- Thread starter
- #201
I get pulled over by on average about one person per hour running errands is this truck. Everyone goes nuts over her.
Restoring 1983 FJ40 Esmeralda in Colombia comments needed
- Thread starter CHAS404
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- Thread starter
- #202
Esmeralda is 95% done and 100% done from my end. Only a few items remaining (gauge lights too dim and not sure if a few gauges are working). Probably should replace the door handles they are slightly pitted. Small stuff. Have put 300 miles on her here in Florida no issues now.
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- #203
As you all know I started investigating the idea of sourcing, restoring, shipping and selling these beautiful vehicles from Colombia since before July 2013. I purchased this truck on August 23rd and restored and shipped her into Florida 90 days later in November. It has been an exhausting but very fulfilling process. I made it harder on myself by trying to restore a truck to a very high level. Since I started there have been several other Colombians restoring and shipping these trucks to the USA for auction. As I predicted I believe you are going to see many many more of these trucks coming to the USA. I think this benefits the Land Cruiser community by offering more options (and fun FJ43 models too!).
I just submitted now to become a vendor here on MUD offering high quality unrestored, lightly restored and highly restored trucks. My company is registered in Florida as Volcan 4x4, LLC (volcan spanish for volcano). I met with my Colombian accountant and very soon will register a sister company in Colombia that will be a registered classic car dealer and import/export company.
I believe that I will be the only US born citizen with a proper registered company in both the US and Colombia offering this service. I studied Spanish at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and also in Seville, Spain. My main goal is provide reliable professional service and high quality trucks. My background is in land development and home building. I see a lot of similarity in the auto restoration business and the home building business. I also want to have fun!
I have all the subcontractors and specialists lined up to repair these trucks to a high quality. Similar to the homebuilding business, if my subcontractors do not meet my standards I will replace them. I have also lined up a few Colombian dealers on the ground to help me source trucks down there. What I can't complete in Colombia I can complete here in Tampa as I have two independent mechanic shops that work on Land Cruisers and classic cars in general. Esmeralda was 99% completed in Colombia.
I do need to improve my shipping methods as that was the hardest part. I will be meeting with new shipping agents in January and hope to be shipping several trucks by February.
For now I can only sell the trucks. I can't do the parts or offer shipping assistance as it is complicated and not profitable for now. I hope to be able to offer parts and tubs in the future.
I will be listing this Esmeralda on ebay for sale. If she does not sell I have a classic car dealer lined up for consignment. She is the showcase for Volcan 4x4 and I did everything I could to make her perfect.
What a truck! I have to sell her fast and I am getting too attached! Between friends and family though I have about 3 trucks committed to do next. I think we are going to do some FJ43's. Hard to find them in good condition but I have a lead on some.
I just submitted now to become a vendor here on MUD offering high quality unrestored, lightly restored and highly restored trucks. My company is registered in Florida as Volcan 4x4, LLC (volcan spanish for volcano). I met with my Colombian accountant and very soon will register a sister company in Colombia that will be a registered classic car dealer and import/export company.
I believe that I will be the only US born citizen with a proper registered company in both the US and Colombia offering this service. I studied Spanish at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and also in Seville, Spain. My main goal is provide reliable professional service and high quality trucks. My background is in land development and home building. I see a lot of similarity in the auto restoration business and the home building business. I also want to have fun!
I have all the subcontractors and specialists lined up to repair these trucks to a high quality. Similar to the homebuilding business, if my subcontractors do not meet my standards I will replace them. I have also lined up a few Colombian dealers on the ground to help me source trucks down there. What I can't complete in Colombia I can complete here in Tampa as I have two independent mechanic shops that work on Land Cruisers and classic cars in general. Esmeralda was 99% completed in Colombia.
I do need to improve my shipping methods as that was the hardest part. I will be meeting with new shipping agents in January and hope to be shipping several trucks by February.
For now I can only sell the trucks. I can't do the parts or offer shipping assistance as it is complicated and not profitable for now. I hope to be able to offer parts and tubs in the future.
I will be listing this Esmeralda on ebay for sale. If she does not sell I have a classic car dealer lined up for consignment. She is the showcase for Volcan 4x4 and I did everything I could to make her perfect.
What a truck! I have to sell her fast and I am getting too attached! Between friends and family though I have about 3 trucks committed to do next. I think we are going to do some FJ43's. Hard to find them in good condition but I have a lead on some.
- Thread starter
- #204
Esmeralda soon to be listed for sale. The ultimate Christmas gift. Thank you so much.
Awaiting approval to be a vendor here. I hope I did this the right way. I did not want to announce until I had Volcan 4x4, LLC registered in Florida and was ready to take orders.
