Tough call on the FJ45LV, abandon or can I find the parts?

[cruiser_guy]

I've had my FJ45LV down in Costa Rica for a restoration with Paul Pilgrim. As we all know now, Paul is MIA. Here's a link to my build thread. https://forum.ih8mud.com/fj45-owner...v-resto-thread-67-central-american-model.html

I have found the FJ45LV and the chassis but I think Paul absconded with all the bits that go to complete the truck, window mechanisms, door hinges interior bits, lights etc. etc.

Without all those bits, many of which took years to find and were either old stock or repro parts, I cannot complete the truck.

My dilemma is this:

Find another FJ45LV that is substantially complete but beyond restoration for cheap to rob the parts which Paul has absconded with

or

Abandon the project, cut my losses and chalk it up to a bad deal.

The problem is that the running gear is all there, 3B turbo diesel mated to an H41 and three speed transfer case, PTO winch, disc axle etc. etc. Probably close to $10,000 into it with the work done and the missing parts.


HELP!!!

 

[JackA]

That's a tough one. Can you get what's left and haul it to somewhere safe? You are in a totally different situation than the norm.....being in another country and all. It might cost more to get it back than it's worth. I feel for ya. Hope something works out.

 

[tornadoalleycruiser]

Did the body get back together? Dang.. Details on the stealth mission? Pictures?
if it's just "accessories" then definately rob something.. I'd bet there's a donor somewhere on here that can help.

 

[Gumby]

With the vast majority of LVs out there going relatively cheap all having rust issues, I would think buying a donor truck for all the little bits would be the way to go. All that little crap will still be good on a rusted hulk that's beyond fixing.

 

[Living in the Past]

Where you at Charles? If your there I would try and get it at least as far north as the US. Enough mudders in the southwest to find a safe place to store until you can figure how to get it up into Canada. As for Paul it's sounds like your lucky you have as much as you do. Seems I read besides items he made and never being delivered he had other people's vehicles he was suppose help get shipped north only to have the complete vehicle go MIA.

 

[DanS HJ-45]

Where you at Charles? If your there I would try and get it at least as far north as the US. Enough mudders in the southwest to find a safe place to store until you can figure how to get it up into Canada. As for Paul it's sounds like your lucky you have as much as you do. Seems I read besides items he made and never being delivered he had other people's vehicles he was suppose help get shipped north only to have the complete vehicle go MIA.

If you can get it to NM or CO, we can store it for you in a dry climate.

If I remember right, your the body on your LV was pretty good, and if it's still that way, I'd try to get the hulk and bring it somewhere safe, while looking for a donor vehicle for the odd bits.

Dan

 

[JackA]

I am in Phoenix and have space to store it if need be.

 

[Gumby]

CCOT is still pimping Pilgrim parts. I sure hope they are selling old stock and not helping this guy hide out with people's parts and rigs.

 

[cruiser_guy]

At this point I am trying to get pics of the body in the current condition. I know some work has been done on it, I don't know at this point if it is finished or not.

The truck is currently at the shop that made the parts for Paul, at least that is what I am told. Paul did not actually make the parts himself.


On the issue of CCOT parts, I know Paul was complaining a few years ago that they were selling parts under the name "Pilgrim" that were made elsewhere. I'm not so sure that the name "Pilgrim" is worth much right now anyways.

 

[Gumby]

Ccot makes a big deal out of the fact that they are paul pilgrim parts.

 

[cruiser_guy]

Ccot makes a big deal out of the fact that they are paul pilgrim parts.

Have a look at the CCOT web page http://coolfj40.stores.yahoo.net/tubbodyfj40.html "Sold out and no longer available"

 

[Gumby]

I see that. Lots of other parts and a big testimonial about the parts as well. Still, the status of the tubs hopefully means they aren't doing business with him. They certainly are not distancing themselves from him.

 

[Bear]

Charles,

Don't know your price points, but there's a 45LV wagon just came on Ebay in St. Louis, Missouri at $1,000 starting and Buyitnow for $3,000. Might be good for the parts you need.

 

[cruiser_guy]

Charles,

Don't know your price points, but there's a 45LV wagon just came on Ebay in St. Louis, Missouri at $1,000 starting and Buyitnow for $3,000. Might be good for the parts you need.

Looks like at least some of the stuff I need is there. I'm not a fan of Flea-bay so if anyone knows or can find the local listing that would be appreciated.

My preference would be a wrecked/rolled one to keep the ones that might be restorable out there.

I found these links:

http://cars.oodle.com/detail/1965-t...ouis-mo/?cm_mmc=OODLE_PREVIEW-_-www-_-NA-_-NA
http://autos.shopnearbuy.com/261324255170.html
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAP...5170&item=261324255170&lgeo=1&vectorid=229466

but none of them let me contact the seller. They all go back to Flea-Bay.

 

[2fpower]

I recommend you give flea bay a try, but find a local contact to go kick the tires at the least, and take possession if you are that afraid. There are enough good people on this board that want to help you.

 

[Rix 45]

Charles,

I parted a '66 LV a short time ago. Lots of small stuff bagged and marked. A list and I may be able to help.

Regards,
Eric.

 

[jc71fj40]

pretty sure I have all 4 doors, fenders, other misc. parts laying around. Where are you located?

PM me if you want to chat.

Jake

 

[Kief]

Fj45LV- cool yeah, but is it worth making cross continental treks, storing, tracking down rare parts, finding the time to do all the work along with a very busy life? I don't know for sure but I think I might write it off as a project... I see the value in the motor and that kind of stuff but the cost of shipping vs. the value of getting it here to the states and what it would go for here vs. selling it where it is probably wouldn't merit all the hassle. That could be determined with more info.
Your Boss will hook you up with a better deal if that is the way things go. Either way you know He's got you covered!!!

Kief

 

[merbesfield]

Paul sorry to hear the bad news. Unless the body was significantly completed I'm not sure it makes much financial sense. These things don't seem to sell for a lot of money in unrestored condition. Probably better finding one local or moving to a later model cruiser, which I realize was not your dream.

 

[nuclearlemon]

Paul sorry to hear the bad news. Unless the body was significantly completed I'm not sure it makes much financial sense. These things don't seem to sell for a lot of money in unrestored condition. Probably better finding one local or moving to a later model cruiser, which I realize was not your dream.

that's charles