Rookie! Help most welcome! (pix)

[sas0662]

Hi all,
new to this (FJ55) but, love old cars and work for Toyota (Financial Services), so....a Toyota classic needs to find its way back into my life soon!
I am considering this 79 FJ55 which was 'restored creatively' by a previous owner. Runs kinda OK; brakes don't stop or pull straight!
Kind of embarrassed to show you all the details of the interior; in any case, the intention is to turn it back into an 'Old School Original' cosmetically and perhaps update it with some later model Toyota/Lexus mechanicals (engine, tranny, brakes, whatever...)
Your input/opinions/suggestions/thoughts/ideas - after reviewing the photos at http://www.fototime.com/users/soto.asimakopoulos@toyota-fs.com/IRON%20PIG - would be most appreciated!
Considering its current condition, the work and 'spend' necessary, I'm trying to see if it's worth the asking price ($5000).
Many thanks for your time and help (... and please be kind!)
Soto

 

[clemson55]

The cruiser looks pretty good to me didnt see much in the way of rust. If it doesnt run well and doesnt stop at all and the interior needs to be redone and you want to remove all the tubing. Then I would say you should definitely try and get it for less then 5k. What your saying you want do to it will cost some money and you should try and get it for less to make up that difference.

 

[RHINO]

I'm trying to see if it's worth the asking price ($5000).

some guys seem to think just those ambi doors make it worth it. seems to be in pretty good shape, just need to decide what state of restore you want, cause those flares would have to come off.

 

[JohnnyC]

not worth it...this one is worth it:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=131097

 

[Gumby]

My guess is there's not a lot left under that plate in the rear and the rockers look like they're already gone.

Worth maybe half the money he's asking.

 

[JohnnyC]

and another one that looks really good a bit more $$

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=131190

 

[toddslater]

I believe that pig has more plastic in it than my TVR and Griffith combined. If you seriuosly want a good clean pig to start with and shipping doesn't kill you, I'd give serious consideration to those pointed out by JohnnyC above. Rust is the killer of pigs...look to arid climates.

 

[snailwagon]

I definetly wouldn't commit to a vehicle like that before thourough inspection. Paint has been applied over rust without decent prep, possibly indicating the quick one over paint job to help sell it. Also, that type of rust on the chrome looks like it has been around salt a bit. I'd be curious to look under the front floor mats. I found the welting on the A-pillar to roof edge interesting. $5K is too much for that, for $5k I'd rather get one with with an oxidized paint job and cracked everything interior that is stock and rust free, but no surprises. Offer him $3000-3500 and it would be a decent deal, maybe.

I'm also always scared of things like painted radiator caps, quick cover ups. I love the "frame off" restorations on ebay where you can see the shocks, bushings, and even radiator hoses are painted. Why would you do a resto and not change a radiator hose or cap?