Another 55 added to the bunch.......

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So are those 33's with factory spring?
Would you mind getting a few closer shots showing how the tires fill the wheel openings?
Thanks!

Not a problem, where do you want me to take the picture from? front, back etc.....? I will take them this week.

Scott
 
DieselFJ, SWEET LOOKING PIG.

Thanks Bob.

Thanks, I wish I had more time to get it in the condition that I want it, but with my other project(the house in the background) I don't have much time to spend on the Cruiser.
 
Whats up with the 72 burb?
 
Well, the Suburban project got put on hold. The idea was to start the Suburban project last summer and complete it by this spring, but life got in the way. I ended up purchasing a home to remodel and move into, but it turned into the project you see in the last posted picture, basically a new home. This played into the purchase of this latest 55. I sold my 80 with the idea the Suburban would be finished, so once the new house was purchased I had to find a car that would fit my entire family since the 80 was gone. The bench seat 55 was the answer to this problem, well......... The funny thing is my wife is now expecting and the 55 won't fit the family once the new baby is born. Well, now it is time to figure something else out, life is never predictable I guess that is what makes it fun.....

Scott
 
So, after just over 9 years after I sold this I actually bought it back again. I knew the guy who bought it and had actually done work on it while he owned it, but he decided it was time to let it go and gave me first dibs. I definitely didn't need it as I have a 79 still, but it runs and I figure it couldn't hurt to have another one. At some point in time I need to quit buying and just finish the Cruisers I have. :bang: :oops::hillbilly:
 
Good to have you back. Any updates on the 79? What's the plans for both of them, camping rigs, long distance travel, rock wagons?
 
Good to have you back. Any updates on the 79? What's the plans for both of them, camping rigs, long distance travel, rock wagons?
The 79 is in a bad state, I tore it down years ago, it was a factory A/C, Factory PS rig with all emissions etc... attached. It needed sheet metal work like all 55's, but I don't mind sheet metal work. I was intending to use it for camping/off roading, definitely not rock crawling, but now I'd like to just get it back on the road eventually. I welded on some 2x4 sliders for the rockers, and cut the front fenders, but now I wish I'd just left it stock with a mild lift. Now I'm not sure what to do with it. I put some cable locked 70 series axles on it, but I'm going to swap those over to my 40 so it'll be sitting pretty stock minus the 70 series OME lift.

As for this one I was going to let my daughter drive it to high school. I'll put a lift and some tires on it then just drive it. It needs sheet metal work, but it is far down the list of Cruisers that need work. I currently am working on a 60 to get it road worthy, my 40 is ready for paint, and I have a 45lwb that I want to get on the road as soon as possible. There needs to be more of me to spread out the work. :cheers: Oh, and that doesn't include the 80 I'd like to swap 1HZ-T into and an HJ47 that I'd like to try a new turbo setup. What is wrong with me.......:bang:
 
What are guys doing for 55 suspension these days? I’ve seen Dobinson’s which are very expensive, and Alcan’s of course. Any other options that don’t require moving the rear spring perches?
 
Looks like I’ve got a few things to fix before I can start driving it. I need to fix the rear heater and the antifreeze leak, adjust the brakes, clutch, and carburetor, the drivers foot lock, and the dash and it’s lights. I will eventually need seat covers and a headliner. I also need to decide what to do about speakers, I’d hate to cut the new door panels/cards.

I’ll try to post some pictures as I get things cleaned up.
 
I was going to say Kurt has a sweet setup for 55s, but you have to move the rear perches. Not too big of a deal.
I did it in my ‘79, but I’d like to keep these in the factory location. I want to feel the difference in the ride if there is any.
I got the rear heater core tested, no leaks, it’s ready to go back in.
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I also took apart the front drivers door latch to see why the lock won’t stay up, it looks to be just wore. Anyone have a latch they want to sell?
21F2BF40-C784-489D-8296-7299B7FE6468.jpeg
 
Good to see you came back to the sty! You sure you want to though? Back to back posts with the beating your head against the wall emoji...🤔

What are you thinking about doing with the rig? That is a good place to start a suspension discussion. Lots of options!
 
Good to see you came back to the sty! You sure you want to though? Back to back posts with the beating your head against the wall emoji...🤔

What are you thinking about doing with the rig? That is a good place to start a suspension discussion. Lots of options!
😂 Yeah, pretty sure, 55’s might be my favorite Cruiser, it’s a love hate relationship, the first time I drive one I had to have one. This is actually the third I’ve owned. It’ll spend most it’s time on pavement, but will get off-road for camping trips etc... I was going to let my daughter drive the 60 I just picked up, but I’ll probably let her start with this as it’s not as clean as the 60. I’d like to put a 70 series ARB on it and a winch. Maybe a roof rack and RTT. Just another fun Cruiser to drive. It’ll have to spend a few more years rusting away before I can get to cleaning up the sheetmetal, but it sure has a good base.

I worry a little about parts availability, but I’m hoping with this forum and specifically this 55 section I can keep it going. I definitely would like to hear others opinions on what are good options for upgrades etc...

I’ll probably post pictures and progress on my other Cruisers from time to time, hopefully it doesn’t bother anyone.

BTW, I use the beating my head against the wall emoji loosely, I do really love my Cruiser obsession. 👍🏻
 
Yeah, I was looking at the picture, but the wear on that gear cover? isn't causing the lock to drop. It might just need a good cleaning and adjusting. I bet the door is getting hard to close right due to the wear.
 
I noticed when I went back out to the shop that the pressure did drop on my rear heater, I also saw some bubbles pouring from the endcap. Not sure why it took so long to show itself, but at least it did. I cleaned it and re soldered it and it's back in the water for testing.

as for the lock I’ll clean it up today, but looks to be in good shape. I think it might be due to wear on the lock cylinder. The tab on the lock cylinder moves about 180degrees without stopping, I’m guessing something broke or is wore. I’ll take a picture and post it. Thanks
 
Here is a picture of the repaired heater and the latch and lock assembly, still not sure where the issue is. Might have to take apart the other side to see if I can see the problem.
3F32E557-05F2-4708-99C2-D59C3182BE21.jpeg


ED3B695F-5B5C-47B2-9F06-04F1CA3476A9.jpeg


E0A7E17E-8558-4A51-93F6-EB64162D2C20.jpeg


AA265BBF-69FB-4647-9BA3-1B6DA40F521B.jpeg


BCB8195A-725C-46D1-9AD5-0112B0ABE3AE.jpeg
 
So, after just over 9 years after I sold this I actually bought it back again. I knew the guy who bought it and had actually done work on it while he owned it, but he decided it was time to let it go and gave me first dibs. I definitely didn't need it as I have a 79 still, but it runs and I figure it couldn't hurt to have another one. At some point in time I need to quit buying and just finish the Cruisers I have. :bang: :oops::hillbilly:

Congrats!

Does she still look like this:
1610900355767.png
 

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