1979 Land Cruiser FJ55, Tucson, AZ
- Thread starter dbiggers
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
That is a fine swine! 1979 was the last year in the US...
Are you going to add pics of the front?
Are you going to add pics of the front?
- Thread starter
- #23
Yes, front end photos coming. Been too busy this week or wife had the camera. Will shoot and post by weekend. As promised, it will reflect the rest of the vehicle you've seen. Just ordered a new windshield today (no charge!) because of large crack.
Hey, I probably won't sell it, right?
Hey, I probably won't sell it, right?
- Thread starter
- #24
More facts on this pig:
91,000 original miles
I purchased from first owner here in Tucson in 1995 with 12,000 miles in mint condition. It had been garaged and rarely driven. It has not been garaged since I've owned it, but under carport or cover most of the time in this dry climate. However, inattention on my part has resulted in some rust, as documented in the photos. Rust is largely surface and superficial; in fact, I would say there is no structural rust, but buyers wanting restoration quality will need to do some restorative body work in a few areas.
No heavy off-road use or abuse. Truck has been gently used by a loving owner. It has been through 16 inches of snow (with four chains on). It has traveled from Tucson to the southern tip of Baja's west coast, all around the Gulf of California, deep into Sonora, Mexico, all over southern Utah and northern Arizona, and from Tucson to San Diego and back on many occasions. This pig has never let me down when it counted. (It waited until I hit the city limits again to demand my mechanic's attention!)
Well-maintained, with engine rebuild and other major work nose to tail in 2001 @ 61,000 miles by Tucson Land Cruiser expert. Since 1995 I've spent upwards of $25,000 to $30,000 on major work and have thrown money at it continuously so it was ready for adventure. Not driven much in last 18 months. I think its long storage period before I bought it meant I had to spend quite a bit on issues related to that (all hoses, belts, seals, etc.).
Body in very good condition, with some rust spots, couple small dents as you've seen on photos. No significant rust under decorative rocker panels. Under-carriage very clean.
Roof gutter rail on driver's side is slightly cracked causing water to leak into passenger compartment resulting in rust on driver's floor board. Requires repair to stop leakage.
Interior in very good condition, all original except for front seat recover and front door panels re-covered in vinyl.
Rear window works. Alpine stereo, four Boston Acoustics speakers, CD player.
Factory AC (yes, it works perfectly), front disk brakes, 4-speed, power steering.
All gauges work, except for oil pressure gauge, which is being caused by short in wiring (but gauge itself works), or so says the mechanic.
Owners' manual, original tool kit and jack, mint condition Toyota sales brochure for 1979 Land Cruisers.
2F engine is 100% stock except radiator (replaced twice), heavy duty canister fuel filter, and electric fuel pump.
Additional items and parts with purchase: 4 new stock rims (exact Toyota replicas from Man-a-Fre) + hubcaps (genuine Toyota), factory re-built starter, new starter solenoid, rear window motor, misc. new (in bags) window seals for rear windows, windshield.
4 heavy duty tire chains.
Needs new tires. Unfortunately, the low-mileage BFG All-Terrains are dry-rotted (says my mechanic) from sitting. All fluids were changed last week and new plugs and I have been starting it and driving it daily. It starts right up and drives fine.
I have been told the original exhaust needs to be replaced. Transmission and transfer cases are leaking slightly, although the vehicle has been parked in one spot all week consistently (on dirt) and I have not seen any drips, but I presume seals need to be replaced.
This is a classic and rare vehicle in B+ condition, perfect for the Land Cruiser collector and enthusiast. I don't want to sell it, but am making a genuine effort on behalf of marital equanimity.
Unlike most of you, I am not mechanical and have not worked on vehicle. It has had a series of knowledgeable mechanics, ergo, the dollars I have spent probably reflect the fact that I've paid through the snout to keep this pig happy.
91,000 original miles
I purchased from first owner here in Tucson in 1995 with 12,000 miles in mint condition. It had been garaged and rarely driven. It has not been garaged since I've owned it, but under carport or cover most of the time in this dry climate. However, inattention on my part has resulted in some rust, as documented in the photos. Rust is largely surface and superficial; in fact, I would say there is no structural rust, but buyers wanting restoration quality will need to do some restorative body work in a few areas.
