What should I be looking for?

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Mad Jack

Mad Jack

Joined
Jan 2, 2005
Threads
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458
Location
Cape Cod
I am going to look at a 60 sometime after the holiday. Never had one before so I am not overly fimiliar with them. Its an 87, what kinds of things should I be look for, both good and bad? I have always had mini's so this is a change :).

John
 
You've had mini's so i'm sure your aware of rust issues.
 
so obviously rust is a big deal... even small bubbles on the rear wheel wells, door sills, rear gate... all of these will get ugly fast.

the rear main will most likely leak. just a question of how much.

i would pay attention to the knuckles. take a look to see if there is chunky gunk on them or more oily gunk. if its more oily i would say the axles seals are blown. you should prolly plan on a rebuild anyway.

overheating... that is a big issue. check the radiator to see how old it is, check the overflow bottle to see what the fluid looks like... drive it on the highway then in traffic, see if it heats up... check the operation of the fan clutch.

then, the head gasket, obvious but give it a good looksie...

thats all i can think of
 
Thanks peepers! I am told the radiator is a year old. If all looks good, I am planning to go electric with the cooling fan in the spring sometime. Reading lots on the ford converstions either the taurs(sho) or the contour, haven't decided. I will look at the axle you stated if it looks more greasy there is likely leakage, if its chucky it could be ok for a bit? at least get me through the winter? I will also do a compression test, but don't have a leak down tester. So I'll only really get a look at the rings from it or major leaks. Do the head gaskets leak exterior or more commonly interior which will be harder to check. The engine has a bunch of miles on it, but I'm told its clean. Hopefully getting a peak at it later this week, early next week.

Oh yeah, the next thing I need to do is join yankee toys. Been putting it off too long. I'm a tlca member but not with yankeetoys. I've been one of those quiet background people for a bunch of years, could be time to get a little active if this works out I think :)
 
Just a follow up...I finally got to go see this truck last night. The body was great! Very little rust, but I guess all the rust was enjoying eating the frame too much. There were 2 major holes right by the front rear spring hanger. One side was huge the other was beginning but very thin. Needless to say, I did not come home with an FJ60..... :(
 
very smart of you to walk away from it. the body was probobly repainted some time ago. how much are you looking to spend? my friend would sell his 60...

EFI conversion
CCOT suspension
33" Goodyear MTRs on black steel wheels
stainless brakes lines
Lockright no Slip lockers http://www.powertrax.com/noslip.htm
any rust on frame taken care of - the right way

really is a good truck. if i were looking for a 60 i would but it in a heartbeat. he probobly has over $15k into it (including his purchase price). again, if you dont mind me asking how much are you looking to spend?
 
Well, peepers, what I am willing to spend is a very,very tough question. It really depended on condition, year and a host of other things. I guess I am willing to spend exactly what I think is reasonable to spend on a given vechile. On something that is 20+ years old, reasonable is an interesting topic. Not exactly a dollar figure I know and apologize for that, but its the only way to describe it. Does your friend have it listed here? or is there a place to view pictures or even see it?
 
its not listed here. he might be out of town but let me give him a call. i can take the pics needed. are you far from somerville, ma?
 
Call Denzil at DeSouza's automotive on 3A south of Plymouth Center. He might have one or know someone locally.

Also, I have a friend here in Duxbury that is planning on selling his 60 this spring. He'd sell it today but it's in VT. He's also got an immaculate 40 and is restoring a 55 so he definitely takes care of his rides. Let me know your price range and I'll contact him.

I have a 55 on the way and also a 45 pickup (both dual fuel) that should be here by April if you're not 100% set on getting a 60. Just trying to confuse your search.
 
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The Duxbury guy is taking pics of his 62 this weekend. Says it's a cali cruiser. Rebuilt tranny. 250K mi. Looking for $5500. He has the $$$$$ to keep his trucks in top shape. I bet $5500 will be a steal
 
Desouza's is diagonally across the street from the Rover guy behind a marine repair/ supply place. The Rover place is Reimmels (probably the best in NE for Rover repair)
 
ok, I know where it is, maybe take a ride there later today then. The rover place is always packed, they must be good :)
 
I had a 109 once and it 2 weeks to get an appointment for a 1 hour fix. They are WAY cheaper than the dealerships so everyone south of boston takes their rovers there.

Denzil is a great guy at desouza's.
 
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