Should I panic buy this FJ45?

[LegoCruiser]

So I have never owned a Land Cruiser before, driven a few in the distant past and I now have the time and space to own one. I've been looking around for a while at various 70s but have always deep down wanted to own a 40 series (or a 70 too). Now is my chance! This rather Aussie looking beast from 1982 is for sale locally and I wondered what the members have for advice about it.

The price seems reasonable (just over 6000 GBP) but I have a few nagging thoughts - based on the photos only (I have yet to see it in person):
1. Overall it looks OK in terms of chassis and bodywork. But there is a worrying amount of rust in the tray under the carpet (probably a bad idea to keep a carpet in the back!). If it is rotted badly is that a difficult thing to fix?
2. It has an LPG system installed - not used by the current owner. I have no experience of those so have no idea if that could be a problem for engine wear over and above when running on petrol?
3. The trip and mileage counters apparently no longer work - is that a big no no? Or simply something to fix and not worry about?
4. It's spent most of it's life in Australia - hence the gigantic bull bars - so presumably the chassis is OK. The current owner says it is and has treated it with something to protect it (not sure what) but could that be covering up a multitude of sins? I can go round tapping it but the rust on the tray back suggests rust is a problem,

5. Any thing that I should really pay attention to when I go to see it?

Some basic info. 1982 FJ45 (ID number given FJ45314143 - that presumably isn't the chassis number). 4.2 litre petrol. Imported 2001, since then 4 owners. It passed it's last road-worthy/MOT in May 2018. Mileage given then 275485 km. Registered for 6 passengers.

I really appreciate any advice on this - it would be a dream come true to own one - I'd just like to get one in reasonable condition that doesn't need major work from the get go!

Some photos:

 

[LegoCruiser]

Some more photos - location of underside pics unknown to my inexpert eye:

 

[Shayne]

I reckon your lucky to find a project 40 so whole and complete for that price myself , looks honest rather than dressed up with filler hiding the worst to .

 

[Rodger]

Overall it looks pretty good.

The underside protective coating looks to be in reasonable condition with only a few areas that need to be touched up - make sure you find out what it was treated with. The body to chassis mounts are not compressed so it has probably not been abused (carrying too much weight, etc) in its earlier life. And the wing and body mounts look good - little surface rust but no real rot and they are not full of age-old mud.
I don't know about the LPG system.

The rust under the carpet looks like a good treatment of rust preventative would cure it as the underside shows no holes etc in the little we can see, so it's time consuming job probably without the need for any welding.

The bits that need special attention when you visit are:
The front wings a/ where the paint is off on the top - could have been a brake fluid spill and that will need attention b/ the patch at the bottom of the wing (near the step) as there appears to be a rust patch.
On each side the brown patches (rust?) need looking into but if the inner wing shots are anything to go buy these are surface/paint problems.

Check the bottoms of the doors for swelling/decay/rust.
Check the rear doors and the rear body cross member for rot.
Check where the windscreen surround joins the cowl for traces of rust.
Check inside the front valence for rot.

The chassis looks fine but check for cracks where it curves over the front axle as that is the only real point of weakness but, from the photos, that shouldn't be a problem (they really do have to have had some abuse for it to crack)

2F engines are sound but are thirsty (15-17mpg) and that number is the VIN number. Put it into www.toyodiy and with the letters added you'll find the specification.

Speedo not working sounds like the cable needs either replacing or fitting correctly (can be awkward and not seat if the gearbox end is still attached when fitting to the cable to the head). 275000kms - it's just run in! But do do the normal engine transmission checks. Make sure the 4x4 and hi/lo range work and the front hubs lock/unlock.

Overall it does look complete. original (except the seats) and relatively problem free and the price is a bargain as Troopies are few and far between. Most of us with 40s started with far worse than this looks.
But remember they do need looking after. Parts are available although some take a bit of finding and if you cannot do the work on it there are various specialists throughout the UK. several of whom are on this forum.

Finally remember that 40s have the biggest grin factor of any LC. It isn't like driving a modern car.

Hope that helps.

Regards,

Rodger

 

[Jacob100]

I saw that listed on a Swedish web site - is that where you came across it?

 

[LegoCruiser]

Overall it looks pretty good.

