Shopping for an FJ60... Thoughts On A Listing (1 Viewer)

[sp73]

Getting my feet wet on BAT, this one checks most of my boxes but I've not owned one of these as of yet - just a Tacoma, 4Runner, and GX470. Any input on pros and cons of this listing appreciated...

1985 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60

Bid for the chance to own a 1985 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60 at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #181,264.

bringatrailer.com

 

[Skreddy]

It looks shiny. Can you go see it in person? To me, most of those pics suck because of the lighting and focus, can’t really tell what’s going on. There’s 2 in particular of the rear drivers quarter panel where one pic looks like a scratch under the emblem but you can’t see it in the next.

All that being said, it looks clean. Has a couple leaks or old leaks that weren’t cleaned. The rust issues would be my biggest concern, especially with a relatively fresh paint job. That still wouldn’t be a deal breaker, depending what you’re looking for.

 

[RodrigzCrzr]

That rig has a lot of leaks, knuckles are leaking, rear main seal and everything else behind it. looks good. But that rust needs to be investigated more. also need to do a water test on that windshield could be possible leaks into the interior due to that rust. The air cleaner has a few extra holes on the passenger side. what's up with that.? Like Skreddy said if you can see it in person I say do so. It's a great color though.

 

[OSS]

Gotta buy any car in person after test driving it.

 

[CruiserTrash]

Getting my feet wet on BAT, this one checks most of my boxes but I've not owned one of these as of yet - just a Tacoma, 4Runner, and GX470. Any input on pros and cons of this listing appreciated...

1985 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60

Bid for the chance to own a 1985 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60 at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #181,264.

bringatrailer.com

If you’re seriously looking, @CenTXFJ60 has one hitting BAT soon.

There’s 25 pages of documentation on the work here. You couldn’t ask for more thorough work with nothing to hide.

For whatever reason the zoom on that photo distorts the image such that the back upper corner of the body look like a Nissan Patrol.

 

[CenTXFJ60]

If you’re seriously looking, @CenTXFJ60 has one hitting BAT soon.

There’s 25 pages of documentation on the work here. You couldn’t ask for more thorough work with nothing to hide.

For whatever reason the zoom on that photo distorts the image such that the back upper corner of the body look like a Nissan Patrol.

Thank you for the kind plug Jim. @sp73, as Jim stated I'm in the middle of completing my file with BAT. I've never done something like this but have been following the truck you mentioned as well as the other current ones. I've also read a lot of past sales and the one thing I can advise you on is it's always best to buy from an individual vs. a dealer. The truck you mentioned is a dealer and they have zero history with that 60. Unless you're extremely knowledgeable on 60's buying from an individual would be your best avenue for successfully sourcing a cruiser within your budget while meeting your needs. I've also done a lot of work for other cruiser enthusiast in my barn and have 2-3 examples over the last few years that were BAT trucks (and Mecham) where the owner did not have any experience with 60's and it burned them. Turned out to be great business for my "side hustle" doing repairs/improvements on other owners 60's. The one thing I won't do is call someone's baby "ugly", but I will answer any questions if they ask me or call out safety concerns if I identify them. In every example each individual stated they wish they had consulted someone that has experience with which ever cruiser they were pursuing. So you're doing the right thing with this post here on MUD which is awesome. You're welcome to look at my build thread Jim listed and PM me if you're have an interest (I only have $99 invested with BAT at this time) or even if you have questions about any other particular 60 you're looking at. As Jim said you'll learn all you want about this 60 via my build thread and the thing I don't do is put armor all or any other shiny stuff on my trucks. What you see is what it is I'll be glad to give you my cell via PM if you want to send me a message. Thank you and good luck with your search.
Jimmy

 

[sp73]

Thank you everyone for the input. Yes, buying from a dealer had my radar up. I’d prefer an individual with a history regarding the 60/62. Also the undercoating spooked me.

 

[onemanarmy]

are you wanting a project or a turn key perfect driver? or something in between?

 

[CruiserTrash]

Thank you everyone for the input. Yes, buying from a dealer had my radar up. I’d prefer an individual with a history regarding the 60/62. Also the undercoating spooked me.

Good call on the undercoating. If the frame is going to rust on these things, it’ll have a tendency to do it in two places. The very back of the frame rails is a C channel with another C-channel nested inside - the inner c-channels start to blow up and get warpy. The other spot is on the inner side of the frame rails, just forward from the front mounts for the rear leaf springs. You really have to crawl all the way underneath to see that spot. I’ve seen people paint frames or otherwise doctor them up to hide that stuff. And FYI body rust is a whole other thing - check by the rear well wells, rockers, and the bottom edge of doors and rear tailgate. It usually starts there.

Happy hunting! If and when you pick up a 60 come, start a show and tell thread. We’d all love to see it.

 

[sp73]

are you wanting a project or a turn key perfect driver? or something in between?

I would like something I can use from the start, that would be considered a keeper. I strongly prefer to avoid body work/repair and rust issues if at all possible.

 

[batthewmrown]

If you’re seriously looking, @CenTXFJ60 has one hitting BAT soon.

There’s 25 pages of documentation on the work here. You couldn’t ask for more thorough work with nothing to hide.

For whatever reason the zoom on that photo distorts the image such that the back upper corner of the body look like a Nissan Patrol.

OP, this is 100% the way. IMO, even if you're spending more for @CenTXFJ60's, it's going to be waaaaay safer money than that BAT listing. Just another $.02 for your consideration.