No heavy off-road use or abuse. Truck has been gently used by a loving owner. It has been through 16 inches of snow (with four chains on). It has traveled from Tucson to the southern tip of Baja's west coast, all around the Gulf of California, deep into Sonora, Mexico, all over southern Utah and northern Arizona, and from Tucson to San Diego and back on many occasions. This pig has never let me down when it counted. (It waited until I hit the city limits again to demand my mechanic's attention!)
Well-maintained, with engine rebuild and other major work nose to tail in 2001 @ 61,000 miles by Tucson Land Cruiser expert. Since 1995 I've spent upwards of $25,000 to $30,000 on major work and have thrown money at it continuously so it was ready for adventure. Not driven much in last 18 months. I think its long storage period before I bought it meant I had to spend quite a bit on issues related to that (all hoses, belts, seals, etc.).
Body in very good condition, with some rust spots, couple small dents as you've seen on photos. No significant rust under decorative rocker panels. Under-carriage very clean.
Roof gutter rail on driver's side is slightly cracked causing water to leak into passenger compartment resulting in rust on driver's floor board. Requires repair to stop leakage.
Interior in very good condition, all original except for front seat recover and front door panels re-covered in vinyl.
Rear window works. Alpine stereo, four Boston Acoustics speakers, CD player.
Factory AC (yes, it works perfectly), front disk brakes, 4-speed, power steering.
All gauges work, except for oil pressure gauge, which is being caused by short in wiring (but gauge itself works), or so says the mechanic.
Owners' manual, original tool kit and jack, mint condition Toyota sales brochure for 1979 Land Cruisers.
2F engine is 100% stock except radiator (replaced twice), heavy duty canister fuel filter, and electric fuel pump.
Additional items and parts with purchase: 4 new stock rims (exact Toyota replicas from Man-a-Fre) + hubcaps (genuine Toyota), factory re-built starter, new starter solenoid, rear window motor, misc. new (in bags) window seals for rear windows, windshield.
4 heavy duty tire chains.
Needs new tires. Unfortunately, the low-mileage BFG All-Terrains are dry-rotted (says my mechanic) from sitting. All fluids were changed last week and new plugs and I have been starting it and driving it daily. It starts right up and drives fine.
I have been told the original exhaust needs to be replaced. Transmission and transfer cases are leaking slightly, although the vehicle has been parked in one spot all week consistently (on dirt) and I have not seen any drips, but I presume seals need to be replaced.
This is a classic and rare vehicle in B+ condition, perfect for the Land Cruiser collector and enthusiast. I don't want to sell it, but am making a genuine effort on behalf of marital equanimity.
Unlike most of you, I am not mechanical and have not worked on vehicle. It has had a series of knowledgeable mechanics, ergo, the dollars I have spent probably reflect the fact that I've paid through the snout to keep this pig happy.
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #25
Here are some photos of the front end of ERRANT, the FJ55 currently residing in Tucson, Arizona. Sorry, I don't know how to paste them into the body of the message, but just click on this link to the Picasa album:
Picasa Web Albums - doug - 1979 Toyota L...
Picasa Web Albums - doug - 1979 Toyota L...
Wow, stock ps and air....$15 000 seems quite reasonable. IT will be collectable one day just because of the stock air alone.
sheeeeet...rusty cost about 1200 and gots PS..thanks to Lance and factory air...........but a lot of sweat, scraped knuckles, scratches and cussing
; this 79 piggy sho is a lot purtier than rusty was but wouldnt tade rusty for her; why; cause I knows what i gots
Lou
; this 79 piggy sho is a lot purtier than rusty was but wouldnt tade rusty for her; why; cause I knows what i gotsLou
sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but that is not a $15k truck, no way. the market bears what the market bears and for FJ55's the market is small and not nearly as good as it is for FJ40's. If you love the truck, I would hold onto it or sell it for what you can. Not trying to be a dick, just being honest, but that's just my opinion and opinion's are like assholes, everyone's got one.
Noah
Noah
- Thread starter
- #29
No offense taken...but the obvious question is: What IS this pig worth? Is it the few spots of superficial rust that drive the price down? I mean, the interior is in A- condition; the mechanical system is in B+ condition (even at retail shop rates, I think we're talking about $4,000 to address all current deficiencies in regard to transmission and exhaust). So I SHOULD keep it, you're right!
