if not enjoy the pics and I can always post more
Trying to locate previous owner of 1997 40th Anniversary
- Thread starter erniejenna23
- Start date
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if not enjoy the pics and I can always post more
Very nice, but don't know the previous/current owner. no rust so must not have been in WI very long.
Post up some engine bay and interior photos.
One question you want to ask is about maintenance items already completed. The head gasket is a big ticket item if it's already been replaced that's a plus.
Do you want to share the price range the seller is asking?
Post up some engine bay and interior photos.
One question you want to ask is about maintenance items already completed. The head gasket is a big ticket item if it's already been replaced that's a plus.
Do you want to share the price range the seller is asking?
Have you tried to enter the VIN number in Toyota's owner online system to see where it was serviced and what was done to it ? It typically will show you where it was registered first, too - you have to sign up for an account as the owner (or pretend) with the VIN number
which is a great way to check the history on any Toyota vehicle you are considering to buy or have the VIN number of - Lexus system offers the same info on their VIN numbers, too
which is a great way to check the history on any Toyota vehicle you are considering to buy or have the VIN number of - Lexus system offers the same info on their VIN numbers, too
"Fully restored"
I call BS. The front axle wasn't even rebuilt.
This looks like a truck that was purchased, power washed underneath, did a highly detailed cleaning on the paint and maybe interior so it looks pretty.
I still go back to "Who did the work?" and whether it was worth it.
You need to ask more questions. It looks like a nice truck but I'll bet you're paying more than you think you are.
Just make sure you're not paying for lipstick on a pig.
Get a list of parts replacement and brand during the "restoration"........
- Thread starter
- #5
Attaching a few more pictures a lot of what I have are videos of the truck. so not a full restoration part partial restoration of some areas. What areas don’t know specifically. Hence why I am trying to track down the original owner. This is a california truck for all but this last year. This is what the service records show. I did add the vehicle and read through the work done at a Toyota dealership no clues on head gasket. I did have the vehicle inspected compression test looked great all around 180-185 psi, there was a bad valve gasket on #4 cyclinder.
asking price $30k
asking price $30k
- Thread starter
- #6
So more photos from underneath
The 40th fender badges are not even close to being in the correct position.
The front door body side mouldings are also incorrect. The originals are plain, less the "FOUR WHEEL DRIVE" lettering.
- Thread starter
- #9
From watching the video back, it appears the 40th emblems are actually just a vinyl or painted decal
- Thread starter
- #10
CDan or any one Lee with more knowledge than me, can you give any insight off the VIN decal if this is even legit in any form
The transmission mount is shot. I'll bet the engine mounts are also shot.
Looks like the original catalytic converters.
The original floor mats are also missing.
Based on the amount of goo that's still stuck to the bottom of the crossmember, this truck was pretty messy underneath. A few of the major leaks may have been fixed, but mostly it was polished up, had some new seat leathers installed, and made to look nice.
30K sounds like a lot unless there's some serious documentation to go with it.
You do what you want, just know that it's a resto-mod and PM work that's been done, NOT a restoration.
You are still going to encounter PM that will have to be done to this truck in order to drive it regularly.
it is also not accurate enough for it to appreciate significantly, any more so than my 96 LC.
If you want to see what a RESTORATION looks like, look through the threads by @citadel
forum.ih8mud.com
Looks like the original catalytic converters.
The original floor mats are also missing.
Based on the amount of goo that's still stuck to the bottom of the crossmember, this truck was pretty messy underneath. A few of the major leaks may have been fixed, but mostly it was polished up, had some new seat leathers installed, and made to look nice.
30K sounds like a lot unless there's some serious documentation to go with it.
You do what you want, just know that it's a resto-mod and PM work that's been done, NOT a restoration.
You are still going to encounter PM that will have to be done to this truck in order to drive it regularly.
it is also not accurate enough for it to appreciate significantly, any more so than my 96 LC.