You can see more photos of Esmeralda at volcan4x4.com.
Awaiting approval to be a vendor here. I hope I did this the right way. I did not want to announce until I had Volcan 4x4, LLC registered in Florida and was ready to take orders.
You can see more photos of Esmeralda at volcan4x4.com.
- Thread starter
- #205
Truck is now for sale on ebay for live bidding.
Good Luck with your new venture. It seems you are going the extra mile with your company. This will be a good thing for the Landcruiser community.
- Thread starter
- #207
Thanks for your kind comments. I will soon be posting some future trucks to rebuild and sell. Next truck will be an FJ43 but a lighter restoration.
- Thread starter
- #208
Truck will be at Mecum auction in Kissimmee/Orlando from around January 15th through live auction date 5pm on the 19th. Please come see her.
http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?LOT_ID=FL0114-172600&entryRow=77&lottype=&startRow=61
http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?LOT_ID=FL0114-172600&entryRow=77&lottype=&startRow=61
Gringo, that's a great FJ40. I'm Colombian and I didn't believe that Colombian labour could match North American restores. I've heard of several bad experiences with paint shops around here, even being Colombian I wouldn't trust them, glad you came through with a good paint shop. My family has had several FJ's, 40's, 43's and 45's and I believe they are one of the most rugged vehicles on earth, nothing that people around here don't know.
The main issue down here is that we don't pay attention to technical stuff like Americans do, like gear ratio of axles, tranfer case, gearbox and so on, and that's something I'd love to learn. Mechanics around here are people who have learned from experience, try and error, sort of thing, they are not that into perfecting without supervision, but there are some people who do work good and even great, they have a reputation and live of and for these cars.
Lastly, much of the FJ's you find around have been worked hard due to the harsh terrain and roads, and pretty much all the guberment's cars has been abused because they belong to nobody really. Glad you found one in good running condition, we have bought several of these FJ's and most of them are in bad condition but nothing beyond saving. My father still has a 43 and recently adquired a 45, the 43 it's in bad shape but he refuses to sell it because the emotional attachment he has over it, that car worked to pay itself and several other cars and thing he accomplished.
I guess you had advice from people over Medellin to get the resto process done, there are plenty of good folks over there who know about these cars and they are fond to rally and camping. Anyway, I enjoyed your thread and I'm glad you got Esmeralda (nice name btw) to your home in the States. Enjoy her and happy mudding!
Oh! Didn't see you were selling her. Hope you can get what you wish for her.
The main issue down here is that we don't pay attention to technical stuff like Americans do, like gear ratio of axles, tranfer case, gearbox and so on, and that's something I'd love to learn. Mechanics around here are people who have learned from experience, try and error, sort of thing, they are not that into perfecting without supervision, but there are some people who do work good and even great, they have a reputation and live of and for these cars.
Lastly, much of the FJ's you find around have been worked hard due to the harsh terrain and roads, and pretty much all the guberment's cars has been abused because they belong to nobody really. Glad you found one in good running condition, we have bought several of these FJ's and most of them are in bad condition but nothing beyond saving. My father still has a 43 and recently adquired a 45, the 43 it's in bad shape but he refuses to sell it because the emotional attachment he has over it, that car worked to pay itself and several other cars and thing he accomplished.
I guess you had advice from people over Medellin to get the resto process done, there are plenty of good folks over there who know about these cars and they are fond to rally and camping. Anyway, I enjoyed your thread and I'm glad you got Esmeralda (nice name btw) to your home in the States. Enjoy her and happy mudding!
Oh! Didn't see you were selling her. Hope you can get what you wish for her.
- Thread starter
- #210
Hey wow what a great comment! That is essentially what I set out to prove. My interior guy really blew me away. The body and paint guys were great. The details like where to put an emblem or how does the gasket line up were TOUGH. It is a cultural thing. Also we battled a lot of original. Both between gringos here on the forum and Colombians. Turns out most all were RIGHT bec the specs are different.
I met some Venezuelans and they said that when they hire cabinet makers and furniture makers they hire Colombians. They are real artisans. just look at the leather purses and clothing.
The Colombian trucks are all super high miles. No way around it. On the upside they are STILL used daily and preserved in running condition. Plus the Toyota's drivetrain never dies.
Truck is going to MECUM in Orlando we will see what she sells for. She is my first project and I am moving forward. Everyone that sees the truck loves it. We will see.
I will posting more interesting trucks from Colombia very soon! and and FJ43 no less.
I met some Venezuelans and they said that when they hire cabinet makers and furniture makers they hire Colombians. They are real artisans. just look at the leather purses and clothing.
