So after looking for two and half years at a cruiser porn and mulling it over I finally bought one. I picked up a 1980 FJ40 from a guy in Evanston IL in November. I got it on eBay so I knew I was taking a risk but in my minds eye (at least at the time) that was part of the whole rolling the dice experience. A large part of my interest in buying a cruiser was so that I don't go through life completely ignorant to the inner workings of an automobile like the majority of a Americans today. In short, I am currently completely ignorant on "the inner workings of an automobile" and now I have effectively forced my hand to do something about it. I have been driving the truck more lately as my lady needs my daily driver cause her's is in the shop. Over the past week I have noticed a number of things that I could do, some things I should do, and a couple of things I probably have to do. Paramount is that the engine is leaking oil like you wouldn't believe. I think multiple seals have failed and I am kinda getting to the point where I need to either get it fixed or park it until I can. Really what I need is someone to come take a look at it and let me know what my priority list should be, and then I am probably going to need the name of good trusted mechanic for some of the things that need to be done. Other items: I think it has a carburetor issue or is losing vacuum because I have to run it really rich, it looks like the air intake has been rigged up and pieces removed cause there is duct tape on a number of places, I think someone has been in the rear diff. and I am not sure if the front axle will engage, and it had power steering but the pump went bad so the PO just pulled it. As it sits I am not bummed about the purchase and I think it will be good for me, I just need to get the ball rolling. I live near Butler so you might have seen out and about here in Indy before.....
