Hello
This is my first post, but I have been lurking here for several months gathering info and just reading about FJ's.
My husband and I, over the last year, talked about purchasing a fun vehicle for the family. We had a CJ before the kids, and wanted to get another one. We happened to be at the drive in this summer and an FJ pulled up next to us. Needless to say the Jeep idea went out the window. My mind was set on an FJ.
I spent the last few months scouring e-bay, the paper, and craigslist. My husband did say that he would not buy something that he could not drive and see in person so e-bay was mainly to see what was out there, and to see what they were worth.
I came across a few locally, but many were way more than I wanted to pay. We test drove one, but it was a vehicle that was pieced together and it did not feel solid. I ran across an ad back in August, but the owner had the FJ in his shop and had not driven it in over a year. He called back and said it would not turn over, so he had it towed to a local FJ "guru." We finally got to see her and wow, that was exactly what we were looking for. Mostly stock, interior all original and good solid body with minimal rust. Of all the FJ colors it was olive brown (or is it green), my favorite! The color reminds me of rustic things and the 70's.
PO agreed to have some hoses replaced, fixed a door handle, and put in a new master cylinder. The parts finally arrived (on a very slow boat from Japan) and she was ready.
We picked her up on Sat. we spent Sunday cleaning the inside. Took the seats out and vacuumed out all the junk from under the seats. It is amazing how much junk piles up in 30 years. I don't think anyone ever took the seats out! Our girls had fun counting up all the change we collected.
I will post better pictures when I get her outside in the sun. I took this one tonight in the garage.
I drove her for the first time last night. (Did I mention I can't drive a standard) My wonderful husband said I did well..... I just need more practice before going out myself.
The outside looks great, (needs hood windshield bumpers) we will slowly work on the interior..... she needs a new headliner, new jump seat covers, surface rust in interior sanded down and repainted or rhino lined, inside ambulance doors and front doors need refininshing, fix horn, refinish seat brackets, and rear heater.
Thanks to all on this site.... I am addicted.... My husband tells me he is off the hook for Christmas, Birthday, and anniversary presents for the next 10 years or so.
If you see a future post from me, please forgive my lack of knowledge on FJ's, we are teachers and no nothing on fixing them up..... we will be giving it our best and this site is great resource.
Thanks
Michelle
This is my first post, but I have been lurking here for several months gathering info and just reading about FJ's.
My husband and I, over the last year, talked about purchasing a fun vehicle for the family. We had a CJ before the kids, and wanted to get another one. We happened to be at the drive in this summer and an FJ pulled up next to us. Needless to say the Jeep idea went out the window. My mind was set on an FJ.
I spent the last few months scouring e-bay, the paper, and craigslist. My husband did say that he would not buy something that he could not drive and see in person so e-bay was mainly to see what was out there, and to see what they were worth.
I came across a few locally, but many were way more than I wanted to pay. We test drove one, but it was a vehicle that was pieced together and it did not feel solid. I ran across an ad back in August, but the owner had the FJ in his shop and had not driven it in over a year. He called back and said it would not turn over, so he had it towed to a local FJ "guru." We finally got to see her and wow, that was exactly what we were looking for. Mostly stock, interior all original and good solid body with minimal rust. Of all the FJ colors it was olive brown (or is it green), my favorite! The color reminds me of rustic things and the 70's.
PO agreed to have some hoses replaced, fixed a door handle, and put in a new master cylinder. The parts finally arrived (on a very slow boat from Japan) and she was ready.
We picked her up on Sat. we spent Sunday cleaning the inside. Took the seats out and vacuumed out all the junk from under the seats. It is amazing how much junk piles up in 30 years. I don't think anyone ever took the seats out! Our girls had fun counting up all the change we collected.
I will post better pictures when I get her outside in the sun. I took this one tonight in the garage.
I drove her for the first time last night. (Did I mention I can't drive a standard) My wonderful husband said I did well..... I just need more practice before going out myself.
The outside looks great, (needs hood windshield bumpers) we will slowly work on the interior..... she needs a new headliner, new jump seat covers, surface rust in interior sanded down and repainted or rhino lined, inside ambulance doors and front doors need refininshing, fix horn, refinish seat brackets, and rear heater.
Thanks to all on this site.... I am addicted.... My husband tells me he is off the hook for Christmas, Birthday, and anniversary presents for the next 10 years or so.
If you see a future post from me, please forgive my lack of knowledge on FJ's, we are teachers and no nothing on fixing them up..... we will be giving it our best and this site is great resource.
Thanks
Michelle