Builds '86 FJ60 moving to Munich but, first... . (7 Viewers)

[zeeklafreek]

Are you putting it in a container or going RORO? I don't think they'll cover it with RORO but I could be mistaken. Good luck with the import and registration. Having also lived in Germany I don't envy you at all with that process.

Will be in a container. Luckily my guy in Wuppertal is going to handle the heavy lifting on the importing process, and I have to say, I'm happy just throw him my money at him for handling that.

You’re in good hands with Daniel behind the wrench on this rig. Live just down the road and been to his shop many times. What a story and definitely understand the sentimental value. I checked out your truck when I was there last month. Look forward to following your progress.

That's great to hear and it all felt kind of fated. I got an immediate and good feeling from him and we sealed the deal with a hand shake. I've been hanging out in and around Wimberly since the early 70s and my father and mother both had property/house out that way. (If you 've lived near Danny for long, you might have heard of my father, and perhaps, unfortunately, my little brother, lol.)

It's CRAZY that you happened upon Danny's shop in Wimberly while looking for your 60 on your brother's land. It's not like he's on the side of a major highway, or even a farm-to-market road. He's one of 4 or so guys in central Texas to go to for this type of project, and the fact that your truck was already there is just nuts.

I appreciate and admire your passion about importing this truck, but you'd be way ahead to just find a 70 series to drive while you're over there. A <25 year old 70 series pickup would be fun and could keep up with traffic. When you come back to the states, import it here (assuming it's >=25 years old at the time) and make a profit. They're going to be crazy popular over here in the next few years.

Yeah, as I mentioned above, the whole thing felt fated. I thought about going the 70 route over here and my good friend actually has one. But, to be honest, I don't really like the looks of them. Of, course, I'm a bit biased since I think the FJ60s are some of the most handsome vehicles ever made. If that makes sense. And even though they're just fast tractors, I love driving them. Plus, I don't ever see us moving back to the States.

 

[JohnnyFish]

the FJ60s are some of the most handsome vehicles ever made

+1

 

[zeeklafreek]

Update: Danny from Hill Country Cruisers said she's being sent to the paint/body shop next week.
We're going to replace the old carpet with a carpet kit and the seats will get new covers and all will be pulled before paint job, of course.
So, I was thinking this would be the perfect time to lay down some sound insulation.
What say ye? I've read some threads where the results were mixed. I'm sort of leaning toward doing it because with ATs at highway speeds, the road noise can be pretty loud.

 

[CenTXFJ60]

Update: Danny from Hill Country Cruisers said she's being sent to the paint/body shop next week.
We're going to replace the old carpet with a carpet kit and the seats will get new covers and all will be pulled before paint job, of course.
So, I was thinking this would be the perfect time to lay down some sound insulation.
What say ye? I've read some threads where the results were mixed. I'm sort of leaning toward doing it because with ATs at highway speeds, the road noise can be pretty loud.

Always a good idea while everything is out. There’s going to be several opinions and most all are very good. My personal preference would be Thermozite (spelling???). It’s easy to cut/lay this product and performs well. And if you ever have to go back under the carpet it’s easy to work with.

 

[zeeklafreek]

Always a good idea while everything is out. There’s going to be several opinions and most all are very good. My personal preference would be Thermozite (spelling???). It’s easy to cut/lay this product and performs well. And if you ever have to go back under the carpet it’s easy to work with.

Thanks much for the input. I think I might go ahead and do it since there won't ever be a better opportunity. Any idea on how many yards are needed to cover the floorboard and cargo area?
I'm starting to get pretty stoked since pick up/drop off date is coming up soon.
We've already booked our flight to Austin, arriving the 15th of July. Woohoo! Dropping off in Houston on the 22nd.

 

[CenTXFJ60]

I wanna say 7 yds is the # I have ordered. And it’s usually the owner ordering it and I do the install. So each time there’s plenty left over so I’d say you’d be safe with 6.

 

[zeeklafreek]

A pretty nice progress update.
The original sound proofing is in pretty good shape, so we're still discussing combining it with lizard skin sound-proofing and ceramic treatments.
But also, this is the first time I've heard her running in over 5 years and Danny and I both think she sounds pretty darn good. Off to be painted this week, drove up on the trailer on her own power, wearing shop shoes, lol.
Sorting out antique tags for her so I can drive her for the week I'm in Texas next month.

 

[zeeklafreek]

She's ALIVE.

 

[zeeklafreek]

Woot. Finally another update. We missed the July 1st finish date. lol
On another note, the paint shop damaged the headliner so it will need replacing, so the question is: cloth or vinyl? Thoughts?

 

[zeeklafreek]

Getting closer. Really living up to her nickname now.

 

[zeeklafreek]

So, update:

- she's still in the States
- paint is finally finished
- the new windshield cracked during install so new one ordered
- 50 used syringes removed (my little brother was running with some not nice people)
- soundproofing (lizardskin done) on floor/cargo/doors
- dash cap done
- new window guides and felt
- seat and rug kits done
- new headliner done
- 5x BFG 31x10.5 ATs (in garage but will go on next week)
- all mechanical/suspension work done (except a chirp in the new H55 but is being pulled and sorted today)
- glove box installed @mr2m1

- little bits and bobs like USB charger, dome light lens replacement, new 'retro' stereo, new front door speakers, new (used) middle console, pedal covers done
Hoping to get it on the ship in Houston by sometime next week. Fingers crossed. Would have definitely rather it have been sailing through the North Sea in July as opposed to mid-October but, oh well. Deffo, a first world problem.

