FJ25 Chat Thread (23 Viewers)

[My wife said no FJ!]

Like it or hate it, you can not dispute the amazing cars in this garage; http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=_M0-xrF2kpA&vq=medium

 

[82cruiser]

Blasphemous as it may be, I finished restoring the 25 bib for the troopy project. The bars are painted pewter until I have the coin to get them chromed. Thanks to JimC and MikeF for info and parts. Need some clear lenses.

 

[Cruiser_Nerd]

Randy,
Looking good! Getting to be more fake 20 series than real ones. Or would that be a FJ30?

 

[Owyhee Jackass]

Whining

I hate these threads…woe is me I have too many cool vehicles, which one do I sell? This exercise is mostly a chance for me to write down my thoughts and do some reflecting…

I've been agonizing over what vehicle to keep and what to sell. I ride my bike daily so sometimes none of the older ones get driven for weeks at a time. My wife drives the 80 every day. If I could I’d keep them all, I would, but I live downtown and have limited parking and no garage. I just can’t keep up with the maintenance on all 4 of the running ones, let alone work on the new project. Anymore they all seem like projects. I just had to do the heater core on the 80, replaced the steering wheel (leather was worn through), replaced the seat leather, and there’s a list of other things it needs, and it’s the new one.

I figure I should sell 3 of them and keep the 80 and one other…maybe buy a car as we don’t own anything but cruisers. My first impulse was to sell all but the troopy and the 80. I’m dragging my feet and waffling though as I’ve owned them all for so long and am really attached to them for one reason or another.

The 40 was our first, is in decent shape and is a cool old-school 40. It’s a 1963 FJ40 FST – owned for 20 years, first LandCruiser we bought but gets the least love, hasn’t been registered since 2006. I still start and drive it around the block every few weeks (sometimes months) but needs time and attention and it’s not getting either. Ige and Pighead have done more in a few weeks than I've done in 20 years.

The 55 has been my daily driver for 15 years and was the family camping rig up until we got the 80. I hardly drive it anymore except in the winter when I don’t feel like riding my bike to work which lately is about once a week; it doesn’t’ get driven at all in the summer. It’s a 1973, used to be the nicest original 55 around, but in the past few years, the ‘usual’ cancer has taken over and it’s in dire need of some body work and a nice warm garage. Again, neither is in its future anytime soon.

The FJ45 was to be my ‘trail rig’, but it’s just become a cool drive-around-town poser rig. I rarely take it out to the trails. Most times we end up taking the 80 as it’s more comfortable and seats the whole family. The 45 is basically a two-seater. It is a pick-up and it does get pick-up duty but we also have a small utility trailer that can serve the same purpose. My wife loves it and enjoys driving it, but that’s only occasionally. It’s SOA on 37’s and really doesn’t need anything in my mind, just doesn’t get used as intended.

The Troopy was an accidental acquisition…a project I wasn’t quite ready for but couldn’t pass up. The plan was to replace the 45 LPB with it, but I haven’t got very motivated to work on it yet (no garage and the 5th coldest January on record have been a factor) plus keeping up with maintenance on the others cuts into time and money needed to get going on the Troopy. It’s an ’81 LHD FST, needs an engine an a bunch of other work.

And last but not least, our 80, lifted and locked, is a capable trail vehicle and a comfortable daily driver. It’s getting up there though, 225k, needs this and that and is a gas hog and burns oil, but no more than any of the others. We live close to everything and can bike to work and school, so gas mileage isn’t that big of a factor except on road trips. My wife actually rented a car for a trip to SLC to go to a concert and that worked out rather well.

So which one would you sell first? Or maybe I should put them all up for sell at the same time and keep the one that doesn't sell?

I've often thought “What if I died today, what would my family do with all my junk?” Would they sell them all? Donate them to Boise State Public Radio? Dole them out amongst themselves? My daughter would take the 55, my son the 40, my wife the 45 and they’d probably sell the Troopy and the 80 and get a car.

I work with a guy who had a few Mustangs, was on Ford forums, similar to Mud…he just went through a divorce and sold everything, I don’t want to have to have a ‘life changing event’ to make me follow through but I’m seriously thinking it may never happen without something like that. My wife is too understanding. I wish I could say “my wife says one of them has to go!” But she won’t.

