ROTW CaliCruiser FJ60

CaliCruiser · 10-28-07, 11:11 AM

Alrighty folks here goes nothing, Tencha is a tough act to follow but I'll do my best. Let me start by saying that I really had no chance of just driving a normal car since I thought fj40s were cool since age 10, heres proof . . .

My dad bought that one for us to build up before I got my license but it turned out to be a bit much for a starter car. Fast forward a few years to me having evil thoughts about my moms innocent fj60 sitting in the driveway and watching guys like Boston Mangler, Lowtideride and TheFerg, build up there own 60's on 'Mud, I was doomed! After selling my 71 Ford pickup that swallowed up all my money in gas, and my mom wanting something a sportier, we decided the the fj60 would finally become mine, and the snow ball started.

Unfortunetly I don't have any pictures of my cruiser in stock form but I will start with some pictures of how it came out after the SOA.

These were taken literally the day after we finished the mighty project and to be honest I thought it was a little to extreme for a street machine. After driving it around town a handful of times I knew something needed to be adjusted before it could become my DD. When I did the SOA I regretably used the 4+ shackle reversal because I thought it was cool, not a knock on the product, I just don't think it is necessary.

The more I drove the cruiser the more I loved the SOA conversion, and the more I wanted to start in on it again for more mods. Here is a picture after the springs settled a bit.

More mods to come . . .

CaliCruiser · 10-28-07, 11:25 AM

At this point I was out of cash after buying all the big ticket items associated with the SOA. Gears, tires, fab parts, cut and turn, rebuild kits, hysteer, you know the drill.

Once I had partially recovered from the hit, I addressed a few maintance issues that had crept up and gotten worse. I had a leaky exhaust manifold, and being the kid I was wanted more power, so I purchased a two piece cermaic coated header and pipe kit from Man A Fre. With the 35's and 4.88's plus a new exhaust system from the header back I felt comfortable with the power, but still want more. . .

I searched out some cool additions I picked up used like a con-ferr roof rack and a snorkle, (chicks dig snorkels).

At this point, I just drove the cruiser and used it for everything it was designed for and intended to do. I wasn't to concerned with what I had or needed to do next, we just took it out wheelin' and fishin' and campin'

The I don't need this or that feeling didn't last long

the more I hung out on Mud and saw everybody else taking their cruisers to a new level.

CaliCruiser · 10-28-07, 11:34 AM

Doin' what cruisers do best on first snow run . . .

After a few trips I figured I had chanced it enough, and NEEDED to have sliders before I crunched the rockers. I got onboard with the marlin crawler sliders for 175 bucks and got simple bang for the buck protection.

At the same time as the sliders I layed down some do it yourself Rhinoliner on the rockers.

CaliCruiser · 10-28-07, 11:39 AM

A few more wheelin' trips down the road, I decided my dad and I would undertake a clutch job/rebuild transfercase before I burned out a clutch somewhere out in the middle of the Sierras.

Keep in mind that this is where my dad and I do all our work,

Our shops consists of gravel baserock and sawhorses

CaliCruiser · 10-28-07, 11:49 AM

Next big mod came a used ARB bullbar I picked up from a mud member and a Warn 8274 I picked up at a yardsale for 200 bucks.

The newest mod is a set of 63" chevy springs out back that were installed by FCFabrication in Stockton. So far this has been a great improvement in the ride and performance.

This is pretty much how she sits today waiting for the toybox or ARB front locker. . .

CaliCruiser · 10-28-07, 11:55 AM

Hope you guys enjoyed my story, I'll shut up and post up some wheelin' shots now. . .

Dylan

kling-on · 10-28-07, 11:56 AM

SWEET nice write up

84CRUISER · 10-28-07, 12:01 PM

Great rig man!!! I think I need to push my soa project up the priority list. When my wife gets mad can I blame it on you?

chicago · 10-28-07, 12:41 PM

AWESOME WRITE UP Big D!!!!
That is one SAHWEET rig, and it wheels awesome!
It is unbelieveable how much the rig has settled from the fresh SOA!
Glad to hear that youre really diggin the chebbie springs!
Do they feel pitchier than the stocks, side hill?
Even more amazing to me is that you were 16 when you did the SOA!!!

