LC 60's with no rust?

I have a 1985 LC that has done a lot of hard work. I can't find any evidence of rust at all.

G'day Matt
I wouldn't say its not possible to find a 60 series with no rust , a mate of mine has one that is rust free, he knew the previous owner who used to look after it like it was a newborn baby..lol..as for the $8500 price tag, personally l think its a little overpriced, unless of course its in extremely good condition with bugger all klm's on it....

Hi Matt,
As the owner of a number of 60 series over the years (and currently owner of two HJ61 Turbo Diesels), it is true the earlier ones (especially up to about 1987) were very prone to rust. A common place was the gutter along the roofline. My understanding is that from 1987 onwards this was not a problem (or at least less of a problem) as Toyota addressed this gutter rusting issue during manufacture.

As stated above in other replys the cream of the 60 series engines was the HJ61 turbo. An engine renowned for its robust performance and longevity, that in my view, Toyota did not achieve in the early 80series. Mine will pull strongly uphills and if pushed will hit 140kph on a level road. This was the last of the 60 series and production stopped in early 1990 when the 80 series was released. My preference has been for a HJ61 Turbo Diesel Sahara (5 speed manual) over an early 80 series which (in GLX and Sahara) were constant 4 wheel drive and were thus heavier on fuel and tyres. This is why such a vehicle is still selling for up to $15,000. It may be true the 80 series is more comfortable but the HJ61 Sahara came with special turbo bucket seats which I find quite comfortable even on long trips. The Sahara came in GX or VX models.
To answer your particular question on rust – it is possible to find one without rust but is getting more difficult every year. But probably only in the 61 models (after 1987 models in particular). My Sahara is in pristine condition (only 170K Km) and has absolutely no rust anywhere to my knowledge.
An interesting aside is that when the LC200 was released with a big price jump (and some unknowns being a new model), the older models actually increased in price. A HJ61 turbo diesel Sahara in good condition is selling for more today than it did 12 months ago.
If you want to know more feel free to email me direct on:
havilahheights@aapt.net.au

Cheers,
GPM

Tell him he is dreaming. I suggest you look at a Nissan

Hello Matt,

I have an 85 hj60 with almost no rust, 125k only and I picked that up for $5500 a couple of years ago, so they are out there still. Still spent some money on her though and they are getting quite old now so there is always something that needs tinkering with/replacing. Very reliable and simple to fix. I would prefer one with a few spots of rust that I could see rather than one that has been patched up at some point (most of them). For $8500 you should be able to find a good factory turbo model.

Cheers,
Dave

Matt I was going to direct you to our add in the trader then noticed you are in Perth. Shame would like to see it go to a good home.
Cheers Pete

Hi Matt

I have a June 89 build GXL 2H,with 700,000 on the clock.
Its my everyday work hak, and travel vehicle, at around 50,000 a year.
It lives outside and the only rust i have is just starting around the windscreen and gutter.
The idea of buying a good vehicle with a bit of original rust is to get it cheap enough to have it repaired properly when you buy it and not end up out of pocket.
It seems to me that 8k is way to much, 3-4k would be top dollar.
The grey import ones seem better for rust and are mostly lower in milage.

Cheers Pesty

For what it's worth, last July I bought a 1985 FJ62 Auto, 218,000km, new 95l LPG system, good 2004 tyres - less than 50% worn, and no rust. Accessories include; alloy bull-bar and side-steps, 2 good driving lights, 140l petrol tank, and 250kg tow bar. The radiator had recently been dismounted, tank replaced and pressure tested, and the engine power flushed. Greasable suspension nipples were fitted when a slight height lift had been made with extended hangers and spring reset.
I paid effectively $6250. It needed a new battery, complete new front brake assemblies, front swivel seals, oil change in both axles, auto service but nothing else of note. The total bill will come out to about $8500 by the time I've done a few small mods of my own.
I'm a slow traveler so will probably do less than 12,000km a year in my meanderings. With an anticipated total life of over 350,000km it should do me for a while yet.
Drives like a dream.
I'm happy.

Matt, I also have a 12HT 60 series with no rust to speak of.
I don't really like the look of where the rust is in your pic.
I reckon there would be more under the rubbers and that's a big job to fix that.
If you don't fix it properly, the windscreen will leak forever and you will get more rust.
I also think the price is too high, but someone will probably pay that price eventually.

Dave

Gidday Matt
Interesting conversation going on here. Just a note to say that I just bought a 03/89 HJ61 12HT engine, 5 speed manual VX Sahara, 189000km from a one owner from new in Melbourne, South Yarra It appears very original and tidy with no rust anywhere, It even had the complete service history including all invoices from new, has been serviced by Toyota dealers from new and has all genuine toyota filters etc on it ( it hasn't even got a bullbar, ordered one today). I paid $10000 for it. My mates call it a tourack tractor, not really sure what that means as I'm from Darwin, but I think it means it has only been a shopping trolley around town and a little country. I also own a HJ47 with a 2H in it and have had several HJ75s with the 2H, there is no comparison performance wise between a 2H and 12HT. If you are looking for a 60 series, go the 12HT, NT speed limit is 130kmph and my hj61 cruises quite nicely at 120/130, put the foot down at 120 and it still has get up and go. I have been half looking for a 60 for about 2 years on and off. Was only going to get serious about July this year but this one came up so I grabed it. I didn't really want a Sahara, I was looking for an old rusty 60 with a 500000km plus 12HT to rebuild and put in my HJ47. Long story short the HJ61 is in excellent condition and I will keep it and look after it for years to come, My HJ47 will have to wait for some years yet for a height transplant. I bought mine off carsales on the net. So keep looking as there is good ones out there.
Cheers
Steve