If you want to see what a RESTORATION looks like, look through the threads by @citadel
Builds - Total Restoration 1997 40th Anniversary Cruiser
Well the rig is 18 years old this year and I decided that it is time for a makeover. She is in great condition as I have been a religious follower of MUD for 10 years now. Drives still like a new car but her paint and cosmetics could use a refresh. Basically I want to bring her back to the day...
forum.ih8mud.com
That is an original label that does not appear to have been painted around or masked off. 1B2 is antique sage pearl. That color was only available on the 40th.
Actually that's consistent with the original wax coating that applied at the factory. Dust and road dirt tended to stick to it just like that.
I guess mine's just "extra waxy!"
The replacement leather is not the same as the factory pattern and doesn't seem to match properly. I agree with everyone else that it looks like it has had a good detail job done but is definitely not restored.
- Thread starter
- #16
I appreciate everyone’s comments, engine mount technician says they are good, but you have convienced me to pass as I’m looking for a 1997 land cruiser closer to original
@erniejenna23
Main advantage IMO is that it appears to be rust free.
Main disadvantage is the price.
Definitely had the undercarriaged and engine washed off.
Appears to have new FIPG between the valve cover and the top of the half moons (but not all around?) so maybe the valve cover has been replaced at some point and the half moons were left in place.
Looks like a relatively newish OEM radiator.
New hoses/hoses clamps around the heat control valve but the valve itself
doesn't look very new??
Throttle cable rubber coating is peeling, very common.
Signs of previous oil leaks (ie: check distributor and valve cover closely) so would want to know if all the usual leaks have been fixed (valve cover, distributor O-ring, oil pump cover gasket, ----).
Signifcant build up of grime around steering knuckles (already mentioned) that was not all cleaned off indicating chronic leaks. Transmission mounts do look a bit funky (magnified photo), coated in thick grime or ??
All the above IMHO/IME are what's often found on any 80 with 270,000 miles that needs catching up on it's preventive maintenence, but not one selling for $30,000.
The comment about a bad "valve seal" on #4 cylinder is the most concerning, does this mean that the valves are not sealing on one cylinder (burned valve/ valve seat)??
Would need more details: engine running rough??
Unfortunately someone will likely buy this 80 without coming to the forum for help and then end up spending $$$ to complete all the deferred maintenance.
As mentioned previously, looks like someone dolled this 80 up for a quick flip/profit.
FWIW
Main advantage IMO is that it appears to be rust free.
Main disadvantage is the price.
Definitely had the undercarriaged and engine washed off.
Appears to have new FIPG between the valve cover and the top of the half moons (but not all around?) so maybe the valve cover has been replaced at some point and the half moons were left in place.
Looks like a relatively newish OEM radiator.
New hoses/hoses clamps around the heat control valve but the valve itself
doesn't look very new??
Throttle cable rubber coating is peeling, very common.
Signs of previous oil leaks (ie: check distributor and valve cover closely) so would want to know if all the usual leaks have been fixed (valve cover, distributor O-ring, oil pump cover gasket, ----).
Signifcant build up of grime around steering knuckles (already mentioned) that was not all cleaned off indicating chronic leaks. Transmission mounts do look a bit funky (magnified photo), coated in thick grime or ??
All the above IMHO/IME are what's often found on any 80 with 270,000 miles that needs catching up on it's preventive maintenence, but not one selling for $30,000.
The comment about a bad "valve seal" on #4 cylinder is the most concerning, does this mean that the valves are not sealing on one cylinder (burned valve/ valve seat)??
Would need more details: engine running rough??
Unfortunately someone will likely buy this 80 without coming to the forum for help and then end up spending $$$ to complete all the deferred maintenance.
As mentioned previously, looks like someone dolled this 80 up for a quick flip/profit.
FWIW
I have a rust free 97 in Michigan with 240k on it and just put 20k of work and mods into it....you can have it for 25k 
Sorry that's not a 30k truck, it's your money though good luck with it.
Sorry that's not a 30k truck, it's your money though good luck with it.
The sealer on the moons is definitely original.
Clean rig but def not worth 30K IMO. Smart move to pass on that one.
