New Member Intro (1 Viewer)

[jhynesrockmtn]

Hi, new member from Spokane WA here. I have just started to look for an FJ to take camping with us and explore off pavement areas of E WA, N Idaho, etc. Will also be a driver, sharing duties with a couple of old Porsche's that I tinker with. I'm a moderately competent home mechanic but not looking for a big project. I also don't want a $50k restoration that I'm afraid to drive. If anyone has something within 300 miles of me to look at, I'd appreciate any leads. Thanks.

 

[pb4ugo]

Welcome to the site. You should look in the classified section. Scroll down to 40's for sale. There are a number of nice ones in there. Are you looking for US spec versions? I believe there is a buyers guide in FAQ'S at the top of this section also. Don't be afraid to post ones you are considering here in this tech section. We'll be glad to pick them apart.

 

[Mark Jennings]

FJ40’s and Porsches…..go together like Beer and Wine…..
I have a similar obsession down here in South Central Washington…Tri-Cities

 

[jhynesrockmtn]

FJ40’s and Porsches…..go together like Beer and Wine…..
I have a similar obsession down here in South Central Washington…Tri-Cities

View attachment 3742793

Great pic!

 

[jhynesrockmtn]

FJ40’s and Porsches…..go together like Beer and Wine…..
I have a similar obsession down here in South Central Washington…Tri-Cities

View attachment 3742793

We just went through the Tri Cities. Camping at Maryhill tonight. Heading back tomorrow. You have great taste in vehicles!

 

[Skreddy]

There are 2 in the classifieds right now I’d be interested in if I were looking (from a quick search).

The early 70’s one in Post Falls for $12k. Looks like there’s potential but work needed but looks pretty complete. Bonus is it’s not too far from you.

The blue 77 that says sale pending: I think that was the deal of the season based on the pics.

How big of a project are you interested in? Are you ok with a small amount of rust, are you open to bodywork and a repaint, etc?

Another big point is how far are you willing to go?

Good luck with your search. I’ll keep my eyes peeled in the area. Don’t see too many out and about here.

 

[jhynesrockmtn]

There are 2 in the classifieds right now I’d be interested in if I were looking (from a quick search).

The early 70’s one in Post Falls for $12k. Looks like there’s potential but work needed but looks pretty complete. Bonus is it’s not too far from you.

The blue 77 that says sale pending: I think that was the deal of the season based on the pics.

How big of a project are you interested in? Are you ok with a small amount of rust, are you open to bodywork and a repaint, etc?

Another big point is how far are you willing to go?

Good luck with your search. I’ll keep my eyes peeled in the area. Don’t see too many out and about here.

Thanks. I'll check out the Post Falls one. That blue 77 looks sold with back ups, but I'll reach out. There is a 77 on FB marketplace up north is Curlew that has more mods that I'm hoping to look at. There is diamond plate over a respray, so that is concerning, but worth a look. I'm not looking for a huge project. I have a few of those, non Toyota variety but am looking for more of a driver than a show car. I'm not afraid to travel, but it helps if it is local. West coast is easier. I have kids/grandkids on the west side to visit anyway.

 

[Skreddy]

I wonder if the curlew one is a member. Doesn’t look bad depending on what’s under the diamond plate. Already has good options like 4plus bumper, u bolt flip, lift.

I’m of the camp a small amount of rust isn’t bad and pretty much inevitable if it hasn’t had a good repaint. Mine’s got a little rear sill rust and some bondo spots but the rust is very manageable to “maintain” it at its current level. And I don’t feel bad driving it and getting little scratches, etc.

 

[jhynesrockmtn]

I wonder if the curlew one is a member. Doesn’t look bad depending on what’s under the diamond plate. Already has good options like 4plus bumper, u bolt flip, lift.

I’m of the camp a small amount of rust isn’t bad and pretty much inevitable if it hasn’t had a good repaint. Mine’s got a little rear sill rust and some bondo spots but the rust is very manageable to “maintain” it at its current level. And I don’t feel bad driving it and getting little scratches, etc.

Thanks. I'm in the same boat. I'd look more closely at the 82 for that reason. The rust is probably manageable. Unfortunately he's wanting premium money given he paid $40k, and I just don't think he's going to take $25k or whatever would be reasonable. Plus, he knows none of the history. The one in Curlew looks to be a long term owner.

There is a yellow one in Bellingham that has a few FB adds. The latest one is $25k I believe. The family has owned it for 30 years. Her husband passed last year. I may go see that when I'm in Seattle in a few weeks.