You should keep it. The only place you should see 55's and 40's for sale are at estate sales. You will always miss this Piggy.
If you find yourself thinking that you would be better off selling it... Well then I would take better photos - better use of light, complete coverage of the vehicle and then put it up on eBay.
I appreciate you putting it up here and giving us first crack at it. But I am guessing you will get more $$$ for it on eBay.
Sorry, I don't like saying it, and I think you should keep it, but there it is.
If you find yourself thinking that you would be better off selling it... Well then I would take better photos - better use of light, complete coverage of the vehicle and then put it up on eBay.
I appreciate you putting it up here and giving us first crack at it. But I am guessing you will get more $$$ for it on eBay.
Sorry, I don't like saying it, and I think you should keep it, but there it is.
- Thread starter
- #31
In regard to more/better photos: Did you check out the Picasa album? I've got 57 photos up there and I'm not sure I can do a whole lot better in regard to quality, although I can try. It IS on eBay, with an opening bid of $10,500. A pretty decent 1977 just went down without hitting reserve with a high bid of $5,400.
I haven't been joking that my wife is the one driving this. Given the dollars that I have put in, she's just completely resentful not to have an off-road ride that is more reliable, fuel-efficient, blah, blah, blah. Either you get it or you don't with the FJ55. She's a smart woman, but she's got a deficiency that no amount of gentle enthusiasm seems to cure.
Anyway, thanks for the comments and interest. My eBay auction is up in a day & I'm sure I won't even get 1 bid. I'd like to get a new exhaust and four new tires on this piggy and start driving it again. Was running around in it yesterday & it was dandy!
I haven't been joking that my wife is the one driving this. Given the dollars that I have put in, she's just completely resentful not to have an off-road ride that is more reliable, fuel-efficient, blah, blah, blah. Either you get it or you don't with the FJ55. She's a smart woman, but she's got a deficiency that no amount of gentle enthusiasm seems to cure.
Anyway, thanks for the comments and interest. My eBay auction is up in a day & I'm sure I won't even get 1 bid. I'd like to get a new exhaust and four new tires on this piggy and start driving it again. Was running around in it yesterday & it was dandy!
- Thread starter
- #32
Thought I had posted this, but...
Thanks very much to all of you for the comments and suggestions. This pig IS on eBay right now, with about 24 hours to go. Just saw a pretty decent 1977 go down without hitting reserve, with a high bid of $5,400.
As I've mentioned, it's really my wife's enmity toward the beast that is driving this sales effort. I don't need to tell you guys about it.
I just want to put a new exhaust on, do the transfer case and transmission work, stabilize the rust, and drive this piggy about 200 miles a month FOREVER.
Regarding photos: Wondering, PabloCruise, if you saw the Picasa album with nearly 60 photos. I could try to better the quality, but shot in good Arizona light with a high end SLR digital camera.
Thanks very much to all of you for the comments and suggestions. This pig IS on eBay right now, with about 24 hours to go. Just saw a pretty decent 1977 go down without hitting reserve, with a high bid of $5,400.
As I've mentioned, it's really my wife's enmity toward the beast that is driving this sales effort. I don't need to tell you guys about it.
I just want to put a new exhaust on, do the transfer case and transmission work, stabilize the rust, and drive this piggy about 200 miles a month FOREVER.
Regarding photos: Wondering, PabloCruise, if you saw the Picasa album with nearly 60 photos. I could try to better the quality, but shot in good Arizona light with a high end SLR digital camera.
Ah, I missed the fact that you got pics of the front of the Pig posted in your album. That was one reason driving my comments.
The other thing driving my comment is that you lose a lot of the Pig in shadows in some of your shots...
BTW, your first two links to the photo album come up 404.
Sorry to hear about the wife. I hope things go well for you.
The other thing driving my comment is that you lose a lot of the Pig in shadows in some of your shots...
BTW, your first two links to the photo album come up 404.
Sorry to hear about the wife. I hope things go well for you.
I've seen that one. It's been on e-bay a number of times. The pictures are not very good.
Last thing you want to do is have a photo of it in the half melted snow. Makes me think of rust.