The Colombian trucks are all super high miles. No way around it. On the upside they are STILL used daily and preserved in running condition. Plus the Toyota's drivetrain never dies.
Truck is going to MECUM in Orlando we will see what she sells for. She is my first project and I am moving forward. Everyone that sees the truck loves it. We will see.
I will posting more interesting trucks from Colombia very soon! and and FJ43 no less.
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You posted in my 64 Patrol restoration thread. I found it to be a big coincidence since I know the Patrol you are importing! So I found this thread and came on over....
Good on ya for going for it out of Colombia. I first went to Colombia back in 2004. In 2003 I had met a guy online in Colombia who loves Patrols. He was super nice and we hit it off right away, he invited me to come down. At the time I knew jack all about Colombia but I went for it and spent a bit over two weeks roaming Bogota, Santa Marta and surrounding areas with my buddy looking at mostly Patrols but all manner of 4wds. My buddy had taken two weeks off work so we spent a lot of time on this. We talked about doing exactly what you are doing, however at the time my knowledge lied exclusively with Patrols. I did post a few threads here on Mud though about importing some nice Cruiser after that first trip down to Colombia. Over the next three trips I saw many many more nice Cruisers and Patrols. I even saw some Delta Mini-Cruisers and came on Mud inquiring about what the hell these were!
There are many awesome Patrols and Cruisers to be found in Colombia. Without a doubt. Diesels are rare though, at least from what I have seen and my buddy explained why to me once. As you say most are high mile because most are still used today as daily drivers or for work. As also mentioned in the thread bad body work and paint is also a concern. The thing is, in Colombia body parts are made and have been made for many years. So often body parts are just changed rather than laying the bondo on 3" thick. A panel rusts out, you just go buy a new one. Best way to make sure no heavy bondo is the classic drag a magnet method. Paint? Whatever I say, I know good paint guys here if it needs a re-spray. And I have seen shoddy paint being done in Colombia but again, on a truck that gets used daily, their way of doing things is, if it lasts 5yrs and is cheap, do it again in 5yrs. In large cities like Bogota, of course nice quality paint and body work is available and at a good cost. Colombians are craftsmen in most they do, very particular people who put a lot of love and effort into nearly everything they do. Any ways, I am rambling.
Good trucks can be found there, traveling in Colombia you will see dozens upon dozens of Cruisers, Patrols and other old 4wds daily that are still in use. There are definitely trucks that have been well taken care of too. If you offer people solid trucks at a solid price I think you can do well. If you try to get rich and cut corners, well there is lot's of examples of dudes who have done that.
Tons of parts there too which makes restoring them before import logical.
When I went to Colombia in 2004 the intention was to buy this truck, a 1980 LG61 Patrol.
I did end up buying it and for a great price. At that time it was 4,000cbp to 1usd!! I think now it is half that. I had to wait a year before I could import it and unfortunately had some medical bills that got in the way. So I ended up having to sell the Patrol before I brought it in. It was an awesome truck, I got to drive it for a few days while there.
On another trip we came across this 1960 4W66 Nissan Patrol. This particular model was only made for 6 months! This truck was in good condition and for sale.
That is me under the hood! Helping to get it started.
Honestly, if I was a collector I would have been all over this truck and bought it.
One of the pictures I have of the Patrol you are importing, appears to be original paint?
FJ40 at a 4wd competition I went to.
I think you can do well. Again, be honest, get good trucks, have good work done sell for a solid price fair with the current market. Get pictures of the process and it will back up your trucks that much more. And I seen a ton of FJ43's in Colombia.
Cheers
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- #212
Oh cool I love the patrols. my next project actually will be the pale blue 1979 Patrol above. will be a nice break for me bec it needs very little.
Esmeralda 1983 FJ40 sold today at Mecum Orlando in the low $40k range. I am very pleased yet also sad to see her go. Although I did not do the work on her physically (except at the end for small detail items) I put everything I had into her. Many days in hot downtown Medellin dealing with subcontractors and looking for parts. Many days dealing with frustrating paperwork to export and also import her and register her in Florida.
I ended up on Velocity Channel with her at Mecum in Orlando. Wow! To think that that beautiful green truck that I was driving in Medellin ended up on the red carpet under the lights... Amazing experience.
She has brought me many friends here on the forum and a few new clients. I hope to be bringing in very soon many high quality FJs and yes some Patrols and maybe even some Land Rovers. I can't begin to express to my thanks for everyone who gave me constructive criticism to make Esmeralda a better truck and to make me a better Land Cruiser guy!??? Even thanks to some of the detractors/doubters who tested my patience (maybe we will come to some understanding at some point). I started this as a learning process for me and hopefully for anyone that followed this thread.
