74 PA PIG

[smooth]

Not a build tread but wanted to get a few pics out about the 74 FJ55 I've been working on.

Background is: I purchased it 2015. Original thoughts were, it's too far gone to invest any time or money on it. Just drive it and enjoy.

Fortunately/unfortunately I can't let things alone. I couldn't let this pig just rot away. First round in 2017 was a lipstick paint job. Patch any holes to pass PA inspection. Figured throw some paint on it and deal with the real rust later. Looks good but still had a lot of hidden sins.

Got the motivation I need when I noted Bob M was again making some replacement parts. Called Bob, drove to New Hampshire and picked up the much needed parts. Thanks Bob! One of the reasons to start the tread is to show Bob they're getting put to use.

I am not the skill on this project. I'm the labor and finance. Have a friend who likes to do body work on the side. He did my 86 FJ 60 and said he's up for the challenge.

I'll follow up soon with some continued pictures of the current progress...….Bill

 

[PabloCruise]

Can’t wait to read more Bill!

 

[RUSH55]

Pig with slot mags!
Keep us posted!

 

[fj55-100]

Dig the wheels , I have the same set

 

[smooth]

Started the project in November 2018. Rented some space when we did the 60 project but knowing this would take awhile decided to do the best we could in my garage. Bought a welder and relocated the 60 for more working space. Frame is in good shape, not pulling the body completely off. Don't have the proper metal/fabricating tools but went to work.

Interesting things you can fin out about your cruiser. Looks like it had 3 coats of paint

Also looks like a previous owner replaced the roof? There is a seam on each pillar, all at the same height.

This is my first PIG but from what I read it has rust in all the named places. Front floor pans (not too bad), rockers, rear quarters, rear wheel wheels, roof rust (not too bad), front fenders.

Looks like they'll only let me post 5 pics......to be continued

 

[71greenpig]

Need more input. Keep it coming. Looks good and your correct Bob rocks.

 

[wngrog]

Wow. What lies beneath....

 

[smooth]

Roof had one area on each side , about the same size. Gutters look good.

Will have to replace some of the inner rear quarter. Biggest challenge for us will be the rear wheel well lip/profile.

Some good news. Someone put in a decent patch on the bottom of one door.

Didn't even talk about the front. A pillars and fenders were bad. Not sure how many pictures of rust the group wants to see? I'm sure you've seen it, had it or have it. I'm thinking it's time to move to the next phase?

 

[WarDamnEagle]

Concerned about my A pillars when I get around to tearing mine apart. Great progress so far!

 

[bobm]

We like pictures . Lots of pictures

 

[wngrog]

So, you went from this..,,,

To this on purpose?

Holy crap. Are you certain your best option is to start with that body? My parts pigs are not that far gone.

 

[bobm]

Seen worst

 

[RUSH55]

And this is barely the first page!! I was 10 pages deep before hitting this far in

 

[smooth]

So, you went from this..,,,

View attachment 2179122
To this on purpose?
View attachment 2179123
View attachment 2179124

Holy crap. Are you certain your best option is to start with that body? My parts pigs are not that far gone.

Never said I was smart!! One of those projects that you would probably never start if you knew how bad it was.

I love your patina cruisers. Unfortunately on the east coast there is not much patina, only rust. Probably wasted money with the 2017 lipstick paint job but knew hopefully someday we'd give it a legitimate effort.

I find joy in keeping these cruisers on the road. Not doing frame off nut & bolt restorations but trying to give them more life. We drive them all (the entire family, wife, son & daughter). Just got this 76 FJ40 back on the road this past August. It's my understanding it has not been operational in 20+ years. It took me six years but it was worth the wait. That's another story.

 

[wngrog]

Never said I was smart!! One of those projects that you would probably never start if you knew how bad it was.

I love your patina cruisers. Unfortunately on the east coast there is not much patina, only rust. Probably wasted money with the 2017 lipstick paint job but knew hopefully someday we'd give it a legitimate effort.

I find joy in keeping these cruisers on the road. Not doing frame off nut & bolt restorations but trying to give them more life. We drive them all (the entire family, wife, son & daughter). Just got this 76 FJ40 back on the road this past August. It's my understanding it has not been operational in 20+ years. It took me six years but it was worth the wait. That's another story.View attachment 2181283

Amen and God Bless....but first flip that bezel

 

[brisveganbj42]

Get into it!, wonder what it'll be like knowing your driving a pig that is truely "Rust free"!?

 

[smooth]

We like pictures . Lots of pictures

Ok @bobm says more pictures. What @bobm says, @bobm gets. His awesome replacement parts made this a possibility and a reality for us amateurs. Some continued discovered rust. Driver's side A Pilar

Odd spots to work on.

Front Fender

Time to fire up the grinder! Next step is to cut out the bad stuff.

 

[smooth]

Amen and God Bless....but first flip that bezel

Man....can't believe I got caught on the bezel flip. Already did that. Didn't realize I took the picture this summer before the flip. Now it's in print!!

 

[wngrog]

Us bezel police are vigilant.

 

[1969FJ]

I suppose the aftermarket body panels are not as popular on the FJ55.