[Brock]

Well, a couple weeks ago I was able to get my 84 FJ60 down from my dads. His sister had bought it new in 1984 and drove it a little while skiing and enjoying the Colorado outdoors but it was not their primary vehicle.

In 1993 my dad bought it from her and flew to Aspen CO to drive "ol Blue" as my dad calls her back to Charleston SC. She had 37,000 miles on her in 1993 and became my fathers daily driver, hunting vehicle, camping vehicle, etc. He took it to Toyota dealer religiously to ensure it was kept up as much as possible since he has no mechanical skills whatsoever and he always insisted on Toyota original parts....including the hubs which routinely get replaced with WARN and the front windshield which he made them take out the new one and put a Toyota one in her. LOL

A couple years ago she became mine but retiring from military in 2004, new career, oldest daughter getting married, and other life events kept me from getting her down here.

Then this month I finally got her from my dads little weekend place near Pelzer SC on Saluda River. She was in a new garage/shed so was out of weather and other than a little mouse that tried to make a nest last winter was unaffected by the elements.

So I made my trip up in my FJ Cruiser two weeks ago with my wife to pick her up.


I dont have any pics of her before she was less than completely stock so this is where I will start.

At this time two years ago she has an aftermarket brush bar attached to the original factory bumper...and BFG AT tires...with windows tinted.

[Brock]

Arrived in 100*F heat and got Mystique started with a little effort after sitting for a month or two at a time unless my father would drive her down the ravine to the river half a mile away. So the seals and gaskets were dry and starting to seep...



You can see the KC lights, bug deflector, brush bar and tinted windows a bit better with her up next to my 08 FJ 120 (Cruiser) I call the "Brick House"

You can also now tell that the stock 30x9.50x15 tires look like roller skate wheels with the BDS 2.5" suspension lift she is now sporting.


Here are some of her specifics:

2F motor with currently 212,000+ plus on odometer (motor, tranny, drivetrain, etc never been rebuilt or worked on. Clutch was original from factory)
4spd transmission
Aisin carb with fully functional smog kit still working strong
Original paint, bumpers, wheels, interior (except carpet was replaced), no rust on frame or body other than some light surface from rock chips or where bug deflector rubbed hood edge.

[rfj62]

That thing looks awesome!!

[Joe_E]

I think we have a copyright infringement of the name "Ol' Blue" going on between us my friend.

She looks great, glad to see you added her to your stable.

[Brock]

We checked her fluids, I topped off her tires with the CO2 tank I have in rear of FJ, checked belts and hoses, lights, signals, brakes for disc and drums to make sure not frozen and most importantly made sure the factory air worked.....though I ended up not using it.

Steering was a little loose feeling and the clutch felt like it was adjusted completely out to the final inch of play....so I figured the clutch needed replacing but shop kept adjusting it out. :(

Off we went and 4.5 hours later we made it from Pelzer to Charleston SC...with no mishaps other than my balls were sweating like a whore in church.

So there she sat in driveway....no worse for wear and did not let me down on the very hot and long journey after not being driven more than a mile at a time in 2 years.


Tires are worn to final 5-6k miles they appear...and are dry rotting so that will be one of first things replaced. Plus my wife told me I needed REAL tires on her after following me for 4 hours. She like big rubber.........on her mans truck.

[Brock]

Talked to one of our club members that owns his own repair shop for Toyota and Lexus vehicles and has a good amount of experience with Land Cruisers.

The shop is LexTech Automotive on James Island SC if you ever need a good mechanic or someone to help you trouble shoot. We had just had a HAMOM the week prior but I knew this was going to be a little more than a couple hour job and was expecting to pay to get Mystique up in short order so I could commence to driving daily...and would catch the other things as they came up or in our club HAMOMS. Plus Glen volunteered his shop for our last HAMOM and no need for him to not be able to make a living so I was glad to pay for this work since I had neither the time nor the tools to get it done myself. I also knew it would be done right if he did it....another bonus.

