FJ55 in New Zealand

[Wild pig]

Hi, just introducing myself, I recently purchased a 1976 FJ55. I always wanted one of these vehicles as I love the ugly but sexy shape of them and they are very rare in New Zealand. Looking forward to restoring it with my kids.
The truck has rust in all the usual places but very minor as the underside of the vehicle looks as though it was coated in some kind of tar-like sealant from new. The chassis, body mounts and most of the panels are in great shape.
Looking forward to reading through the threads, it looks like there will be heaps of good info to help me with my restoration project.

 

[bobm]

More pics

 

[scrapdaddy]

Welcome to the group. Looks like you found a good one to get started on, most of us aren't so lucky.

 

[Wild pig]

This is the front right body mount. I have scraped away some of the tar sealant with a heat gun and chisel. The paint seems to be in really good condition except for lower left of the picture. Stones have worn the sealant away and rust has formed in this area.

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[Wild pig]

The second photo is where the worst of the rist is on the inside of the left front fender.
The third photo - the truck used to have a 350 chev engine and I am planning on installing a LS1 in it.

 

[Jasferg]

Great find! looks like a good start for a restoration.

 

[greendale surf]

looks like a real clean truck. You should defiantly stick with a Toyota engine though!

 

[Wild pig]

Yaeh I think Ill put a 2UZ FE keep it all Toyota.

 

[PabloCruise]

Congrats! And welcome...

 

[PabloCruise]

Question: does the New Zealand '76 have front disc brakes? I did not see the long-body ASCO lock-outs...

 

[greendale surf]

Mines '76 and drums in the front, not sure what year they changed here?

 

[Wild pig]

No the disc brakes were put on at a later date, Im not sure what they are the guy I bought it off told me they were fj60 discs,if anyone could help me with identifing these that would be great.

 

[Jasferg]

Don't think 55s got disc in NZ, when did you see disk on fj40? pretty sure nothing before the 80s and the 55 was finished by then.