so good. Pretty relieved buying it sight unseen other than the 15 or so pictures Jason shared.
And, I've really got to thank Jason for his referral and being helpful to me getting another 45 into our club. He also referred me to Uship.com where the same guy picked up and delivered mine as did his. Pretty good member I'd say, despite what all you guys say about him.
I know, shut up Jerry and just post the pics. All the pics I took this morning documenting its present state can be found on my photobucket site at:
Day 1 pictures by mtbcoach - Photobucket
But, here are the highlights since I don't want to show all the work I have ahead of myself. There will be plenty of rust clean up, the bed is in need of a complete rebuild but the tub is in fair shape and a very good base to work from...
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