I tell myself, if I sold one, I could always find another…but could I? The 55 is in great shape compared to most. Early 40’s aren't as prevalent as they once were. Mine’s not as original and unmolested as I wish it was, but to the untrained eye, it fits the bill. The 45 gets the most attention and comments and thumbs up and head nods, but is the most unpractical of them all.

Thanks for letting me whine,

Dan

 

[My wife said no FJ!]

I hate these threads…woe is me I have too many cool vehicles, which one do I sell? This exercise is mostly a chance for me to write down my thoughts and do some reflecting…

I've been agonizing over what vehicle to keep and what to sell. I ride my bike daily so sometimes none of the older ones get driven for weeks at a time. My wife drives the 80 every day. If I could I’d keep them all, I would, but I live downtown and have limited parking and no garage. I just can’t keep up with the maintenance on all 4 of the running ones, let alone work on the new project. Anymore they all seem like projects. I just had to do the heater core on the 80, replaced the steering wheel (leather was worn through), replaced the seat leather, and there’s a list of other things it needs, and it’s the new one.

I figure I should sell 3 of them and keep the 80 and one other…maybe buy a car as we don’t own anything but cruisers. My first impulse was to sell all but the troopy and the 80. I’m dragging my feet and waffling though as I’ve owned them all for so long and am really attached to them for one reason or another.

The 40 was our first, is in decent shape and is a cool old-school 40. It’s a 1963 FJ40 FST – owned for 20 years, first LandCruiser we bought but gets the least love, hasn’t been registered since 2006. I still start and drive it around the block every few weeks (sometimes months) but needs time and attention and it’s not getting either. Ige and Pighead have done more in a few weeks than I've done in 20 years.

The 55 has been my daily driver for 15 years and was the family camping rig up until we got the 80. I hardly drive it anymore except in the winter when I don’t feel like riding my bike to work which lately is about once a week; it doesn’t’ get driven at all in the summer. It’s a 1973, used to be the nicest original 55 around, but in the past few years, the ‘usual’ cancer has taken over and it’s in dire need of some body work and a nice warm garage. Again, neither is in its future anytime soon.

The FJ45 was to be my ‘trail rig’, but it’s just become a cool drive-around-town poser rig. I rarely take it out to the trails. Most times we end up taking the 80 as it’s more comfortable and seats the whole family. The 45 is basically a two-seater. It is a pick-up and it does get pick-up duty but we also have a small utility trailer that can serve the same purpose. My wife loves it and enjoys driving it, but that’s only occasionally. It’s SOA on 37’s and really doesn’t need anything in my mind, just doesn’t get used as intended.

The Troopy was an accidental acquisition…a project I wasn’t quite ready for but couldn’t pass up. The plan was to replace the 45 LPB with it, but I haven’t got very motivated to work on it yet (no garage and the 5th coldest January on record have been a factor) plus keeping up with maintenance on the others cuts into time and money needed to get going on the Troopy. It’s an ’81 LHD FST, needs an engine an a bunch of other work.

And last but not least, our 80, lifted and locked, is a capable trail vehicle and a comfortable daily driver. It’s getting up there though, 225k, needs this and that and is a gas hog and burns oil, but no more than any of the others. We live close to everything and can bike to work and school, so gas mileage isn’t that big of a factor except on road trips. My wife actually rented a car for a trip to SLC to go to a concert and that worked out rather well.

So which one would you sell first? Or maybe I should put them all up for sell at the same time and keep the one that doesn't sell?

I've often thought “What if I died today, what would my family do with all my junk?” Would they sell them all? Donate them to Idaho Public Radio? Dole them out amongst themselves? My daughter would take the 55, my son the 40, my wife the 45 and they’d probably sell the Troopy and the 80 and get a car.

I work with a guy who had a few Mustangs, was on Ford forums, similar to Mud…he just went through a divorce and sold everything, I don’t want to have to have a ‘life changing event’ to make me follow through but I’m seriously thinking it may never happen without something like that. My wife is too understanding. I wish I could say “my wife says one of them has to go!” But she won’t.

