1989 Land Cruiser FJ62?

[4Cruisers]

Several thousand dollars!?

Maybe, maybe not. I bought my '89 FJ62 about a dozen years ago (~153,000 miles) for $1,500. It had been in a fender bender on an icy road (slid into a guardrail coming off a mountain). It still ran well so needed no immediate mechanical work. I had a parts FJ60 so spent $500 with a local paint shop to paint the fenders and lower valence. I painted the inner fenders and radiator support myself with aerosol cans. Then I reassembled everything, including the round headlights. The only part of the body I didn't repair was the rear passenger side quarter panel, which was ripped open on the bottom like a sardine can. I drove it like that for quite a few years. I got a few remarks from coworkers because of the plastic bag cover over the rip, but it didn't bother me. The funniest remark was when I was partway done putting the front of the vehicle back together (it was still missing the lower valence, grill, and headlight surrounds) and drove it to work that way. The security guard at the gate asked "When are you going to bring the rest of the vehicle to work?"

Make sure the brakes and lights are in good working order and check/change the belts/fluids/filters - you'll be good to go for (hopefully) minimal $$$, especially if you do a lot of the work yourself.

 

[CaptClose]

Several thousand dollars!?

It's a disease man... Especially if you hang out on this forum and see what others are doing with their rigs. You'll want a lift kit, bigger tires, custom bumpers, engine swap, etc... Haha.

If you're mechanically inclined, it'll be cheaper, but yeah... Be prepared to spent much more than the purchase price. Don't let that dissuade you though. It's the same with any toy.

 

[Dr Salt]

I'm pretty handy with mechanical stuff, and my dad is like master-pro status at painting and working on things.

 

[Dr Salt]

But man... several thousand, that's a lot.

 

[CaptClose]

But man... several thousand, that's a lot.

Think of it like a Harley, the purchase price is just the entry fee. Once you start adding mods and accessories, then you'll spend thousands. If you enjoy working on cars and trucks, you might spend even more! Haha.

If your just looking for a daily driver and want to do just enough work to keep it on the road, it won't cost too much at all. Especially if you do the work yourself. Now get us those pics so we can check out your rig brother!

 

[Dr Salt]

OK, I'll try to get some pics as soon as I can