The underside protective coating looks to be in reasonable condition with only a few areas that need to be touched up - make sure you find out what it was treated with. The body to chassis mounts are not compressed so it has probably not been abused (carrying too much weight, etc) in its earlier life. And the wing and body mounts look good - little surface rust but no real rot and they are not full of age-old mud.
I don't know about the LPG system.

The rust under the carpet looks like a good treatment of rust preventative would cure it as the underside shows no holes etc in the little we can see, so it's time consuming job probably without the need for any welding.

The bits that need special attention when you visit are:
The front wings a/ where the paint is off on the top - could have been a brake fluid spill and that will need attention b/ the patch at the bottom of the wing (near the step) as there appears to be a rust patch.
On each side the brown patches (rust?) need looking into but if the inner wing shots are anything to go buy these are surface/paint problems.

Check the bottoms of the doors for swelling/decay/rust.
Check the rear doors and the rear body cross member for rot.
Check where the windscreen surround joins the cowl for traces of rust.
Check inside the front valence for rot.

The chassis looks fine but check for cracks where it curves over the front axle as that is the only real point of weakness but, from the photos, that shouldn't be a problem (they really do have to have had some abuse for it to crack)

2F engines are sound but are thirsty (15-17mpg) and that number is the VIN number. Put it into www.toyodiy and with the letters added you'll find the specification.

Speedo not working sounds like the cable needs either replacing or fitting correctly (can be awkward and not seat if the gearbox end is still attached when fitting to the cable to the head). 275000kms - it's just run in! But do do the normal engine transmission checks. Make sure the 4x4 and hi/lo range work and the front hubs lock/unlock.

Overall it does look complete. original (except the seats) and relatively problem free and the price is a bargain as Troopies are few and far between. Most of us with 40s started with far worse than this looks.
But remember they do need looking after. Parts are available although some take a bit of finding and if you cannot do the work on it there are various specialists throughout the UK. several of whom are on this forum.

Finally remember that 40s have the biggest grin factor of any LC. It isn't like driving a modern car.

Hope that helps.

Regards,

Rodger

Many thanks Rodger for that extensive information. Good to hear too that your view and Shayne's is that it looks OK from the photos at least. I think I can check most of the things you mentioned but I'm not sure how to check that the front hubs lock and unlock. I did have an old series 3 land rover with free wheeling hubs and remember how to engage and disengage them (assuming it's the same kind of thing). But how can i check they are actually engaged without some kind of slippery surface to drive on?

Fingers crossed I can view it soon!

 

[LegoCruiser]

I saw that listed on a Swedish web site - is that where you came across it?

yes that's right - not too many older land cruisers here, a few high mileage 200s!

 

[Jacob100]

yes that's right - not too many older land cruisers here, a few high mileage 200s!

Even more reason to snap it up.

The only thing cooler than a 40 Series is a LWB 40 Series.

I have family over there so I have a little look from time to time and like you say there aren’t many older ones popping up but when they do they’re generally quite interesting and the prices are a lot more relaxed compared to mainland Europe.

As I understand it the LPG system - whatever state it’s in - won’t be of much use in Sweden. Why gas hasn’t taken off in an expensive country full of old petrols has always puzzled me.

On the other hand, think of all the money you’ll save on road tax - and do it now while the Saudis are still feuding.

 

[LegoCruiser]

Even more reason to snap it up.

The only thing cooler than a 40 Series is a LWB 40 Series.

I have family over there so I have a little look from time to time and like you say there aren’t many older ones popping up but when they do they’re generally quite interesting and the prices are a lot more relaxed compared to mainland Europe.

As I understand it the LPG system - whatever state it’s in - won’t be of much use in Sweden. Why gas hasn’t taken off in an expensive country full of old petrols has always puzzled me.

On the other hand, think of all the money you’ll save on road tax - and do it now while the Saudis are still feuding.

Yes that's my impression too - choice is limited but they do seem to be in quite good condition and not too bad a price. This 70 popped up today but it's not going to fit the family (of 4) and it's too expensive - but it looks pretty neat!
https://www.blocket.se/annons/skane/toyota_land_cruiser_3_4_bj75_4x4_90hk/88935767

That dealership seems to have a regular supply of tan coloured 70s so I am not sure where they are sourcing them.

