I have been looking for an fj40 rig. this guy contacted me (unsolicited) and offered to me this rig for 9k in June. kept emailing and such, but I was not really into it. He emaled me more and more to atleast come see it for myself. so, he finaly got me to go check it out and drive it as it is close to me (so, what the heck). At the same time, he put it on the web for 12k OBO! So, I go see it and all of the sudden, the 9k price is out the window!!!! he wanted 10k on the spot knowing 12k is high - but 9k is what he said in the email!! Well, a few days later, he said 9.5k firm and has been really nickle & diming me on top of that (wants me to pay the $10 smog cert fee for example - whatever). I have walked at this point as it seems high (and he told me 9k from the beginning and is toying with me) as I have seen others with more to offer (newer rebuilt parts, lower miles, substantial mods, nice extras, etc.) for similar for less money, but generally older model years.

SO, I could be wrong and want your thoughts about the price of 9.5k. here is the descriptoin and some photos. nice rig, nothing really stands out or is really wrong, but it is a 'nice' rig.:

*
·* April 1979 Production Date
·* 84,085 miles on 2F stock motor
·* Stock Power Steering
·* Stock Front Disc Brakes
·* Valve job last 150 miles
·* Passes California emissions
·* New water pump
·* 33x12.5 MTR’s on American Steel Wheels
·* Stock rims included with tires
·* Besttop Bikini top
·* Full Besttop softtop with soft doors
·* Complete original hardtop included
·* Ambulance doors and full side doors
·* Rear custom tailgate
·* 2 inch spring lift
·* Rear lockrite locker
·* Tuffy center console
·* CB
·* Bucket seats
·* Hi lift jack-loc holder

I am offering up for sale this 1979 FJ40.* It runs nicely, passed CA emissions a month ago and recently had a valve job.* The engine is running great.* It is not set up for anything specific yet, a 2 inch spring lift to fit the 33’s, a lockrite rear locker for some milder trails so it is ready to take whatever direction someone wants to take it.* I have the original hardtop, ambulance and side doors which are in excellent condition.* The interior is not all stock, but does have the rear heater.* There are aftermarket bucket seats and one has a tear in it, but with seat covers you never see it.* The seats are comfortable, have 4 inch lap belts and are separated by a Tuffy console that currently houses a stereo, which is pretty lame.* The Tuffy console is fine.* It is the radio that is lame, but easily upgraded.

This is a classic Southern California cruiser that does not need a “frame” off restoration.* It is in that state where you can make it a head turning mall crawler, a rock solid trail rig, your daily driver, weekend warrior to the beach, or turn it into the next competition rock buggy.* I bought this one, just because of that.* Unfortunately at the same time, my wife spotted an RV and since I have another FJ40, “we” decided to get the motorhome, so one of the FJ40’s has to go.* The previous owner was a lady that used it primarily as a daily driver, so forgive the purple lapbelts, they can be changed as well, or not depending on your personal preferences.

The only rust issues I can find are cancer bubbles on the right and left rear quarter panel, see on picture included, and the front bib.* I will include an original and most excellent front bib from another 1979 cruiser.* I just have not replaced it yet.* It requires removing 8 bolts.* I am trying to ensure full disclosure of the status of the vehicle to the best of my knowledge and welcome any questions or clarifications. It also has a star crack in the front windshield on passengers side.

Ok, so it is not fully restored or completely stock, but it is a solid 1979 FJ40. I am asking $12K OBO, so let's make a deal*

http://northcoastbni.com/images/fj/79_FJ40_2.sized.jpg http://northcoastbni.com/images/fj/79_FJ40_5.sized.jpg http://northcoastbni.com/images/fj/79_FJ40_7.sized.jpg http://northcoastbni.com/images/fj/79_FJ40_91.sized.jpg http://northcoastbni.com/images/fj/79_FJ40_94.sized.jpg http://northcoastbni.com/images/fj/79_FJ40_95.sized.jpg

Yeah, I think it is worth $9500. Buy it.

that rig looks familiar. i think it was on a trail run report last year. does it belong to one of the trail crew guys?

looks like it's got some rust issues at the rear of the tub, but besides that i really don't see anything wrong with it. price seems about right for it.

i do not know who/what are "the trail crew guys" are. so I cannot say.

yes, rust in the rear of tub and on front bib (but has a new/old bib to replace it). I would cut out the cancer rust for sure.

That rust bubble would give me cause for concern. Looks like it's bubbling up bondo. Cancer could be severe

Don't know about you guys, but that price seems insane to me.

there's a 79 BJ42 - 95% restored here in BC Canada for $4500 CANADIAN (so like $1.50 USD)

details:

Unfinished 79 BJ40

1979 LandCruiser BJ40 diesel 4spd
Restoration almost complete...95% ...
painted in and out (beige). Still needs one door panel
and taillights (Dan Martz has both ...)
It is smoking white after 2 years of restoration...
(not loosing coolant or overheating....fuel or injectors ?...)
Newer batteries ,hoses,rad, water pump ,32" MTs,
seat upholestry... Starts and runs great.
We just had a baby and I work 24/7 and have other
project vehicles to work on as well...not enough time...
It cost me roughly $4500 plus my labour.
$4500 firm.
(Also ....whoever buys it has an option to buy my wife's
89 Accord EXI loaded...for$1000firm)(just bought an SUV)
Pics of cruiser available .

link: http://bb.bc4x4.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=76246

you should see the front bib. there is a piece that is falling off - but in all fairness, he has a spare bib for it.

