Are these classics or on the way?

"Deputy Kovacs" (grandbudapest) 10/08/2013 at 13:41 • Filed to: None

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Or is it just me? I've always had a thing for the FJ80 land cruisers. Maybe I'll buy one after school but finding one without rust is challenging. I'm digging !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! quite a bit....

HammerheadFistpunch > Deputy Kovacs 10/08/2013 at 13:45

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Just bought one this summer. There are at least 3 or 4 other people on here with 80's here is mine.

They will be classics because they will survive.

Its a good time to buy, if you are too picky about lockers you can get them for about $3000-$8000. Got mine with lockers for $6500

Someone Else's Projects > Deputy Kovacs 10/08/2013 at 13:48

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Definitely classics in the way that W123 diesels are, overengineered brick shithouses. In the same way, they will be nearly impossible to find in a condition other than beat to rust.

HammerheadFistpunch > Deputy Kovacs 10/08/2013 at 13:49

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The one listed is in good shape, but overpriced for no lockers. mine is in nearly as good of shape, with the same mileage and for the same price with lockers. With that mileage you will want to be looking around $5000. Ask me all the questions you want, I just went through this whole thing and I know what to look for.

HammerheadFistpunch > Someone Else's Projects 10/08/2013 at 13:50

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untrue, I found several that I liked including the one I bought with zero rust and 100% working condition. There are plenty to find that are even sub 100k if you are willing to pay.

PatBateman > HammerheadFistpunch 10/08/2013 at 13:54

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Sub 100k... You're talking about mileage, right? Not dollars?

TheOnelectronic > Deputy Kovacs 10/08/2013 at 13:57

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I would say so. They're very nearly the perfect offroad daily driver below the really high-end models (RR, H1, etc...)

HammerheadFistpunch > PatBateman 10/08/2013 at 14:00

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yes, obviously, since the most expensive 80 I've seen for sale was around $12500 for a 67k mile single owner vehicle.

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > Deputy Kovacs 10/08/2013 at 14:04

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I'm keeping mine forever. Hope it becomes a classic!

HammerheadFistpunch > TheOnelectronic 10/08/2013 at 14:04

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unless you live at altitude and need to to have any semblance of power...then you buy the 100 series. (or supercharge it)

BJ > Deputy Kovacs 10/08/2013 at 14:06

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Oh God, I've had such bad Disco Fever lately and this doesn't help because I'd go this direction real quick if I could find a nice one here in Canada (which is next to impossible).

AAAAARRRRGGGH!

dieselwagon > Deputy Kovacs 10/08/2013 at 14:07

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Already classics, because they're legendary vehicles. LC80's are still at a premium in the UK.
There's a 1995, 4.2 TD, Manual with 150k on it (pretty high here), $8000. Which I guess isn't that bad, but you could get a 2000 Prado (LC90/J90), manual with a 3.0 TD, less mileage for the same money.

Compare that to the $1500 you'd be lucky to get for a 1995 Land Rover Discovery. Or the $400 scrap value you'd get for a 1995 Mitsubishi Shogun/Pajero.

PatBateman > HammerheadFistpunch 10/08/2013 at 14:10

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All I thought about was the Icon FJ-40 when you said that.

TheKingOfBirds > HammerheadFistpunch 10/08/2013 at 14:12

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I'd love to have one but I think the mileage would eat me alive. Whatdo you get?

TheOnelectronic > HammerheadFistpunch 10/08/2013 at 14:12

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Fair point. My previous-gen tacoma was terrible at altitude once loaded down with tires, armor, etc...

I had to turn back, because it legitimately could not make it across I-70 past Denver. Ended up supercharging it.

HammerheadFistpunch > TheKingOfBirds 10/08/2013 at 14:16

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City, or highway? Driven hard or easy? big tires or small?

13

I once saw 15.5 and I've seen as low as 12. I can rail on it and get 12.8 or take it easy and get 13.3....you are going to get 13, that's just the way it is. Yeah it sucks to fill up, but like I told my wife, I could have bought a tacoma for 5x as much, but the price difference sure buys a lot of gas.

HammerheadFistpunch > TheOnelectronic 10/08/2013 at 14:19

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I drove mine over gardsmans pass (9000 feet) with 5 people and a 2500 lbs trailer and I could max out at about 30 on the steep stuff and 40 on the not as steep stuff.

Granted gardsmans is very steep and the speed limit is 15 anyway.

I just pulled a 5500 lbs boat out of the water at 6000 feet and pulled it on the highway for a mile or two. I think I got up to 45.

I can't even imagine trying to pull GVWR on the older FJ80's with the 3f engine at altitude...you literally couldn't do 50 tops im sure.

TheOnelectronic > HammerheadFistpunch 10/08/2013 at 14:21

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I think I was hampered mainly by weight. I've got a fair amount of steel armor on the truck, as well as significantly heavy 4-ply off road tires. I wasn't able to keep up with traffic on the ascents, which was enough to warrant going around. Due to my route, it was actually shorter, if less interesting.

HammerheadFistpunch > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 10/08/2013 at 14:23

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I told my wife the other day that I have no intention of selling mine ever. I might buy another car, but this one is for life...unless I find a diesel converted one for a good price...then I would keep that one forever. Not looking forward to the inevitable engine rebuild though (probable 20-50k miles away)

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > HammerheadFistpunch 10/08/2013 at 14:32

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Yeah I'm planning my engine swap for the winter of 2014. Just have to nurse my 260k engine until then and somehow manage to get her from the east coast back to CA.