Went by and found the clutch was shot....and the flywheel had severe heat cracks in it so we were concerned whether it could be resurfaced enough or not. So just in case I started searching for a new or good used flywheel. Come to find out they are discontinued by Toyota.....and are $500 new. Luckily the current flywheel was machined and like new again so I have some time but think I will source another for next time just in case...since they are only going to get harder and harder as the years go on.

Also had to replace some seals and such in transfer case both front and rear, rear universal, seals in transmission, and some other odds and ends.

I also ordered some new tires. I wanted the Toyo Open Country Mud Terrains in 33x10.50x15 that I saw were released last year. The only other ones I could find were BFG AT or MT, and Super Swampers. Since it was daily driver the swampers were out...and I had not used BFG since I had a bad history of ruined sidewalls on light driving back to back and swore them off. The only problem was nobody had the 33inch Toyo I wanted so it was either wait 30 days or get KM2. So sucked up my pride and went with the KM2 in 33x10.5x15 and put them on the stock chrome steelies that came on her.

A few days later.....she is ready for pick up and I could not wait to see her with new rubbers, new clutch, and no more leaks. I still got a couple small things I want but more of that later.

[Brock]

First things first.....you notice the new tires. Not as thick as what I was going to get but the pizza cutter style fits the retro rig nicely and will perform just fine I am thinking as an expedition type rig....with a couple trips to Tellico, Uwharrie, or Cullhowhee in her future I am sure.



BEFORE BFG AT 30x9.50x15




After BFG KM2 33x10.50x15

[Brock]

There is no rubbing on road whatsoever with the stock wheels and 33x10.50 tires so the BDS 2.5" suspension lift must be doing its job. This lift has a lifetime warranty on the springs and hardware...but unfortunately they stopped making lifts for FJ60 Land Cruisers...I guess too much competition with OME and HFS plus the ability to do a SOA if wanted. I contacted them and they said if needed they could make an add aleaf for rear and front spring pack to make them heavier....with one long spring so I can get extra support in case of heavy front bumper with winch.....and rear swing out carrier with drawers in cargo area to keep my clearance. Told me if the springs broke since they no longer make them they would just refund me my money. Now that is a good company.....he did not have to tell me that in writing but gave me a straight up answer. I am not sure how they flex on trail but will find out soon enough.

Next things on list to do:


1- headlight and harness upgrade to H-4 lights.
2- CCOT security console with cupholders
3- new choke cable to replace one in vehicle now that sticks
4- Rock Sliders
5- rear bumper with swingout tire carrier
6- expedition roof basket rack

Stay tunes...

[Brock]

Originally Posted by Joe_E

I think we have a copyright infringement of the name "Ol' Blue" going on between us my friend.

She looks great, glad to see you added her to your stable.

LOL that is what my old man called her....now she is MYSTIQUE...the blue hotty from XMen. No conflict at all anymore

[Brock]

Installed CCOT Console this evening...not quite as BOLT RIGHT IN as they alluded in advertisement but it is in and secure. I am going to call them tomorrow as I am having trouble with one part of mount kit. Will take pictures and elaborate after I get in touch with them to see what I did wrong or what needs finessing.

Otherwise it is a nice console. I got the one with DIN radio insert and also the double cup holders on front. It is a good height for my arm and is comfortable. Steel seems to be slightly lighter than the material used in my Tuffy Console in FJ Cruiser...lock is different but seems solid. I have not decided whether to put CB in the DIN slot or put radio in there and gauges in dash. With CB would need to drill hole for mic to run cable through and mount an external speaker to rear of the console. I will think on it for a bit and get some pics tomorrow to post.

Next...headlight conversion to H-4 and a new choke cable.

[AKcruiserfreak]

Looks like a fun build! Cool to have such an exstensive family history.

