1963 Land Cruiser - Worth Saving?

[jacktornio]

Hi. My name is Jack, and I’m working to save this 1963 land cruiser that was in my grandpa’s pasture. He collected toyota trucks all his life, and then he passed away a few years ago from leukemia.

I’m 21 and just starting out on this project. I’m hoping to work toward getting it running first, and then will work on it slowly as I have time and money.

The cruiser is in Oklahoma, and I’m in Wisconsin. If anyone has recommendations on a trustworthy place to help me get an engine and brakes in it, I would welcome suggestions. It currently doesn’t have an engine at all.

And if you have any other advice for me, let me know. I’m glad I found this group. Thanks.

 

[charliemeyer007]

Brakes are easy enough. You can maybe get kits for the wheel and master cylinders or just get new ones, shoes and drums. Shop the vendor folks up top. Engine well used ones are around, most will need work. A chevy 350 will worked with adapters.
Wiring is old and who knows what has been done to it by PO and mice. A GM one wire alternator with a volt meter would bypass lots of issues.
Download some free manual and start reading. Plus tons of build/repair threads here.

Land Cruiser Factory Service Manuals (FSMs)

Factory service manuals (FSMs) for your Toyota Land Cruiser ! From the 1950s to the present!

www.cruisercult.com

Start a log book and get a plan before spending lots of money/time
Good luck and welcome you are in the right spot

 

[69LC]

The body looks salvageable. How does the frame look?

 

[Jdc1]

Jack- welcome to Mud. I’ve spoken to your mom about this truck, would be. ore than happy to help you develop a plan.



Jesse

 

[D21FJ60]

Perhaps would be get all that extra stuff out of there just so you have a better of idea of what you're working with, then get more pics and put them up here so everyone can help look it over from afar. Also see if there is anyone in any of hte local clubs that may be willing to come give you an idea of what all is needed first off.

Then make sure tires can hold air and get it onto a trailer and bring it back to you in WI. Do you have a designated space you could store and work on it in? That will make all teh difference. that is unless you're moving to its location in OK then skip bringing it back to WI...

Do you have much mechanical experience?

 

[bhsdriller]

anything is possible with enough money

 

[sterling]

If that truck could talk, I would love to hear the story.

 

[Jdc1]

If I had a $5k budget-

Later model 40 disc front axle and rear axle
As late as possible running F engine/drivetrain

Adapt a budget 12 circuit aftermarket wiring harness

Scavenge Mud for seats and other smalls. Replacement suspension bushings. Bimini top.


@seth did one that I rescued from an OH field.

Finding "Dirtbag": Unearthing an FJ40 in Ohio - The Old Cruiser

In late 2016, while on the hunt for the original (early) rear seats, I came across a full set on eBay… and they happened to be attached to a truck. The truck was a real dirtbag. But, why buy just the seats when you can buy the whole truck, right?! So, I set my sights […]

www.theoldcruiser.com

 

[jacktornio]

Jack- welcome to Mud. I’ve spoken to your mom about this truck, would be. ore than happy to help you develop a plan.



Jesse

I would be very interested and appreciate it if you would be willing to help me create a plan.

 

[jacktornio]

If I had a $5k budget-

Later model 40 disc front axle and rear axle
As late as possible running F engine/drivetrain

Adapt a budget 12 circuit aftermarket wiring harness

Scavenge Mud for seats and other smalls. Replacement suspension bushings. Bimini top.


@seth did one that I rescued from an OH field.

Finding "Dirtbag": Unearthing an FJ40 in Ohio - The Old Cruiser

In late 2016, while on the hunt for the original (early) rear seats, I came across a full set on eBay… and they happened to be attached to a truck. The truck was a real dirtbag. But, why buy just the seats when you can buy the whole truck, right?! So, I set my sights […]

www.theoldcruiser.com

Thanks for the advice, I'll make sure to take a look at that story

 

[jacktornio]

Perhaps would be get all that extra stuff out of there just so you have a better of idea of what you're working with, then get more pics and put them up here so everyone can help look it over from afar. Also see if there is anyone in any of hte local clubs that may be willing to come give you an idea of what all is needed first off.

Then make sure tires can hold air and get it onto a trailer and bring it back to you in WI. Do you have a designated space you could store and work on it in? That will make all teh difference. that is unless you're moving to its location in OK then skip bringing it back to WI...

Do you have much mechanical experience?

I have to find a time to go visit soon and empty it out, from my understanding there's not engine and it's pretty gutted. I don't yet have a proper place to work on it but I have some ideas I'm looking into

 

[jacktornio]

The body looks salvageable. How does the frame look?

Looks to be in solid shape

 

[jacktornio]

Brakes are easy enough. You can maybe get kits for the wheel and master cylinders or just get new ones, shoes and drums. Shop the vendor folks up top. Engine well used ones are around, most will need work. A chevy 350 will worked with adapters.
Wiring is old and who knows what has been done to it by PO and mice. A GM one wire alternator with a volt meter would bypass lots of issues.
Download some free manual and start reading. Plus tons of build/repair threads here.

Land Cruiser Factory Service Manuals (FSMs)

Factory service manuals (FSMs) for your Toyota Land Cruiser ! From the 1950s to the present!

www.cruisercult.com

Start a log book and get a plan before spending lots of money/time
Good luck and welcome you are in the right spot

Thanks for the insight, I will look into some Manuels and the other info you shared.

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

Money can't buy patina like that.

 

[charliemeyer007]

Shopping for parts can be an adventure. You can look in the classifieds up top and also post in the wanted section when you figure out what you need. Local things like craigslist, autotrader, newspaper... should be searched at least weekly. Next consideration is shipping cost or going to get the stuff yourself. I drove about 1000 miles round trip to score a LC 4sp with the transfer case. The guy threw in the Chevy V8 advance adapter to the tranny and the clutch stuff - was about $500 total including gas and about 2 days of my time 15 years ago. I was going to do a hand built 283 Corvette engine. I lost that semi big valve core, but I still have the T/T. Is there a LC club in your area, ask them about the local machine shops and parts.

I would jump on that offer to help.

Oh and you should decide how purest you want to be or can afford in terms of time and money.
I'm a big fan of simpler the better - less to go wrong.

 

[Living in the Past]

Money can't buy patina like that.

Sure it can. Bought an early 63 (62 production date with 1963 on the plaque on the firewall just get the floor. Ended up selling the cruiser I bought the floor for and just sits in my RV parking. Somewhere other than the southwest it probably worth something.