ROTW: sk8salomon '85 FJ60

[sk8salomon]

"The Cruiser"...i know, so original!

I didn't grow up around Cruisers, my dad didn't own one! In fact, I don't think anybody in my whole family has ever owned a LC (what a shame). If you didn't drive a GM family car, my dad didn't want it parked in his driveway. Yes, I'm one of those guys who probably 3-4 years ago, couldn't tell you the difference between a Land Rover and a LC

A good friend of mine owned an 80 series and a 76 FJ40. I loved both but really wanted something in between. He showed me some pics of 60 series and I fell in love! I looked for months finding typical rust buckets at high dollar cost. Then I just about quit looking when a guy at work told me about one down the street from his house. I took a look, no rust, great interior, ran decent, had newer jasper engine with 45k on it. About 2 weeks later, it was mine!

So bascially since Jan. 06 I've been doing the usual maintenance on this truck. Rebuilt both front axle hubs. Probably the nastiest job I've ever done but learned a lot. The more I tinker with this truck, the more I really appreciate how tough these vehicles are made. Got a fresh JimC carb, the usual plugs, wires, cap & rotor to get it running smoother, new exhaust, valve job, vacuum lines & change all fluids.

So you ask, why such a stock LC? I don't wheel in this truck. Call me a puss, but its too nice. I like the 60 because I can pack the , the kid, dog, gear + bikes & tow the boat all in one! I've been wheeling for quite some time now. Still have the late 87 Ford Bronco that I beat to holy hell but she takes it. If I had to do it all over again, I'd buy a 40 to wheel in and use my 60 for the family.

[sk8salomon]

No, I didn't buy the 60 with that roof rack. I quickly found that I needed something on top the truck to pack the gear in. An 80lb German Shepherd takes up quite a bit of gear space so I started looking. Damn, those racks are expensive. I work for a HVAC sheet metal shop so I've got access to just about any shape of aluminum and steel thought possible. I built this rack at 50 x 60 from all 1/8" x 1" x 1" aluminum square tube, all welded construction with screen & powdercoating. I realized I needed a faring to help keep wind noise & drag down so I welded an aluminum sheet to the front. Looked too boring so I decided to spice it up a bit with the FJ-60 Landcruiser logo. I imported a picture into AutoCAD, traced around the image, trimmed and added some radius and sent to a local laser cutting shop (I ordered 2 incase I screwed up). Then powdercoated the flat faring as close to the truck color as possible so the lettering would match. I have an extra aluminum cutout of this if anybody is interested.

I offset the Thule load bars so that I could also fit my bike on the roof. If I had to do it again, I'd buy even longer load bars and have a bike tray on the driver's side as well.

[sk8salomon]

Lights: I really like what the PO did with the lights. I don't know exactly what model they are, but 7" diameter Hellas is all I can tell you. There are different bulbs in the low & high beams too. Here's some pics I took.

Pic#1 is just the parking lights running. Basically, a low draw running light inside the lamp housing.

Pic#2 is the headlights turned on.

Pic#3 is the headlights and Hellas on.

[sk8salomon]

Here's some FJC floor mats I got for a bday present a while back. Wish they had brown but so far they've been great mats. Just pull out and spray with hose to wash. The mats stick really well to the carpet.

[sk8salomon]

Last night spent the night in the 60 with my daughter. I was really suprised how well it sleeps with the seat folded down once I killed all the mosqitos that snuck in.

[sk8salomon]

So there she is so far. I've got my eyes on some BFG AT/KO 33x9.50's. I really like the pizza cutter look and so far every 60 I've seen with them has given me the . As far as other mods, I'll keep it simple. I like my 60 the way it is and for what I use it for it couldn't be more perfect!

[lowtideride]

Nice cruiser man...

Even for a fruit booter... (from the Skateboarder )

[sk8salomon]

Originally Posted by lowtideride

Nice cruiser man...

Even for a fruit booter... (from the Skateboarder )

i'll have to add that one to the list. now get back on your ghey tray!

[Dirtgypsy]

that's a big dog. nice looking rig!

clint

[sk8salomon]

Originally Posted by Dirtgypsy

that's a big dog. nice looking rig!

clint

thanks, yeah with a big dog comes big poo to clean up!

[GAS-A-LOT!]

WOW! THESE ARE THE KIND OF STORIES THAT BRING A TEAR TO MY EYE.... OTHER THAN WAR MOVIES OF COURSE.

Im in the same situation with my 60... LOL... I think that thats why I will keep my 87runner/beater...

[CruisinFJ60]

Originally Posted by lowtideride

Nice cruiser man...

Even for a fruit booter... (from the Skateboarder )

hey now hippie i resent that comment

[landcruiserjunky]

Looks good man

[flyingyahoo]

Love the roof rack. Have to keep that in mind when I do my own.

[lowtideride]

Originally Posted by CruisinFJ60

hey now hippie i resent that comment

[Mace]

Sweet, thanks for stepping up!!!


On those headlights, are the parking lights just removeable lights in a H3 style housing?

[CruisinFJ60]

to bad you dont wheel her... i know you would like it more than the bronco... oh well nice looking 60.

and x2 on what mace said.

also do u know what brand the lights are? or where they can be found for others?

[BMAN]

Originally Posted by sk8salomon

Here's some FJC floor mats I got for a bday present a while back. Wish they had brown but so far they've been great mats. Just pull out and spray with hose to wash. The mats stick really well to the carpet.

So do you use air brakes to turn this thing or what?

[sk8salomon]

Originally Posted by Mace

Sweet, thanks for stepping up!!!


On those headlights, are the parking lights just removeable lights in a H3 style housing?

they are just removeable lights in the housing. I'll find out what brand and post some more pics. thanks.

[sk8salomon]

Originally Posted by BMAN

So do you use air brakes to turn this thing or what?

Just a little "Detroit lean" will do the trick!
I took that pic when I was replacing the upper and lower steering u-joints.

[PAFJ]

Good lookin rig... looks like mine, minus the "pizza cutters".

[sk8salomon]

Funny Stories with the LC:

1- The 1st time my daughter rode in the 60, she asked "where's the button to roll down the window?"

2- I wonder what the little switch on the dash does with the 3 red squiggly lines? "Dad, it's getting hot back here!"

My daughter is sitting on my lap right now and wants to add some extras. :doh :

[sk8salomon]

Originally Posted by PAFJ

Good lookin rig... looks like mine, minus the "pizza cutters".

thanks man! where did you buy your tires? a guy here in town says he can do (4) 33x9.50's for $688 mounted, balanced, tax & all.

[Rob Faucett]

How does "The Cruiser" do while towing the boat?