Quest for the Land Cruiser

[derogate]

Hey guys, I'm lookin at buying an older land cruiser in auburn, and I've spent the last few hours researching getting across the border and whatnot. things are looking good, save for a few small details.

 

.I havn't seen the truck in person yet, only 3 pictures. They guy says there is some rust on it, but from the pictures he sent me, its nowhere on the body. I need the vehicle to pass inspections on the canadian side of the border, and a suprise like a rusted out frame wouldn't be too good at all... infact, it'd be financially devastating.

 

Here's what I now need. Someone with a kind heart, who lives near the area to take a day trip/picnic (at my expense) who knows at least a bit about these trucks... or vehicles in general. hopefully it can be arranged for sometime during the week also.

 

I'd do it myself, but as it stands I'll already have to make a trip to the peace arch border crossing to fill out the paper work, then after the 3 days of proccessing head down to auburb and get the vehicle itself. My current vehicle is a little too unreliable to go down there by itself, and the pathy is un-insured. hence my perdicament.

 

If anyone is up for it PM me, and we can straighten things out that way.

 

~Thanks.

Edited February 18, 2006 by derogate

[DJ Dank]

Hey you should get ahold of Mr Pickles. He's in the Auburn area I believe. So does RedPath88.

[Mr. Pickles]

Reply sent.

[RedPath88]

I would be willing to swing by... possibly on my way home one day. Or maybe on a Monday afternoon/evening.

 

Perhaps both Mr.P and I could arrange a time for the two of us to take a look at the same time, might be able to learn more that way... You know how questions can bring out others that might not otherwise be considered. "shrug"

[Mr. Pickles]

I would be willing to swing by... possibly on my way home one day. Or maybe on a Monday afternoon/evening.

 

Perhaps both Mr.P and I could arrange a time for the two of us to take a look at the same time, might be able to learn more that way... You know how questions can bring out others that might not otherwise be considered. "shrug"

Good idea, since we'd also finally meet too. I replied that I work till 5 or 6 usually during the week, so it would have to be after then for me since it sounds like he's trying to do this during the week. Night viewing isn't ideal of course, but it is what it is. I work in Kent and live in Bonney Lake, and Auburn is right between. You're in Puyallup, right Red?

[derogate]

hey now.. im not paying for two meals here!..

hah, actually If you could both go, thats even better, I dont mind at all. I just need to square things up with this guy first, get the addy, contact info etc etc. and hopefully it hasn't been sold over the weekend.

 

I'll let you guys know asap.

[packie88]

i live in issaquah. so im not to far out of the way and i drive to bellevue everyday so im not to far out of the way.

[RedPath88]

Good idea, since we'd also finally meet too.  I replied that I work till 5 or 6 usually during the week, so it would have to be after then for me since it sounds like he's trying to do this during the week.  Night viewing isn't ideal of course, but it is what it is.  I work in Kent and live in Bonney Lake, and Auburn is right between.  You're in Puyallup, right Red?

Mr. P I live in Yelm, but work in the Kent-So Seattle area (extending south to Auburn and even Fredrickson - Sometimes north and east of Seattle). I start and usually end my day in Kent and am currently working there all day.

 

I leave work at 2-2:30 unless I work OT. I can make the trip to Kent in the evening, so that's not to much of a problem. Monday's would be most convenient for me though.. depending on the time. But again, another time can be worked out.

 

derogate, not too worry about a meal... it's not about that, it's about helping a you not get screwed on the deal

 

Edit: the hammer in the beginning was not supposed to be there :lol

Edited January 24, 2006 by RedPath88

[packie88]

yea, id go just so i could learn some stuff from some other npora members. im 17 dont know much about cars but am constatnly learning more and more. I am hungry for information, so anythin i learn from any1 is nice. i want ot go get my buisness degree at CWU and then go to UTI and open my own shop somewhere.

[derogate]

ok, so here's the low down. The guy has been a little hesitant to give me his phone number.. not sure why, but I made it clear just now that I NEED to talk to him VIA telephone before i can commit to this deal, and i need to set up a veiwing time.

 

This was his last email:

 

 

 

 

 

Like I said, it does run fine. It does have rust throughout the vehicle. It's not a beauty queen. Are you looking for a show type truck, or a trail rig.

 

 

>>>>

k things are looking very good. If you had a number I could contact you at

that'd be great! Theres some small issues I need to straighten out before I

commit to this though. I'm going to have to get a federal inspection done to

it if I buy it and cross the border, is there anything wrong with it that

might hinder its ability to pass inspection? (frame rust, rust holes bigger

than a quarter, broken mirrors.. etc etc). Would you mind if I or a friend

Came by and had a peak at it sometime this week? also, not to be a bother,

but some more pictures would ease my mind if you could stir them up. Thanks

again. I'll be in touch soon.

~Paul.

 

So now I'm a little worried about the rust. If its just surface rust etc.. no worries. but if there are holes and stuff... well i just wont be able to get it to pass inspection here, and replacement body parts on these are few and far between... Specifically The holes cannot be bigger than a quarter, and no frame rot (duh!!).

 

I'll get back to you guys soon, to see who can accomodate this guy's schedule.

 

 

PS. HOLY FREAKING CRAP YOU GUYS ROCK!

haha, thanks again.. this is by far the friendliest car club i've ever had the fortune of being a part of!

