Hello all. Just popping-over from the 80 forum to tell you I spied a FJ55 Piggy at the local Japanese-only recycler. Wa-a-a-a-ay in the back of the yard.
It can't be re-titled, so the VIN won't be of any use, but there might be some parts you need.
I don't know the 55 to know what's useful/salvageable, or even what year it is, but I know a few of you are doing restos, and you may be looking for the elusive "whatzit".
I'm not affiliated with the owners, but I have dealt with these guys for years and they are reputable and knowledgeable.
They accept credit cards and they ship.
Hopefully they can give you what you need.
Mike or Norm at:
South Island Imports
2035 Balsam Road
Nanaimo BC
V9X 1T5
Canada
1-877-753-1119 http://www.southislandimports.ca
If you need assistance with shipping or whatever, just PM me, but I don't get there very often; it's about 1.5 hours from my place.
I'd guess that it was "carded" by the vehicle inspectors due to rust (it is a '55!). That means the owner has a limitied time (I think a month or so) to correct the problem and be re-inspected. If that doesn't happen the title is pulled and you're SOL!!
I've had that happen a few years ago with an old Toyota Corolla. Those vehicle inspectors can be real nasty. The one that pulled us over with the Corolla probably sprained his foot trying to bash a hole in the floor so hard!! He was finally able to wiggle a screwdriver through the floor and then carded it because of that!! I wasn't impressed since I probably could have done the same thing to his POS Yukon that he was driving but of course I'm not a "peace officer".
I didn't have my camera with me, and the place is quite far from me, so no pics. But if I get back there relatively soon, I will take some.
As far as actual condition... I don't know. It looked complete and intact. Had a decent and complete front clip with some surface rust and a couple of holes. It looked like it had the lights and bezels. It didn't appear to have any significant accident damage. I think it had all the doors. Like I said, it was in the back of the lot. I only saw it because I was standing on a truck roof so I could look around easier.
From where I stood it appeared to be on wheels, so I assume it has a drive-train, but who knows? Bst thing to do is call the guy. Hopefully he knows what a FJ55 is. He doesn't deal in Land Cruisers too often. He has a few of 60s, two 80s, and this 55.