The LWB 40s are lovely I agree - my dream is to carry out some kind of overland trip in one....I'll need to buy one first though!

I've been looking a bit into LPG here - it's called gasol and while some garages stock cylinders for BBQs and such like, it's not clear to me yet if they refill vehicle tanks. It seems from your answer they don't which would be a shame. The price of petrol/diesel isn't too bad I think - currently 12,88kr per liter at my local, which is around 1.08 GBP - not sure how that compares to prices in the UK....

 

[Tel Boy]

but I'm not sure how to check that the front hubs lock and unlock.

Here's one way to check - Put the transfer lever in 2H. ​

You will need to jack up one front wheel at a time. Turn the hub centre as far to the right as it will go, lining up with "Lock". Spin the wheel, if there is a click and the front drive shaft spins then the hub is engaged OK. Everything should feel smooth and quiet, nothing should catch, grind or rumble, no roughness.

Now turn the hub centre to the left as far as it will go, lining up with "Unlock". Spin the wheel again, this time the front drive shaft should not move.
Now do the same on the other side.
If it all happens as described then the hubs are fine.​

Then check you have drive to the front from the transfer box. While you still have one wheel in the air put the transfer lever in 4H or 4L. With the hub locked you should not be able to spin the wheel.

Hope you don't find any horrors when you check it over, that looks the most interesting truck I've seen in a long time.

 

[Jacob100]

Apparently this guy bought a clocked 80 from the same dealer that he is now trying to shift with all the cards on the table. According to another forum he’s not the only one who’s had a bad experience with them.

https://www.blocket.se/annons/goteborg/toyota_land_cruiser_hdj80/88579451

I had a V8 4x4 a few years ago. When I looked into going over there none of the petrol station chains offered LPG. There were some specialist country stores/Calor gas centres where you could fill up your car but they were so few and far between that it would have been completely unrealistic to do the journey on gas and a 20l petrol tank.

 

[Rodger]

Hi Legocruiser,

Do the hub check exactly as Tel Boy has described above.

Regards,

Rodger

 

[Rodger]

Hi Legocruiser,

Do the hub check exactly as Tel Boy has described above.

Regards,

Rodger

 

[tonytoyota]

Hi I think it is time to panic buy buy. .we need more 40.

 

[Iwan]

Hi I think it is time to panic buy buy. .we need more 40.

Thats right Tony!... If I had decided to buy it and then somebody else bought the 45 then I'd be panicking! Lol!

 

[LegoCruiser]

Here's one way to check....​

​

That's excellent - many thanks for the instructions! Hopefully going tomorrow to see it...

 

[LegoCruiser]

Thats right Tony!... If I had decided to buy it and then somebody else bought the 45 then I'd be panicking! Lol!

Thanks guys that's really calming my nerves!!

 

[LegoCruiser]

Apparently this guy bought a clocked 80 from the same dealer that he is now trying to shift with all the cards on the table. According to another forum he’s not the only one who’s had a bad experience with them.

https://www.blocket.se/annons/goteborg/toyota_land_cruiser_hdj80/88579451

Wow that's interesting - I guess that's why "svensksåld" (swedish sold) is a thing here - importing a vehicle is an opportunity to turn back the clock as no records are kept pre-import. I imported a van to Sweden last year and the records in the Swedish register don't show any mileage prior to the import.

I had a V8 4x4 a few years ago. When I looked into going over there none of the petrol station chains offered LPG. There were some specialist country stores/Calor gas centres where you could fill up your car but they were so few and far between that it would have been completely unrealistic to do the journey on gas and a 20l petrol tank.

If I do make the purchase I'll look into this LPG option more closely - I'll post info I do in case any one's interested.

 

[Rodger]

From the photos the overall condition of the truck does not suggest that it has had another million miles stuck on it. These trucks were built to last.
Aussie LCs are 12 volt but that will not present a problem for parts. For the rest of the world they were mostly 24 volt but as over 10% of all LCs went to Oz, it's not a problem.
Let us know how you get on after your visit.

Regards,
Rodger

 

[LegoCruiser]

Quick question. Am looking at the vehicle now some serious layers of filler? On the body work. Is that normal? Decals are on top of them so seem old. Photos not uploading but it’s almost visible on the side of the vehicle shits above. Worried now!