1974 Fj55, new aquisition;

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S

scubadds

10 Year
Joined
Dec 3, 2014
Threads
10
Messages
42
Hey all,
First of all, my name is Bryan and I have a Iron Pig...
My Background: I have built a ground up (from parts, not a running truck) a defender 110 300 TDI,
Rebuilt a wicked defender 90 softop (put a 4.6 chipped and cammed, and a auto trans and 35s with 4.11's air lockers etc etc) and rebuilt a '65 mustang fastback that ended up on TV. I also have completely redone several boats (1990, 24 mako rebuilt to new specs) and an 1990 Montauk Whaler....

I have two Land Cruisers now (a 2015 and a 2007)
But I have not ventured into vintage land cruisers yet. So pardon any ignorance on rovers


So, I was driving to work and saw a Pig, didn't know they were called pigs at the time.
But I liked it, so 20 minutes later I gave him a check and picked it up yesterday.
Here is what I know. Its got a Chevy motor (305??) and an auto trans.
Lots of surface rust a few rust thru spots (drip rail and inside vent on fender)

I tend to make things new again; But I am trying to resist the urge and get it on the road and leave the patina it has (even repair rust holes and give them a rusty look is an option)
Hopefully one of my kids will take interest in a few years and maybe then do a ground up restore if it makes sense at the time....
Why is the value of these so much lower than the FJ40? just a demand issue?

I need a fuel tank, as "this little piggy has none"
In order to get it to go wee wee wee all the way home. its gonna need a radiator also.
Any thoughts or ideas on the project are appreciated
I will try to post a few crappy pics, until I can get back with a decent camera
IMG_9533.webp


IMG_9553.webp
 
Last edited:
scubadds said:
Hey all,
First of all, my name is Bryan and I have a Iron Pig...

So, I was driving to work and saw a Pig, didn't know they were called pigs at the time.

But I liked it, so 20 minutes later I gave him a check and picked it up yesterday.

Any thoughts or ideas on the project are appreciated!
Click to expand...

I like it! I'll let the others here that are much more knowledgable than I speak to value, demand, etc.. But looks like a decent start to me. I like the idea of leaving the patina. I've read too many builds where the owner spends too much money on it and never finish the project. Get it on the road, drive it, enjoy it and then decide if you want to do the big dollar frame off resto. One thing you will find is that parts can be hard to come by and/or expensive when you find them. You're in the right place though! Welcome and congrats!
 
thanks
I have been burned by rust once before; on a '67 mustang fastback.....
Best I can tell there is some rust holes but overall its solid, the door bottoms seem solid
Where are the worse spots usually found?
 
under the floor mat...under the rockers...hit up BobM...
 
Congrats and welcome. Others have mentioned the key points... Enjoy the vehicle and try to keep it on the road while working on it.
 
scubadds said:
Where are the worse spots usually found?
Click to expand...

Other than rockers, lower front fenders, lower rear quarters, front lower hood, interior front floor and the entire lower roof line most everything else should be reasonably solid.

When you rebuild coat the insides of all your panels, these things seem to have a condensation issue and rust from the inside out. Scrapdaddy and I have documented some of what we did to apply coating to ours in our build threads.



Target carrier

SLOW 71



Looks like a good start!
 
scubadds said:
So, I was driving to work and saw a Pig, didn't know they were called pigs at the time.
But I liked it, so 20 minutes later I gave him a check and picked it up yesterday.

View attachment 1169878
Click to expand...

Sounds like you got bit hard!

Congrats Bryan, you will love your little Piggy, and '74 is a great year, they are survivors.

@J Mack keeps threatening me with plans to build a gas tank, I would think about that route, with an in-tank pump.

Sounds like you have a 100 series as well? Sweet!
 
It is on CL, I am neck deep in house renovation and had a moment of weakness;)
I have not started working on it, but if someone else was ready to carry the torch; I will pass her off;
Otherwise I will start in February or so
 
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