[Casey.T]

Former owner of a 82 FJ40... If I were still in the Seattle area Id be happy to take a look... If you find one in the Spokane area let me know

[Mr. Pickles]

Huh, that does sound pretty sketchy. You'd think a seller is gonna be a bit more open to offering info., at least the basics and direct questions you've asked, and especially for someone showing interest and being willing to come from THE NEXT COUNTRY! Well, good luck anyways.

[derogate]

haha. crud. This is what happens when you dont cover your bases before the call. Anyways, 7:00 PM (or so) Thursday is the viewing time.

 

He was reluctant to deal with me because of the "red tape" involved in getting it over the border.. And i dont blame him, if i where in his shoes I would too. regardless. He agreed to meet up with one of you guys. However I asked if I could have a friend come by and check outt he truck, and he asked what his name was... well gee.. im not really sure... "its a friend of yours and you're not really sure of his name???"... heh.. embarrassing. anyhow He's a little sketched out about it. So if he asks, just be upfront and tell him how we know each other.

 

Who's able to do me a favor on this? get in touch with me Via email (whitephire@hotmail.com) for the addy and phone number. I'd perfer an older person to go, but Ill take what I can get.

 

Thanks again for offering guys, you rock!

[derogate]

STill need a volunteer guys.. I'm running outa time too, the viewing is tommorrow.

 

*gulp*

[derogate]

Getting kinda nervous here guys... mr pickles where are you?? anyone??

[Mr. Pickles]

I can do it tomorrow evening like you planned. Sorry, been running around this evening. Email me with the details (address, guy's name, oh, and the year and model of the truck so I can look it up! ). Have you done any research on common problems or do you know of any areas you'd like to pay particular attention to? I can bring my camera and take pics of anything you want. Also, let me know before 6:30am PST AT THE LATEST, because after that I leave for work where personal email is blocked. :furious: Man, I hate that. Websites too. That's how I used to be able to sit on NPORA for what probably seemed to others like 14 hours a day.

 

Your humble servant...

[RedPath88]

Sorry, worked late last night, tonight (just got home) and will likely be again tomorrow. But I see Mr. P came to the rescue

 

It's to bad that he set such a strict viewing time/date. And I would definitely be leery of it, don't seem right. Viewing at 7pm... it's dark here and everyone knows it. Might be nothing, but be on the look out. And Mr. P keep a close eye out for troubles in the truck

 

He agreed to meet up with one of you guys. However I asked if I could have a friend come by and check outt he truck, and he asked what his name was... well gee.. im not really sure... "its a friend of yours and you're not really sure of his name???"... heh.. embarrassing. anyhow He's a little sketched out about it. So if he asks, just be upfront and tell him how we know each other.

 

For future reference... the names Scott

[Mr. Pickles]

LOL, I just finished PM'ing you to see if you're gonna come. Yeah, he's got a list of stuff to check, and I've packed some scrub clothes and my dig camera by the door. Call me if you suddenly think you can make it.

[RedPath88]

LOL, I just finished PM'ing you to see if you're gonna come. Yeah, he's got a list of stuff to check, and I've packed some scrub clothes and my dig camera by the door. Call me if you suddenly think you can make it.

And I just replied to said PM There is a chance that I can make it. I saved your number and sent mine along as well

[derogate]

actually the low down on the viewing date is that he is a career truck driver who's been working 11 and 12 hour days latley, and doesn't have alot of free time. He suggested the weekend, but I had planned on travelling down there to buy it on those days, if things worked out well.

 

 

Hope you guys have a flashlight? if not, ohwell, my loss.

If I travell down to buy the thing, We should all meet up, I'd like to treat you to lunch or dinner or whatever, and finally meet some of the NPORA crew.

 

thanks again!!!

[RedPath88]

actually the low down on the viewing date is that he is a career truck driver who's been working 11 and 12 hour days latley, and doesn't have alot of free time. He suggested the weekend, but I had planned on travelling down there to buy it on those days, if things worked out well.

 

 

Hope you guys have a flashlight? if not, ohwell, my loss.

If I travell down to buy the thing, We should all meet up, I'd like to treat you to lunch or dinner or whatever, and finally meet some of the NPORA crew.

 

thanks again!!!

Sounds good... meeting some of the crew would be cool. I missed the last meet in this area.

 

Ok with him being a truck driver, that makes sense. My oldest brother is also a career driver (trust me, that is a very scary thing ) I can understand the time frame now.

 

*Will see what I can do about making it tomorrow night*

Edited January 26, 2006 by RedPath88

[Mr. Pickles]

Yeah, meeting up would be cool. We could do the whole Tim Allen "Oooh oooh, aaaahh, aaaahh, ooooooooooooohhhhhh....."

[Precise1]

You'd think a seller is gonna be a bit more open to offering info.,

 

No crap !! If it is a rust bucket, ok, say it like it is. Post picts, don't be shy... It's not like the buyer wont look... Don't waste peoples time. If you hope for an extra $100, try to get over it and not be an arse...

That said, good luck Mr P, bring a flashlight, and a picture of me in bunny ears. If the owner doesn't want to answer a question, just flash it and say "he'll be comming next". That should work...

 

B

[vengeful]

You know B....I was all set to photoshop that...but then I remembered....my Pchop comp doesn't have internet on it....

[derogate]

nah, he's cool. Just a busy guy. he sent me pictures right away.. but only 3 and they are a year old.

 

http://photos.msn.com/Viewing/Album.aspx?P...VJg$$

 

its definetly a nice rig, but im sure its not without its problems.

 

now whats this bunny ears picture I'm hearing about? should we all be worried??

Edited January 26, 2006 by derogate