This will be my first samurai and Im not really sure on what to look for.  Any insight would be great.

It really depends on your location, searching the craigslist in your state should give you an idea of what they are going for.  The bumper is smashed up, so it may have been in an accident or just careless wheeling.  If things are straight other then that and she is mechanically sound it looks like a good deal to me.

One item of note, it really sucks to roll a tin-top on it's side.  If your going to go hardcore wheeling I recommend a soft-top.

Thanks for the reply.  The guy said he bump into another car pushing the bumper up.  Im not intending on wheeling it too much.  Just kind of always wanted one.  He said it is his dail driver and the other samuris I have found around were 3000 and up.

What is the extra intake on his hood for?  Engine swap?

To be honest, I have no idea.  I think it might be a stick on haha.  That is coming off.

Searchtempest.com

I searched every craigslist below the snowline everyday for a month before finding what I want in my own backyard (200 miles away).

Not sure what state you're in but for 2100 dollars, a bent bumper and a funny lookin hood I'd make sure everything was sound. Ask about the carburetor they tend to go bad and really expensive. Otherwise general car stuff till applies..

Judging by the visor and hood scoop Im guessing its not in Cali., unless...never mind. If its not a rust bucket and it runs it wouldn't be a bad price here in Ca.. When I started looking for a tintop any thing under $2500 (cheapest was $1100) was either a rust bucket, salvaged or not running. Lately I have seen quite a few that look and sound nice (in the ad) between $2-2800.

Well I have heard that the tin tops were rare.  Is that a good thing or a bad thing?  Any problem areas I should look for first?

Well I have heard that the tin tops were rare.  Is that a good thing or a bad thing?  Any problem areas I should look for first?

Rare is good, it should raise the value. They stopped selling the hard tops here after 89 because of low sales.

$2100 for a descent tin top is not a bad deal at all, anywhere .....
 That is if it's adescentt tin top. No orveryy little rust, drives out well, runs well, etc etc.
If your not sure . TAKE IT TO A REPUTABLE EXPERT AND HAVE IT LOOKED AT... If it costs you an extra $80 IMO money well spent.......Boxcar...

It has rust on every fender and some one the back corner.  No carb on it so i dont know if it runs.  So far not so good. 

What do you all think about this?

http://saginaw.craigslist.org/cto/2777622952.html

I'm just curious what condition the motor and tranny are in? He pulled them for what reason? I guess if the motor and tranny are good and you have the time and know how to put it back together you could have a nice, clean tintop for about $2000.Also with a re-paint you want to make sure it's not just a cover up from an accident. With something like that you want to know exactly what's needed and how much your willing to do, these can turn into money pits quick.

Ya true.  I think im going to keep looking maybe even find someones on this site.  Thanks for all the info.  Ill keep it in mind while I continue to look!