does it belong to one of the trail crew guys?
dont think so

I got to reading my emails from him and he also states that "The only real change from stock are the upgraded seats and new leaf springs, since the stock Toyota ones always end up sagging." - yet, that leaf spring upgrade is not mentioned in his want ad above NOR did he say it when I was actaully at his house and when I got under the truck, they did not look new to me and truck still seems to sag and lean back a bit (or os that normal?). Point is, I wonder if that was yet additional BS?

doesnt look like its leaning to bad to me? youll allways have the "cruiser lean"

doesnt look like its leaning to bad to me? youll allways have the "cruiser lean"

I meant that more from the fact that he says he made an upgrade of the leaf springs (which does not seem to be true) which he implies was to correct the "sag" (which it still seems to have - other photos I have are more telling of it). Point is, it just seems not to be true that the leaf springs were upgraded.

are you looking for a stock cruiser or a built rig?

For $9,500 I wouldn't expect to be fixing a rusty rear channel right after I bought the truck. Looks like a solid rig otherwise, but that's on the high side IMHO.

I think somewhere around $7,000 is more reasonable.

I'd lift all of those mats, I'd look at the backside of that rear channel.

Why is the bib rusting? Couldn't be a 100% California truck, unless it spent it's winters up in the sierra.

Look at the frame as well.

I wouldn't personally pay that much for that cruise but I'm not suprised at the price. I live in California. I look for cruisers almost daily and see many cruisers priced far differently than comparable ones. Check out craigslist.org for some competative pricing. BTW I have no ties to this org. just a fan.

http://www.craigslist.org/eby/car/84134207.html

http://www.craigslist.org/pen/car/83629271.html

http://www.craigslist.org/eby/car/83579674.html

http://www.craigslist.org/eby/car/83173746.html

Not worth half of that! IF you pay that much for that cruiser I guess the saying by David Hannum "a sucker is born every minute" is factual. :p

Why is the bib rusting? Couldn't be a 100% California truck, unless it spent it's winters up in the sierra..

good points!

I wouldn't personally pay that much for that cruise but I'm not suprised at the price. I live in California. I look for cruisers almost daily and see many cruisers priced far differently than comparable ones. Check out craigslist.org for some competative pricing. BTW I have no ties to this org. just a fan.

same here. I look everyday!!! I also see a wide range in prices for similar rigs - which is why this one seemed wrong to me and why I told the guy - several times - (back in June) that I was not interested. He kept pestering, I decided no loss ot me to go look and drive it. but, then it got al weird as you can read.

BTW, I look at craiglist daily (I even have a want ad on it in the SD area). big fan of that site.

are you looking for a stock cruiser or a built rig?

built up rig - like the extras. If you use this as an idea or what I am looking for as far as look, but I like it a bit more built up. I have this want ad posted here on the forum: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=370327

if you're this unsure about buying it, walk away. with patience you will find the cruiser you want.

for 9500 id make sure it was something i want. if you have any reservations (and it sounds like you do) walk away or offer him a redicules (sp?) low price for it.. (4500.00) if he gets offended oh well. if he drops a couple grand off then cool. but dont buy it unless its such a good smokin deal that its too good to pass up. if your walking away then offer him ALOT less.. or just walk away.. your rig is out there. just have to keep searching... good luck

chris :cool2:

for 9500 id make sure it was something i want. if you have any reservations (and it sounds like you do) walk away or offer him a redicules (sp?) low price for it.. (4500.00) if he gets offended oh well. if he drops a couple grand off then cool. but dont buy it unless its such a good smokin deal that its too good to pass up. if your walking away then offer him ALOT less.. or just walk away.. your rig is out there. just have to keep searching... good luck

chris :cool2:

I feel you. that is why I walked. From the beginning I felt odd about it and it seems others have a similar feeling. and, since I am a novice, I wanted to determine if I was way off or he was working me. I am getting a pretty clear sense of which is which now.

BTW, I have a post on the Christians board under the Wanted To Buy section also.

BTW, I have a post on the Christians board under the Wanted To Buy section also.

you mean you have a post on EVERY board... :D you should stop by the Christian board from time to time. good group of people to wheel with.. some of us are pretty hard core but most are light/moderate trail rigs. VERY family oriented (sp?)...

hope you find your rig soon... make sure to post on the Christian board when you do... good luck


chris :cool2:

for 10k i got a built 40 with a new crate 350 with efi premier power welder alum radiator turbo400 3.64 tcase ff with detriot in rear electric locker in front disc brakes on all 4 no rust hard top soft top bikini top leather seats all done right so just keep shopping and youll find what you want

you mean you have a post on EVERY board... :D you should stop by the Christian board from time to time. good group of people to wheel with.. some of us are pretty hard core but most are light/moderate trail rigs. VERY family oriented (sp?)...

hope you find your rig soon... make sure to post on the Christian board when you do... good luck

chris :cool2:

No, I only have a post on about 32 different boards - I suspect there a few I have missed :) (just kidding - but I do try to cover my bases). I do use that board, but notmuch for sale activity to be honest. But, in an effort to educate myself, I read a lot.

for 10k i got a built 40 with a new crate 350 with efi premier power welder alum radiator turbo400 3.64 tcase ff with detriot in rear electric locker in front disc brakes on all 4 no rust hard top soft top bikini top leather seats all done right so just keep shopping and youll find what you want

did you find that local in Burbank? yeah, keep shopping seems to be the consensus. I am not far from you down in SD, let me know if you see something.. I look up in the LA area as well.