I wanted to ask the experts about my new 1974 FJ55 I drove home today. I have a lot of experience with Toyota 4x4 trucks, but this FJ is a whole new animal. Not sure even where to start.
Its a very nice California high desert vehicle with the only mods being a new stereo and chrome wheels with Super Swamper tires. Runs like a top. The only rust to speak of is two small areas on the bottom of the front fenders. The tires and wheels have got to go. I have the original rims, but not sure what size the original tires were, or what the best size would be. I read the forums and laughed at some of the posts and advice for new owners, but turns out you guys are dead on. I'll start with the known "issues".
The fuel gage does not work.
The oil gage does not work.
The charge light stays on.
Some weird looking toggle switch is hooked to the battery cable in the engine bay.
Rear window keeps falling down. Does not work.
Rear blinkers do whatever they want. (Blink at the same time, only one works or they just quit altogether.)
Slight front end shimmy. May be from the giant knobby tires.
All in all, its a very nice looking, solid ride. I am prepared to deal with the unique personality of this Pig. Any advice as to where to begin would be appreciated. Thanks!
Its a very nice California high desert vehicle with the only mods being a new stereo and chrome wheels with Super Swamper tires. Runs like a top. The only rust to speak of is two small areas on the bottom of the front fenders. The tires and wheels have got to go. I have the original rims, but not sure what size the original tires were, or what the best size would be. I read the forums and laughed at some of the posts and advice for new owners, but turns out you guys are dead on. I'll start with the known "issues".
The fuel gage does not work.
The oil gage does not work.
The charge light stays on.
Some weird looking toggle switch is hooked to the battery cable in the engine bay.
Rear window keeps falling down. Does not work.
Rear blinkers do whatever they want. (Blink at the same time, only one works or they just quit altogether.)
Slight front end shimmy. May be from the giant knobby tires.
All in all, its a very nice looking, solid ride. I am prepared to deal with the unique personality of this Pig. Any advice as to where to begin would be appreciated. Thanks!
. Now that that is out of the way. You list a fistfull of issues and then say. all in all not bad or whatever, look, it is like this, you don't need our help because you are already one of us. Nothing like a classic case of denial to get you started. Great intro dude! Lets see, the rear window, yawn, first, pop the panel off and have a look. IF the regulator is still there then you are already ahead. Looky, lets skip the tech and get right down to business. Crawl under the back and check the rubber flaps that cover the rear most body mounts, all of the floor supports, that gap in the engine bay between the fire wall and the blower box. basically look over all of the nooks and crannies with an eye on cleaning out any accumulations of dirt. Lots and lots of nooks and crannies down there. I'm thinking maybe I've been spending a little too much time down there. hmmmm.
