3B in a 60 or 80?

[SUUEEET]

I currently am a proud owner of a BJ60. In the process of creating the last vehicle I will own very little expense will be spared. It will be a famliy hauler/couple trips from Dallas-->Costa Rica. It currently has the 3B with 5 speed. The body and frame are perfect for my needs, but not the sooooooo I have agreed to a transplant. I have been looking around for a cheap 60 series to sink the diesel in when something caught my eye.........while I'm at it should I

1) Swap part for part over into a fresher 60 series cruiser and maintain the vintage appeal

OR

2) Move everything over into an early 80s series. Yes the 80 is heavier, but not by much. Especially after gear and kids in the 60. The suspension set up is smoother for long trips and I am finding more upgrade goodies

I understand the speed/weight issues involved and understand that this will be the slowest 80 on the planet. Will probably upgrade to a 38mm transfer case while I'm at it. The decision to move it into an 80 is based on a friends recommendation, but the more I look the more it appeals to me. Y'all were good to me in my H vs. B dilemma and now that that is behind me I once more seek wisdom from the masses. All opinons/suggestions are welcome.

 

[kim]

I currently am a proud owner of a BJ60. In the process of creating the last vehicle I will own very little expense will be spared. It will be a famliy hauler/couple trips from Dallas-->Costa Rica. It currently has the 3B with 5 speed. The body and frame are perfect for my needs, but not the sooooooo I have agreed to a transplant. I have been looking around for a cheap 60 series to sink the diesel in when something caught my eye.........while I'm at it should I

1) Swap part for part over into a fresher 60 series cruiser and maintain the vintage appeal

If the body and frame are perfect for your needs, why would you consider another 60 when it appears that she doesn't like the 60?

Perhaps you just need to buy and install a really comfortable seat for her.

 

[cruiser_guy]

What exactly does the not like? Why not address those issues and be done with it? We use our BJ60 for trips from Canada to Central America every year and my quite likes it (but then she gets car sick in any sort of luxury car ).

 

[rchalmers3]

Hi there,

Sounds like a fun exercise, and great fun as well!

Why don't you say some more about your needs: how you use the vehicle, is it your DD or plaything, budget size and so on.

In either the 60 or 80, I believe you will recoup some highway power by installing a turbo on your motor. Careful gearing and tire selection will also play a part. So be sure to add that to your list!

I am a fan of simplicity, and after owning both truck styles, I'm a 60's man. You may prefer the 80 for the power windows, electronic climate control and such, but where I live its a deficit to have too much complexity.

Another reason for a 60 is price, however its not as great a difference as then a year ago. The 60 prices are based out and the 80's are still falling.

Let us know more about what you want, besides pleasing "princess" of course!

Rick

 

[roscoFJ73]

I just couldnt see the point of a 3B in an 80.
Someone did it before ,or was it a 2H and they were very disapointed.

Tirbo the 60 and be done with it and start saving for the 1HZ into an 80

 

[SUUEEET]

Leaning towards 60

I too have always been a simple man, hence the 3B. Although a short thread I think I will go with the 60 series and maintain the nostalgia of the Cruiser dynasty. I think some suspension mods and a bench seat in the front will do wonders. I think perhaps building a diesel 80 for the wife if I can ever pry her out of the Honda would be a worthy goal. Continuing the hunt for a clean 60. Thanks to all that weighed in.

 

[cruiser_guy]

If a bench type seat up front is something that is desired, the very early BJ60's in Canada had a 60/40 type front seat without the usual center console thingy. You may want to look for one of those.