My power steering starting having issues this week. Lots of moaning with the engine cold. Popped open the reservoir yesterday when I got home. Fluid is burnt and low. Hopefully a flush this weekend will do the trick.

speaking of longevity, are you putting any coating on the bottom side for the winter?

HammerheadFistpunch > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 10/08/2013 at 14:45

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engine swap? did they get the cummins kit sorted? Also...as far as bottom coat, I've thought about it, but not sure what I would use. Any suggestions?

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > HammerheadFistpunch 10/08/2013 at 15:00

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No still waiting on Jonsey for their 6BT kit. If its not ready in time (or more realistically never release one) I will do a SBC. I want more power than this 4.5 will put out.

As for rust proofing, I did a bunch of research and landed on fluid film . I never intended to keep my cruiser on the east coast as long as I have so I think I will try this this season. Seems like a better product than the really heavy rubberized sealants other people use.

mjswee > TheKingOfBirds 10/08/2013 at 15:04

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I had a 1993 and would get roughly 5 mpg driving strictly city (like only 2-5 miles at a time, so not an ideal situation for gas mileage). In my 1994 I currently have, I'm seeing around 13 mpg on mixed highway and city with a few ups and downs on hills. My 1994 runs a lot better than the 1993 I had, despite 50k more miles.

Deputy Kovacs > HammerheadFistpunch 10/08/2013 at 15:05

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I saw your post about the trip back from Park City a few days back and that's what sent me into this nostalgic state. Love your 80.

Deputy Kovacs > HammerheadFistpunch 10/08/2013 at 15:06

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Where have you found those? Cars.com or autotrader?

HammerheadFistpunch > Deputy Kovacs 10/08/2013 at 15:08

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if you aren't looking on I8hmud.com you aren't looking properly...

Deputy Kovacs > HammerheadFistpunch 10/08/2013 at 15:09

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I knew I wasn't looking properly.

TheKingOfBirds > mjswee 10/08/2013 at 15:09

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Yeah, can't afford that right now. A mid '80s Hilux 22r is probably the closest I'll be able to get.

HammerheadFistpunch > Deputy Kovacs 10/08/2013 at 15:17

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btw, things to consider.

if the head gasket has been done thats a huge plus you should also ask about the PHH (pesky heater hose) and radiator. if the owner has been good about keeping the right coolant in it and changing it frequently the radiator isn't going to be a problem, but if not you will need a new one...like I did. Also, ask for picture of the steering knuckle and look for leaks (caked on grease is a good sign, leaky oil is a bad sign) ask about birfield service and transmission service too. The A343 in the newer models is pretty durable, but like anything if its been neglected it will need some attention. Those are the biggies. Also, depending on whether or not you want lockers, factor in about $1000 either way you side.

HammerheadFistpunch > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 10/08/2013 at 15:20

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is fluid film like that crazy hydrophobic rustolium deal or is it just like a clear coat of paint?

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > Deputy Kovacs 10/08/2013 at 15:23

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Don't worry about rust, just get a well-maintained example even if it has rust and beat the shit out of it.

Deputy Kovacs > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney 10/08/2013 at 15:27

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I don't think well-maintained and beat the shit out of it go together...

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > Deputy Kovacs 10/08/2013 at 15:38

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Beat the shit out of it metaphorically. Continue to keep it mechanically maintained, see if you can't do something about the rust (junkyard fenders, etc.), but drive the everyloving crap out of it. They're 15-20 years old by this point and won't be cosmetically perfect anyway.

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > HammerheadFistpunch 10/08/2013 at 15:55

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"FLUID FILM is formulated from specially processed wool-wax, highly refined petroleum oils and selected agents to provide corrosion control." From what I can tell its kinda like WD-40 except it sticks around longer by being a little more waxy. They sell it by the gallon and in aerosol cans.

There seems to be two routes for rust proofing. One is a rubberized thick tough coating that doesn't come off very easily - eastwood makes something like this. The other way is essentially covering the whole bottom of your car with a harder core version of WD-40 that you apply every year. Fluid film is the later and seems more my speed.

Satish Kondapavulur > Deputy Kovacs 10/08/2013 at 15:58

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Definitely. They'll end up becoming what Wagoneers are like now.

Brodieman > Deputy Kovacs 10/08/2013 at 16:23

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I own a 1996 with Lockers I got 3 years ago with 171k from the original owner. Make sure if you're looking for one that will be more valuable down the line that it has the Locking Diffs. It wasn't a popular option so it's still rather rare.

Also, as with any car get the service history, since they're built like tanks some of the needed PMS get ignored since "it's still running fine", until suddenly your axles are leaking, your head gasket blows and your brakes are toast. Keep on top of it and it'll keep you running throughout the zombie apocalypse.

GRawesome > Deputy Kovacs 10/08/2013 at 18:10

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I would say "on the way" but almost there. They are still a few years out from becoming classics, 40's and 60's are definitely in classic territory and the 80's are almost there. My opinion on a classic is - would someone put this in a collection or would someone pay big $ for a fully restored example. And I don't see anyone doing that for an 80 just yet.

That being said, I'd still love to own an 80 (and a 60) to go with my 40. Maybe someday soon, but with the prices of the 60's going up I may have to get an 80 first. Still some good deals on 80's to be had.