Should I Take My Dream Opportunity?

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Thanks to everyone for the help! If the engine is halfway straightforward in relation to '93 V8 Suburban engine, a buddy and I might rebuild it together. Anyone know any cheap rebuild kits? If not, then I will probably end up swapping for something newer/more available such as @bikersmurf suggested. I will update once I fully decide! ;)
 
Thomasbroo said:
Thanks to everyone for the help! If the engine is halfway straightforward in relation to '93 V8 Suburban engine, a buddy and I might rebuild it together. Anyone know any cheap rebuild kits? If not, then I will probably end up swapping for something newer/more available such as @bikersmurf suggested. I will update once I fully decide! ;)
Click to expand...
Cheap and Landcruiser arent in the same chapter. This is a perfect candidate for an inexpensive 2F or SBC conversion
 
Personally,
I would take advantage if the truck was free for the taking. If you have a little storage room I would disassemble everything and save as much of the good as you can/keep it out of the weather. I would make sure you are up to date on your tetanus shot before digging in and have a couple band aids or some electrical tape handy.

If the bug is still with you and with the parts in storage keep an eye out for a running/driving 40 that needs some love. You will have the knowledge of how to take one apart as well as some good pieces on hand that the "new" truck might need. The parts will be a nice reminder to keep you motivated to fulfill your dream. If in the end you decide the 40 is not your cup of tea you can always offer the good parts up for sale and still come out ahead.

Anything can be fixed and brought back to life. . . it is just a little more difficult when half the stuff has already been removed and you are not exactly sure which parts go where. I know many folks have started with worse but my experience says if you are going to build/restore a vehicle start with the best foundation your money can buy. I would be hard pressed to find a better starting point for free but I think you know what I mean.
 
If it really is your dream opportunity then go for it. Your ability to realize you dream will be contingent on money and space. Do you have somewhere to work on it? Money items you can chip away at. Dont worry about knowledge because any question you have has probably already been answered here on Mud.

If you wanted to swap a 60's series engine and 5 speed in, there is one for sale in NY for $4200. Then part out whatever you dont use (something I was considering.)

Or you could find a running and driving 40 for less than it will cost to get this one running. Then the free 40 is worth it just for parts.
 
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I'm in with the go for it crowd -
re the $, take a look at my build thread, I did one for under $6K where the truck cost $500.. keep in mind your time though too, I was out of work for a few months and was able to advance it fairly quickly, even so, I figure I have no less than 300 hours into it (and most of it welding). re the engine, see if you can find it and get it to turn, you may just be able to use it they are hard to kill and just may have enjoyed the rest in the field :) good luck!
 
If you are going to run out of money long before you run out of interest then you need to consider how you'll feel when you're strapped into this one and it doesn't drive.

If you have several thousand bucks to do the basics then go for it.
 
People are talking about cost a lot on here and that is important to consider. One thing I am trying to do with mine is to stay in the black, meaning I keep a number in mind of what my 40 is worth vs what I have into it and the implications of different purchases on the value. I know plenty of people who are $40K into cars worth $20K and it makes some people feel trapped, like they couldnt sell the car because they couldnt justify the loss and that takes away from the enjoyment. I keep an eye on the 40s market and know a new tub and paint will add more value than a new engine so that is up on my priorities list. It is all about how what I spend now influences the back end, and that drives how I schedule my plan.

Take an inventory of what the parts your would be getting are worth. What does a hard top goes for. Fenders. A seat frame. Doors. etc. Then look at what a rough 40 in running condition goes for. The difference would be my whats it worth to get it running number and if you stay in that range you can always get out of it for what youre into it. Some guys go crazy with their budgets, and whatever floats your boat. I have found it is really satisfying when you sell a vehicle (for whatever reason) to be able to look back and say "I just had X years of free fun" because you got your money back.
 
You can't beat free. Even if it ends up being shot then all you've lost is time...which you likely learned during the process. Hell, I'd be interested in the doors if you decide to pass.
 
As mentioned above, you would need to go into that project ready to spend $6,000 to $7,000.
In my opinion there is just too much missing or rotten to make that truck a good starting point.

It does have value for parts which is more than I can say for a lot of the stuff that I see offered for sale in recent months.
If you can get it for under $500 and haul it home, there is a lot there that is worth saving.

Any vehicle that has been parked in weeds for 15 years can be expected to have some monumental rust issues underneath.

If it ends up getting parted out, I could use some of it. Looks like maybe a 1970.

Good luck.
 
If you have the space and time part it out.
Then you will know how it goes together and will make some $ in the process.
Then look for a Runner.
 
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