Esmeralda 1983 FJ40 sold today at Mecum Orlando in the low $40k range. I am very pleased yet also sad to see her go. Although I did not do the work on her physically (except at the end for small detail items) I put everything I had into her. Many days in hot downtown Medellin dealing with subcontractors and looking for parts. Many days dealing with frustrating paperwork to export and also import her and register her in Florida.
I ended up on Velocity Channel with her at Mecum in Orlando. Wow! To think that that beautiful green truck that I was driving in Medellin ended up on the red carpet under the lights... Amazing experience.
She has brought me many friends here on the forum and a few new clients. I hope to be bringing in very soon many high quality FJs and yes some Patrols and maybe even some Land Rovers. I can't begin to express to my thanks for everyone who gave me constructive criticism to make Esmeralda a better truck and to make me a better Land Cruiser guy!??? Even thanks to some of the detractors/doubters who tested my patience (maybe we will come to some understanding at some point). I started this as a learning process for me and hopefully for anyone that followed this thread.
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- #213
The Patrol I put a deposit on in January. Colombia was on extended vacation and I could not find an FJ but I came across this perfect pilot owned Patrol. I love it. Soon i will bring in this truck, an FJ40 and an FJ43. For now I am focusing on finding very clean nice trucks and take a break from the restorations (but you never know)!
DTSkyCop
SILVER Star
Congrats... Definitely a nice lookin rig... It would have been hard to let her go for me too... Good luck in your adventures in finding quality 40's and other vehicles to bring back here... I have worked many years the Barrett Jackson auto auction and can only imagine the experience of actually a car in the intensity of such an event... I will have to look on Velocity for you & Esmeralda... Congrats again.....
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- #215
FYI the pale blue Patrol I am buying is not original paint. it was restored 5 years ago. i am picky and i view this restoration as very high quality. motor too. this Patrol is an LG60 which was a competitor to the FJ43.
I since have learned a lot about them especially from RPM and O who is a Patrol guru to say the least.
I will end this to say this is not my last restoration i will do one in the future.
I since have learned a lot about them especially from RPM and O who is a Patrol guru to say the least.
I will end this to say this is not my last restoration i will do one in the future.
Congrats Chas404 on your sale! Now this picture made my draw drop
https://scontent-a-pao.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1505121_3869062142974_371446147_n.jpg
I know I have said it before but why cant a car manufacturer build something like this???
Still love that blue Patrol you are importing too Chas404, you're a lucky man to personally deal with these very nice vehicles.
https://scontent-a-pao.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1505121_3869062142974_371446147_n.jpg
I know I have said it before but why cant a car manufacturer build something like this???
Still love that blue Patrol you are importing too Chas404, you're a lucky man to personally deal with these very nice vehicles.
Beautiful 40 Chas, I'm sure it was hard to part with her. Question……... I ran across a "78 FST which recently sold at Land Cruiser Nation and was restored in Colombia. The seats were described as being covered in waxed canvas. Have you ran across this material down there? I really, really liked those seats.
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- #218
umm waxed canvas I am wondering if it is that denim looking stuff they use down there. i hated it at first then i really liked it. it is great for going offroad hunting etc. let me look for a picture..
This stuff?
RE why they're are no cool cars today?? high mpg govt regulations etc. I love SQUARE vehicles. cant stand the plastic jelly bean cars. 9 airbags per car... I could go on and on. I thought the Patrols were ugly at first (not as elegant as a Land Cruiser) but they have really grown on me. They look square and purposeful. The rear lines are nice (stolen from Land Rovers but nice).
I guess like the Land Cruiser/Land Rover they are just "different" which is fun.
Cant wait to ship in some more fun trucks. I am working on my shipping methods.
FYI I have an FJ43 now under contract will post soon.
This stuff?
RE why they're are no cool cars today?? high mpg govt regulations etc. I love SQUARE vehicles. cant stand the plastic jelly bean cars. 9 airbags per car... I could go on and on. I thought the Patrols were ugly at first (not as elegant as a Land Cruiser) but they have really grown on me. They look square and purposeful. The rear lines are nice (stolen from Land Rovers but nice).
I guess like the Land Cruiser/Land Rover they are just "different" which is fun.
Cant wait to ship in some more fun trucks. I am working on my shipping methods.
FYI I have an FJ43 now under contract will post soon.
That looks like it I believe.
Great story and photos. You mentioned several times the speakers under the dash. I didn't see anywhere a photo of this and how you set that piece up. I know the truck is sold but if you have something that shows this or maybe just some details that would be awesome. Again, great job.
