At a crossroads with my 87 FJ-60

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Zack1978

Zack1978

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Hello everyone,
As many of you know, my 60 was damaged two weeks ago by two young punks. Their parents will be giving me the money to repair the damage (at least $3,500.00) However at this point I am having second and third thoughts as to getiing t repaired or not. My 60 has spent it's entire life in NJ, and when I got it six years ago, it was rusted in many areas. The rust was repaired, however much of the rust is creeping back, and at this point the pass side rocker is done, and the pass side rear quarter. Also the doors have rust back in full force. In the past six years, I have repaired the frame twice (for rust) and dumped TONS'O cash into it. So what do I do with it now? If I sell it, I guess I could put it up on ebay and get some money back, but not a lot. If I repair it I will still have a basically rusty truck (you know the rust will come back)? I was thinking about looking for one of the "magical rust free 60's" they may or may not be out there. I guess I am just sick of trying to fight the rust! I want a perfect 60!
I don't drive my 60 is bad weather, but it does get driven in the winter, so I guess it is exposed to "salt dust". My 60 or a "new" 60 will be sitting outside at all times. What is the general opinion as to what I should do? Any ideas? Please!

Thank you,
Zack
 
I feel your pain.

I know what you mean. We are suffering through rusty 60 series as well. I don't know why use of salt and other chemicals on roads is even legal. It not only destroys vehicles but more importantly leeches into the water table and injures wildlife. It pisses me off to no end when I see huge trucks spewing salt all over the road, especially when it's 50 degrees out and they are just trying to use the salt up so they can get more money for next years budget. But I digress.

Anyways, if you can find that rust-free 60 series then get it Ziebarted ASAP. That will help it stay as rust free as it can be in the North East. Wax it often to build up a protective outer coat. If the rust has jaded you on early model vehicles then just drop more cabbage on a newer cruiser. Newer vehicles are coated with all kinds of rust inhibitting polymers and such. Heck, they are 75% plastic nowadays anyways. Our 1999 Taco doesn't have a speck of rust on her yet and she has not even been Ziebarted.

Best of luck.
 
Zack where are you loacted? In the NE? If you are I dont know if I would try to spend the $ on a clean "rust free" truck. As it will be rusted before long no matter what you do.

Post up some pics of how bad your truck is, mine was from MN and is quite rusty. both rear 1/4 are gone(but thankfully not the wheel wells) [I will be cutting the bottoms off of the 1/4's and getting a wrap around bumper.], the rockers on both sides are gone [not sure what I am doing here, maybe sliders like I mentioned on your other thread?], 2 front fenders are rusted through about 6" down, and all of my doors have rust at least 2 have rust through.
-I have purchased 3 doors and 2 front fenders from a parts truck. I debate on what to do with mine as well since I am planning on offroading it more now.
- DO I put the rust free parts (with some minor dents) on and possibly mess them up on the trail. Or do I leave the curent rusted parts and go completely trail truck?
- Minded this will be my DD so I cannot go completely trail rig and dont really want a bashed up rig. (I am working on getting some protection made locally to solve most damage issues.)

I dont know if this truly answers your question or not, but wanted to let you know what I am going through as well. I have heard that you can get rid of rust completely if you get rid of it completely when you are replacing the metal. Even treating with por-15 or similar then repair wont work.
 
Well my 60 is not nor will it be a DD. Like I said I don't drive it in the rain or snow (well at least when the roads are wet!). I have to think that if my 60 was orig rust free, it would still be the same way today 6yrs later because I don't subject it to wet roads. At times it just feels like I am wasting money on my 60, because I know that it will never be perfect. You know the old saying, "you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear!"

Zack
 
Zack
Get the money to fix it , put the truck on Ebay and sell it then take the money from both and put it toward and 60 in better shape .
Thats the best thing to if I was given your situation
 
I would sell it on Ebay and use the revenue from the damage and the Ebay sale to buy another one with little rust...that at least buys you are few more years.

I think it you buy a rust-free 60, it is going to corrode within a couple of years and just piss you off.
 
Hell getting a "new" 60 out west could make for a good summer road trip.
But the other idea is that since I will never get a lot for my 60 (but it does look good, except the damage) should I just keep it as a beater truck?


Zack
 
sell it, and all other personal belongings, move to AZ, and buy a 60 there, no more rust, snow, or salt
 
fowldarr said:
sell it, and all other personal belongings, move to AZ, and buy a 60 there, no more rust, snow, or salt
Click to expand...


You know that's funny I was thinking about a new life in another place. But I do love snow. LIfe has a way of taking twists and turns and the F'ing girl issues in NJ suck right now (I teach in the same building with my x-gf, and it f'ing sucks!!)

Zack
 
Do you want to have a beater truck as well? Can you bear seeing it get beat to crap and falling apart?

Do you have the extra $ to get the other truck + mod it like you really want to? My choice not long ago was to stick with what I have and drive it until it dies. Mod it like I want and have most everything I would ever want in a 60 series. Instead of owning a trail rig + having a basically stock truck as well. $ gets thin real quick when you try and keep 2 trucks going.

If you are intent on getting a cleaner rig then I would say sell it. But we still do not know where you are located? (I think that makes a difference as to whether to spend $ on a clean truck or not.

And how bad is your damage, pics? Let us see what you are talking about.

Edit: I guess you are in NJ. If it is truely an option for you to move I say go for it. NE is preatty in some areas but too darn cold!! :)
 
Move to the Southwest. Get new GF and job. Get new cruiser. Go camping , wheeling, fishing, hunting, exploring. Lots of rust free trucks in the SW. Snow if you need it.

Waaaay better than NJ.

This is the best advice I can provide.

M
 
PabloCruise said:
Use the $ to buy a heated garage. Salt plus a wet climate is bad.

You need a nice dry, warm garage...
Click to expand...


Well I have a heated garage, but my Celica lives there from November until May every year. But if the 60 is not driven on wet/snow covered roads will it still rust if it just sits outside?



Zack
 
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