I tell myself, if I sold one, I could always find another…but could I? The 55 is in great shape compared to most. Early 40’s aren't as prevalent as they once were. Mine’s not as original and unmolested as I wish it was, but to the untrained eye, it fits the bill. The 45 gets the most attention and comments and thumbs up and head nods, but is the most unpractical of them all.

Thanks for letting me whine,

Dan

Couldn't agree more. To have the money and place, maybe I would have more, but it ain't so, and I'm not so sure I want to buy all the toys I use to think I wanted. Recent changes in my life have me thinking much of the same.

My wife and I have two recent cars that are paid (purchased brand new) that we DD, but I was looking for another cruiser, an early FST (so your '63 would be perfect) but not sure I want to anymore. I am lucky to have a pretty decent '64, and besides buying a soft top and spare parts for it, I think it will be my last Cruiser. Gone are the dreams of an early FST, a troopy converted to bush taxi, and to find a 25. There are other hobbies of mine that are going out the window as well...or more accurately, I'm holding on to just a couple items in each, and getting rid of the rest...I just don't need/want it all anymore. Not only do I not have the time for it all, there are just other places I'd rather put my "spare" or "play money" ...like family and towards my retirement.

Actually, I am looking for the one other vehicle I have always wanted as a little kid myself all those years ago, and something that my daughter wants also. I wanted a Jeep, and had a CJ7 and loved it...I wanted a muscle car, and had a old 442 and loved it ...I wanted an old Cruiser, got it and keeping it, now I want that old 2 door Hard Top 1956 Chevy I have always wanted...to restore and cruise the hard top with. This '56 will be my last toy.

I don't match my wants with what others are doing. My projects are slow and long term, but they give me joy as is, so I am OK. It really is about all the stuff I use to want, and how I now enjoy what others have on a new level, appreciate their stories, their hard work, and their beautiful vehicles.

The way I see it, if you are already thinking about it, it is because you know the time has come. If you are asking opinions, I'd keep your first old 40 (easy to store) and I guess your 80, and sell off the rest, and take that money to get yourself a little DD you can enjoy, and put the rest of your cash towards the 40 or 80...or better yet, to put in the bank for tomorrow

 

[nuclearlemon]

lol...i'm in the overcrowded category too. i've got the 40, two 55s, a 45, the 80 and a hardley. the bike isn't the one i want, so someday it will go for something a bit more cush (it's a hardtail). i don't need two pigs, especially when pighead has a pig also, so the blue one will go back on the market. the 80 is ugly, but i love the ride...tempted to stick the green pig on it someday. the 40 and 45 will stay, as will the green pig. the rest is limbo...

 

[Cruiser_Nerd]

;p

I hate these threads…woe is me I have too many cool vehicles, which one do I sell?
Dan

I went with letting the market pick which ones go: FJ25's for sale.
At that time the only one not offered was the wife's 100.

Funny, now that I've finally got a 45, it's the only one of the current lot that seems practical.

A new owner may have a completely different view of what you've got. For example Rob just sent me these pictures........something that never even crossed my mind to do. Gippsland Vehicle Collection display............maybe someday I can buy it back and go wheeling again. ;p

 

[Owyhee Jackass]

So I wonder if I posted this same rant in the 55 section and the 45 section, what the opinions would be? I posted it here as it seems you guys hang on to your stuff as long as me and maybe horde a bit too?

 

[My wife said no FJ!]

;p

I went with letting the market pick which ones go: FJ25's for sale.
At that time the only one not offered was the wife's 100.

Funny, now that I've finally got a 45, it's the only one of the current lot that seems practical.

A new owner may have a completely different view of what you've got. For example Rob just sent me these pictures........something that never even crossed my mind to do. Gippsland Vehicle Collection display............maybe someday I can buy it back and go wheeling again. ;p

lol...at least it is siting where others can enjoy it, and not in some field rotting away, or the back of some barn or garage

 

[Owyhee Jackass]

Funny, now that I've finally got a 45, it's the only one of the current lot that seems practical.

They're practical until they're sitting on 37's and the tailgate is at your chest.

Last summer I seperated my shoulder and had to stay off my bike for about a week. The 45 is what I usually drive in the summer, I was having a hard time getting in the thing with only one working arm...then there's the shifting with my left hand. I think that's when I started this debate with myself.