You did a hell of a job!

Chicago

CaliCruiser · 10-28-07, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chicago

AWESOME WRITE UP Big D!!!!

Even more amazing to me is that you were 16 when you did the SOA!!!

You did a hell of a job!

Chicago

Technically I was 17 when the conversion was done

I had to roll in style through high school! So far the only trip with the chevys has been the one I hit up with you guys and they felt great.

CaliCruiser · 10-28-07, 01:41 PM

Couple more random shots,

Army suprlus tent on the rack with some snaps and some poles for a 'cover'

New panels in the rear, may get upgraded if KevinR makes a production of his.

Picture showing the rear shelf / sleeping platform. The rear horizontal support has been cut out, and provides better access and now I can slide rubbermaid containers in and out easier.

redcorn · 10-28-07, 02:16 PM

Rock on Dylan.
The wagon is smokin hot!

Cruiserdrew · 10-28-07, 02:23 PM

Great ROTW. That 10 year old shot is funny as heck-you still look exactly the same!

Your rig looks great. I especially like the inside panel job. Did you use the original masonite, or cut new? It looks great.

Another ?? about the Toybox. I thought you ended up with the one from the flakey raffle dude?? That had the potential to be a great deal.

Congrats. That's a great looking 60 and a keeper for sure.

bull · 10-28-07, 02:25 PM

I have seen this rig in person and it is truly bitchin... Now if he would only pick out his fro the rig would be complete while he is driving it..

SLOwag · 10-28-07, 02:42 PM

Nice rig...It kind of appears to be on the verge of the Expocrawler category with the SOA, storage, sleeping platform and rack. What's next for it?

Quote:

I especially like the inside panel job. Did you use the original masonite, or cut new? It looks great.

...yes, more info on this, looks very clean.

samba · 10-28-07, 03:31 PM

very nice rig.

philos1 · 10-28-07, 04:59 PM

I remember when you did the SOA on here, been watching since then...

great pics and write-up.

2badfjs · 10-28-07, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 84CRUISER

Great rig man!!! I think I need to push my soa project up the priority list. When my wife gets mad can I blame it on you?

no, she'll blame me

nice write up and nicer rig!!!!!

CaliCruiser · 10-28-07, 06:43 PM

Thanks for all of the compliments guys!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruiserdrew

Great ROTW. That 10 year old shot is funny as heck-you still look exactly the same!

Your rig looks great. I especially like the inside panel job. Did you use the original masonite, or cut new? It looks great.

Another ?? about the Toybox. I thought you ended up with the one from the flakey raffle dude?? That had the potential to be a great deal.

Congrats. That's a great looking 60 and a keeper for sure.

Nah unfortunetly the guy was just that, a flake. I offered him a thousand bucks cash and told him I could be there the next day. He sold it to another guy that was going to use it for a dual setup in a pickup. I got 'outbid' . . .

Quote:

Originally Posted by bull

I have seen this rig in person and it is truly bitchin... Now if he would only pick out his fro the rig would be complete while he is driving it..

Hey Rodney, you gonna be at surf and turf? bring a plastic spork

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLOwag

Nice rig...It kind of appears to be on the verge of the Expocrawler category with the SOA, storage, sleeping platform and rack. What's next for it?

...yes, more info on this, looks very clean.

That means a lot thanks, that is just the route I am heading with my rig, a BIGGER expedition style setup. I'm thinking gear reduction in the form of a toybox but I think that is gonna be awhile. In the short term I'm getting one of Kevin's tailgate storage box kits, and am thinking of adding a two meter radio setup.

As far as the rear panels, I used 1/4~5/16 tempered hardboard that my dad got from one of his construction customers. I made a template out of the old ones and used stainless hardware that mounts to the original holes with t-nuts or nutserts or whatever you call them. The carpet I used is Lowes indoor/outdoor grey carpet and a small folgers coffee can to cut out a hole for the little access plate.

DBOZ40 · 10-28-07, 07:07 PM

Hey Cali, Nice rig--looks like some one raised you right, with a good taste in vehichles. Keep up the good work.

