Finally joining the club!! 1963 FJ45

[COkampy]

Just purchased my first FJ45!! Sesrcher356 (Mike S.), after about 43 years of faithful stewardship, has passed on the reigns of his 1963 FJ45.

I remember seeing my first FJ45 when I was on 'forced family fun' outing from Denver, to Montrose, CO, on the Western slope when I was in grade school. After a few years of paper route money and mowing lawns, I bought my first cruiser, a 1963 FJ40... Had another 40 and a 60 since then, and FINALLY have my 45.

Plans: take a few things back to stock, like the front turn signals, rear tail lights, and trade out the wagon wheels for some steelies w/ tall skinnies, and enjoy it as is for the moment.

Previous owner is a great guy, with tons of cool stories, and countless memories and hours behind the wheel of "Stanley". I'm proud to be the next owner, and I'm pretty terrible at keeping up on the forum (also, surprisingly technologically challenged for a 27 year old) but I'll try and post progress along the way...

Mike

 

[whitey45]

Congrats finding a 45 with some history. These trucks started life as hard working, go anywhere, do anything utility rigs, and many come with great stories. You should ask the po if he has some vintage photos! These 45's are going to be around along time, as many of us are bringing them back to running , driving, usable rigs again. I load mine and go to the dumps, haul motorcycles, kids, loads of wood etc. My mint painted bed is getting scratched and nicked, much like they did leaving the showroom floor headed for a long life of hard work!

 

[COkampy]

Congrats finding a 45 with some history. These trucks started life as hard working, go anywhere, do anything utility rigs, and many come with great stories. You should ask the po if he has some vintage photos! These 45's are going to be around along time, as many of us are bringing them back to running , driving, usable rigs again. I load mine and go to the dumps, haul motorcycles, kids, loads of wood etc. My mint painted bed is getting scratched and nicked, much like they did leaving the showroom floor headed for a long life of hard work!

Thanks, Whitey! It sounded like the previous owner had some cool pictures of the truck and him with the truck, from back in the day- he'll be sending them to me as soon as uncovers them, and I'll post them for everyone to enjoy.

I'm with you- definitely planning on enjoying it and using it like they were meant to be used! Already have my sights on an old 1940's aluminum teardrop trailer to tow behind it for my mountain adventures

 

[COkampy]

 

[76FJ40]

I'm liking that headliner. She's a beauty.

 

[COkampy]

I'm liking that headliner. She's a beauty.

Nothing screams 70's like some purple paisley - if it ever comes out of the truck, I'll sew some pajamas out of the fabric

 

[Tancruiser]

That head linner is just too groovy.

 

[wesintl]

Is that the one you were after for a while?

 

[wileycoyote]

Kudos that's a sweet ride

 

[ozcrusier]

Nice shorty.

 

[COkampy]

Is that the one you were after for a while?

It's a different one! I'll have to stop by when I'm in your neck of the woods one of these weekends