Dan

 

[Living in the Past]

I hate these threads…woe is me I have too many cool vehicles, which one do I sell? This exercise is mostly a chance for me to write down my thoughts and do some reflecting…

I've been agonizing over what vehicle to keep and what to sell. I live downtown and have limited parking and no garage.

To me it would boils down to what you want do in life. I'm getting close to retirement. I want to be able to tinker around in the garage with my cruisers when I do. I have way to many cruisers but what I plan on keeping is still more then you currently have. I could have been retired already if I just kept the home we had. But ten years we bought a second home in the northern part of the state in the tall pines. Then just over five years ago we bought a different home in the Phoenix area with plenty of RV parking and a second garage. I'm working a little longer but still better than sitting around the house watching TV because I don't have room to do what I love. If you love where you live and do not plan on moving or having a second space to store and work on cruisers I would sell off at least a couple. Which depends partly on where you live. If your is a snow climit I would keep hard tops (80-45-55) if a desert than the 80 and one of the soft tops.

 

[Doctor do Little]

... I'm getting close to retirement....

What is the normal retirement age in the USA?
In Germany it`s 65.
Cheers
Peter

 

[Living in the Past]

What is the normal retirement age in the USA?
In Germany it`s 65.
Cheers
Peter

That's a good question. According to the goverment you can take you full Social Security check at age 66 now with that age moving towards 70 for younger people. You can collect a early check at a reduced amount at age 62. What age people really retire at differ.

 

[Doctor do Little]

That's a good question. According to the goverment you can take you full Social Security check at age 66 now with that age moving towards 70 for younger people. You can collect a early check at a reduced amount at age 62. What age people really retire at differ.

Not so different to Germany.
For younger people in climbs step by step up too 67.
Cheers
Peter

 

[Living in the Past]

Not so different to Germany.
For younger people in climbs step by step up too 67.
Cheers
Peter

Curious in Germany is this a goverment retirement and how much do people depend on it. In the US the politicans have been robbing the system for so long that it is broke. Now with baby boomers retiring and fewer people in a the work force paying it is in real trouble.

 

[Doctor do Little]

Curious in Germany is this a goverment retirement and how much do people depend on it. In the US the politicans have been robbing the system for so long that it is broke. Now with baby boomers retiring and fewer people in a the work force paying it is in real trouble.

It`s a statutory pension insurance.
Depending on how long you have paid in the system you get your money, but less than former pensioniers got.
It´s a high complex system, don`t know all the details of the new system.

Cheers
Peter

 

[Owyhee Jackass]

To me it would boils down to what you want do in life. I'm getting close to retirement. I want to be able to tinker around in the garage with my cruisers when I do. I have way to many cruisers but what I plan on keeping is still more then you currently have. I could have been retired already if I just kept the home we had. But ten years we bought a second home in the northern part of the state in the tall pines. Then just over five years ago we bought a different home in the Phoenix area with plenty of RV parking and a second garage. I'm working a little longer but still better than sitting around the house watching TV because I don't have room to do what I love. If you love where you live and do not plan on moving or having a second space to store and work on cruisers I would sell off at least a couple. Which depends partly on where you live. If your is a snow climit I would keep hard tops (80-45-55) if a desert than the 80 and one of the soft tops.

20 years from retirement, as has been said before, the target keeps moving though. The goal was to start on a new garage this year, then the Troopy showed up. I used $ I'd set aside for the foundation on a project vehicle that I've no place to work on.

It's high desert here, pretty temperate. I usually pull the top off the 45 in the spring and leave it off 'till late fall.

 

[My wife said no FJ!]

Use to be 65 here, but will be 67 in a few years.

 

[Owyhee Jackass]

I posted this up in the 55 section, some of you may have seen it already...some of you may be $600 richer.

Good data, I've this same tool roll under the seat of my 10/72 FJ55...mines missing the grease gun.

 

[Living in the Past]

I posted this up in the 55 section, some of you may have seen it already...some of you may be $600 richer.

Good data, I've this same tool roll under the seat of my 10/72 FJ55...mines missing the grease gun.

Not me. I've moved mine into a safe. I'm going to wait until someone makes cheap repos and the value of these drops to nothing before I sell. Should of sold a stamped bezel on Ebay when one for $600.00.