Your Lead Mechanic
Dad

chicago · 10-28-07, 07:23 PM

Damn that is such a stupid CLEAN rig!
I just cant get over how NICE it is...
It wheels like a MO FO too!

Sorry, but I just thought Id chime in again and say that!

Chicago

Dynosoar · 10-28-07, 09:26 PM

Very cool write up and rig.

Dynosoar

CruisinFJ60 · 10-28-07, 10:22 PM

nice looking rig i dig it.
its super freaking clean too! amazing for sure.

Landcruisin'60 · 10-28-07, 10:26 PM

Looks really good man! I too want more info on those rear panels. Oh and nice hair

Ducks · 10-29-07, 01:11 AM

That is a great cruiser.

10-28-07, 11:11 AM	#1
CaliCruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pine Grove, Ca TLCA# 15987 Posts: 1,803	ROTW CaliCruiser FJ60 Alrighty folks here goes nothing, Tencha is a tough act to follow but I'll do my best. Let me start by saying that I really had no chance of just driving a normal car since I thought fj40s were cool since age 10, heres proof . . . My dad bought that one for us to build up before I got my license but it turned out to be a bit much for a starter car. Fast forward a few years to me having evil thoughts about my moms innocent fj60 sitting in the driveway and watching guys like Boston Mangler, Lowtideride and TheFerg, build up there own 60's on 'Mud, I was doomed! After selling my 71 Ford pickup that swallowed up all my money in gas, and my mom wanting something a sportier, we decided the the fj60 would finally become mine, and the snow ball started. Unfortunetly I don't have any pictures of my cruiser in stock form but I will start with some pictures of how it came out after the SOA. These were taken literally the day after we finished the mighty project and to be honest I thought it was a little to extreme for a street machine. After driving it around town a handful of times I knew something needed to be adjusted before it could become my DD. When I did the SOA I regretably used the 4+ shackle reversal because I thought it was cool, not a knock on the product, I just don't think it is necessary. The more I drove the cruiser the more I loved the SOA conversion, and the more I wanted to start in on it again for more mods. Here is a picture after the springs settled a bit. More mods to come . . . __________________ ROTW '85 FJ60 \| SOA \| ARB \| M8274-50 \| Sliders \| Aussie'd \| H55F \| 4.7 Toybox \| 4.88s \| Custom Crap

10-28-07, 11:25 AM	#2
CaliCruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pine Grove, Ca TLCA# 15987 Posts: 1,803	At this point I was out of cash after buying all the big ticket items associated with the SOA. Gears, tires, fab parts, cut and turn, rebuild kits, hysteer, you know the drill. Once I had partially recovered from the hit, I addressed a few maintance issues that had crept up and gotten worse. I had a leaky exhaust manifold, and being the kid I was wanted more power, so I purchased a two piece cermaic coated header and pipe kit from Man A Fre. With the 35's and 4.88's plus a new exhaust system from the header back I felt comfortable with the power, but still want more. . . I searched out some cool additions I picked up used like a con-ferr roof rack and a snorkle, (chicks dig snorkels). At this point, I just drove the cruiser and used it for everything it was designed for and intended to do. I wasn't to concerned with what I had or needed to do next, we just took it out wheelin' and fishin' and campin' The I don't need this or that feeling didn't last long the more I hung out on Mud and saw everybody else taking their cruisers to a new level. __________________ ROTW '85 FJ60 \| SOA \| ARB \| M8274-50 \| Sliders \| Aussie'd \| H55F \| 4.7 Toybox \| 4.88s \| Custom Crap

10-28-07, 11:34 AM	#3
CaliCruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pine Grove, Ca TLCA# 15987 Posts: 1,803	Doin' what cruisers do best on first snow run . . . After a few trips I figured I had chanced it enough, and NEEDED to have sliders before I crunched the rockers. I got onboard with the marlin crawler sliders for 175 bucks and got simple bang for the buck protection. At the same time as the sliders I layed down some do it yourself Rhinoliner on the rockers. __________________ ROTW '85 FJ60 \| SOA \| ARB \| M8274-50 \| Sliders \| Aussie'd \| H55F \| 4.7 Toybox \| 4.88s \| Custom Crap