Is there a contingent of Spokane area folks or a local club of sorts that get together? I'd love to meet a few folks and maybe see their rigs to get better informed about what I want. For example, the 82 has power steering, which may be needed if my wife drives it at all. However, it may be something I don't care about. Also, is there a shop that really knows these that can do an honest Pre Purchase inspection?

Thanks for all of your help and advice.

 

[pb4ugo]

There's a clubhouse section in here too. It's broken down to regions and states. Some are more active than others. 40k with some rust, imo is too much. You never will really know how deep it goes with new paint and bed liner coatings. I would need b4 pics. 80 and later with options seem to be a little more rare, but tend to be a little more prone to rust.

 

[jhynesrockmtn]

There's a clubhouse section in here too. It's broken down to regions and states. Some are more active than others. 40k with some rust, imo is too much. You never will really know how deep it goes with new paint and bed liner coatings. I would need b4 pics. 80 and later with options seem to be a little more rare, but tend to be a little more prone to rust.

I'll check that out, thanks. He paid $40k almost 2 years ago, is asking $32k, says firm but I'm guessing he'd take an offer. I've just started looking and in no hurry. I want to look at some more before I start getting too serious and would prefer to know the history as well. This one feels more like lipstick on a pig.

 

[diesellibrarian]

Hi, new member from Spokane WA here. I have just started to look for an FJ to take camping with us and explore off pavement areas of E WA, N Idaho, etc. Will also be a driver, sharing duties with a couple of old Porsche's that I tinker with. I'm a moderately competent home mechanic but not looking for a big project. I also don't want a $50k restoration that I'm afraid to drive. If anyone has something within 300 miles of me to look at, I'd appreciate any leads. Thanks.

Since you're new, a word on nomenclature: "FJ" could refer to any number of Land Cruisers that run an F-series engine. There are FJ40s, FJ60s, FJ55s, FJ70s and FJ80s. There's also the FJ Cruiser. FJ Cruiser owners seem to use "FJ" as a shorthand for their rigs. Anyway, referring to your rig by its series number is more clear.

Having said that, welcome to Mud and good luck in your search for your first 40!

 

[Skreddy]

There’s not much action in the Spokane clubhouse section. There’s a few 40 guys on here in the area I know of and a few 60 guys. Haven’t found a shop yet for cruisers here but I do all my work myself anyway. If you look at one on the West Side, you could always have a place like Torfab do an inspection. If you’re on Facebook, there’s North Sound Cruisers and Seattle Cruiserheads for the west side.

 

[jhynesrockmtn]

I wonder if the curlew one is a member. Doesn’t look bad depending on what’s under the diamond plate. Already has good options like 4plus bumper, u bolt flip, lift.

I’m of the camp a small amount of rust isn’t bad and pretty much inevitable if it hasn’t had a good repaint. Mine’s got a little rear sill rust and some bondo spots but the rust is very manageable to “maintain” it at its current level. And I don’t feel bad driving it and getting little scratches, etc.

The Curlew guy got back to me this morning. He's been traveling. I'm going up there on Friday.

 

[Mark Jennings]

Thanks. I'm in the same boat. I'd look more closely at the 82 for that reason. The rust is probably manageable. Unfortunately he's wanting premium money given he paid $40k, and I just don't think he's going to take $25k or whatever would be reasonable. Plus, he knows none of the history. The one in Curlew looks to be a long term owner.

There is a yellow one in Bellingham that has a few FB adds. The latest one is $25k I believe. The family has owned it for 30 years. Her husband passed last year. I may go see that when I'm in Seattle in a few weeks.

Is there a contingent of Spokane area folks or a local club of sorts that get together? I'd love to meet a few folks and maybe see their rigs to get better informed about what I want. For example, the 82 has power steering, which may be needed if my wife drives it at all. However, it may be something I don't care about. Also, is there a shop that really knows these that can do an honest Pre Purchase inspection?

Thanks for all of your help and advice.

I live in the Tri-Cities, and a member of the INWR PCA…..and always willing to talk Land Cruiser and Porsches….give a shout, or PM me and we’ll chat.

 

[KingAir Driver]

I’m in Spokane as well

As @Skreddy said there’s quite a few 40’s and 60’s guys, but never been organized to meet up or use the clubhouse section.

 

[Skreddy]

I’m in Spokane as well

As @Skreddy said there’s quite a few 40’s and 60’s guys, but never been organized to meet up or use the clubhouse section.

I posted in the clubhouse section a year ago about trying to get a group together to go get Xmas trees on forest service land. Didn’t get any responses.