 

[cps432]

Man, I can’t imagine how stressful it must be at times having your vehicle in a restoration shop, behind schedule, while in an other country, while also trying to import said vintage vehicle into your current country, across the Atlantic Ocean and half way across Europe. It’s stressful enough having to work on the truck in your own garage sometimes.

I really hope you get that gorgeous truck soon! We will need many pictures from the Alps when you get out there man! Not enough pictures of the European scenes on this site.

 

[zeeklafreek]

Man, I can’t imagine how stressful it must be at times having your vehicle in a restoration shop, behind schedule, while in an other country, while also trying to import said vintage vehicle into your current country, across the Atlantic Ocean and half way across Europe. It’s stressful enough having to work on the truck in your own garage sometimes.

I really hope you get that gorgeous truck soon! We will need many pictures from the Alps when you get out there man! Not enough pictures of the European scenes on this site.

You ain't kidding. My wife has had it up to you know where, with all my fretting ... I've tried to be patient but yeah, it has been super stressful since I also have my German importer here to keep up to date. And I was hoping I would be able to test drive her myself and I do have a work project in Texas the 21st-25th of October but like I mentioned, the North Sea gets rougher in late fall/winter and if I waited until then, would be pushing it. So, one of my good friends will do the test driving for me (I have to say, I'm really jealous, lol) for at least a day and put her through her paces. And, yeah, hopefully on her way and I can go pick her up when I get back from PDX/AUS/DFW. Fingers crossed. And yes, will be posting loads of pics in the Alps, by the lakes and hopefully in Africa and the Middle East (although, the way things are going recently, might hold off on that one a bit.)

 

[zeeklafreek]

Well, we missed the test drive yesterday but my buddy was able to grab some photos and a video. We're now shooting for a delivery date in Houston on the 14th or 15th. How does she sound?

 

[D21FJ60]

See the convenient part of being a drummer is that if you don't wear your earpro, after enough time you won't be able to hear your wife "having it up to hear (sic)".
Glad to see things seemingly come together.
I recently purchased a (US built) Mercedes, but man I can appreciate the German design ethic behind it- thing drives great.

For you it is too bad Der TUF ist so stringent on drivetrain regs, you could've thrown everyone for a loop and shoved an om606 into your 60.

 

[zeeklafreek]

See the convenient part of being a drummer is that if you don't wear your earpro, after enough time you won't be able to hear your wife "having it up to hear (sic)".
Glad to see things seemingly come together.
I recently purchased a (US built) Mercedes, but man I can appreciate the German design ethic behind it- thing drives great.

For you it is too bad Der TUF ist so stringent on drivetrain regs, you could've thrown everyone for a loop and shoved an om606 into your 60.

Yeah, unfortunately, things seem to have stalled the last month, to the point I had arranged for a good friend to do an agreed upon test drive (the first weekend of this month) and she didn't have any seats, no transmission, windshield or finished headliner or interior. Pretty much those pics from above were taken by my friend on the day we had agreed upon for the test drive. He drove 40 miles from Austin to do the test drive. Keep in mind, I and my wife flew to Austin to pick it up in July, the agreed upon delivery date. Six vacation days lost and 3.5K in travel costs. To say I'm a little frustrated is an understatement.

 

[RevISK]

Yeah, unfortunately, things seem to have stalled the last month, to the point I had arranged for a good friend to do an agreed upon test drive (the first weekend of this month) and she didn't have any seats, no transmission, windshield or finished headliner or interior. Pretty much those pics from above were taken by my friend on the day we had agreed upon for the test drive. He drove 40 miles from Austin to do the test drive. Keep in mind, I and my wife flew to Austin to pick it up in July, the agreed upon delivery date. Six vacation days lost and 3.5K in travel costs. To say I'm a little frustrated is an understatement.

Oof.

I’m local (Austin) and I’m down at Jimmy’s quite a bit, who from my understanding, is right around the corner from this guy. Let me know if there is anything I can do.

 

[zeeklafreek]

Oof.

I’m local (Austin) and I’m down at Jimmy’s quite a bit, who from my understanding, is right around the corner from this guy. Let me know if there is anything I can do.

Much appreciated. At this point, I'm not really sure how to proceed since we're pretty deep, work and money-wise, into this effort. Yeah, Jimmy's place is only ~25 minutes away from where Betty is. I might reach out to y'all via DM. Thanks.

 

[zeeklafreek]

OK, another update: Last payment wired 2 day test drive scheduled for next Tuesday the 5th.
Let's just hope she doesn't get destroyed by all the rioters on the streets.

 

[RevISK]

OK, another update: Last payment wired 2 day test drive scheduled for next Tuesday the 5th.
Let's just hope she doesn't get destroyed by all the rioters on the streets.

We are a sane and level headed society that would never let anything as trite as politics divide us.