Nice purchase. You will be very pleased and even more pleased when you learn how simple they are.

I love the Lancruiser too. They have a nasty way of getting ahold of you. And in your case you've gotten yourself into at least two messes if not three. The first mess was your love affair with the cruisers. (I'm a lover of the Fj40 form 75-81 and like the Fj60's as well. those 80's are gorgeous too.) The second mess was getting the Mercedes.

I'll go ahead and let you in on your third mess. You will drive the Mercedes. You will love it. You will adore the engine, then, inside your brain something will say, "Putting this Mercedes engine in a (older)landcruiser would not be too difficult." Your brain will be telling you the truth.

I"m currently looking for a "good" condition Fj40 body to begin the conversion. I think about it all the time. My wife rolls her eyes and wonders when I will grow up. I tell her i'll be full grown when I have the Mercedes in the Cruiser. More eye rolls. Then she throws stuff at my motorcycle project.

BTW- I've had the mercedes for 1 year. I already have an itch to get the yellow/mustard. Furthermore, if you wait and look around you can get strait bodies and good interiors for around $2K. Good luck on only having one.