10-28-07, 11:39 AM	#4
CaliCruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pine Grove, Ca TLCA# 15987 Posts: 1,803	A few more wheelin' trips down the road, I decided my dad and I would undertake a clutch job/rebuild transfercase before I burned out a clutch somewhere out in the middle of the Sierras. Keep in mind that this is where my dad and I do all our work, Our shops consists of gravel baserock and sawhorses __________________ ROTW '85 FJ60 \| SOA \| ARB \| M8274-50 \| Sliders \| Aussie'd \| H55F \| 4.7 Toybox \| 4.88s \| Custom Crap

10-28-07, 11:49 AM	#5
CaliCruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pine Grove, Ca TLCA# 15987 Posts: 1,803	Next big mod came a used ARB bullbar I picked up from a mud member and a Warn 8274 I picked up at a yardsale for 200 bucks. The newest mod is a set of 63" chevy springs out back that were installed by FCFabrication in Stockton. So far this has been a great improvement in the ride and performance. This is pretty much how she sits today waiting for the toybox or ARB front locker. . . __________________ ROTW '85 FJ60 \| SOA \| ARB \| M8274-50 \| Sliders \| Aussie'd \| H55F \| 4.7 Toybox \| 4.88s \| Custom Crap

10-28-07, 11:55 AM	#6
CaliCruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pine Grove, Ca TLCA# 15987 Posts: 1,803	Hope you guys enjoyed my story, I'll shut up and post up some wheelin' shots now. . . Dylan __________________ ROTW '85 FJ60 \| SOA \| ARB \| M8274-50 \| Sliders \| Aussie'd \| H55F \| 4.7 Toybox \| 4.88s \| Custom Crap

10-28-07, 11:56 AM	#7
kling-on Kool Arrow Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Pimpin part in SanAntonio TX TLCA# 15374 Posts: 1,425	SWEET nice write up __________________ 82 FJ60 OME Heavy 33BFG's 410's & quicklock ARB bull & side bars and warn 12k down for repairs 85 FJ60 Trail beater SM 420 crawler box lockers 456,38's bobed & choped with a Metal Tech cage 85 SR5 new DD want am I thinkin GIT-R-DONE!!!! TLCA #15374 low riders want SWITCHES... 4 wheelers want SHIFTERS www.jkcustoms.com

10-28-07, 12:01 PM	#8
84CRUISER Me is good Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: COLORADO Posts: 368	Great rig man!!! I think I need to push my soa project up the priority list. When my wife gets mad can I blame it on you? __________________ Jeep this! Castle Rock Crippled Cruisers 1984 fj60, aal rearch, 3"+shackles. TBI, 33's 1986 fj60, SOA.

10-28-07, 12:41 PM	#9
chicago IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Reno, Nevada Posts: 3,095	AWESOME WRITE UP Big D!!!! That is one SAHWEET rig, and it wheels awesome! It is unbelieveable how much the rig has settled from the fresh SOA! Glad to hear that youre really diggin the chebbie springs! Do they feel pitchier than the stocks, side hill? Even more amazing to me is that you were 16 when you did the SOA!!! You did a hell of a job! Chicago __________________ TLCA#16202, KE7VAT Toyota family: 88 FJ62 (Fairly built) 06 4runner...wifes rig! 06 Tacoma, DD, BONE STOCK and staying that way! PROUD member of the WEST COAST BLOTCHERS and the Battle Born Cruisers of Northern Nevada! FAWKING CUBS! Life long DISAPPOINTMENT!

