Real time help wanted - Looking at an FJ62 (2 Viewers)

[dmjay]

As Dan said, these things are 40 years old, if you can't do all the work on it yourself it will cost a fortune.
So many have been neglected and require a ton of work, we have all been there.
Beware of lipstick on a pig.

 

[CrzrGuinevere]

As Dan said, these things are 40 years old, if you can't do all the work on it yourself it will cost a fortune.
So many have been neglected and require a ton of work, we have all been there.
Beware of lipstick on a pig.

Yes, I agree. It's easy to do too. That why I take my time looking and seeing the cars in person when I see one for sale nearby. Asking lots of questions.

 

[CrzrGuinevere]

@dmjay there's another FJ62 that is listed in Portland, been a OR-WA vehicle it's entire life. The seller is taking it into Northwest Land Cruiser for inspection in a week. He'll let me know what comes out of that. The videos I've seen, look clean, but I'd love to put eyes on this one, If I can get the opportunity

 

[Rodger1957]

How much deferred maintenance needs to be done?

 

[CrzrGuinevere]

How much deferred maintenance needs to be done?

Aside from the body work for the rust. Cutting out and replacing right rocker, tailgate, rust around the seals in the top part of tailgate window, to name a few.

Mechanically:
- rear main seal
- shocks
- steering stabilizer
- leaf springs need use new bushings. If getting a lift kit, new leaf springs, bushings, hangers would be the way to go.
- AC hoses are leaking

That's at least what I know looking at it. A mechanic would like find more.

 

[Beehanger]

How much deferred maintenance needs to be done?

this^

 

[Beehanger]

this^

I would also have a true cruiserhead test drive any rig you're considering buying... I wish I did.
Seeing oil pressure, engine temp, how things shifts, checking fluid color for excess wear/metal shavings, how it runs, engine vacuum (very important), cold dry compression all can be should checked and felt in how it drives to an extent if you know what to look for. If you havent heard how one is supposed to sound or drive, even if you're a typical auto mechanic, you're not really gunna know. It's not a modern fuel injected auto mobile with scan tools its a tractor.
Is there a classic car sort of mechanic or old school carburetor mechanic in your area that knows these rigs?

Dan

 

[CrzrGuinevere]

I would also have a true cruiserhead test drive any rig you're considering buying... I wish I did.
Seeing oil pressure, engine temp, how things shifts, checking fluid color for excess wear/metal shavings, how it runs, engine vacuum (very important), cold dry compression all can be should checked and felt in how it drives to an extent if you know what to look for. If you havent heard how one is supposed to sound or drive, even if you're a typical auto mechanic, you're not really gunna know. It's not a modern fuel injected auto mobile with scan tools its a tractor.
Is there a classic car sort of mechanic or old school carburetor mechanic in your area that knows these rigs?

Dan

Nope, I am on my own.
No one really near me.

The next one I'm considering is in Portland. Seller is going to have it inspected by Land Cruiser Northwest. Best I can do is probably talk to the mechanic that looked over the vehicle.

 

[SQRRRL]

Hi all,

Looking for some real time help wanted. I'm going to be looking at an '88 FJ62 in a couple hours. It's a pretty clean rig, 245k miles. Bone stock. What I know so far:
- right rear rocker has rust and supposedly a little rust on lower tailgate. Otherwise, I've been told all panels are, wheel wells are is great shape.
- Interior has had seat covers, seats underneath look to be in very good condition.
- AC compressor and dryer have been replaced, but the lines are leaky. Freon will last about a week or so.
- the rear main seal is leaking, but seller said they had the seal and can replace it upon sale.

I will be asking if the AC has been converted to R134 from R12.

Carfax shows a clean title.

View attachment 3918534View attachment 3918535
View attachment 3918541View attachment 3918542View attachment 3918543

Pass

 

[CrzrGuinevere]

Pass

Yep, I did.

