Hi, I am looking into buying a 1972 Land Cruiser with 78,889 miles on it. Its pretty rusted (the body) and maybe the internals. It also needs new brakes, and a fuse box. It's a 3 speed and 6 cyl., the engine is in good condition. But other than that it works fine, should i buy it? ($4k)


the brakes are drum brakes


thanks

 

Sounds spendy for a "rusty" body. Post some pix for a better idea of what it is worth.

I have a 71. I put around $500 into a full brake job some years ago (2 wheel cylinders per wheel) The good cylinders are hard to find now.

 

Ok i'll get some pictures, under the door its totally rusted out, i was thinking bondo on those spots

 

If the rust is workable, its a fair price. If you will need to look into new body panels, try getting some $$ off that price.

Plenty of engine life (not even broken in at those miles).

Other stuff to check:
- steering slop - those manual systems are notorious for requiring tweaking and periodic rebuilds (center pivot).
- Birfield service - is there leaking at the knuckles?
- Rear main seal - leaking?
- Does it have a PTO? - if so, check that baby
- How does it shift? You probably don't have synchro in 1st and Rev, so go easy, but it still should shift pretty smoothly.
- Frame - make sure that the rust isn't covering up cracks or fatigues.\

Good luck!