Other things to look for

[jtmosca]

Hi everyone,

I plan on looking at a Pig in the next few days, and I'm seriously considering pulling the trigger on it. It's a five hour trip to go see it, so I want to be fully informed when i arrive. I would love to get some of your thoughts on it.

According to the current owner:

73 Pig
Runs & drives good, F155 engine, 3spd trans
Brake lights, blinkers, headlights, horn & heater work
Back up lights do not work
Minimal rust underneath, surface only
Body has minimal rust and a few small holes / rear corner dents
Previously a local farm truck. Owner died, kids sold it
Tires are in good shape with no dry-rot
He started out asking 5500+ a few months ago, but he seems desperate to sell now. Currently asking $2300.

In addition to test driving it, I'm going to check out the "minimal rust" and "small holes". I will also inspect the roof, floor pans and rockers to best of my ability. Other thoughts / concerns / suggestions?

I'm going to try to upload some pics...

 

[jtmosca]

a few pics of interior...

 

[jtmosca]

more interior pics and tires...

Does anybody know how to get ahold of the seat cover/replacement that "Atlas..." came up with? I messaged him but never got a response.

 

[jtmosca]

exterior damage...

 

[jtmosca]

underneath...

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

looks like a winner to me, man. Check the torque on the lugnuts before driving it home, and of course fluid levels as well. that thing looks clean in all the right spots....rust has to be expected.....anyone else wanna drop their 2cents?

 

[jdog35]

That rig is in Oregon isn't it? It looks vaguely familiar.

 

[scrapdaddy]

My big hang up, is rust. Don't want it, can't fix it and with these Landcruisers, you can count on one thing-RUST-, so check it out good, roof gutters and what the other guys told you. Flashlight and a poker ( screwdriver ). I would love to have that dash pad, it looks to be in great shape. Good Luck and have fun with it.

 

[snailwagon]

All pigs have rust until restored. I have a pig that has never ventured out of the Mojave Desert for more than a day trip and was even purchased new in the area. It still has a couple of very tiny rust spots. I'd stay away if there is paint on top of flaky rust in more than a half dozen spots.

Some floorboard rust isn't a big deal, but I think it is very important to not be able to see asphalt and to have all the seat mounts very solid. Toyota put these thick and super adhesive insulating pads on the front floorboards; they can hide all kinds of goodies beneath.

The front fenders are probably the best indication of the level of rust, so check how much they have been repaired if any in the lower area behind the front wheel.

Inspect the frame's front crossmember for cracks, and look for "ghetto fab" repairs.

And judging by the cheesy front spring shims and coilover front shocks, someone was trying to remedy a drivability issue.

 

[bobm]

My big hang up, is rust. Don't want it, can't fix it and with these Landcruisers, you can count on one thing-RUST-, so check it out good, roof gutters and what the other guys told you. Flashlight and a poker ( screwdriver ). I would love to have that dash pad, it looks to be in great shape. Good Luck and have fun with it.

Ron, you know all rust can be repaired. Looks like a pretty good deal. Did not see any leaks under the PIG. And remember its almost 40 years old.

Thanks Bob.

 

[Big Sexy]

The big three (aside from rust): 1. Test the cylinders to ensure proper and consistent compression - has the motor ever been rebuilt? If not, then being that it's 40 yo it'll need it sooner than later... The F1 is a little underpowered per some on this forum. You can easily sink another $1500-$2000 into engine rebuild or SBC replacement. 2. I spent a fair amount of time and $$$ repairing my tailgate/rear window issues. Knowing what I know now I'd remove the screws on the inside tailgate a have a look around for hidden rust. 3. What of the rubber around doors and windows? Very expensive to replace....

I'd look at at least 3 pigs before parting with the cash.
Keep us up to date on what you do.

 

[jtmosca]

Thanks for all the input guys!

@Lambcrusher - Good suggestion, however if I get it, I'm gonna play it even safer and tow it back.

@jdog35 - I sure hope it's not in Oregon. The CL ads are all in NC. The phone # is NC. The title is apparently a NC title. ...but maybe it has an identical twin on the West Coast.

@Lil'John - I will remember to: ...try to get if for $2,000 or less; ...not be sucker; ...inspect floorboards and rockers carefully; ...and check roof supports - not sure if the headliner is there or not, but thanks for the reminder, I forgot about that.

@scrapdaddy - I will definitely check the roof gutters. I've read the Moviestar thread and that scared the you-know-what out of me.

@snailwagon - Interesting observation regarding the springs and shocks. What kind of drive-ability issue do you think it is trying to remedy?

@bobm - "...all rust can be repaired..." or from what I've read, replaced with bobm-original-parts! Hopefully I won't need any of your products.

@jeffinwashington - I'll add tailgate and rubber to the checklist. I like your suggestion about driving a few first. However, there are so few swine around here I'd spend $500 in gas just trying to find 3 pigs. Either way, I'll post an update.