 

[CrzrGuinevere]

Out of curiosity, Do y'all pass on FJ with known leaks? There's one about 4.5 hrs from me. But states there's oil leaks and a coolant leak. The body is in really good condition. Been and AZ, CA, OR vehicle.

I'm trying to get more info on the leaks, but I'm just not sure the gal has the knowledge.

 

[DrRock]

Oil leaks are usually pretty straightforward, just time and effort. Do they know if these are engine leaks, axle leaks or a combo thereof? Cooland is a bit more concerning but still manageable if it’s as simple as hoses/waterpump etc. If you can, have a pre purchase inspection done by a shop which should include a compression and leak down test. This will give you a better idea of the health of the engine, along with any other surprises.

Good luck!

 

[Devils Paw 80]

Nope, I am on my own.
No one really near me.

The next one I'm considering is in Portland. Seller is going to have it inspected by Land Cruiser Northwest. Best I can do is probably talk to the mechanic that looked over the vehicle.

That's a reputable shop, so their input will be quite valuable.

 

[CrzrGuinevere]

Oil leaks are usually pretty straightforward, just time and effort. Do they know if these are engine leaks, axle leaks or a combo thereof? Cooland is a bit more concerning but still manageable if it’s as simple as hoses/waterpump etc. If you can, have a pre purchase inspection done by a shop which should include a compression and leak down test. This will give you a better idea of the health of the engine, along with any other surprises.

Good luck!

Yea. My same thoughts on oil leaks. The gal just doesn't have much knowledge on it. So I've been trying to figure it out. Someone looked at the rig today and she said the mentioned the water pump, but also the guy doesn't really work on cars. So another not great answer.

She needs to at least get it inspected to see what's up. Otherwise, I think it'll be a harder sell without having some unknowns at least diagnosed.

 

[Beehanger]

Yea. My same thoughts on oil leaks. The gal just doesn't have much knowledge on it. So I've been trying to figure it out. Someone looked at the rig today and she said the mentioned the water pump, but also the guy doesn't really work on cars. So another not great answer.

She needs to at least get it inspected to see what's up. Otherwise, I think it'll be a harder sell without having some unknowns at least diagnosed.

Wont know much in terms of actual decision making until a good mechanic does a whole comb through, otherwise its spitballing.

Ideally they have inspections done and know whats wrong with em very generally so you can narrow down which ones you even want inspected, but its not usually that way. gunna take some cash forked over with inspections to get it right if you ask me.
Have em text you photos and videos, maintenance history and you can post em here as a tip of the ice berg starting point.

Keep an eye out for rigs posted on classifieds here, dont be afraid to jump on a plane to SEE for the right rig, just do your do your same due dilligenece and dont get excited on the flight over like I did....

Dan

 

[Beehanger]

Watch this video to give you a general idea for context:

 

[CrzrGuinevere]

Wont know much in terms of actual decision making until a good mechanic does a whole comb through, otherwise its spitballing.

Ideally they have inspections done and know whats wrong with em very generally so you can narrow down which ones you even want inspected, but its not usually that way. gunna take some cash forked over with inspections to get it right if you ask me.
Have em text you photos and videos, maintenance history and you can post em here as a tip of the ice berg starting point.

Keep an eye out for rigs posted on classifieds here, dont be afraid to jump on a plane to SEE for the right rig, just do your do your same due dilligenece and dont get excited on the flight over like I did....

Dan

Thanks! I will check pu the video tomorrow. I've been looking for someone closer to me, so I don't have to fly, rather just do weekends trips with my husband and our 3yr old.

Yea, like I mentioned in my last post. The gal selling that rig should at least get a mechanic to inspect it just so she can provide that too a potential buyer. I feel like I've just been hello ping her out now. Probably nothing will come of it.

 

[AussieHJCruza]

I'd rather fix oil leaks than do bodywork!

 

[CrzrGuinevere]

I'd rather fix oil leaks than do bodywork!

100% agree!