New and saying hi! (1 Viewer)

[loquito]

Hi everybody
I have been lurking around for some time, Boy what a wealth of information.
I have done several jobs to my wife’s 91 after studying about the job on this forum,
All of you have been a great help.
But now I have questions I hope I can find help with,
1: Cruiser Dan I doubt you can help with my shopping list, as shipping to Alaska
may eat up any savings, but I am hoping you may be able to help with my list as my local dealer (only one Toyota for 350 miles, I think only one or two in the state)has been an aggravating experience.
2: I am getting ready to adjust the valves, so I ordered a valve cover gasket from Toyota, I am now going on two weeks, two 100 mile trips into town to pick it up only to get (I Don’t Know stares) when I show up at Toyota and my order cannot be found. I now need to make a third trip into town and I need to bring my receipt because their records show I haven’t paid . So I had read on this forum that the valve cover gasket came with the rubber for around the bolts and other small misalanious vacuum connections. After getting the (You Don’t know what your talking about) attitude, I was informed that they would sell me these other parts for $4 each. Is it just My Toyota getting me?
3: I know any dealer is more than say a auto parts store, But I have read other people’s posts were they mention parts and prices, and more often than not I have paid A LOT more for the same part! Though we both shopped at the dealer.
4: Cruiser Dan can I email you or post my shopping list for you to see, Boy do I have some projects ahead.
5: does anyone have a set of center caps from the 93-94 land cruiser, If so I am looking for some, there for winter tires so price overweighs condition.
Well I guess that is it for now, I hope everyone has a good weekend.
Steven

 

[alaskacruiser]

Welcome to the forums! From the sound of things, you're either in Fairbanks or Anchorage. I was born and raised in Fairbanks, myself. Where are you located?

Definitely contact CDan for your parts needs, although I'm not sure what shipping will be (if it's still what I recall, sometimes 2nd day air is your only option to AK)

 

[loquito]

Hi
I am in Wasilla, I have been up to fairbanks, boy to hot for me, nice though, and so
close to the north pole your always first on dec 25. I know 2 day air for UPS but sometimes US mail is resonable. Thats how we get it up here, companies charge shipping rates as if we were part of main land china instead of the US. Its a shame to, when I worked for UPS in Anchorage, all their planes did refuel stops on their way to asia, most planes had extra room as they only seemed full on their way back from asia.
Steven

 

[robbie]

Toyota sell this stuff you are talking about individually. And yes the prices are a little high for each piece. Some times the valve cover stuff it may be cheaper to get kits from carquest or napa. Have you talked to Mark Whatley in Wasilla(I beleive wasilla cruisers, I found him in the phone book a few years ago when I visited my folks). He may be able to help you sort out the older techenolgy of the 3f you have. I lived in Anchorage for 25 years growing up and some day will return after some kids grow up that sort of control life. C-DAN can help you out and if you are not in a hurry for it the more you order at one time the bigger savings on shiping. I really can not imagine the dealer really carrying that much for 80 series curiser up in Anchorage. Only have heard of a few being sold that far north. Might be a rare day to see more than 2 driving around. later robbie

 

[Beowulf]

Hello Steven,

As you've probably figured out, working with C-Dan and his staff at American is not your average dealer parts department experience. He will ask you what project you're working on and he will give you suggestions on the parts you need. He'll get all the information on your truck so that you are assured of getting the correct parts. Sometimes he will *strongly* advise you to buy a part that you may not think you'll need but he's usually right because he knows these trucks, he's been in the business for over 25 years, he has the knowledge gained from his store's Cruiser mechanics, and he's been with Toyota since Junk was in diapers (well, Junk still wears Depends but that's another story....)

Plus he's a nice guy and his wife rescues Brittneys so he's got lotsa hungry dogs hanging around his place all the time.



-B-

 

[Brentbba]

To answer the one remaining question about contacting Dan - either call him - board sponser up top, extension 8 or drop him a private message here on the board. He's great about getting back to you unless he's out fishin!

 

[Kaderabek]

In Wasilla, you might consider talking to Mark Whatley....

TJK

 

[loquito]

hey everyone
who is Mark Whatley
Where can I find him, I've looked in both the white pages for his name as well as the yellow pages for a buisness. No luck, Is he part of Cruisers only? I have yet to call that buisness.
Steven

 

[Beowulf]

Well whaddaya know....

I did a Google using "Mark Whatley Alaska Cruiser" and came up with:

> Mark Whatley
> Owner, Cruisers Only, Wasilla Alaska Mailto:cruiser@mtaonline.net
> Technical Editor, Toyota Trails, TLCA Mailto:techexchange@tlca.org

Took all of about 3 seconds. This internet stuff is kewl. What will Al Gore think of next?

-B-

 

[loquito]

Well thank you
I only checked the phone book here, never thought of the net, thanks Al Gore, I did find Cruisers only so I will be getting in touch with his shop soon, Thanks again.
Steven

 

[Kaderabek]

Yeah, Mark IS Cruisers Only (and vice-versa).

TJK

 

[woody]

Mark seems to know his stuff, regular poster on the LCML, tho I don't believe he's been on this forum as of yet....

 

[robbie]

He may not totally understand 80 series, but he is great with cruisers in general and is a great resource for you. Yes he is Cruisers Only. About the only one in AK that works full time on cruisers. He does understand the older engines and the quarks. good luck later robbie

 

[CDN_Cruiser]

Steven:

To provide a point of reference, I've ordered stuff from Dan, paid shipping to the 'East Coast', duty to import into Canada, Canadian taxes (that can take your breath away), $US to $CDN conversion and it's STLL CHEAPER...and he knows about the 80s. I too use USPS - generally cheaper.

One, remote, possibility to to check prices at the Toyota Canada dealer in Whitehorse - with exchange stuff may be a bit cheaper (but maybe not) - I;ve used them in the past (when I lived in Yellowknife).

Cheers, Hugh

 

[loquito]

thanks Hugh
I've already got in touch with C-Dan. Am getting ready to ship stuff up and see
about how much shipping will hurt.
Thanks everyone
Steven

 

[loquito]

Hey Beowulf, robbie,Woody
I met with Mark whatley while I was finishing up my accident stuff. He was great, easy to hang out with and talk with. He has a map on the wall with pins on the places he and his cruising friends have made it to. Boy they have been places I wouldn't think you could get to. He was planning a cruise up a goarge that was only passable in late or early spring when the water was low enough that you could go right up the creek bed.

Mark said he had heard of three other cruisers (his daughters included) who had been involved in head ons, destroying the other vehicles, all three cruisers drove home. I am in good company. I'm looking forward to cruising with him and his partners.

His yard had 40's, 60's all over the place. He stated he would work on a FJ, I hope he will help out if I have a FJZ prob I can not figure out myself. I told him about Mud and am hoping he'll stop by some day.
Thanks for the lead.
Steven