Observations & Questions

[Phares]

First the question,
What is up with all the auxiliary gas tanks? Is 22+ gallons not enough? It seems like half the 40s I look at have the auxilliary tank. Besides more fuel what is the deal?

Second my observations:
After scouring CL (EBay numbers seem astronimical) I feel like this seems to be the range of 40s right now on the market. I'm curious because when I post potential purchases everyone shoots 2-5$ lower then the asking price. I appreciate everyone's input but it seems strange just because the market seems to support these prices.

1000-5000$ Parts Rigs/Dedicated Trail Rig/Complete restoration is the only hope.
5000-8000$ Rust is an issue, mechanicals vary, lots of mods done that may or may not work.
8000-10000$ Current DD with decent paint and mechanicals. Possible rust on desired models (78).
10,000-15,000$ Restorations, Absurb Starting Points from the CO, Special Trucks.

And I know this is a rough point for some people but why do all the decent looking 40s have SBCs in them. Stop that!!!!

Thanks.

 

[lt1fire]

Those are the market conditions right now.... in a few months they will be different. 40 prices are always in flux. 4 months ago you could have subtracted 2-3k off of those brackets to be right on.


SBC..... well because parts are cheap... they make more power and get better gas mileage than the F engines so for lots its a no brainer... for the purists its blasphemy.

 

[PhrogsPhorever]

Aux tanks are added because 16.5-18 gallons doesn't get you very far in a 40

The only good thing about stopping twice for gas on the trip to Uwharrie is being able to get out and stretch the legs. I really get spoiled with the troopie with stock dual 90L tanks.

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD

 

[sarca]

I dont mind dropping my observations in - my 74 FJ 40 - North Carolina purchase. I paid $5500 to another mud member. IMO, I got a good deal. Drum brakes, manual steering and 2F conversion that brings a sh*t eating grin to my face every time I start it.
Some rust - typical of a 38 yo Landcruiser
The rear lift hatch and under gas tank needs work, the weatherstripping needs to be replaced on everything except the windshield and all hardtop windows. Right off the bat, had to put in a battery tray and battery. Had to replace the hose to the fuel pump and tune the carb. Front DS floor pan has characteristic rust. Tub is overall solid. Body completely lacks bondo.

Everything we have done is by choice or a preemptive strike against the time and the added challenge of living 20 miles from coast. Through all the frustrations (thus far) I feel I got a great deal. When I first started looking though - I got the same kind of feedback - and it helped me raise my expectations of what my money should be able to buy. In the end, Im guessing most of the guys would say I overpaid.

Its your money - its wise to take the sage advice into consideration but ah eh well, when you want it, you want it!

 

[Roxx]

You have to look and look and look some more for the right Cruiser. When you see something you may like, cannot wait a sec because it will sell within hrs. I think your ranges are right but sometime you may get lucky. I dont think cruisers are going down any time soon unless economy gets worse. Even 80 are going up. good luck

 

[JohnVee]

Don't forget that some people never come to accept that values go up over time - they seem to live in the past in that sense. My buddy won't buy a certain model used guitar that he really wants because "It should sell for $600". Never mind that it regularly sells used for $900 and streets new for $1400. He just remembers when you could buy it new for $600 back in 1989. That kind of statement is usually followed with "They're not as good as they used to be, either". In this case, he's right - they're not AS good, they're MUCH MORE good. People value things different ways but don't often rationalize their reasonings with changes in time. To them, everybody will overpay.

That said, I know I overpaid. I admit it. But I didn't buy somebody else's problem either. It's not "correct" but I like it just the same and it works fine. A purist wouldn't be happy. A REAL purist probably wouldn't even like me. Hell, my roof is black and my bezel is green. Nobody wants to get taken, but think about this: Ask somebody who thinks a truck should only sell for $X, because that's what they're worth, what he'd sell you his for. He'll probably say either "$2X 'cause that's what they're going for" or "I won't sell it because I can't replace it for that".

It's the used game - there are thoughts and practices, but no rules. Al is right about fluctuating prices. I bought mine when prices were high after a 6 month period of not finding any for sale. 6 months before that prices were a steal. I just waited too long for various reasons.

These are just my thoughts. I have no intent to offend anyone but I realize looking back at this post that I probably will.

Damn, I'm way too wordy this morning. Not gonna be a good day.

--john

 

[lt1fire]

There are always those that try to sell stuff for way tooo much.... and it will sell to the right sucker... oops I mean buyer.


I see some for sale on CL and mud that I can't believe the price of

 

[custyota]

Im going to ask a high price on my 40. Bit it will come with a buttload of parts.