Fj62 Repair Question....

[sourcemine]

Ok so as I have introduced myself I just picked up that FJ62, a 1990 with as of today 158,000 miles on it.

I'm having TLC do the 3 day physical inspection, I was very upfront and honest with them, I will pay them to inspect it, but I may not be able to afford them doing all the work they find wrong, but I do have another good mechanic shop or two to have the work done.

so far I purchased the FJ for $8k, it needed a new winshield($500 installed OEM TOYO glass), and new exhaust system, which I had done for $700, and I replaced all the wipers and got new low beams, also ordered the L.E.D. domelight per suggestion on the forum from that guy.

I'm paying them $375 to do a full inspection, off the bat they noted I need a new EGR gasket or something, and pinpointed about $480 in repairs off the bat without the car even being really looked at.

I want to get all the important mechanical stuff done off the bat, but I'm not sure how much to 'sink' into the cruiser...

so far in the week and a half I've had it I've been totally happy with it, I would like some manual bimmer seats in there, I saw in one at TLC with bmw 3 series I believe seats, manuals, and they fit perfectly and were very comfy, but the OEM seats are fine, I could use some new seat covers, the previous owner had some functional ones on there, but not the best looking.


What kind of cap should I set for myself on repairs?

$8000 vehicle cost
$740 full exhaust redone
$550 winshield
______________________
Want list:
8" Tuffy $215+275 installed(with electrical remounted), thats also TLC's labor, I might be able to do it for cheaper with a friend of mine and just buy the box who knows)
$275 - TLC Air Intake/cone filter
$99 Painless dual battery setup, the vehicle already has too brackets, the aussie one I believe, just want to complete the kit.
$99 New Optima or Sears battery, not sure the status of the current battery
$99 2nd battery with the kit, probably unnessary unless I'm really doing serious stuff

That's pretty it for now, with all that done it should last me for a while, I have some cash left over from my Audi's sale, so I have the money to put into it, I'm just not sure how much, and if I decide this vehicle just isnt for me after a few months, I don't want to dump money I can't get back if I sell it(which is prob. impossible)..
Thanks in Advance for suggestions..

 

[dd113]

Dont take this the wrong way but can your list for now. You have no idea what issues the truck has. The TLC air intake wont look as good when the truck cant drive when it has no brakes or some other issue. See what TLC has to say. Off the bat I would suggest that you change every liquid/filter in the truck then a full, real tune up.

I dont see where there ever is a cap. Cruisers are a lot like boats. Consider it a hobby that rolls.

 

[sourcemine]

Dont take this the wrong way but can your list for now. You have no idea what issues the truck has. The TLC air intake wont look as good when the truck cant drive when it has no brakes or some other issue. See what TLC has to say. Off the bat I would suggest that you change every liquid/filter in the truck then a full, real tune up.

I dont see where there ever is a cap. Cruisers are a lot like boats. Consider it a hobby that rolls.

Yeah I figured there was no good answer to that post. :whoops:

 

[yooper]

Don't be surprised when the TLC report says you need something like $10,000 worth of work done. That is their reputation, so don't rake the numbers seriously.

 

[Mike S]

... with all that done it should last me for a while, I have some cash left over from my Audi's sale, so I have the money to put into it, I'm just not sure how much, and if I decide this vehicle just isnt for me after a few months,...Thanks in Advance for suggestions..

I know the fever is on to fool with your truck. Do yourself a favor... tune it properly, change out the filters and lubricants. Drive it for 5,000 miles. Wheel it some. Dual batteries, trick air intakes, etc. should wait until you know what the truck really needs, and whether you want to keep it and drive it, or build it up.

When I first got my 60 (my second cruiser after a long hiatus) I ended up putting in a new smog pump, new PS pump, fixed the J pipe, new clutch hyraulics, fixed the brakes, added a new top radiator hose, new Optima battery, etc.

I like my cruiser, but it took a while to get $#!t squared away. I am still working on it.
I also installed a new clutch, rebuilt the Tcase, installed a new 5 speed (well worth the $$), and complete new OME suspension (also well worth the $$). The old stock suspension was crap - a broken leaf in one spring pack. I suspect that I will rebuild the steering box, and replace the AC condenser before the end of the year. I am not so bold as to believe that I have replaced everything that might break...

I took this truck on a 2800 mile trip, pulling an OR trailer. I learned alot about what I want, what I need, and what I can do without.

Just a thot...

Mike S