84 FJ60 Resto,

[Methusalem]

Skinner, you're amazing! At one hand is frustrates me enormously to see what you have accomplished, because I know I'll never be able to do 1/4th of what you've done (and probably less) but at the other hand it gives me the courage to start trying things myself, instead of paying someone else to do certain jobs.
Btw, if you're still pissed (because off all the rust) about the guy who sold you the cruiser, see this link (because it can always be worse than you think)
Thanx for all your pictures!

Wim the bush whity

https://forum.ih8mud.com/60-series-wagons/431922-introduction-newbee-hj60-driver.html

 

[NorCalBorn]

*Must still be over in Japan since there's no replies??

 

[jascolt]

Yea I sent him an email to check on his progress and got no return. I would like to see this finished product. Hope all is well with him and family.

 

[SKINNER]

Hey guys, long time - no see. I've been in Japan a bunch; the project I am managing is in the middle of development phase & it's been quite busy to say the least. Looks like I may be out of the US for 26 weeks this year. . . .

Good news is, I plan to get back on the 60 in the coming months. I've just bought an LS400 - so it's going to be out with the 350 & in with the 1UZFE!! Don't think I've seen it done yet on a 60; so should be cool. Plan is to run the factory auto; going to try to frankenstein the trans together with pieces from a Jeep AW4 (maybe run a Dana 300 case??).

 

[the gimpey one]

This project is totally inspiring. I can't wait until the day when:
1. I have an extra 60 sitting around that I can do something like that too. {Need mine to get to work and play... my wife's 325 XI just doesn't handle like Clifford does}
2. I have the time to do something like that.
3. I have a shop 1/2 as cool as yours to do something like that in.
4. I have the skills to pull something like that off...
5. Recognizing that I most likely won't have said skills... I then have the balls to try it anyway so that I can acquire said skills.

amen brother! amen.

 

[toyman317]

Good to hear from you. Sounds like a great project.

 

[NorCalBorn]

Hey guys, long time - no see. I've been in Japan a bunch; the project I am managing is in the middle of development phase & it's been quite busy to say the least. Looks like I may be out of the US for 26 weeks this year. . . .

Sounds like you need an assistant as much as I need a job. When you do head back stateside let me know if you end up with a layover possibly in the S.F. Bay Area man. I'd ask what you got going with your project but IIRC that's all

-

to the general public.

 

[Orionfj60]

Nice build

 

[SKINNER]

Sounds like you need an assistant as much as I need a job. When you do head back stateside let me know if you end up with a layover possibly in the S.F. Bay Area man. I'd ask what you got going with your project but IIRC that's all

-

to the general public.

I do love my job, but there are definitely days I could use and assistant or three. . . LOL.

There is actually a real potential that I could end up in SF for a layover at some point within the next year - if so, we'll have to hook up for a beer or something.

 

[apeterson]

one of the best builds I have read in a really really long time!!!! cant wait for more updates!!! great work!!!

It has been my dream to do this to a 60 ever since I tore into my 40.

 

[NorCalBorn]

It's been a few man, with everything that's happened in japan I just wanted to check in on ya and see/hear you're safe and doing well.

 

[SKINNER]

Shane - thanks for dropping me a line, man. I was in Japan in April shortly after the quake/tsunami, but where I do business is about 400 miles south (Toyota City), so no problems. Actually, I am in Japan again now (for 5 weeks). . . until 6/18.
Looking forward to getting back to the states - the golf cart project is finished & gone & the 60 is back in the main shop with the donor Lexus. On the short list is to get the 1UZ-fe swap finished (w/ Lexus auto & dana 300 t-case). I can't wait to get posting pics up on Mud again. . . it's been toooo long.
Again, thanks for dropping me a line. Brandon

 

[SKINNER]

It's been a few man, with everything that's happened in japan I just wanted to check in on ya and see/hear you're safe and doing well.

Just got back from a 5 week trip to Japan about 2 weeks ago, heading back for another 2 weeks in a few days. . .

By the way - thanks for putting my 60 up for sale; been getting PM's now from a guy looking for a "rust free body" & NorCal said I happened to have one. . . .

Guess I derserve that as I still haven't finished mine.

However, I have started to part out the donor LS400. Have a backyard remodel left to finish & a baby room (#2 due in September) to get done - but the Lexus has been getting a few hours a week. Hope to pull the engine within the next couple weeks.

 

[fj4play]

a suv that is to heavy and under powered generally is not a gas saver

 

[SKINNER]

a suv that is to heavy and under powered generally is not a gas saver

?? Not following you??

 

[ANGRY6]

Just gone through this whole thread... all i can say is your a magician!
Your work is absolutely stunning and top quality, wish you all the best with your build.


Daniel

 

[SKINNER]

Just gone through this whole thread... all i can say is your a magician!
Your work is absolutely stunning and top quality, wish you all the best with your build.


Daniel

Thanks man - now the only thing I need is time to get back in the shop & finish it!!

 

[SKINNER]

Alright fellas - back from the dead. . . I'll warn you up front, progress may not be as fast as it was before (I'm back off to Japan again 7/20), but at least the 60 is back in the shop!

I've been capitalizing on our plants 1-week summer shutdown; I got the 60 back in the shop & also got the engine & trans pulled out of the donor car. You guys will recall there is already a freshly built 350 in the 60, however I came across a deal that I couldn't pass up - a Lexus 1UZFE. If you don't already know, this is one killer engine - all aluminum, dual overhead cam, 6 bolt mains, forged rotating assembly, etc.

(note the 60 patiently waiting in the background)

With the 1UZ I'm also planning on running the Lexus AT, with that I've grabbed an AW4 output shaft & tailshaft housing to allow me to swap the Lexus from 2WD to 4WD (hopefully). Of course, I'll need to run a different T-Case, hence the Dana 300.

 

[daveIT]

Nice...I love when these old threads I've never seen pop back up. Subscribed!

 

[jascolt]

i call dibbs on the 350. whatcha say Skinner?