In the not-too-distant past when a thread like this would come along, you know someone selling off a great 60, some of the replies would be along the lines of, "in the future if you want you can fine another." As this thread is over I think the days of going out and finding the next ideal 60 are...
Tough decision, once it's gone it's gone, and this is what you have to wrestle with. Will the financial gain help you achieve that next level? What else goes with the sale? You know the intangibles. Selling an 80 series, at least for me, would be :meh: because the 80 is bland. Not so with the...
Denying the inevitable will only bring about inner tension and conflict. Read the signs: oodles of new parts, a partial dismantling, meticulous cleaning, and painting.
Frame-off.
It's gonna happen, best to just give in and go with it.
Hit those marks with some nice white paint while they're easily accessible. Maybe you can grab a bottle of official Toyota touch up paint to keep it in the family.
Headlight bucket replacement may be a little excessive :D but replacement of the rings, springs, and screws is a good idea. Over time the hold down tabs on the chrome rings become tweaked during the course of headlight replacement and even here in the rust free South the screws become rusty...
Well said. The 60 is unique, filled a certain niche, and suits me needs just fine. I would rather think that I am "in the know" instead of being diseased (ha!). My youngest is following along down this path. He's already firmly hooked and has decided that he will get my truck and frequently...
And you were careful to avoid setting the oiler too deep? If too deep the timing plate will be pushed away from the block leading to an aggravating oil leak.
Interesting summation. If needed I could sell the 80 and never look back, well maybe a little over-the-shoulder glance. I cannot conceive of ever selling either of the running 60s.
I'll loan you an engine stand, but it may be a bit of a drive.
Since you're now in the South I'll put this in the local vernacular,
"Them parts ain't doing you a bit o' good sittin' on a shelf."
The Land Cruiser was meant to be used, each and every part of it.