I am a new owner of a 1971 FJ55 and proud to be apart of the FJ55 IPPS. I've been a Cruiser fan for many years. I've owned a rust-free 1970 FJ40, that I had for 14 years before selling it to a good friend, and currently have a moderately built 1997 80 Series that I've owned for 4 years. 55's have always appealed to me, but I never found one that wasn't a complete rust-bucket . . .
My 'new' Cruiser was originally purchased in Borrego Springs CA and has spent its entire life living in the desert (and it still has small spots of rust!!). Last registered in '98 due to a "blown engine" while driving to Big Bear. The original owners attempted a V8 transplant, but apparently either lost interest or decided a transplant was too much work. So it sat . . . until forum member gringo loco one day asked about the pig. Then: IH8MUD.com - View Single Post - New pig in the pen
I have a good friend who is friends with gringo loco. When he first got the rig, my buddy said "you gotta check out this sweet pig my friend just scored". I saw it; I wanted it; I couldn't believe he got it for free! Original paint, virtually rust free; just an amazing score! Gringo loco's buddy, who gave the 55 to him, had the Cruiser in the family since new.
Once in his possession, he ground out the V8 mounts, bought an entire 2F drive-line from a 60 series, and tried unsuccessfully mounting the 2F. A few weeks ago, our mutual friend tells me he is selling it!!! He lost interest in it. Long story short; I had a vehicle I could sell, listed it, sold it in 2 days, then drove out to Coachella Valley made a deal and picked it up.
For me personally, I've never seen a nearly rust free pig. This one is probably as close as it gets!
(Click on images for bigger)
Original Spare?
My 'new' Cruiser was originally purchased in Borrego Springs CA and has spent its entire life living in the desert (and it still has small spots of rust!!). Last registered in '98 due to a "blown engine" while driving to Big Bear. The original owners attempted a V8 transplant, but apparently either lost interest or decided a transplant was too much work. So it sat . . . until forum member gringo loco one day asked about the pig. Then: IH8MUD.com - View Single Post - New pig in the pen
I have a good friend who is friends with gringo loco. When he first got the rig, my buddy said "you gotta check out this sweet pig my friend just scored". I saw it; I wanted it; I couldn't believe he got it for free! Original paint, virtually rust free; just an amazing score! Gringo loco's buddy, who gave the 55 to him, had the Cruiser in the family since new.
Once in his possession, he ground out the V8 mounts, bought an entire 2F drive-line from a 60 series, and tried unsuccessfully mounting the 2F. A few weeks ago, our mutual friend tells me he is selling it!!! He lost interest in it. Long story short; I had a vehicle I could sell, listed it, sold it in 2 days, then drove out to Coachella Valley made a deal and picked it up.
For me personally, I've never seen a nearly rust free pig. This one is probably as close as it gets!
(Click on images for bigger)
Original Spare?
is into this Cruiser. She never took much interest in the 40 or the 80, but the 55 . . . she is really excited to get the Pig running and take it for a drive.