TK

[Joe_E]

Originally Posted by Brock

Installed CCOT Console this evening...not quite as BOLT RIGHT IN as they alluded in advertisement but it is in and secure. I am going to call them tomorrow as I am having trouble with one part of mount kit. Will take pictures and elaborate after I get in touch with them to see what I did wrong or what needs finessing.

Otherwise it is a nice console. I got the one with DIN radio insert and also the double cup holders on front. It is a good height for my arm and is comfortable. Steel seems to be slightly lighter than the material used in my Tuffy Console in FJ Cruiser...lock is different but seems solid. I have not decided whether to put CB in the DIN slot or put radio in there and gauges in dash. With CB would need to drill hole for mic to run cable through and mount an external speaker to rear of the console. I will think on it for a bit and get some pics tomorrow to post.

Next...headlight conversion to H-4 and a new choke cable.

The ARB harness upgrade w/ IPF halogen bulb lights was one of the best upgrades I did to my 60. You're gonna absolutely love it.

[GLTHFJ60]

Originally Posted by Brock

Next...headlight conversion to H-4 and a new choke cable.

I say buy some Roundeyes ( see sig ), install them and buy the harness if you feel you need to. The upgrade of the Roundeyes over the stockers is night and day . Tons and tons of light.

Sweet rig Brock! It's super clean.

Can you do me a favor and take a picture of your rear springs? I want to know if mine are Ironman or BDS. Thanks!

[Brock]

Originally Posted by Joe_E

The ARB harness upgrade w/ IPF halogen bulb lights was one of the best upgrades I did to my 60. You're gonna absolutely love it.

where would you recommend...two most popular sites for pure plug and play was TPI4X4 and Cruiser Outfitters. Which would you recommend...?

[Brock]

Originally Posted by GLTHFJ60

I say buy some Roundeyes ( see sig ), install them and buy the harness if you feel you need to. The upgrade of the Roundeyes over the stockers is night and day . Tons and tons of light.

Sweet rig Brock! It's super clean.

Can you do me a favor and take a picture of your rear springs? I want to know if mine are Ironman or BDS. Thanks!

Sure thing...I am going to take some pics of engine bay, rear cargo, springs, frame, rain gutters, etc for more detail of rig and add them to OP..... my BDS uses white shocks...with white stenciled numbers on springs and end of spring where it wraps around shackle says CANADA. Will get pics for you of actual springs though....

[Joe_E]

Originally Posted by Brock

where would you recommend...two most popular sites for pure plug and play was TPI4X4 and Cruiser Outfitters. Which would you recommend...?

Although I have yet to order from Kurt at Cruiser Outfitters I fully intend to in the future as I have heard nothing but great experiences with him.

I have bought from TPI as well and had no problems. My OME suspension came from them back in the late 90's.

I would go with the ARB harness from either one I would say or who ever had the better price.

[Brock]

ordered the IPF headlights, bright white bulbs, and harness today.....for FJ60. Thanks for input guys...

[Brock]

Installed CCOT and modified rear a-frame support for my floorboard. Install was pretty painless in big scheme of things. I had to drill out the oem tapped holes in the two floorboard supports for oem console as they hold sheetmetal screws and need them larger for supplied bolts.

Two supplied C brackets mount to bottom of console as does the rear A-frame support and cup holder...then sit down over floor supports..insert bolts and firm down with washers. It is easier to get to them from drivers side back seat I found and reach underneath. I have the original rear floor heater under passenger seat that still works and is set to COOL right now so the most room is on drivers side.

There is a raised part on floorboard plus new carpet so it sat up about 1/2 inch higher than needed from supports...so got out cutting wheel and trimmed the back support legs down appropriately...tried again and it was PERFECT. Tightened her down and I love it.

I am going to put my stereo in the DIN slot in console...and put a CObra or Midland DIN sized CB in dash. The midland I am looking at has front speaker, front cord and removable face.



This also shows condition of interior....all is original except for carpet which is darker than original. On later photos can see color on lower door panels that was there from factory but shows too much dirt so went with charcoal.