10-28-07, 01:41 PM	#11
CaliCruiser IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pine Grove, Ca TLCA# 15987 Posts: 1,803	Couple more random shots, Army suprlus tent on the rack with some snaps and some poles for a 'cover' New panels in the rear, may get upgraded if KevinR makes a production of his. Picture showing the rear shelf / sleeping platform. The rear horizontal support has been cut out, and provides better access and now I can slide rubbermaid containers in and out easier. __________________ ROTW '85 FJ60 \| SOA \| ARB \| M8274-50 \| Sliders \| Aussie'd \| H55F \| 4.7 Toybox \| 4.88s \| Custom Crap

10-28-07, 02:16 PM	#12
redcorn IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: near my girls Posts: 574	Rock on Dylan. The wagon is smokin hot! __________________ if you can cut a Tcase in half with a cheap circular saw you can do anything. BIG WAGONS RULE

10-28-07, 02:23 PM	#13
Cruiserdrew KI6MIE Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA TLCA# 11734 Posts: 6,947	Great ROTW. That 10 year old shot is funny as heck-you still look exactly the same! Your rig looks great. I especially like the inside panel job. Did you use the original masonite, or cut new? It looks great. Another ?? about the Toybox. I thought you ended up with the one from the flakey raffle dude?? That had the potential to be a great deal. Congrats. That's a great looking 60 and a keeper for sure. __________________ Andrew 1971 FJ-40 Rubicon tested, 2F powered, some mods 1976 FJ40 Rusting slowly in the back yard 1984 FJ-60 H55f, 4.11, OME, Daily Driver 1989 FJ-62 117k-son's driver for now-low and slow 1997 FZJ-80 Driveway queen

10-28-07, 02:25 PM	#14
bull Team Bullsac Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: washington state TLCA# 12258 Posts: 2,997	I have seen this rig in person and it is truly bitchin... Now if he would only pick out his fro the rig would be complete while he is driving it.. __________________ 67FJ45 LPB / 79FJ40 / 80 HJ47 / 85 BJ70 / 97FZJ80 40th http://toymoco.com

10-28-07, 03:31 PM	#16
samba IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: SoCal TLCA# 17655 Posts: 72	very nice rig. __________________ 84 fj60

10-28-07, 04:59 PM	#17
philos1 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: the valley, yeah that one Posts: 1,414	I remember when you did the SOA on here, been watching since then... great pics and write-up. __________________ no cruiser right now :( 1995 Volvo 850 Turbo defender of the good, mo-fessional drunk, total art-fag, and all around nice guy...

10-28-07, 09:26 PM	#22
Dynosoar V8J60 - TPI Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: SoCal TLCA# 17857 Posts: 1,649	Very cool write up and rig. Dynosoar __________________ '82 V8J60 - TPI 350 with a Turbo 400 attached to a splitcase, Cable Locker FF rear end, 4" SUA (National Spring), Copper Metalic Has been south to Cabo San Lucas, BCS and North to Port Angels,WA. Call Sign: KI6SMP

10-28-07, 07:07 PM	#20
DBOZ40 IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Pine Grove, CA Posts: 92	Sick Rig Hey Cali, Nice rig--looks like some one raised you right, with a good taste in vehichles. Keep up the good work. Your Lead Mechanic Dad __________________ '78 Fj40

10-28-07, 07:23 PM	#21
chicago IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Reno, Nevada Posts: 3,095	Damn that is such a stupid CLEAN rig! I just cant get over how NICE it is... It wheels like a MO FO too! Sorry, but I just thought Id chime in again and say that! Chicago __________________ TLCA#16202, KE7VAT Toyota family: 88 FJ62 (Fairly built) 06 4runner...wifes rig! 06 Tacoma, DD, BONE STOCK and staying that way! PROUD member of the WEST COAST BLOTCHERS and the Battle Born Cruisers of Northern Nevada! FAWKING CUBS! Life long DISAPPOINTMENT!

10-28-07, 10:26 PM	#24
Landcruisin'60 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: VT Posts: 677	Looks really good man! I too want more info on those rear panels. Oh and nice hair __________________ 1984 FJ60, FJ62 frame, long AALs, 33in mud kings, custom front bumper, 4runner calipers, 2.5in Flowmaster, herculiner. FOR SALE 1988 Saab 900 turbo SPG (special performance group) My frame off build up

10-29-07, 01:11 AM	#25
Ducks IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Davis, CA TLCA# 17334 Posts: 1,115 Blog Entries: 2	That is a great cruiser. __________________ Chad... K7DUX.......1984 FJ60 - Daily Driver......Web Album ................"Non impediti ratione cogitationis" - Conloquium Currus .. Last edited by Ducks; 10-29-07 at 09:53 AM.