[Brock]

More of interior....showing original lower panel carpet versus aftermarket that is in there now.

[Brock]

Here is engine bay....pretty clean. Little seepage from valve cover gaskets but no drips.....so original hood insulation and as you can see the smog gear is all in place and working.

The engine cooling fan also works as advertised Aftermarket radiator...all else is Toyota to my knowledge.

[Brock]

Here is front end with original bumper and Toyota brush guard with KC lights attached. original sealed beams and all fascia. I have upgraded headlamps, bulbs, and wire harness on the way. The front tow hook had to be removed when installed brush bar. It is heavy as hell and very solid but will likely be replaced with a different bumper in future or have to figure out a way for a tow hook as I am not comfortable without something to hook to....guess I could use brush bar ONCE LOL



Cleaned her up....waxed, washed, vacuumed, etc....so amazing what some washing and buffing will do to a paint job that is 25 years old in October 2009. LOL



Nerf bars will be coming off in next few months for some proper rock sliders



Rear bumper is all original as well including end caps on both front and rear...but will be replaced by a 4+Plus likely as I want both tire mount and jerry cans with hi-lift all integral....so stay tuned in case I put front and rear bumpers up for sale soon.

[Brock]

Here is a shot of my new tires on the original stock 15x6J wheel.....the spare is in good shape too with little to no rust on it and just some overspray I need to get off with fine steel wool to make it shine as much as others...will wait until I rotate that tire into the mix in 3000 miles.



Tires are 33x10.50x15 BFG KM2...5 of them. Cant hear them at all over 2F engine with 4spd tranny

Here are some pics of the BDS suspension...not the best but you can see their signature white leaf spring stamps...white shocks...and CANADA stenciled on end of shock pack. 8 leafs in rear...5 in front...and are supposedly 15-18% HEAVIER(STIFFER) than stock suspension. BDS offers lifetime warranty on springs....but discontinued for FJ60.







Here you can see the 33" tire stuffs up in stock carry position fine...and can also see my exhaust is tucked up tight under body other than having to cut end off of pipe because of suspension...it now exhausts just past the rear axle in wheel well area....wont get smashed shut there on the roack as it is above the axle. I might leave it like this as I have not smelled anything in vehicle with fumes yet....




That is it for now until my headlight kit arrives this week....but I am heading to Ouray CO in my FJC for the FJ SUMMIT next Sunday so might be busy installing CB and getting packed for that excursion.

[fliphkd778]

That there is one cush little cruiser. One of these days I'll get there...

[Brock]

I am lucky enough that my aunt and my father took care of her all those years before I got hold of her.....helps with some preventive maintenance to get stuff before it gets out of hand. I hope I can keep the maintenance and care up as they both did before me.

[rdublt1]

The rig looks fantastic! I sure want to get a set of 33 x10.50's. Do you know where the carpet kit came from?

[Brock]

it was from Scepter OffRoad with their carpet kits but the install was local through place called Bendt Brothers Upholstery . I am going by later to see about putting newer and firmer foam in drivers seat and adding a little lumbar support as well....it is too soft and compresses with my big ass in it. LOL

[Brock]

After some good cleaning and polishing of chrome on headlights and grill with fine steel wool.

[Joe_E]

Originally Posted by Brock

it was local through place called Bendt Brothers Upholstery I can ask where they sourced it from. I am going by later to see about putting newer and firmer foam in drivers seat and adding a little lumbar support as well....it is too soft and compresses with my big ass in it. LOL

Dude yeah wow, that carpet looks great in the pics. Please hook us up with the outfit that sells them.
Does it look as good up close as in the pics?
Anymore closeups of the carpets?

[Brock]

Yes, it is very nice in person up close...tight weave with medium pile. I will stop by this week to talk to them and find out if they ordered it or built it themselves custom. It even has the piece on the lower tailgate all trimmed out.

[jleeFJ62]

Brock,

Your 60 looks great. Will it be up at the UC annual event this year?